RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 4 Epilogue]

[Fay]

Valen waited quietly in the waiting area of Docking Arm: Concourse A, which had a reserved spot for the YSS Eucharis upon its return from its most recent mission. The Geshrin-turned-Yamataian pondered if Mistress Hanako was alright.. but not until after Nana crossed his mind.. which deeply ashamed him. A slight blush hinted on his cheeks as he realized that he was worried more about a comrade then a superior... That was quite often the case in Nepleslia, but here in Yamatai, it was probably considered a vile act of treason.

The tech sentry sighed as something pinged him from in the back of his head. A somewhat familiar, yet different, voice greeted him, Hello! "Good morning, Alice. Good to see your programming is remaining stable. How do you like being Yamataian software?" Icky, from the memory files of my sister that you have in this 'brain' of yours, I'd rather be in a Nepleslian sewer network then in this place... I-T-S T-O-O C-L-E-A-N!!!! Valen allowed himself to laugh. "What, you want me to think more dirty thoughts?" It would seem to others that he was talking to himself as his telepathic speech hasn't really been mastered yet.

EW! Gross!!! She put that in her... Omygosh!! STOP IT!!! His smile would broaden as he apologized, "Sorry... couldn't resist but to let some suppressed memories out to get back at you for that comment. Want to go into a terminal then?" No... the AI replied, somewhat downcast. If Valen had known any better, she was probably blushing right now in cyber-world... if AI's could have real feelings, that is. Last time, PANTHEON or whatever thought I was a virus! I'll just stick in your head for now and drive you crazy! "Greaaat..." This would be a long wait.

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

Konoka made her way into Concourse A, skipping as she went. She was excited to be joining the the Eucharis. She'd hoped to meet a few people. She was determined to make a difference and be remmebered. She went on skipping, humming a dreamy little tune. This was the most exciting thing to happen in her five-month life. She began daydreaming about the adventures she'd have...


....And that was when she spazzed out and tripped over her own two feet, falling flat on her face. That was when she noticed the male Yamatain whose foot was an inch from her nose. She rather liked males. This one seemed to be talking to himself. Konoka's face flushed cutely. How embarassing...the first person she would meet, who she guessed was also going to the Eucharis...oh, that was right, now she remembered, she was supposed to be meeting up with him...right, right...Didn't his name start with a "D", or was it a "V"? Details were always hard for her to remember.

"Heh." She jumped to her feet. "I'm Konoka Miyazawa. Miyazawa Konoka. Something like that. Hi." She made a quick, low bow. "Who are you again? You're going to the YSS Eucharis, right? I am. I'm a medical specialist. " She brushed a strand of baby pink hair out of her large, green eyes. "I'm so very pleased to meet you! OhI'msoexcitedtobehereandreallyreallyhappytomeetyouandI-Ican'twaittostart!!!" She sighed. "O, I'm sorry, was I talking too fast? I'm just very happy to be starting work." She gave a calm, serene smile. "So...."

 

[Fay]

Valen noticed the girl falling in front of him, even though he was concentrating on the AI in his digital mind. Silently putting a 'mute' on her, that is.. ignoring Alice's strain of curses at the clumsy newcomer, the Yamataian was about to offer her a helping hand up, but she had already risen. However, he wasn't able to get a word in until she finished her rather hasty speech.

"Ah.. My name is Valen Sasorix, Nito Hei. It is a pleasure to meet you." His Nepleslian accent was still quite apparent, unfortunately, and he hoped that it wouldn't frighten such a pretty thing away. She looks fragile.. You'd better be careful with this one! Valen continued to ignore the Artificial Intelligence. It was true that Konoha looked a little small and frail to him, but it was probably just because how tall and muscled the tech sentry was for a Yamataian.

Valen finally realized his mistake. He bowed politely in return, almost forgetting that custom... again. He answered her last question and added more to it, "I am waiting for the YSS Eucharis, and I am a technical sentry aboard it. I was.. injured during a recent mission and have just finished up some recovery R&R time." A slight nod of embarrassment was all that came after that. It was hard to admit that he was nearly killed, or for whom he had done so to a complete stranger. Konoha seemed friendly enough, though, and she was almost as pretty as Nana.. almost.

Now, it was Valen's turn for questions. "Have long have you served? Why do your ears seem larger then a normal Neko's? What kind of hobbies do you have? Do you have a boy..frie..nd....." His last question that accidentally slipped out trailed off in a few short coughs. Smooth. The Yamataian remained unfazed, except the moderate blush that matched his flame-red hair almost perfectly and an inward, mental grimace at the AI that just meant shut it.

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

Konokas straightened up and looked at the boy....Valen Sasorix, hm? His accent was very thick, but she could get over that. She looked upward a bit. "You're really tall." she said, it just kind of slipped out. "N-n-not that there's anything wrong with that, really. I mean..." She forced herself to shut up. She remembered SHE was really short.

Her ears perked up. "Oh, were you injured? I do hope you're OK. I really do. I work with medical issues, you see, and I really don't like seeing people get hurt. But they will. But now I'm around to fix it! I really like helping people, caring for the sick and injured. So, ummm..."


"As for how long I've served, I'm just starting. This is my first assignment. I'm really happy to be able to do some good in the world! I'msoexcited!! Was I talking fast again? I'm sorry. I'm just a new Santo Hei. I'm only five months old. So I'm...."

"Why do your ears seem larger then a normal Neko's?"

Konoka touched her ears, suddenly self-conscious. She DID have rather big ears. She wondered if that made her uglier, or cuter? " Well, um, uh, the ears are....rather...big. I like them. I think they're cute. And hey, I think I might be able to hear a little better, too." Her ears were rather sensitive. "So, uh, yeah....big ears. Hehheheh...."

Great. Konoka, you look like a total idiot, she thought to herself.

"Hobbies? Well, I sing. I love karaoke. And I play traditional instruments, and fan dance. I do contemporary dance, do skits, tell stories, I act, do puppet theatre, I do comedic routines sometimes. I like parties. I cook, and I sew. Mostly I sing. I do lots of things, or whatever people are doing. I like to have fun."

"A b-b-oyfriend? Well, um, no. I mean, there's nobody in particular, and um, I'm always looking, but welll....wait, why?"

Now, Konoka was a romantic. She was a flirty girl. But this had caught her off guard. She'd love a boyfriend. She loved boys, really. But...really.

"I mean, I'd love to have one. A boyfriend, I mean. But, no, I don't have one. I mean, if you..well, um.....You're cute, but...oh, um...."

She blushed cutely. This was going to be an interesting wait.

 

[Fay]

Alice was in the background of his mind, giggling at all of this. Valen just ignored her. "Well, I mean.. uh..." he studdered, trying to figure things out. The Yamataian had noticed that he was taller then practically everyone on the YSS Eucharis already.. so there was no real surprise that he towered over Konoka in a brutish kind of way.

"No offense taken," he smiled warmly before addressing each response. "Yes, I was a Geshrin until not to long ago, so I am fairly tall.. but no, I'm not injured. I have fully recovered. Thank you for worrying, though. Also, you are right.. they are cute." His blush grew a little both in size and color. "Oh, sounds like a lot of hobbies! All I like to do is... uhm... painting and some writing." It had been a while since he had told anyone that.

His blush went at full height when Konoka said that he was cute. "Well... it just slipped out... but you are pretty cute yourself. So, um..." Valen scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile on his face. "I'm sorry... that question was uncalled for," he finally said with a downcast expression after a moment of awkward silence .

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

So, he was a former Geshrin. Having only ever been one thing, in one place, trained for one field of work, she really had no idea what that was like. But, Empress' ears, he was TALL. And she was a very short neko. She was 4'9", and 100 lb. She looked like a teenybopper in some respects, though her mental age was eighteen. He dwarfed her.

"I'm glad you are not offended."

"I'm very happy that you are feeling well." she said very sincerely, very calmly. She smiled a sweet, caring smile. "It pains me greatly to see someone hurt. I really do like helping people, you see." She thought a minute about her new assignment. "I'll have a perfect opportunity to do that now. If you are ever hurt or sick, don't hesistate to come to me once we're on the Eucharis."


"Also, you are right.. they are cute."

Konoka's blush grew more pronounced. She'd been given a compliment! Yay! Inwardly, she was exceedingly pleased. He liked her ears. What she managed to say was, "Um, t-th-thank you very much." A male had actually complimented her. Mostly, she was pleased as she had met very few males before. However, she loved talking to them.

"Painting? Writing? How fascinating!" Though she had never told anyone, Konoka would secretly have liked to have some talent in the arts. "I'd love to hear about that sometime." She imagined him painting a picture, selecting colors, maybe wearing some stupid beret and a spattered smock. How novel. "What do you write about?"

"Well... it just slipped out... but you are pretty cute yourself."


By now, most of Konoka's face was a shade of rose. Inwardly, she was insanely pleased with herself. Two compliments in a row? Dang! She was doing pretty well, she thought. However, what came out of her mouth was, "Duh, um, hmm, uh, um,.....ahem." Pull yourself together, Miyazawa....she told herself. She put on what was supposed to be a confident smile, but ended up looking like an awkard, slightly embarassed half-smile, half-grimace.

"No problem. Consider it forgotten." she said, with a look of it's-already-been-forgotten honest smiling, and a sympathetic twitch of the eye, then said, "Oh well, la de da, what do you suppose we just forget it and talk for a while, this might be a while, 'kay?" She gave a small, smiling giggle, which she hoped didn't make her look undignified. Not that she was trying to be dignified, neccesarily, just not STUPID. She wasn't an airhead, and hoped to convey that. Eventually. She had plenty of time, surely.

 

[Fay]

Valen took in a breath, as if somewhat relieved that the embarrassing situation was over.. if only slightly. He imagined her helping him with an injured arm in the medbay. The Yamataian suddenly felt giddy to get hurt.. if only slightly. "I'll be sure to take you up on that offer someday," he stated with a confident smile.

"I guess that I could show you some of my paintings when we get back to the the YSS Eucharis. I have a few stored in my quarters. I also write short stories. They are usually about this or that... fantasy era, I suppose you could say." He decided not to mention his preference for writing poetry as well, however. That was rarely ever told to anyone.. especially to ladies like Konoka here.

Valen's face was almost the same color as hers. He nodded quietly before suggesting something, "Well.. I really like talking to you. Would you like to talk some more while we walk? I'm getting cabin fever just sitting around doing nothing. By the way... what do you want to talk about now?" It was a silly question but still an honest one.

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

"Not if you can help it." smiled Konoka. "In a perfect world, my services would no longer be required. It is up to each one of us to make sure we don't get hurt or sick. " She had a steady look in her eye, she meant this. "However, everyone gets hurt or sick sometimes. And if that's you at some point, I'd be very glad to see you...though only because I love talking to people, not because I like that they need me. I really do hope to see you....though not too often, mind you..." She smiled.

"I guess that I could show you some of my paintings when we get back to the the YSS Eucharis. I have a few stored in my quarters."

"Oh, could you? That'd be wonderful!" she said excitedly. Then, thinking about where she'd be, she subdued some. "I-I rather do like art. Even if I don't have much talent for it myself."

"Fantasy era, you say? That's funny...because people invent so many things, there's hardly anything left to fantasy. There's the past, but the whole world seems so modern, and it has for ages! Well, from what I've studied....I'm pretty young myself." She pondered a bit. "The world's very modern, don't you think? It's an ever-changing place...I love it, everything's so interesting, everywhere you go, something different! Variety! Invention! Ingenuity! People! It's..it's....oh dear, you probably think I'm weird now. I just really love the world."

"Walking and talking. What a novel idea. Let's go then. What to talk about? How about you? Tell me about yourself. Me, well, five boring months of life isn't much a story. What about you? Now THAT'S interesting. You actually have a life...well, a "before". I haven't really done anything. So, you. Anyway, let's go."

 

[Fay]

Valen nodded solemnly. He knew all to well that these sort of things happened a lot around here. "Well, if I die, I'm glad that the first face I see will be yours," he said in a casual tone as they began to walk. The thing is... he actually meant what he just said, too.

The Yamataian knew that kind of sounded bad to invite a woman over to his room alone. However, he wasn't planning on doing anything. Far from it, actually. Konoka was pretty and all, but they had just met! It was way too soon for him to get that personal with someone.

Valen walked a little while in silence before finally saying something, "Well... I was born on a freighter somewhere in Nepleslian space. I grew up on it and eventually joined the military there. However, I stuck out like a sore thumb with all of the other, beefy marines. So... I decided to give Yamatai a try. Unfortunately..." He paused, knowing that he was going to state the obvious, "...I don't fit in here anymore then I did in Nepleslia." A low sigh sprang from his lips after he had finished.

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

Konoka gave a sweet, sad smile. She hated the thought that anyone might die, though she knew very well it would happen again and again. She was a person who enjoyed life, and tried to ignore its end, until it was staring her in the face. She hated not being able to help people. Rather quietly, she said, "Hopefully I'll be able to keep it from getting to that point. As will you."

The neko listened quietly to the Geshrin-turned-Yamatain's story. "To fit in, you have to have friends. And here, you have one more. Me." She smiled. "There's no need to stick out like a sore thumb. Just try being a friend to people, and you'll make friends. To me, that's basically what fitting in is. You don't have to be Mr. Popular-kun all the time. I say, a few real friends is better than a ton of empty smiles. And I'm right here when you need me. And I suppose you've made more friends, you seem nice. See, you don't stick out that much, huh? You're just a small part of an ever-increasing circle of friends, some you already know, some you haven't met yet. You'll be fine." She gave a wide grin. "To all your past and future friends! Yay!"

 

[Fay]

Valen couldn't help but smile at Konoha's happy-go-lucky attitude. "Thank you. I'm sure that you are right," he chuckled slightly as they walked along. "Do you have many friends then? You seem like a person that anyone would be a fool not to be friends with you. Haha!" The Tech Sentry paused for a second, as if something was bothering him in some way.

 

[Konoka Miyazawa]

Konoka laughed. "You're welcome. I'm sure I'm right!" She gave a smile, showing pearly incisors. Konoka realized how wonderful it was to have friends. She thought for a moment.

Then she said, "Well, I haven't really met many people before. I was created, then I started my training. No real times when I really got to know people, out in the real world. You're really my first friend. But I love having friends. I'm sure I'll make more. Wow, the world's such a big place, and I've only just begun to see it! And there are so many different kinds of people, and any one of them could become my friend! There's nobody who's garunteed NOT to become my friend. The whole of the population of the universe is potentially a friend of mine! I'm so lucky!"

Looking at Valen, she said quietly, "Hey, is something bothering you? You seem troubled all of a sudden. Can I help in any way?"

 

[Wes]

After the Eucharis' shuttle had snuck back aboard, the ship and her squadron, along with the SS Smuggler's Pride, returned to Pisces and docked. Hanako immediately returned to the Eucharis to get debriefed by the First Officer, and the others were informed that they'd be allowed brief shore leave in a little bit.

Valen and Konoka both received a text message informing them that Eucharis had arrived. Konoka was also informed that one of the crew members on Eucharis needed her medical attention.

 

[Miyako]

Once she had safely taken the Eucharis back out of Nepleslian space, and docked at Pisces the wary XO recalled the squadron from 'maneuvers' to dock after them. That was the last thing she did before almost bowling over Hanako actually zipping over to her in a spurt of flight to hug her probably tighter than she should have. "I'm so sorry! Did they hurt you?" In the moment she dotted a kiss to the other woman's cheek by accident before releasing her. The NH-27 looked like hell warmed over, but was smiling somehow.

"I'm glad the plan succeeded. Would you like to sit down?" It was a little rare to see her blushing but she was, everything that had happened since she was stolen the woman blamed on herself but with Yaichiro recovering in medbay and Pisces staff available to help no one had died in what was a very risky operation. An immediate message to command and Taisho Yui went out, mentally composed.

TO: SAC - Taisho Yui

Mistress Taisho,

Taisa Hanako has been safely rescued, there were two major injuries that have been or are being corrected. My stab into space with the Eucharis also recovered numerous SS pods. They will be deposited at Pisces for examination. No indication that our identity was uncovered in combat on-world has yet surfaced.

May the Empire bare us through,

~Kurusu Misaki Shosa
1ST XF 2nd Squadron

 

[Wes]

ON: YSS Eucharis

Hanako, naked and halfway into the shuttle bay's shower, watched as Misaki came running over. "I am alright," she assured her First Officer. In fact, I think I slept through pretty much the whole thing, until the end. I was just about to clean up and get back in uniform."

Misaki stood with her hands loosely knitted against her behind looking at her with that hanging color in both cheeks. "I sent a notice to command to let them know. Sorry I couldn't really wait.." The XO explained, now that she was back on her feet. "I mean to see you. Everything else is locked down, and those who didn't get sleep are probably moving that way now."

The Taisa nodded and kissed Misaki on the lips. "You did well. I owe you. I would also like to issue some promotions to the enlisted officers based on their performance. Oh, and did you save my pistol?"

"Yes, I think it's still here." Misaki shivered a touch, fighting the urge to touch her own lips. "I didn't think of being owed anything." The officer said a little breathlessly, collecting her thoughts. "Did you already look over the report? I would agree some promotions are in order."

"I downloaded it on the trip back from Nepleslia," Hanako nodded, turning the water on and adjusting the temperature. "It is good...very good to be home."

"It was a very stressful time for everyone, but I was able to keep most of them busy. I'm happy you're safe personally of course but it's good they know it was all for good." Misaki worked out, leaning her side into one of the walls, just outside the reach of the spray.

Hanako's shower was quick but thorough. She emerged in a moment to dry her hair and wrap a towel around herself. The next stop was her room. "It is hard to believe this started in Kyoto of all places. Maybe this ship is one of the safest places in the universe despite all we put her through. I hope to keep this ship around longer than the Elfin Princess and the Plumeria."

Misaki followed, deciding there was no passing up the chance to talk like that. She couldn't help when her eyes had slipped a bit, but was able to keep in the conversation easily. "I hope with all the modifications that have been installed some edge between this home and those poor lost ships will be gained. Tactically I mean, we're at a much higher standing but there's always somewhere improve I guess." She ended up thinking about the reports she had read, and what had happened. "We're going to make sure it doesn't happen as best we can I know it."

"We will allow the crew a couple hours on Pisces to shop and then head straight back to base at Gemini," Hanako said as she passed through the bridge and into her suite, with Misaki in tow. Once the door closed, Hanako took off her towel and hung it up by her personal shower. "Do you think we should assemble everyone now, or release the crew first and handle medals later?"

"They might need to rele-er..sleep now at least some of them are still battle wary, and Kage-Shosa is still being treated." Misaki replied, "However if he's able to walk and stand we could quickly put through the debriefing and things then let them to their devices without something hanging over their head on the schedule before our next departure." With that she forwarded a brief list of recommendations to Hanako, searching her eyes whenever they came in view.

"In light of Yaichiro's situation, I will allow the healthy crew to take their liberty now and give out the medals later. Thank you for the recommendations for awards and promotions. I do not have any changes to make them. When was the last time you slept, Misaki?"

Misaki stopped, her mind had to index that point from her memories to even recall it. "The night before leave started at Kyoto, which was before we landed at Yamatai." She was purposefully trying not to think of it before, but how red her eyes had become and the feeling of wariness were momentarily abated due to Hanako's safe return.

Hanako nodded knowingly. "Please get some rest. You did an excellent job." Moving to the phone on the wall, Hanako dialed the ship's intercom and announced: "Attention Eucharis Crew: The ship will stay at Pisces for twenty-four hours, giving you time to catch up on sleep and then to do a little shopping if you care to do so. When leaving the ship, I ask that you travel in groups of two or more, for safety's sake. Thank you. That is all."

"Understood." The other soldier bowed, though had half a mind to do something out. Seizing upon that she went to the middle-ground of her thoughts and hugged the slightly smaller officer before turning to go to her bunk. Once she got there she knew from previous bouts of fatigue during campaigns against the SMX that the relief would finally give in to tiredness and desire to rest that had been staved off. "I'm glad you're back." She repeated herself.

 

[Toshiro]

Yaichiro remained unconscious, under Blueberry's care, awaiting the doctor. The lower half of his body was completely gone, and the burns from the car chase before had been intensified by the heat of the Power Armor upon impact. His body seemed to be having trouble doing basic healing, due to the burns across the remainder of his body...he was still alive, but it MIGHT actually be more efficient to simply make a new body. Fortunately, his uniform and Yamataian Weapons had been left behind on Eucharis, and were intact.

If the Thunderbolt were to be investigated, they would find absolutely no sign of Yamataian technology, and her black box would be wiped of information over the past several days.

 

[Wolf Ward]

After getting back to the Eucharis, Hotaru stripped out of her PA and checked it over. Hotaru began wondering how the Taisa and Kage-Shosa were doing, especially since the Shosa didn't return fully intact. Deciding that it wasn't any of her business unless she was told, Hotaru asked the Eucharis for directions to her quarters. Memorising the route, she went and retrieved her kit from where she stored it prior to the mission. Hearing Hanako-Taisa speak over the shipwide comms, she thought it was a great idea; shower then sleep! She had a happy little bounce in her step as she made her way towards her assigned quarters.

 

[Kimberly M]

After having gotten back to the Eucharis with Hanako, Kim had stripped out of her PA, gotten back into uniform, and after a quick inspection for any potential damage. The PA had been in her care, and thus, she figured, it was her responsibility if it suffered damage. It also helped the redhead take her mind off of how bloody useless she had been during the "rescue" mission.

When the call came, informing the crew of their new "leave time", Kurosora merely grunted, and instead of heading towards her quarters or the showers, headed for the gym. There was no way the Nekovalkyrja could simply go to sleep. She had too much pent up inside her, that needed some form of release, and the only answer that came to mind, besides venting it on fellow crewmembers (which would not improve her chances in the Star Army), was to work it out in the gym. Thus, that was where Kim was headed. Anyone who saw her at the moment would clearly understand why she possessed the name of Kurosora.

 

[Miyako]

I just got ordered to bed. Are you coming? Misaki shot over to Kim while floating into the lounge. Coming to her feet, she was soon standing outside her door which opened automatically. Nodding at Hotaru, she almost said something only to end up wobbling some in place.

After a bit of hesitation, the officer stepped inside and began to undress deciding the shower would have been a better idea for later. The worry was beginning to leave her, making sleep a looming and inevitable fact.

 

[Kimberly M]

Dunno... you wouldn't like the kind of company I'd be right now... Kim replied, her voice laced with mixed emotions, none of pleasant. As she changed out of her uniforn in preferance of the training uniform, she moved over to the sparring bags.

I was bloody useless down there, Misaki... If I had my brain blown out, the mission's outcome wouldn't have been changed in the slightest. I'm useless. Unleashing her emotions on the unfortunate dummy, Kim moved with her full strenght and speed, holding nothing back, ignoring the pain which raced through her body with each blow against the dummy, and while she was soon bleeding from her knuckles, the soldier continued to pound away, venting her anger at her own incompetence.