RP: YSS Miharu Mission 3 Prelude: Rise; you better shine

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"I would still not hold my breath if I were you," Kotori smirked to Nyton. "It's getting late. You should probably get going."

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Gallant said:

"Do you think he would mind if we started somewhere?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

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"I don't know," Ichigo said. "Anou, neh, where would we start?"

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Kai reached his room, Once again being somewhat antisocial. This wasn't because he himself was antisocial, but because he didn't really have much to talk about to any of the people who were available to talk. He contemplated heading back to the armor bay to see if he could finish learning more of the Repairs for his Daisy, but thought against it. He was a bit tired, and rest before a mission sounded good. The Yamataian kicked of his boots and took off his shirt, changing into something more comfortable before turning the lights down and just laying on his bed, trying to get comfy and go to sleep.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Taking notice of the time Nyton nodded and stood up. "You're right. I need to make up for last night's lost sleep as it is." he said. Nyton then bent over and gave Kotori a quick kiss on her cheek before heading for for the door. "Good night Kotori-sama. If you require anything you need only to call." he bade before letting himself out.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Sumaru spent quite a while in the botanical garden, lost in nostalgic memories. But eventually, he did return to the reality around him. The vastness of space all around looked dazzling to the male Neko's eyes, he had become accustomed to living among the stars and thus their sight brought a sort of familiarity he was missing when he was planet side, a familiar feeling he grew to enjoy.

Then the practically white haired youth decided he should go and check to see if his assigned Mindy M2-2A had arrived, the one that he requested come with him from the Asamoya. The pilot had grown rather fond of that machine, having worn it since his first days on the Plumeria. He had no other piloting experience, other than training of course, in another suit, so to switch now would be awkward and unconformable.

He made his way down the stairs into the ward room and paused a moment as he spotted Sora sitting at the table still. He casually approached her, his arms folded into his large ended sleeves. "It's getting late; perhaps you should retire for the evening. That is, of course, if you don't have other plans." Sumaru spoke as of not to pester her, but to simply offer a suggestion.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"I don't know," Ichigo said. "Anou, neh, where would we start?"

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Yuzu took another look around the cargo bay.

"Was going to start on the Daisys, set a corner up for that," she said to the panel Ichigo was using. "I'm sure we could get a few in and done tonight."

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"Mm!" Ichigo smiled and nodded from her image panel. "Alright! I will set things up here, and be with you in 10 minutes!"

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Yoroko nodded to Yukari and slid around to face the flight controls panel. Truth be told, it was slightly unfamiliar to Yoroko, as it wasn't exactly the same as the Ryusei, thought it didn't take to long to figure out where the basic things were. "Anou...Saito-Hei, how do you handle....Ashitaka-Heisho so well?" Yoroko asked. I probably shouldn't be talking about Sanjuro behind his back. Yoroko thought guiltily.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Miyoko sat bolt upright at the mention of Sanjuro. It took her a few moments to realize that Yoroko was asking the question out of the blue, not asking about the files she'd just been leafing through. She considered the question very carefully for a few moments--it wouldn't do to just blurt out the first thing that came to mind. Saying the first thing that came to mind was probably grounds for discharge in this case. Very carefully, she responded, "Patience. A lot of patience."

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"Such an amount of so necessary a virtue is unlikely found in any of us," Yukari said from the captain's chair, putting her headset on and sighing as the MEGAMI linked with her SPINE. A message left with Yukari gave her the permission to "get going".

The image of the Pelican's second-in-command came to her in an image panel, leaving Miyoko and Yoroko the chance to speak privately again. "This is NJ-X1-00, YSS Miharu, requesting clearance to depart from repair from NR-X1-04, YSS Pelican. Authorization, Ketsurui Kotori-Taisa, captain. Relaying."

The red-haired Neko nodded. "Stand by ... authorization clear. Engineers, please clear the MRB. Repeat, engineers clearing MRB. Estimated clear time, six minutes. Stand by for engine go. Pause shields until you are clear."

"Affirmative," Yukari replied, fingers dancing lightly over the half-circle console. The main volumetric, high-resolution image panel appeared before all the bridge crew; they saw the back of the Pelican's Main Repair Bay, with engineers and equipment floating about and getting out of the way.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Yuzu nodded a couple of times to the screen. "Hai, Nito Hei-san," she said, smiling a little rakishly. "Take your time!"

Looking around the area, Yuzu suddenly caught sight of something that seemed a little out of place.

When did I order that? she thought to herself.

Hopping off from the crate she had been sitting on, she shoved the crowbar into the crack between the light metal lid and the box, and heaved. A moment's effort yeilded results and she began rooting around in the crate.

Oh, she thought. Something clicked into place.

Why had she said she would be doing the Power Armors, tonight? There was this thing she had to work on. There was this thing she had to build. Yuzu bit her lip and nervously weighed the wishes of the ship's executive against the sudden overpowering urge to work on this thing.

Well, the Daisy armors first, she finally decided, putting the lid back onto the small crate and punching in a couple of numbers on the thing's keypad. The lid clicked and hissed as the thing was locked and pressurized.

Then she proceeded to gather the materials to work on the Daisy armors, trying to push that one thing to the back of her mind, at least for now.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Yoroko looked over to Miyoko before speaking again, "Can you believe the nerve he has? I tried to get him a gift to say thankyou and he insisted I take it back. He wouldn't even open it. Once he did, he tried to convince me to take it back even more!" Yoroko was more than a little frustrated with Sanjuro at the moment. "He claimed that I could use it more than he could, and he had the nerve to insinuate that my room was messy." Yoroko was venting and it was helping her a lot, normally she'd keep it bottled up, but she had known that Miyoko had had problems with the Yamataian as well.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"Good night Nyton." Kotori said before returning to her desk as Nyton departed. The door to Kotori's quarters closed and Nyton was back in the hallway. There was little else to be done now. The bridge was manned and everyone was settling in. Nyton decided that he would catch up on some sleep and returned to his room.

Upon entering his room Nyton encountered a strange lonely feeling as he stepped through the doorway. Despite the hologram of Naraku and piles of research material off in the corner of his room, it felt slightly empty. The new clothing had been delivered to his room and was stacked next to his bed. Nyton decided to put them away first before changing out of his current ensemble. The extra weight from the armored clothes was beginning to be noticed. "To think ancient soldiers wore even heavier stuff." he muttered while he shed the weighted clothes.

By now Nyton was in his underwear while he put away his clothing. "Miharu, please set an alarm for 0450 in the morning." he said while cleaning things up. As he worked his mind finally travelled back to that morning in the bath. Kotori had mentioned the moment where they almost kissed. Now that he had a chance to stop and think about it again it replayed itself through his mind. His memory recorder brought it back in perfect recollection. Once again he was at a loss as to the events that transpired. The sensation of Kotori's body pressed up against his own aroused desires the likes of which he had not felt before.

"No no, it's not right. Not like this." Nyton muttered to himself before sitting down on the bed. The memory was coming on strong now, even without the recorder's assistance. Even if he closed his eyes all he could see was Kotori's face looking up at him with expectation. As brief as it was, it had been there. Something in him desired that expectation and yet was terrified by wanting it. What if he was wrong? The fear of being mistaken filled him with more terror then he realized. He just could not understand why.

"Is this.... no. It can't be. I am not in love. That would be irresponsible of me." Nyton whispered to himself. His body shuddered and he shook his head. The feeling was stronger then what his cold shower files could handle but he would have to find some way. There was no way he could jeapordize his career like this. But what if she feels the same way about you? came the thought. It was both welcome but uncertain. Yet he could not take such chances.

Shaking his head of these thoughts Nyton finally settled down and got ready to sleep. Thinking on this would only further agitate him. Rolling over, Nyton quickly went to sleep.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Tom Freeman walked out of the subdeck and took a route through the main halls of the Miharu, en route to his an Yukari's room. After a quick change of clothing--his other uniform was caked with grease and dirt--he sat on the edge of their bed. The urge to dive into the sheets of the pit and sleep was strong, but the engineer had something else he needed to do. He pulled out his communicator and sent a message:

"Ashitaka-Heisho, are you available for a moment? I would like to make use of your services. -- Freeman-Juni."

Sanjuro, whom had returned to the comforts of the Miharu's medical facility, was just in the middle of running another set of routine checks on the equipment when Tom's message arrived. A soft ring from his pocket informed Sanjuro of Tom's request, and after a short minute, the Miharu's caretaker would receive a reply.

"I am available at the moment. Are you injured? Do you require assistance coming to the medical facility?"

"No, I am uninjured. I will be at the medical bay shortly." Tom's trip didn't take long. He took long, quick strides, his haste obvious to anyone he would pass. As he stood at the door to the medical facility, Tom politely rang first before entering. "Mr. Ashitaka," he said with a small bow. "How are you today?"

Sanjuro met the young man at the doorway, looking rather eager as Tom approached. However, the closer Tom got towards the medical bay, the more anxiousness drained away from the medical officer. "I am fine..." Sanjuro said, giving Freeman-Juni a head-to-toe glance, still unable to find what he was looking for. "What did you need me for, again, Freeman-Juni?"

"I would like to have an updated soul transfer backup, if possible," the engineer/caretaker replied. "...along with a quick psychological evaluation to judge my capabilities regarding this new mission." The man gave a quick look over the immaculately organized medical facility and nodded approvingly. "I like what you've done here."

As soon as Tom's request was put into words, Sanjuro immediately went about preparing the soul transfer machine. Although he showed absolutely no outward signs of reaction to Tom's compliment, Sanjuro was very happy (or as happy as he could get, circumstances provided) to hear that his work was appreciated. "Thank you, Freeman-Juni."

For the next five full minutes, Sanjuro explained the very detailed process that was about to take place to Tom, taking care to include every single detail about everything that Tom did not, and probably never will, need to know about the Soul Transfer machine. Only after explaining the theoretical effects on cerebral lines and methods to reduce the stress and uncomfortable feelings applicable to Soul Transfer did Sanjuro explain just where the Miharu Caretaker needed to sit.

"Ok," Tom said after Sanjuro hit him with more details than anyone could imagine. If he hadn't just spent the entire day staring at sockets, wires and engines, he might have been knocked out, but his own job gave him a shield of invulnerability over mumbo-jumbo. He went prone on the chair, bracing himself for the momentary agony that ST backups provided.

"Just relax, and try to clear your mind of thoughts," Sanjuro said as he tended to the monitors and controls to the complex device. "While this is running, I will prepare your Psychological evaluation."

For the few minutes Tom was in the soul transfer machine, he would experience a very mild unpleasantness as his entire consciousness was absorbed into the device. Thankfully, it did not last too long, and before he knew it, it was over. Sanjuro helped him out of the chair, allowed him a moment to reorient himself, and then led him to his own small desk in the corner of the medical facility, near the entrance. As Sanjuro sat himself down behind the desk, he motioned for Tom to take the chair in front of the desk.

Backups never became easier, no matter how many times Tom went through them. "Ugh," he groaned as he was led to the desk. "That's something I'll never get used to."

"Alright...I am about to start your evaluation. This series of questions will determine your state of mind in relation to your duty aboard a registered Star Army of Yamataia vessel, and as a Yamataian overall. Keep in mind that your answers will remain confidential and you should answer all of my questions honestly, and with every necessary detail," the doctor dolled on. "Are you ready?"

Tom stared at the doctor for a moment. "I trust in your confidentiality, doctor." It was obvious the usually cheerful Tom Freeman had checked out some time ago. “I am ready.”

"Alright. Question one...as a person in your position, describe your job and the responsibilities it entails,” Sanjuro started, his eyes lazily moving up and down between the printed list in his hands and the Yamataian man seated before him.

"I serve a dual role as the ship's chief engineer and caretaker. As the Miharu's engineer, I am responsible for the proper maintenance of the subdeck and all the systems of thereof, and I am also responsible for the general functionality of the entire ship. If the ship is damage, my team and I are responsible for repairing said damage in a timely and efficient manner,” Tom explained.

“As a warrant officer, I am also responsible for setting a good example and leading those in rank below me, particularly in the subdeck. As a caretaker, I am responsible for daily chores, meal preparation, laundry and entertainment on the Miharu. I am also responsible for less-than-medical counseling should it come to that, although I am responsible for referring any serious signs of mental decay to you. Should my roles conflict with each other, as they did this morning and afternoon, my responsibilities as an engineer supercede mine as a caretaker."

“Very well. Do you think that you are a good cook?” Sanjuro asked in his frank, flat tone. An odd question, but the medical officer seemed serious enough.

"It's kind of hard trying to organize a meal for over 10 different people, but yes, I think I do a pretty good job. If you have any special requests, doctor, please give them to me and I will try to accommodate them," Tom replied.

"Mm," Sanjuro said, quickly diverting into another question. "What if I were to tell you that there are many complaints from several different people about the quality of the food you prepare?"

"Then I'd probably cook more conservative, traditional dishes, ones that, although boring, would be inoffensive,” Tom answered. “I like to think most of the crew enjoys the creativity I put into dishes, though."

Sanjuro waited silently through each answer, drilling his eyes into Tom’s as each question was addressed. He waited a moment after this particular one, and then looked back down at his list. “Although I am aware of all of your previous injuries, surgical records and other medicinal-related profiles, I would like you to state any and all major injuries sustained while working under the Captain of the Miharu, as well as your thoughts on each.”

"Actually..." Tom had to take a while to think this one through. "...I don't remember receiving any serious injuries while on the Miharu. We had some tactical simulations, but that was just simulated. Out of all of us, Mara had it the worst. I was just sitting in the armor bay during that mission. Apart from very minor cuts and scrapes in the subdeck, there isn't anything of note."

“I am…very…*cough*” Sanjuro suddenly coughed in the middle of his pause, taking a deep breath as he fumbled slightly as he attempted to switch the paper into his other hand. “I am very aware of the sprite Mara’s previous situation. How did you feel about that?” Sanjuro looked a tiny bit annoyed as he spoke…although it was difficult to tell just what had rubbed him the wrong way.

"I was shocked and concerned for the poor sprite. I had to pry her out of her armor and get someone to take her to the medical bay. It...wasn't good, doctor. There was blood everywhere and she was holding on by a thread." Tom sighed and closed his eyes. "It sucked."

“I see,” Sanjuro stated, not daring to tear his eyes away from Tom’s reply. The doctor leaned forward a bit in his own chair, seeming eager to here Tom’s next answer. “And what about her treatment? I am to understand that Saito-Hei was charged with her care and surgery…what do you think about the methods she used to, miraculously, save Miss Mara?”

"I'm an engineer, not a doctor, although I always thought it would be good to be one," Tom said with a gentle smile once his eyes reopened. "You're doing a great service to everyone, doctor. Anyway, I didn't care what she did or how she did it. She saved Mara's life and I'm thankful for that."

“…I see.” Sanjuro nodded again as he leaned back into his seat and released a sigh before returning back to his list of queries. He looked somewhat disappointed with Tom’s answer…but this feeling passed almost as quick as it had surfaced. “Are you currently involved in a romantic relationship of any kind?” Sanjuro continued on with the survey.

Tom chuckled and nodded, his yellow hair bouncing playfully. "Well, it's kind of obvious that Yukari and I are an item, no?"

"Please answer as plainly as you can, Freeman-Juni," Sanjuro reminded him, not an ounce of playful in his tone.

"We have sex a lot," Tom said.

“Is it a romantic relationship?” Sanjuro asked again.

Tom nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Sanjuro nodded solemnly, not at all startled by any of Tom’s very personal answers. “How many sexual partners have you had in the last two years?”

Tom slouched a little in his chair. "Although I do remember trying to start something with Ghi To on the Mikomi, that never happened. It's been Yukari all the time. One."

“Really?” Sanjuro’s tone, for the first time, lifted into the slightest hint of surprise. “Well. That’s…interesting. Very well…how many times a month do you usually engage in sexual intercourse with your partner or partners?”

"What? I look like a regular playboy, I know. I'm really a country bumpkin at heart, though." Tom thought a little after his quip. "Well, I can't put a number on it, but it's been enough to make us both happy, I guess. She's busy a lot, you know, running the ship and everything, but we still find time to be intimate in the evenings... as long as we're not exhausted. I'd have to say 5 or 6 times maybe?"

"Wait wait, more than that. Are we counting oral too?" Tom suddenly added.

“Yes, any type of consensual sexual act should be included,” Sanjuro answered calmly.

"Ok, then we're sitting in the double digits..." Tom paused. "Yukari is so kind to me." Tom was very nonchalant about the whole thing, looking at the doctor after his answers. Obviously, it appeared he trusted him.

“I see,” Sanjuro said. “And do you trust your partner? With, say, your personal information, belongings, and the like?”

"Not just as my partner, but as my XO as well," Tom said sternly. "I want her to be happy."

“And what about your own happiness, Freeman-Juni?” Sanjuro objectified. “Do you feel that you are treated in the same regard? Are you happy with where you are, in both your relationship and your placement aboard this vessel?”

"Yes, on both matters. Yukari has a lot of stress to deal with, and I won't lie and say she's perfect, but she is a dedicated lover and friend. As for my position, I am very happy with it and have no complaints."

Sanjuro didn’t immediately reply to Tom after that last answer. The doctor merely sat, staring and silently contemplating all of the answers he had heard from Freeman. Needless to say, there were a few surprises…but Sanjuro had more or less had the Yamataian pinned the moment he first saw him. Sanjuro finally gave Tom a nod, standing up and motioning for his superior to do that same.

“Very good. That’s all of the questions I’ll need to make an acceptable assessment of your mental stability and emotional status. I’m afraid I won’t be able to disclose the evaluation results to you, however, I can give you a personal assessment, if you would like.”

"Really? That was quick." Tom said. "Am I ok?"

“Psychologically, yes,” Doctor Ashitaka answered. “However, you have a definitive case of aloofness and general optimism in several specialized areas of your personality. While these are not weaknesses, it should be noted that, in times that require you to be at your best, you would do well to avoid pleasantries and refocus that attention upon your work. Keep in mind that this is my professional opinion, not my personal one. I see other, smaller personality flaws, of course, but they are either negligible in size or irrelevant to your position. So, again, yes…you are ‘O.K.’.”

"Ok then," Tom said. "Thank you for your time, doctor." He stood up, pushed the chair in and began to walk away. "Oh! And thanks for the information regarding my cooking. I'll have Miharu look into the details and adjust my cooking accordingly."

“Oh. Well, since you seem open to suggestions,” Sanjuro said ominously as he reached down to the large black back he had at the foot of his desk. After a minute of rummaging, he procured a large, clear glass jar filled to the brim with what appeared small, mud-brown peppers. Sanjuro carefully handed the jar to the Caretaker.

Tom accepted the jar, carefully turning it around in his hands as he examined the contents. “What are these? Peppers?”

“These are Kennewesian Habenaro peppers,” Sanjuro stated with his usual text-book answers and ever-so-flat tone. “They only grow in marsh-like biomes with large amounts of oxygen…although they used to be exclusively grown on the Nepleslian planet of Kennewes, some agricultural companies have began greenhousing them as well…hence the name, ‘Kennewesian Habenaro’. Nevertheless, they are somewhat rare in Yamataian markets…I had to order these through a special company that bases itself on Nepleslia,” Sanjuro continued, his voice growing a tad more anxious. “I would like you to cook a soup or stew with these of your choice. However, I would suggest that if you are to make a soup of some kind, you use up to half of the jar’s contents, as the broth will absorb most of the flavor and dilute it slightly. A stew will require only a third to get the desired effect, but you will need to slice them. You will get many compliments for the unique flavor, I assure you.”

“Ah, thank you doctor,” Tom said, his eyes glancing over the jar as he contemplated what he would cook. “I’ve never used them before…I believe I will take your advice.”

“Very good,” Sanjuro said, bowing deeply before he sat back down at his desk. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I will need to compile your Soul Transfer information and add your psychological results into my database. Have a good day, Freeman-Juni.”

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Miyoko had to stifle back bitter laughter at Yoroko's rant. Welcome to my world... With all of her self-control, she forced herself to keep her most businesslike face, replying, with only the barest traces of dark amusement, "That does sound rather like him, yes." She started pulling up sensor feeds, making certain that she at least looked busy while she considered how to react to this. Finally, though, she caved in, switching to a more casual tone. "... I'd give you advice on how to handle him, but frankly, all I've been able to figure out is that he wouldn't know a hint if you shoved it in his face so hard that it ended up lodged in his sinus cavity."

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

"Eyes 'forward,' Hei-sans," Yukari said, tapping the console before her. "We have been cleared for launch, and we have a mission to begin. Mizuno-Hei, please ease us out, and be prepared to avoid the civilian ships. We are leaving at the beginning of the trading day, and the freighter traffic will be thick."

Yukari mentally ticked off the crew who were on duty at the moment:

• Saito-Hei, tactical
  Mizuno-Hei, pilot
  Ashitaka-Heisho, medical officer on duty
  Westwood-Hei, Nakamura-Hei, Tsukade-Hei, armor pilots on duty
  Ichigo-san, Yuzuki-san, Hinoto-san, technicians on duty

The two technicians were working by themselves, with Hinoto filling the maintenance position vacated by Tom's rest time. The Heisho was occupied with his own devices, while the armor pilots were training, if briefly.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Yoroko turned back to the control panel before taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing. Yoroko thought as she gently increased the engine power, easing the ship out of the Pelican's MRB. Miharu was extremely sensitive with the controls, much like the Ryusei that Yoroko had trained in. Yoroko easily navigated the dense traffic in orbit around Yamatai.

It was amazing to her and scary both at the same time. She recorded every second of it, so she could watch again later. Yoroko rotated the Miharu so that the ship's top flew facing toward the planet. Goodbye Yamatai. Yoroko thought nostalgically before rotating the ship back to it's proper orientation and leaving orbit.

Once theMiharu was a safe distance away from any ships or planets, Yoroko relaxed a little bit. "Initiating Hyperspace Fold." Yoroko said audibly as she flipped the switches and buttons on the screen to start the fold process. Seconds later the Miharu lurched into hyperspace, traveling at faster than light speeds toward their destination.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

Yukari let out a small sigh as they took the leap into hyperspace. She looked at the status of the message she'd sent just as they were navigating through the traffic.


The smallest smile touched her lips. She had taken "the plunge," without Tom's knowing, yet. But she had done it.

She was a businesswoman. One more thing to defend.

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

5tar said:

He made his way down the stairs into the ward room and paused a moment as he spotted Sora sitting at the table still. He casually approached her, his arms folded into his large ended sleeves. "It's getting late; perhaps you should retire for the evening. That is, of course, if you don't have other plans." Sumaru spoke as of not to pester her, but to simply offer a suggestion.

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Sora smiled at Sumaru as his voice broke her from the revelry of her thoughts. "You're right, of course, Sumaru-kun... we have a long day ahead of us and I should be covering the day shift since Ashitaka-Hei seems to have taken it upon himself to handle the night shift at the moment," she responded softly as she slowly rose from her seat. She lightly pushed back the loose strands of crimson hair that had fallen forward with her movement.

Her thoughts were still very much troubled and she wasn't sure what she could really do to pick herself back up and move forward. She felt extremely betrayed and abandoned by Serizawa and in part, she felt a kind of resentment towards Sumaru for his devotion towards her; she just couldn't see his admiration as anything but another wound waiting to be inflicted upon her heart. In part, she was also jealous, his admiration and intentions were so pure but, she saw herself unable to live up to the ideal of the person she used to be.

Yet, she still smiled sincerely at her closest friend on the Miharu, her eyes still harboring the pain of such thoughts. "I think a bath and a bed might be a good way to end the evening. I still have to start reading that novel I picked up from your friend at the bookstore."

Re: Mission 3: The sound of machina

On




Sumaru returned her smile with one of his own, noting the sadness in her eyes and showing nothing but silent encouragement in his own gaze. "I'm sure it'll be an interesting read." Sumaru commented, remembering the story all too well. The one that basically wrote itself out to be a tale of his life, which also made the blonde samurai interested in reading it. Perhaps he'd ask to borrow it when she was finished. "Have you got a chance to see the ship’s gardens Sora?" Sumaru asked casually, trying to make light conversation for the walk back to her quarters.

"I have, it's been a while though. I've been so preoccupied with training simulations and keeping busy," Sora replied as she walked beside Sumaru. She listened to the soft thudding of her boot heels against the corridor, feeling a better sense of ease with the external sounds and some sort of conversation. "I've been meaning to try growing a couple more plants to move into the Med Bays but I haven't gotten around to it. I think-- I kinda regret not going back to the Palace to see the gardens when we were there."

"We'll have to make a point of it to visit them the next time we're here." Sumaru offered, mostly because he too would have liked to see Sora's beauty radiant amongst the wonderful flowers which flourished in the palace gardens. He imagined the sight for a moment, keeping pace with her as his mind drifted a second. Then they arrived, he opened the door and stood beside it, allowing her to enter first.

The young Ketsurui nodded her thanks to Sumaru as she entered her quarters to find a second bed. She looked truly confused for a moment, "Wait... why is there another?" She glanced to Sumaru and blushed a bright flush of pink, "Oh... right."

The young clan samurai noticed the bed, and the look on her face. "Ah, yes... I meant to have that sorted out." He mentioned, remembering now that he never did get around to talking to someone about that. "For tonight though, I'll spend it in the hall on guard." He added quickly, after all with his pure intentions; Sumaru would rather give Sora her privacy, and room to relax without his presence. Which would mean sleeping up against the door if need be.

"I'd hate for you to have to spend all night out in the corridor," Sora said awkwardly, unsure of how to deal with the situation. "Maybe we could rig up a curtain or something between the beds?" She knelt down in front of her foot locker to retrieve her toiletry kit and her yukata. "It's a large enough room so there's plenty of space so it wouldn't be too hard to divide the room without impeding your ability to function as a samurai."

"I've slept in more uncomfortable conditions." Sumaru offered in return, trying to make the situation as light on the Ketsurui princess as possible. "But if you insist, I can arrange something I'm sure." The samurai youth said, stepping into the room now that she was in there. He'd glance up trying to figure out how he'd go about fixing something like she suggested.

"The room can be reconfigured with different setting I think. We might be able to generate shelves or tie something bunk bed frames or something," Sora quickly suggested as she stood up again, absently tossing her hair back over her shoulder with her free hand. "Will you be heading down there with me or are you going to toy with the room?" She asked shyly, feeling awkward still.

Is that an invitation? Sumaru thought, not too sure what to make of her at the moment. His eyes stayed on the ceiling a moment as he considered what to answer her with. Inside, he wasn't too sure how she saw him and with such a shaky footing on his place in her life, he decided that going there might lead to some unwanted awkwardness for her or unneeded tension between them. "I should stay here..." Sumaru said, his words sounding a little inwardly but he did mean for her to hear it.

"I'll configure the room to your desires Sora while you bathe, that way you can rest comfortably when you return." Sumaru said, turning to nod his head with a small polite smile. The faint hint of his confusion was evident in his eyes though, even with all his training in suppressing his outward emotions, something this awkward was hard to manage.

Sora nodded again and turned quickly, "Okay... I'll be back in a few minutes then?" She said clumsily, she was uncertain of her own feelings. She adjusted her things in her left hand for a moment before she started towards the door again. "You can arrange the room however you feel is best really, I don't spend that much time in here..." Not anymore. She thought sadly again as she offered Sumaru a soft shy smile.

While she was gone, Sumaru went about placing a separating wall in between the beds. Then with the free time, he even straightened up the room. Having spent is time living with his sisters as their house keeper, he was quite good at it. With a volumetric menu called up, the once Yamataian even went about re arranging the room and ordering things around in the quarters to make them more inviting. It had been a while since he had the chance to go about house work; he found a strange enjoyment in it, finding a small sliver of home so far away.

Needless to say, when Sora’d get back, she’d have a new room to return to and the smells and memories from before would be seeped out the airlock so to speak.

Sora spent her time in the baths, soaking and thinking about everything. It overwhelmed her and she sniffed trying not to cry as she reminded herself of what she's lost. She started toying with her hair after she wrapped herself in her towel as she made her decision. She pulled her yukata on and picked up her duty knife...

After finishing up with the room, Sumaru sighed deeply. She had been taking a while he started to worry, as her guardian he should be there, at least by the door. The young samurai dusted off his robes and headed out the door, at a brisk pace to the baths.

Once he arrived, he moved to where Sora would be bathing, he did not enter but knelt down beside the door to call into her. "I don't mean to disturb you Sora, but I came in case you'd like someone to wash your back." He offered, though a bit awkwardly.

Sora was a little startled by the sound of Sumaru's voice. "I'm almost done," she said shakily. She almost dropped her duty knife, but she needed to keep a firm grip on it. "How's the room looking?"

"I finished up with everything; I hope you don't mind I took the liberty of also rearranging your things. I think you'll find the new room refreshing enough to spend a little more time in it." Sumaru added the last bit with a helpful sort of tone in his voice, trying his best to make things better for her. He wondered about her voice and the subtitle differences in her reactions. Even if she was surprised, he was worried, something was off and he could feel it deep in his gut. Please forgive me Yuumi. he thought to himself, in prayer for what he was about to do as he leaned to peak into the room.

With the knife in her hand, Sumaru didn't think, he suddenly moved across the baths in the blink of an eye. His unsheathed sword efficiently hit against the blade in her untrained grasp, an easy disarm for someone of his stature. Then with it flung into the air, deflected to lplunk harmlessly into a neerby bath, the Samurai slipped his arms around her and pulled her against himself, lifted under the back and legs. "Sora, explain!" He begged, the worry evident in his voice as he searched her eyes for some sort of reasoning.

In an instant, Sora's hair fell to the floor and on her lap, as the knife passed through the loose ponytail she held in her left hand. She looked startled by Sumaru's naturally quick response and she blinked up at him as the knife went flying.

Sumaru was speechless, his mouth opened to say something but his words had fled him. It took a moment, of the moods on his face shifting from worry to confusion then with his realization of the situation around him, with pilot's instinct, he turned a light pink. But the samurai could do nothing except stare down into her eyes as he held her almost naked form wrapped in a yukata in his arms, her beauty again captivated him. With such gentle eyes, his chivalrous gaze would not wander. "I'm sorry, I..." He couldn't gather enough words to apologize, still rather stunned and embarrassed.

"I... know this looks..." Sora looked away from Sumaru's intent gaze. "It's a little childish but-- I feel a little bit better. Is it too short?" She asked sheepishly, uncertain if she had made the cut straight. "I'm not sure I can explain but..."

Sumaru chuckled, firstly out of nervousness, but then he continued to laugh making light of the situation. "Oh, Sora..." He said on a pleasant sort of sigh, recollecting his composure. "No, it's fine." He said, not really looking at it critically, he was more so pleased to see the cut was intended for her hair and not her body. "You just scared me, seeing that knife in your hand. Plus all the stress you've been though, I kind of thought..." He trailed off, turning to look down at the knife.

Sora blushed as she pulled back away from Sumaru, feeling rather embarrassed and awkward about the whole situation. "I'm... sorry, I should've probably gotten scissors but it was all I had on hand. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to scare you." She looked at Sumaru's face not quite able to meet his gaze yet.

"No, I should have never considered you would even think about such things. Please accept my deepest apologizes Sora." Sumaru said rather quickly with a rushed sort of nervous voice as he quickly bowed his head in shame and embarrassment. Still holding her in his arms, in his nervousness he had still yet to put her down.

"All things are possible in this world, and I appreciate your concern... This has been hard for me and I'm not just going to turn my heart off. It hurts and I miss him horribly even now..." Her eyes wandered back up to Sumaru's face as she tried to keep herself from crying. "I... I'll be okay, it'll just..."

"We all must experience pain, in order to understand the good parts of life. Without sorrow to contrast our happiness against we would never know what it was." Sumaru spoke straight from his heart. He was someone who had experienced pain and sorrow throughout his life, from the death of his parents. To the days he slaved away to keep his sister's happy. Then the day his allies died, leaving him helpless to save them, the very same day Sora had been reborn and had forgotten their conversation. He had to constantly remind himself of this, in combat and in his striving to return to the neko in his arms side.

Though even now, he had a small kind smile on his face trying to evoke one on the girl’s. "You can cry, no one will harm you or say anything. I’m here now, and as long as my soul exists I will protect you." He pulled her a little closer now, into his firm protective embrace.

Sora's eyes widened and the dam broke. Tears started spilling down her cheeks and she pulled herself closer into Sumaru's embrace, finally letting herself cry. She very desperately needed to feel like she wasn't alone but she still afraid to open herself completely to anyone again.

She just couldn't stop feeling the tightness in her chest whenever she thought of Serizawa. She wanted to make the pain go away and as she finally looked back into Sumaru's face she kissed him, hoping to make the memories go away.

The kiss was returned, chivalrously, not giving away to blind passion but still giving Sora all the compassion she'd need that he could offer. He wanted her to feel better; he'd do anything for her, no matter the cost. With her in his arms, the blonde samurai returned the princess to her quarters and took care of her for the rest of the night.

• Fin