ON: Starbase above Yamatai
With Kaida gathering her things, and Tsuya already on route for the Miharu, Yukari took a moment to relax herself for the third, and hopefully least contentious, interview. Gunshin Kyoufuu appeared to be a relatively standard soldier, but one that would give Masako the power armor combatant she needed. Finding an armor specialist was not easy; Yukari had to go with who she could find. Inside the small conference room (the base seemed to have nothing but such rooms) the Shosa settled into her chair and waited, datapad in her lap.
Kyou walked toward the conference room, twitching her uniform into place as she went. She hadn't really done anything that would mess it up, but it couldn't hurt to make sure. As she reached the room,she rolled her neck, more out of nervousness than any other reason. She knocked lightly on the door frame to get Yukari's attention. "Ma'am? Santo Hei Gunshin reporting as ordered."
The Shosa looked up from her pad and smiled at the Neko, with her striking orange eyes and contrasty blue hair. She stood and offered a small bow. "Welcome, Gunshin-Hei. Please, sit." The round table had enough room for about six chairs, putting the two close together.
Kyou bowed deeply, then seated herself across from Yukari. "Thank you ma'am." She studied her potential CO as she sat, taking in her appearance. She's quite pretty. I feel so normal next to her...
Yukari's eyes went down to the datapad as Kyou sat down. She bit her upper lip as her finger twirled something on the pad's screen. "You are nervous, Hei-san?" She looked up with a warm smile.
Kyou blinked in surprise. She thought she'd been doing a fairly good job of hiding it. "Yes... yes ma'am. This has the potential to be my first assignment, so I'm feeling a little nervous."
The ceiling of the room seemed steepled in a trapezoid shape, with lights projecting into it, causing the room to be softly illuminated. The effect cast strange shadows on both occupants; Yukari hadn't turned on the other lights. "That is natural, Hei-san. I apologize if I heighten your concerns." A brief pause. "You have not been out of the Educational Facility system for more than a week. Did you enjoy your time there?"
"Yes, ma'am, I did. I enjoy spending time with others, and I enjoy learning. I was quite disappointed when the time came to leave, but I look forward to my future assignments." She smiled softly. The lighting in the room was quite pleasant, and was actually helping her calm herself down.
"What news did they discuss at the EF you were raised in? It has been some time since I was so young!" Yukari laughed a little.
Kyou's smile broadened slightly. "From what I hear, the normal things. We talked a bit about the war starting again, argued about who was the better shot..." She shrugged. "I heard a lot of things, since I spent a lot of time making drinks for everyone."
Yukari's expression froze. She leaned in on her arm. "The war is starting again?"
Kyou's smile slowly faded. "Yes, ma'am. Not too long ago, the Mishhu reemerged. Many of my friends from EF have received orders for frontline ships..."
The Shosa's face paled, though it was hard to see in the light. She seemed to deflate, but nodded. "War is a perpetual occurrence for Nekovalkyrja," she said, her words formed slowly by her mouth and projecting directly at Kyou. "We live for it, and die from it, neh?"
"Hai. That doesn't mean that we have to enjoy it though." She shook her head. "Some of my friends who went aren't even fighters, and I fear for their safety."
"You grew close to some of them, in the EF? They are like family for you?"
"Yes, very much so. As I said, I enjoy being around people, and I value my friends. And whatever my training, I don't think I could take seeing many of my friends die, So I requested assignment to a non-frontline ship." She shook her head. "It's not that I can't fight, but watching the death of so many would be too painful for me to bear."
Yukari's smile was genuine, but she looked pained. Her eyes went to her datapad. "Why did you become part of the infantry?"
Kyou noted her expression, and then continued. "I took up the infantry position because it seemed most suited to my abilities and tastes. The only other position would have been Science officer, and I only have a liking for a very small range of subjects in that field." She paused. "Also, I hope I don't offend, but forgive me for mentioning the war. I was unaware you hadn't been informed."
Yukari barely shook her head, apologetic but dismissive. "The vessel you plan to join is not front-line, but its mission is of the most vital importance, and carries with it danger much more intimate and deadly than the throes of our weakened, perverted sisters." Yukari brought up a projected image of a Neko with bluish hair, red eyes and a horn growing from her head. "We hunt murderers and traitors, Hei-san."
"Hai. I understand. That does not bother me. It is watching the slaughter of sisters who have done no wrong that disturbs me." She nodded. "Yours is a noble mission, destroying those who would pervert what is good. I would have no problem performing my duties, I am sure."
A simple nod. "You can identify this person, yes, Hei-san?" Yukari gestured to the image with her open palm.
"Yes, Shosa-sama. That is Eve, one of the oldest of our kind, and also one of the most hated." She frowned slightly. "From that, would it be safe to assume that your current mission is to eliminate Eve?"
Another nod. Yukari had activated the KAMI blackout upon entering the room, freeing her to speak without concern for prying eyes and ears. "Our methods are not always in the interest of the Empire. But our purpose is pure. We seek justice, Hei-san, the justice that comes from apprehending a criminal and her associates." Yukari paused, but let the faintly glowing image hang between them, its red eyes flickering. She looked down at her datapad. "Your scores from the EF are fresh, so I do not question your capabilities. Were you to accept your assignment, you would be put under the command of Kurohoshi Masako-Juni, our Armor Wing commander." Yukari looked up from the pad, expecting an answer.
"Ma'am, it would be my pleasure to accept the assignment to the Miharu if you will take me. I believe that what you are doing is as important to the survival of the Empire, and would be proud to serve in Masako-Juni's armor wing." She bowed her head. "I feel that I could serve to my fullest in that capacity."
"Forceful words," Yukari replied. "You would likely be trained into an armor specialist, as most of our missions require maximum protection. You are comfortable with armor?"
"I am. I have no true specialization at the moment, so that would not be unwelcome training." She nodded. "I feel that your ship is a close-knit group, and would like to be part of that, and part of protecting it."
Yukari's smile was the most happy Kyou had seen. "We are a family on the Miharu, Hei-san, with all the word encompasses." She stood and bowed. "Welcome to our family, Gunshin-Hei."
Kyou stood, and smiled broadly. "Thank you very much for this opportunity, Shosa-sama. I am delighted to be considered part of your family." She then bowed very deeply, to show her gratitude.
"Then I have a lesson for you, your first, Hei-san — 'Shosa' is acceptable." The officer waited until she saw Kyou's eyes, then winked and laughed a little.
Kyou smiled back at Yukari. "Of course, Shosa. I am glad to receive anything from you, no matter how small the lesson."
"I have another, then, that I neglected to share with one of your new shipmates." Yukari walked out from behind the table and to the door, gesturing for Kyou to join her as the room returned to its normal, brightly lit condition. "The Juni very much enjoys sweets."
Kyou chuckled as she followed Yukari. "I take it a small gift would not be taken amiss?"
"In the future, yes," Yukari said as the pair left the room. "The thought did not form in my mind until I thought of lessons I could teach. It would be unfair to your shipmate, Yamada Tsuya, if you appeared with bribes."
"I understand. It would seem favoritist." She smiled slightly. "I thank you for the advice though. I'm sure it will come in handy."
Yukari smiled. "Your commanding officer will be Ketsurui Kotori-Taisa. Do you know the name?" The two walked one of the wide, polished white corridors, seemingly directionless.
"I do indeed, Shosa." Her smile broadened. "I feel it's safe to say that few of us this fresh out of EF wouldn't know the name. She is another of the reasons I asked to be assigned to this ship, as she is somewhat of a hero to me."
"She is not so much older than you, Hei-san," Yukari said. "What have you heard of her?"
"Nothing more than most. That she is an able commander, that she is brave, and has worked her way up from the lowest of ranks." Kyou smiled. "She has done what few have, and doesn't seem likely to stop anytime soon, and for that, I applaud her."
"How do you feel about Nepleslians?" Yukari asked.
Kyou hesitated when that came up, but went ahead and answered the question. "Ma'am, I have no experience whatsoever with them. I have no particular prejudice against them, though I am aware of their normal dislike of our kind."
A relieved smile, and a little sigh. "Nyton Claymere is the tactical officer of the Miharu, and is from a long line of Nepleslians who have the Empire served with distinction. You will find he does not fit the stereotype of Nepleslians most Neko are familiar with. How did the older Yamataian personnel of the EF treat you and your sisters?"
"I am glad to hear that he does not. And on that subject, there is little to say. My instructors were very average from what I heard from others. They were more than adequate in their teaching, but I know there are better instructors as well."
"I believe our crew will have much more to teach you, Hei-san. But that is for later." Yukari stopped in the middle of an intersection and smiled. "I have notified a shuttle you will be arriving shortly. Gather your things and settle onto the Miharu as soon as you can. Our next mission should be a brief one, and it will give you time to adjust."
"Yes ma'am. Will you be coming with me, or am I to travel alone this time?"
"Alone. I have a final matter to attend to, but it will not take long. When you arrive, if no one is present to greet you, query the Miharu's MEGAMI and ask for Sigurd. He will assist you." Yukari bowed lightly. "Welcome aboard, Hei-san."
Kyou bowed once more, in return. "I will remember that name, thank you. I am glad to be with you, Shosa." With that, she turned, and headed for the shuttle.
END
