Nicholas Saiga breathed deep as he stepped onto the Yūgumo. The noticeable push of the new cruiser's cool, recycled air refreshed him as he exited of the stuffy shuttle that had brought him here. It surprised him how busy it was, considering the late hour, but from what little news he'd heard since his return to civilization, this type of constant activity shouldn't be unexpected. He was still finding it hard to believe that the war against the SMX had taken such a disastrous turn for the worst in the time that it had taken him and his comrades on the Goban to do, well, whatever it was that they did.
The trip from Kyoto had seemed quick enough, but then again, how could it have not seemed quick? A good rest would do that; it had been the Heisho's first good, comfortable, uninterrupted sleep since the beginning of his previous post. It was all just happening so fast. From the speedy re-assignment, to being awarded medals and ribbons he didn't even know he deserved, to the deluge of news concerning the war, the young Geshrin couldn't help but feel a little disoriented. Nick was happy to be here, though, even in spite of his remorse that he couldn't continue to serve on the Goban.
He stood there on the deck for a while, bag slung on one shoulder, Type 29 SMG on the other, taking the time to examine part of what would be his new home. His hastily-donned 5th XF nitô heisho pin sat crooked on his dirty uniform. Although he'd had time to clean himself, Nick hadn't been returned his belongings until just before he boarded the shuttle, and was forced to wear the soiled attire at his disposal. It embarrassed him somewhat, but there wasn't much that could be done, so he didn't give it much thought.
After a time, Nick hailed the WIES, standing at attention as he spoke. "Nicholas Saiga-Heisho, reporting for assigned duties,â€