ON> Taiie no Iori
"Shuttle 21, you are cleared for paddock West 05. Welcome home." The controller's comm shut off without feedback, leaving Yukari staring at the base below her. She'd never seen an Iori before ... civilian bases when she was piloting, and the Kyoto College once from the air during Mindy training, yes. But never an Iori ... she pushed the feelings of awe aside and focused. Her keyboard was tucked safely away in one of the shuttle's compartments. The pilot said she would treat the instrument with great care after hearing it, bringing a smile to Yukari's face. "Will I get to see the Taisho today, pilot?"
"Hai Seitô," the pilot said simply. "The Taisho should greet you after landing."
"Eh?" Yukari blinked. "But, I am only in my normal uniform."
"It will do." The pilot swung the shuttle across toward the paddock, silently relaying data back to the controller's station.
Yukari's lips pouted at the answer, but there was little she could do. Smoothing out her uniform habitually, she adjusted her hairbun as the shuttle landed gently and powered down. The pilot stood up from her seat and took Yukari to the back of the shuttle, opening the rear door.
Katsuko had cleared her days schedule for the arrival of Yukari; she figured it only practical considering she had taken the time to select Yukari from a long list provided to her by personnel. Selecting someone to be her assistant was not an easy task. Several high ranking officers more than fit the basic qualifications, yet something about this cadet had caught her attention. Katsuko's ways were unorthodox, bringing in a cadet fresh from college into a position on the base.
"Taisho, the shuttle has clearance ..." Katsuko acknowledged the cold voice of the AI, something that would need to be changed, added to the ever growing list. The station had been out of depot for less than six weeks, yet it was borderline disaster. Cargo containers, smaller boxes and equipment still crowded the wide corridors and but three-quarters of its compliment had arrived, but it didn't frustrate her in the least. She had gladly taken the assignment off the Akuro in hopes of getting some actual work done, and to better accomodate the growing need for those who served beneath her.
The fleet admiral stood motionless, hands cupped within each other behind her back. Her standard white uniform bearing its usual crests and insignias as well as her Type 28 perched within its holster all in its usual prestiege. Her bluish hair held back by a crystal hummingbird clip she had bought on the Hikari last leave. Her silver eyes catching first glimse of Yukari as the door opened. "Welcome aboard Cadet", she chimed, giving a breif nod to the pilot behind her.
The pilot bowed promptly and deeply, then left Yukari's side. Yukari also snapped to attention and bowed. Motoyoshi-Taisho was what she expected ... yet not. Her appearance and immediate demeanor struck Yukari as both cold and warm -- something that left her unsure of this surprise assignment. Yukari had had only a brief second to gather details of her surroundings; they also left her slightly unsure, though she did her best to hide it. "Seitô Suzuka Yukari, reporting for duty, Taisho."
Katsuko smiled, "At ease Yukari, how was the flight? I hope you weren't too disrupted by being reassigned so quickly. I had your belongings brought to your new quarters." She could gauge the young woman instantly, probably surprised that she would greet her in person rather than sending a member of her staff in her place. It would be unlike Katsuko to do anything of the kind, perhaps why she needed somone of Yukari's intended position all the more. The pilot gave Yukari a pat on the shoulder "Told you, you didn't need a different uniform ..." With that the young Geshrin headed towards one of the alcoves to file her final reports with the flight control officer. Katsuko lent a slight smile to her, as she was a former member of her beloved 17th Armor Wing on the Akuro.
Yukari brought herself up from her bow, resisting the urge of her eyes to blink uncontrollably with confusion. This was a Taisho? So casual ... and kind. The Hive battles must have done little to her spirit, Yukari thought. "Iie, Taisho. Not at all. It was ... sudden, no more." She did not turn her head to face the pilot after being patted on the shoulder and spoken to; instead, she smiled nervously at Motoyoshi-Taisho for a moment before straightening. "Thank you for transporting my belongings so quickly ... and for having my keyboard on the shuttle."
"I couldn't let you come all this way without your keyboard, music is something we share an interest in. I have played the flute for several years now." Katsuko motioned Yukari towards the door to the bay. "I have had the chef prepare a small lunch for us, so we can discuss why it is that you were brought all the way out here. Do you need to stop at your new quarters before hand?" she questioned, passing a nod to the several pilots which now came into the bay, since it was scheduled they would be out of it before now. They quieted their chatter upon seeing her and headed towards the other side of the bay, knowing that she didn't want any disruption.
"I need answers," Yukari thought to herself. But the mention of both music and food was more important for the moment. "Thank you very much, Taisho. Lunch would be very good right now!" she said, a bit of an embarrassed smile on her face. At least her stomach had stopped growling. She made sure to note the reaction of the pilots -- for all her warmth, Motoyoshi-Taisho commanded respect and not a small amount of fear. The contrast was good.
SET> Katsuko's private dining room
The pair headed down the corridor and entered a lift, Katsuko idly commanding the computer with her link as to the deck she desired. She turned to Yukari, and said, "What kind of music do you play, Yukari?" She tried to make the sudden awkwardness of being in a confined space with someone she was not familiar with a little easier for her. Spite her rank, and her experience, she still feared the judgements of those who first met her, knowing all too well she was never what they expected.
"Ah, anou ... " Yukari hated it when she did that, healthy as it was to think before speaking. "I play the koto some, Taisho ... but I learned many old songs from the library at the College. They sound very real." She paused again. "And I am learning to play the guitar without secondary memory."
Katsuko nodded. "Such dedication is important, and from your record and some brief discussions with some of your former professors, dedication is something that you have no problem showing." A kind compliment, and a rare admission of her own processes. The door opened and Katsuko lead Yukari towards her private dining lounge, two chefs stood at the front of the room, putting the final preparations on their food. Katsuko sat first, and motioned to Yukari. "Please, be seated. I am sure lunch will be in front of us momentarily." One of the chefs brought her bubble tea and then went down to Yukari. The Santo Hei Yamataian said lowly, "Tea or something else to drink, ma'am?"
Yukari could not help but blush at the attention. Her music professor had always thought it odd when she tried to play without secondary memory. She murmured a quiet "arigatou, Taisho" and followed the blue-haired Yamataian into the dining lounge. It was not as fancy or grand as the Nozomi's, even if it was bigger -- a reflection on the Taisho's personality, perhaps. Yukari made the mental note as she took her seat, bowing to the Taisho before doing so. She smiled at the chef. "Ah -- Irish Black tea, please."
The first chef disappeared into the adjoining room to get the tea. Katsuko mentioned, "I apologize for the lack of decoration in this room, I am unsure how long this fortress was in depot, but whoever decorated it could use a lesson or two in interior design. One of many things, I want changed around here." The other chef came over and presented Katsuko with her meal, lifting the silver cover of the plate to reveal a small stack of crepes, with lobster and a sweet creme reduction. "Thank you, it looks delicious," she said. The chef did the same before Yukari ... then, taking the covers, he went into the kitchen beyond, passing the other chef who delivered Yukari's tea and then rushed to leave as well.
Yukari smiled and thanked each of the chefs when served. They were very quick on their feet. "Ah, hai Taisho." Her eyes looked over the food with a hint of hesitation, as she'd never eaten lobster with creme or crepes before. The aroma, however, dashed any thoughts of holding back. Her mouth nearly overflowed with the saliva of desire. She bowed to her food, said a quick "itadakimaaasu," and reached for her fork. It stopped about a centimeter from the lobster. Her eyes then slowly looked up at the Taisho. "Sumimasen, Taisho." She took her fork back and sat in the chair, smiling.
"Shuttle 21, you are cleared for paddock West 05. Welcome home." The controller's comm shut off without feedback, leaving Yukari staring at the base below her. She'd never seen an Iori before ... civilian bases when she was piloting, and the Kyoto College once from the air during Mindy training, yes. But never an Iori ... she pushed the feelings of awe aside and focused. Her keyboard was tucked safely away in one of the shuttle's compartments. The pilot said she would treat the instrument with great care after hearing it, bringing a smile to Yukari's face. "Will I get to see the Taisho today, pilot?"
"Hai Seitô," the pilot said simply. "The Taisho should greet you after landing."
"Eh?" Yukari blinked. "But, I am only in my normal uniform."
"It will do." The pilot swung the shuttle across toward the paddock, silently relaying data back to the controller's station.
Yukari's lips pouted at the answer, but there was little she could do. Smoothing out her uniform habitually, she adjusted her hairbun as the shuttle landed gently and powered down. The pilot stood up from her seat and took Yukari to the back of the shuttle, opening the rear door.
Katsuko had cleared her days schedule for the arrival of Yukari; she figured it only practical considering she had taken the time to select Yukari from a long list provided to her by personnel. Selecting someone to be her assistant was not an easy task. Several high ranking officers more than fit the basic qualifications, yet something about this cadet had caught her attention. Katsuko's ways were unorthodox, bringing in a cadet fresh from college into a position on the base.
"Taisho, the shuttle has clearance ..." Katsuko acknowledged the cold voice of the AI, something that would need to be changed, added to the ever growing list. The station had been out of depot for less than six weeks, yet it was borderline disaster. Cargo containers, smaller boxes and equipment still crowded the wide corridors and but three-quarters of its compliment had arrived, but it didn't frustrate her in the least. She had gladly taken the assignment off the Akuro in hopes of getting some actual work done, and to better accomodate the growing need for those who served beneath her.
The fleet admiral stood motionless, hands cupped within each other behind her back. Her standard white uniform bearing its usual crests and insignias as well as her Type 28 perched within its holster all in its usual prestiege. Her bluish hair held back by a crystal hummingbird clip she had bought on the Hikari last leave. Her silver eyes catching first glimse of Yukari as the door opened. "Welcome aboard Cadet", she chimed, giving a breif nod to the pilot behind her.
The pilot bowed promptly and deeply, then left Yukari's side. Yukari also snapped to attention and bowed. Motoyoshi-Taisho was what she expected ... yet not. Her appearance and immediate demeanor struck Yukari as both cold and warm -- something that left her unsure of this surprise assignment. Yukari had had only a brief second to gather details of her surroundings; they also left her slightly unsure, though she did her best to hide it. "Seitô Suzuka Yukari, reporting for duty, Taisho."
Katsuko smiled, "At ease Yukari, how was the flight? I hope you weren't too disrupted by being reassigned so quickly. I had your belongings brought to your new quarters." She could gauge the young woman instantly, probably surprised that she would greet her in person rather than sending a member of her staff in her place. It would be unlike Katsuko to do anything of the kind, perhaps why she needed somone of Yukari's intended position all the more. The pilot gave Yukari a pat on the shoulder "Told you, you didn't need a different uniform ..." With that the young Geshrin headed towards one of the alcoves to file her final reports with the flight control officer. Katsuko lent a slight smile to her, as she was a former member of her beloved 17th Armor Wing on the Akuro.
Yukari brought herself up from her bow, resisting the urge of her eyes to blink uncontrollably with confusion. This was a Taisho? So casual ... and kind. The Hive battles must have done little to her spirit, Yukari thought. "Iie, Taisho. Not at all. It was ... sudden, no more." She did not turn her head to face the pilot after being patted on the shoulder and spoken to; instead, she smiled nervously at Motoyoshi-Taisho for a moment before straightening. "Thank you for transporting my belongings so quickly ... and for having my keyboard on the shuttle."
"I couldn't let you come all this way without your keyboard, music is something we share an interest in. I have played the flute for several years now." Katsuko motioned Yukari towards the door to the bay. "I have had the chef prepare a small lunch for us, so we can discuss why it is that you were brought all the way out here. Do you need to stop at your new quarters before hand?" she questioned, passing a nod to the several pilots which now came into the bay, since it was scheduled they would be out of it before now. They quieted their chatter upon seeing her and headed towards the other side of the bay, knowing that she didn't want any disruption.
"I need answers," Yukari thought to herself. But the mention of both music and food was more important for the moment. "Thank you very much, Taisho. Lunch would be very good right now!" she said, a bit of an embarrassed smile on her face. At least her stomach had stopped growling. She made sure to note the reaction of the pilots -- for all her warmth, Motoyoshi-Taisho commanded respect and not a small amount of fear. The contrast was good.
SET> Katsuko's private dining room
The pair headed down the corridor and entered a lift, Katsuko idly commanding the computer with her link as to the deck she desired. She turned to Yukari, and said, "What kind of music do you play, Yukari?" She tried to make the sudden awkwardness of being in a confined space with someone she was not familiar with a little easier for her. Spite her rank, and her experience, she still feared the judgements of those who first met her, knowing all too well she was never what they expected.
"Ah, anou ... " Yukari hated it when she did that, healthy as it was to think before speaking. "I play the koto some, Taisho ... but I learned many old songs from the library at the College. They sound very real." She paused again. "And I am learning to play the guitar without secondary memory."
Katsuko nodded. "Such dedication is important, and from your record and some brief discussions with some of your former professors, dedication is something that you have no problem showing." A kind compliment, and a rare admission of her own processes. The door opened and Katsuko lead Yukari towards her private dining lounge, two chefs stood at the front of the room, putting the final preparations on their food. Katsuko sat first, and motioned to Yukari. "Please, be seated. I am sure lunch will be in front of us momentarily." One of the chefs brought her bubble tea and then went down to Yukari. The Santo Hei Yamataian said lowly, "Tea or something else to drink, ma'am?"
Yukari could not help but blush at the attention. Her music professor had always thought it odd when she tried to play without secondary memory. She murmured a quiet "arigatou, Taisho" and followed the blue-haired Yamataian into the dining lounge. It was not as fancy or grand as the Nozomi's, even if it was bigger -- a reflection on the Taisho's personality, perhaps. Yukari made the mental note as she took her seat, bowing to the Taisho before doing so. She smiled at the chef. "Ah -- Irish Black tea, please."
The first chef disappeared into the adjoining room to get the tea. Katsuko mentioned, "I apologize for the lack of decoration in this room, I am unsure how long this fortress was in depot, but whoever decorated it could use a lesson or two in interior design. One of many things, I want changed around here." The other chef came over and presented Katsuko with her meal, lifting the silver cover of the plate to reveal a small stack of crepes, with lobster and a sweet creme reduction. "Thank you, it looks delicious," she said. The chef did the same before Yukari ... then, taking the covers, he went into the kitchen beyond, passing the other chef who delivered Yukari's tea and then rushed to leave as well.
Yukari smiled and thanked each of the chefs when served. They were very quick on their feet. "Ah, hai Taisho." Her eyes looked over the food with a hint of hesitation, as she'd never eaten lobster with creme or crepes before. The aroma, however, dashed any thoughts of holding back. Her mouth nearly overflowed with the saliva of desire. She bowed to her food, said a quick "itadakimaaasu," and reached for her fork. It stopped about a centimeter from the lobster. Her eyes then slowly looked up at the Taisho. "Sumimasen, Taisho." She took her fork back and sat in the chair, smiling.