RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 4 Epilogue]

"Hi. I'm Konoka. Konoka Miyazawa. I'm the new medical specialist. I'm so glad you're awake...how do you feel? This is my first day...I didn't expect to have to do a Soul Transfer immediately after coming here, but...so, what's your name again? Do you feel OK?" said Konoka, bowing. She hoped she didn't sound like an idiot. What do you SAY in these circumstances? She blinked.

"Anything I can do for you?"

"...Well, I'm Kage Yaichiro-Shosa, Chief Engineer...and I guess I'd like a shower, my uniform, and a briefing on wha--"

He looked beside him, and saw his old, battered body. It was barely alive, but failing, and....empty.

"...Oh...I guess I won't need a briefing...they messed me up worse than I thought...did everyone make it back?"

Kumiko came up to the ship after finding it, and pinged the computer system, promptly giving it a message.

This is Kumiko Endoh. I am a Santo Hei Technical Sentry, and I was given orders to report here for an interview.

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Konoka said, "I'm not sure what happened to anyone else. I rushed here when I was told someone...you....needed treatment. To my knowledge, everyone's here. I don't know for sure."

She looked around the room, suddenly aware that everyone must have just come back from something dangerous enough to cause half a Yaichiro to go missing and the rest to burn...she was now worried for everyone, though she didn't even know their names.

"I'll try and see where your uniform is, and as for...." She stopped suddenly, a bit embarassed for some reason. "When I got here, you didn't look so good. I'm very glad I was able to help you."

Inwardly, she was relaxed, and pleased with herself. Her first day at work, and she hadn't screwed up this mess....thank goodness. "Helping you was the first thing I've done here. I just arrived, and I have no idea what's going on. I've been focused on assuring your health. Are you sure you all right...what in the stars happened to you?" She could only guess what had left him that messed up.

"Well, you did a fine job....to answer your question, the details are classified, but the short story is that we ran into about 30 Nepleslian Black Faction Power Armors. I was the decoy in the unstealthed armor. Quite frankly, I'm surprised I wasn't killed."

Suddenly, a loud beep indicating the death of Yaichiro's original body rang out.

"...It looks like you got me out of there just in time. Thank you, Miyazawa...-Hei?"



Yaichiro sent a telepathic inquiry to MEGAMI, and determined that everyone was safe, and then he sent a message to Hanako.

Hanako-Taisa, I've been placed in a new body and am fine now...they didn't harm you, did they?

"You're very lucky to be alive, I suppose." said Konoka calmly. Really, she was troubled. It must have shown in her face the amount of worry she was feeling. If people she was going to work with took dangerous assignments like that, she'd be very worried. "Be careful, Kage-Shosa." she lectured. She meant it. She didn't really want anyone to need her help.

A loud beep rang out. Konoka stood very still, she didn't even blink for a while. She sighed heavily. A small, barely audible whimper escaped her throat. She didn't speak, she just stood there, thinking sadly. She knew that was no longer Yaichiro. It was an empty shell. Still, it bothered her. Dying always did. She closed her eyes, and breathed in very slowly.

She exhaled loudly. Slowly, she opened her eyes. "Thank your lucky stars you're all right. I was very worried about you for a while. I'm so, so happy that you are in returned health."

She stood there for a small moment. "Yes, I'm a Santo Hei. This was an interesting welcome for my first real day of work, I must say." She smiled weakly. "I'll go see to it that you have something to wear....." she mumbled, hastening to busy herself. She'd feel better with a task to do. Welcome to the world of the Star Army, Miyazawa...she thought to herself.

Yaichiro stared at the corpse next to him for a moment....barely recognizable, really.

"Well...this is the first time I've needed a new body, in a year and a half of service. I lost an arm and part of my skull one time, but that wasn't as bad as this...I'm more used to Command and Engineering than Power Armor combat. And thank you...luckily, I wore civilian clothing on mission, and didn't lose any of my standard issue things.

I know you were shaken up, but having to do this is semi-rare. Often it's restoring limbs and treating shock, those sorts of things. Consider it a successful experience, ne Miyazawa-Hei?"

Nana pulled herself away from the console after a brief stint of doing nothing. When she realized that she wasn't doing anything productive, she knew something had to be wrong. Balling her hands into fists, she took in a deep breath and headed out into the corridor, goggles dangling around her neck.

"What do I do? Do I go and check on the status of the crew...?" The question floated through her mind, but she wasn't sure. "That'll be weird -- I've never spoken more than 3 words to most of them outside of the usual.." The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to turn and run back into Engineering.

Longing for the past wasn't helping any, but she couldn't help but pine a little. For as well as she did her job, she couldn't help but wonder if that was it for her.

"...a job.."

Hanako answered "No," to Yaichiro, while reading a report on him and the new medic, sent from the Medical Lab by Blueberry.

Konoka will do well here, Hanako thought. Tomorrow, after everyone had a chance to sleep, she would officially adopt her into the crew during the promotion and awards ceremony.

The captain, dressed in her uniform, left her room, briefly checked over the bridge, and then went roaming the ship on an impromptu inspection tour.

After encountering Nana, Hanako stopped to say hello. "Are you not tired?" she asked with a friendly smile.

When no response came back, Kumiko sent a second message.

May I be given access to the ship, and instructions on who and where I need to report to in order to take part in my interview?

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Nana paused in her tracks, turning to regard Hanako with a polite nod, pleased to see that she was not hurt. She tried to smile, but it wound up looking more like an awkward grimace, which was quickly dropped in favor of a neutral, cool expression.

"No, Taisa, I had a nap earlier." It was, in part, a lie. She napped, yes, but it was not a restful sleep. It was unlikely that she had one of those in weeks. Nana was exhausted, but she was not certain if it was something that sleep alone could cure.

"And how are you faring? I hope you aren't too rattled after this whole experience."

After taking a moment to permit Aendri to come aboard, Hanako replied, "I am alright. I was frozen for most of it. That reminds me...I have to get my Kyoto purchases out of the shuttle. But first, I have to go interview a potential new crew member. Do you want to come?"

After her shower and gaining two or three hours of sleep, Hotaru woke up refreshed. Not seeing any sign of her room-mate, she proceeded to get dressed in one of her uniforms. Not sure on what else to do she left her quarters and after having downloaded a map of Eucharis, made her way towards one of the airlocks connecting to Pisces station. Thinking it'd be nice to shop for an hour or two and get some civilian clothes in the process, she left the Eucharis to go in search of a few clothing shops.

After spending a couple of hours shopping and trying on various styles, Hotaru made her way back to Eucharis with her purchases.

Nana fidgeted, toying with her goggles for several seconds in thought before slowly nodding her head and murmured with the tiniest smile, "..Yes. I would like that." She was a bit surprised to hear herself say it, truth be told, but perhaps leaving the ship for a while would do her some good.

Kumiko came on board, and quickly navigated the ship to find Hanako. "Santo Hei Kumiko Endoh reporting sir! I was told to see you for an interview."

"Consider yourself very fortunate then." she mused, thinking over the fact that this might happen again. She envisioned herself smiling serenely, humming to herself, using the Soul Transfer machine, her work flawless. She sighed. It probably wouldn't turn out that way, but she liked to glorify herself as some sort of saint, caring for the sick and wounded with calm and compassion, always serene, never failing. Later in her head, she'd edit out the part where she had nearly freaked out before maintaining her usual calm, serene working poker face.

"I'm more used to Command and Engineering than Power Armor combat.."

"Well, that sounds like a good field of work. With what I can see, I have to say: Don't quit your day job. I'm sure you did very well, but it's DANGEROUS. I don't want you getting hurt like that again.....I'm worried about you."

She had a habit of worrying very much about everyone she had ever spoken to. Typical, caring Konoka....lecture someone after treating them. She was very caring....maybe too much.

She looked down, a little ashamed. Cutting it this close, and that horrible beep....it had bothered her. Yes, it really had. However, she always tried to remain totally calm. Everyone else could freak out, that was fine. Not her. Never calm Konoka. She hadn't expected this. She was just glad she had been there. At least she wouldn't have to this often. "I'm very glad I was here today. A successful experience, then. Learn from everything, I say!" She gave a weak smile. "I'd better find that uniform now...then I can relax for a while...what a day....And I'm just getting started..."

"Still not t-ired?" Misaki teased, the draw upon her skin could have looked like it was just the right button to push to get her to close her eyes a little more tightly, and after a bit of fluttering they maintained a happy half open, over all loving expression. That was always, always a good spot to do that at. For it, a small red spot began to form as the officer squirmed a little against the larger woman.

"More worn out..." Kim breathed softly as she moved her head somewhat, kissing her lover's nose softly with a light purr. Her mind warring between lust and love against sleep, the larger woman holding Misaki close as she ran a finger over the fur of her lover's ear.

"Good..good. Then I get to save handcuffing you to the rack for later." Kurusu replied with a tired sort of coyness. She wasn't beyond extreme measures to make sure tired soldiers, let alone lovers had the chance to recover properly after some upset and especially combat. Thinking about the other things they had never had the chance to use for only a short while as the touch to her ear shattered much thought with a panted shiver.

"Mmm... good, I'll hold you to that..." Purring, the soldier nibbled softly on her lover's neck, enjoying the officer's reactions while they cuddled and remained intimate, and Kim had mind only for her beloved Misaki. "Mmm... sleep now, and you'll deliver on that promise in the morning?"

"I will..but we should shop on Pisces quickly then come back for that if you want anything special here, while there's still time." Misaki was starting to whisper, more and more quietly to the other woman. "There will be time for that after..but we will decide as we wake." Not that they slept right away, some noises escaped the both of them before all was said and done inside cabin one where finally, after all that only heavy but happy slumber remained.

~Hours pass by~

Misaki awoke with a start like she always did, her mind was programmed to take assessment of the nearby area and alert of any possible threats. During the great SMX war often there was an alarm to wake with, even if it meant imminent combat there was a dark regularity in that she was not used to missing anymore. Realizing she was still pressed against the bare body of the redhead without having to turn the lights on, she dotted a kiss under her chin to try and wake her gently.

Murmuring softly, the aforementioned redhead shifted and squirmed in her light sleep, and while she felt the kiss, she did not quite wake, and instead started mumbling in her half-awake state. "Mmfh... not now, love... sleepy..." Squirming closer to the officer, Kim somehow managed to hit her head with her forearm firmly enough to wake her with a series of sleepy snorts.

Laughing without much sensitivity for Kim at her snorting, and just how she had stuttered into consciousness gave her a hug to try and bring her back. "It's time to get up, we slept a long time. I feel better...are you still with me?" That was a fair question, she wondered how many times the woman had done something like that during training.

"Mmrfh... yeah, I'm good..." Kim muttered softly as she rubbed her forehead, the dull pain and Misaki's laughter confirming just what had happened while she cuddled closer during the hug. Smiling softly, Kim leaned in to kiss the officer's lips.

Misaki broke the kiss only after the hug threatened to put Kim back towards sleep. "So we have two options.." She whispered softly, listening only to the sound of the redhead's breath and that of the ship humming softly in the background, the only thing that really gave her a peaceful sleep by habit. Most of her life had been aboard a ship and her body simply adjusted.

Purring happily as the kiss ended, the redhead grinned teasingly at the shorter woman, her fingers tracing patterns on her lover's stomach while she enjoyed the sensation of her lover's smooth skin. "And they are...?" Kim asked, leaning in to suckle and kiss on the officer's neck again, remembering the effect it brought the night before.

"To stay here and make a mess of the bottom bunk, and somehow use some of the things I got for us...or to take the chance and go shopping at Pisces before we leave port. Also I'm starving and that has to happen either way." Misaki cooed to her lover, gasping when she tried to elaborate but was silenced by lips on her neck, making her squirm and press her hips to Kim.

"Mmm... well, what seems most tempting?" The redhead questioned, running her fingers down her lover's sides, purring teasingly. Pushing the covers off with her legs, Kim had effectively made it easier for them to do whatever they decided, be it mess-making, or getting out of the bunk.

"I don't want to decide right now, that's my jooooob.." Misaki replied out in what sputtered towards a purr then stopped with surprise at herself. "Both are tempting, but we need to be docked for one and we won't be for long..." She really could use a good row with the woman but her sensibility slipped out.

"Seems like it's shopping then, hmm?" Kim asked teasingly as she leaned down to tease her lover's behind with both hands for a short time, before she pulled away and got out of bed with a smile to the smaller woman while she put on her uniform. "Oh yes... would you mind if I moved in with you? I don't want to find out you've suddenly been assigned a roomie, and end up all alone in another room. Gotten used to snuggling with you at night..."

"You tricked me into making that decision..." The XO grumbled, sitting up on the bunk. "I thought I already asked you that." She remarked while looking for her stockings first, going to get them out with the rest of her uniform. Glancing sideways at Kim for confirmation, she queued up the transfer of sleeping arrangements. "Well you could always be with whomever is with you I suppose." She joked, tugging her boots on.

"Don't joke about that, please... At the moment, the only one I want to be with is you, Misaki... I l-l-l... never mind. I'm not making sense anyway." Kim muttered as she squirmed into her own uniform, pulling on the tight suit and the boots in the same manner as the Eucharis' XO, a strained smile on her face.

"Okay..done but hurry and move your things before we go to the station, right now okay? Please don't be upset...I don't quite understand that but I did not mean to hurt your feelings." Rubbing at her ears, the not-completely Samurai NH-27 finished putting everything on, and began fixing her hair with a brush, "This will take a minute anyway."

"I'll take care of it right away. I'm sorry, Misaki, but I'm fine, don't worry about me.... I'm odd, I know." With that, Kim blew the XO a kiss, and slipped out of the room, not caring how frazzled and messed up her crimson hair appeared as she hurried to her own quarters, grabbed what few items she had, most of which hadn't even been unpacked from when she first came on board the Eucharis, and returned to the officer's quarters, where she put her stuff away in a corner, where it wouldn't be in the way, before giving Misaki a soft kiss to the cheek.

Pisces Station, Cargo Bay 1A

"All Eucharis crew please report to Pisces Cargo Bay A1," the ship announced over the intercom, creating a series of holographic arrows that led the way from the airlock. The cargo bay was mostly empty, giving the crew plenty of space to stand in formation. A YSE flag and a Star Army hinomaru flag were set up on one wall.

After a moment, the crews of the Starling, Aurora, and Nadeshiko filed in and stood in formation to watch the Eucharis crew presented with their honors. Once the Eucharis crew members were all assembled, Hanako called the three crews to attention, and a warrant officer from one of the other ships read the Eucharis' announcements:

After Hanako was abducted, the crew conducted a secret rescue mission, tracking the abductors to Pisces and then across the border where they conducted a small rescue operation without revealing Yamataian presence to the Nepleslians. The mission was accomplished without any Star Army loss of personnel. For their service, the Service Award and, by SAINT authorization, the Secret Operations Award are hereby awarded to Kurusu Misaki, Kage Yaichiro, Blueberry, Nishizaki Kaede, Nishizaki Kaori, Cherry, Nana, Yamamoto Hotaru, Kurosora Kim, Blackberry, Lime, Mango, and Pineapple.

Risking his life in the pursuit of his captured captain, with extreme valor and no regard to his personal safety, Shosa Kage Yaichiro pursued the kidnappers in a high-speed chase and was injured in the process. Yaichiro was also severely injured when over 20 power armors began to fire on him during the final rescue of his captain. His diversion allowed the captain to be recovered and the other crew members to safely escape. Because of this, Shosa Kage Yaichiro is hereby awarded two Tomoyo's Kikyo awards.

For saving his life, the Combat Lifesaver award is given to Kurosora Kim and Pineapple.

The Tomoyo's Kikyo is also awarded to Valen Sasorix, who sustained injury in an earlier mission.

Attention to orders...

The Commander of the Star Army has placed special trust and confidence in the valor, loyalty, and professional excellence of Kurusu Misaki. In view of these qualities and Misaki's demonstrated leadership ability and dedicated service to the Star Army of Yamatai she is therefore promoted from rank of Shosa to Chusa.

Signed, Ketsurui Yui, Fleet Commander

Taisa Ketsurui Hanako has placed special trust and confidence in the valor, loyalty, and professional excellence of Yamamoto Hotaru. In view of these qualities and Hotaru's demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the Star Army of Yamatai she is therefore promoted from rank of Ittô Hei to Jôtô Hei.

Signed, Taisa Hanako, Captain, YSS Eucharis

Taisa Ketsurui Hanako has placed special trust and confidence in the valor, loyalty, and professional excellence of Pineapple Eucharis. In view of these qualities and Pineapple's demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the Star Army of Yamatai she is therefore promoted from rank of Ittô Hei to Jôtô Hei.

Signed, Taisa Hanako, Captain, YSS Eucharis

Taisa Ketsurui Hanako has placed special trust and confidence in the valor, loyalty, and professional excellence of Blackberry Sakura. In view of these qualities and Blackberry's demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the Star Army of Yamatai she is therefore promoted from rank of Ittô Hei to Jôtô Hei.

Signed, Taisa Hanako, Captain, YSS Eucharis

Taisa Ketsurui Hanako has placed special trust and confidence in the valor, loyalty, and professional excellence of Blueberry Sakura. In view of these qualities and Blueberry's demonstrated leadership and dedicated service to the Star Army of Yamatai she is therefore promoted from rank of Jôtô Heisho to Nitô Juni. She was once a servant, but now she is a leader!

Signed, Taisa Hanako, Captain, YSS Eucharis

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Hanako then said, in her loudest voice, "Congratulations to the awardees and thank you to all of you; you helped me when I needed you most, performing flawlessly, like the Star Army soldiers you are. I would also like to welcome back Valen Sasorix, and welcome Konoka Miyazawa to our crew and our family. At ease."

A chorus of applause and over a hundred smiles filled the cargo bay.

"Dismissed!" said Hanako.

(OOC: Be sure to update your character pages with promotions and medals).

Yaichiro bowed at the dismissal, grateful for the awards. Since he returned from the UOC, his medal box had been empty. If that was the price for that time though, it was well worth it.

He approached the Taisa, hoping to talk to her. All he'd heard her say was a single word since he woke up what seemed like just a few hours ago.

He still felt a bit displeased, however, since Yui had placed some of the blame at Pisces upon him. It didn't matter as much, since the Taisa was recovered safely, but he wondered exactly how far the Nepleslians would have gotten if they'd conducted the mission with perfection. Of course, hindsight was 20/20, so they say.

Hanako had started chatting with the other starship captains of her squadron when Yaichiro approached. Seeing his face, she politely excused herself and waited for him to say what was on his mind.