RP: YSS Miharu Prologue, Day 3

Moments after the Miharu had finished compiling and transfering the files Tomi has requested on Mishhuvurthyar biology, a small holographic window appeared in mid-air, the communication interface showing Kotori from shoulders up.

"Saito-Hei, could you please come by my quarters? I would like to have a talk with you," the Taii requested.

Without any change in his demeanor Nyton replied. "If we weren't out here in space already then it wouldn't have had to come to such harsh ultimatums. War is like that. You either learn it or you die from it."

Nyton walked over to Leutre's right side and scrutinized his uniform. "Now then for starters let's see you go to the position of attention. Whenever I call out 'attention' you are to assume such. The position of attention is as follows: Feet together at the heels with toes pointed out at a forty five degree angle, back straight, shoulders squared, hands down along your leg, fingers clenched with the thumb pointed down and forward, head up and forward with no expression. You are basically a statue. There will be as little moving or fidgeting as humanly possible. As such here is a demonstration."

He then assumed the position of attention. Nyton held it for a few seconds before he broke from it and crossed his arms. "From here on out whenever we're training and you are going to speak to me you are to be at the position of attention. When you address me you will always address me as Claymere Juni. Whenever you want to speak you will ask for permission as follows: Claymere Juni, Veressis-Hei asks for permission to speak. After which I will either grant or deny."

Nyton then stepped away from Leutre and stood two meters away. The safety calibrations had been restored on his hand and faced Leutre squarely. He took the position of attention and bellowed out. "ATTEN-SHUN!"

Tomi blinked at the air where the window had been. She was just thankful she wasn't easily startled- it probably wouldn't be good to greet a superior with a shriek. I wonder what this is about... Not an hour after she says that she'll be handling almost everything through the chain of command, and she directly requeests to talk to me. Could be very good, or it could be very bad...

Putting an end to her mental review of Mishhu anatomy for the time being, she rose and quickly made her way down the hall to the Taii's quarters. Doing her best to not look apprehensive, she reached down and tapped the button for the door chime.

Leutre listened on in silence as Nyton explained the finer points of standing at attention. He re-ran Nyton's words through his head to memorize them, but was shaken out of his thoughts by Nyton's bellow. "Wha-- Erm, yes Claymere Juni!" He hesitated a moment before scrambling to straighten his stance as requested.

Extra careful not to accidently think aloud or show emotion on his face, he silently thought about his situation. 'Maybe I really should kill him in his sleep. No more reports on misbehavior, no more domineering Juni. All my troubles would vanish along with his final breath.'

ON: YSS Miharu, Kotori's Quarters

Two seconds passed before the doors before Tomi slid open, revealing the Taii inside. "Hello again." Kotori smiled. "You were rushed here and unlike most of the other crewmembers, I didn't get a chance to talk to you about your role on the ship. I bet you probably have a lot of uncertainties plaguing your mind now, don't you?" The black-haired neko edged aside with a gesture inviting Tomi inside.

Tomi stepped inside, lingering by the door. "Well, I do admit that I'd been wondering what my role was going to be on a largely espionage and combat mission..."

After she closed the door, Kotori led Tomi to her desk. She made a small wave toward the two comfortably padded chairs facing her desk. "Please come in and sit."

Tomi did so, finally seeming to ease up a bit. "While I can act as a medical officer if need be, my strengths and interests lie a bit more in research... but, I'll do whatever's needed to the best of my abilities."

Kotori sat opposite to the yamataian woman in her own chair. She nodded and asked: "What is your opinion on your workplace so far? Is anything lacking in your equipment?"

"Well, that depends on what I'm going to be expected to do. As far as medical supplies go, the medlab seems fully stocked."

Kotori frowned a bit. "I'm expecting you might have to do biological studies, diverse sensor surveys, data compilations and also serve on the bridge at operations - sensor control, if you prefer." The Taii set her elbows on the desk, joined her hands together and rested her chin atop them. "Since the Miharu is an experimental vessel, I wanted to make sure you had everything you felt you needed. Lacking that, I would try to provide for you."

Tomi nodded. "The sensor dome looked more than adequate for surveys. It doesn't take much equipment to do data analysis and compilation. I haven't taken enough of an inventory of the lab to know if I could do a thorough lifeform study- but I should be good for at least an autopsy or dissection if it comes up. If I need anything more advanced, I'll request it when it comes up. I'd rather do that than clutter the place up with a dozen gadgets I'll never use. I don't have much experience with serving on the bridge, but if the instruments are similar to what I'm familiar with, it shouldn't be too hard to adapt to."

"I noticed from your files that you had some experience as a soldier before... in the fleet restructuration period." Kotori said. "Are you familiar with operating power armors?"

"I've had the basic training for power armor operation, yes... I'm sure that if you were in there, you also saw that I failed to qualify on them during my last evaluation. So, familiar, but not all too good at it."

Kotori nodded, appreciating the other's frankness. "The Miharu uses three types of power armor. The Mindy II is out main space combat armor and can be considered suitable for many other roles as well, but we only have an hadful of them. We focus on the newer land armor: The Harpy which is a scout armor and the Daisy which is a ground combat superiority armor."

"As you have been absent when we tested them out in simulated runs, I'll require you to invest some time getting used to them." The Taii continued. "Now, I don't expect you to turn into a shocktrooper - I leave those jobs for Claymere-Juni, Kurohoshi-Juni and Dige-Hei. However, I do want you to build up enough competency to be able to hold your own so I know that you will be able to defend yourself adequately and not be a liability when you will need to be out in power armor."

Tomi frowned for the briefest of moments- she'd hoped to avoid combat duty entirely... but, on a mission like this, it wasn't surprising for the Taii to want to employ every resource to the fullest. "Certainly- I'm not very fond of the idea of dying should such a situation arise, myself. Are the rec rooms here equipped to simulate them, or will I just need to take some space walks?"

"Space walks would be good once you became comfortable with simulations." Kotori nodded, though inwardly she was slightly surprised by Tomi's suggestion. The recreation rooms could be used for training... it just hadn't occured to her before then. "I recommend you ask Kurohoshi-Juni to work at training with you. It doesn't need to be intensive training: I know you have other duties. However, I think the training will make the difference between being a target others will have to bend backward to protect and thus possibly jeopardize themselves... or being able to hold your own in a team."

"Understood. I have no intention of allowing myself to become a burden."

Kotori didn't like inspiring to her new science specialist that she was a burden, but she just couldn't find the words that could dispel that notion now. She decided to shift the conversation into a more positive light. "I'm sure you'll do fine. The professionalism you've shown me so far makes it easy to have faith in you. That's one of the reasons I encourage you to try and slowly grow multitalented."

Tomi nodded again. "As for sensor control on the bridge, is there anyone I should talk to about that? What situations do you want me to report under?"

"Both the Executive Officer, the Tactical Officer and myself would rely on you for those. It'd require you to process, identify and report information to us quickly. Suzuka-Chui could do the job as well, but I want her to focus on communication and navigation. You'd have to be there based on shift schedule or on abnormal ship conditions such as when battlestations are sounded."

"Easy enough." Okay, so I've got just a few duties... this is probably some sort of karmatic revenge for getting way too much leisure before. Having nothing much more to say on the topic, Tomi sat quietly and waited for the black-haired neko to continue.

"Good. That's pretty much all I had to cover with you." Kotori stood from her seat and walked around her desk to the yamataian woman. "Was there anything you wanted to talk to me about?"

Tomi stood as well, shaking her head. "I don't think so, unless you know anything about Mishhu anatomy or weaknesses beyond what the Miharu has access to. If nothing else, it's been a good chance to see that if you do end up clawing off somebody's face, it was probably for a good reason." She grinned slightly.

Kotori chuckled. "Let's just say being organised was not my former ship's strongest suit and that I wanted to do better because I saw how bad things could sometime get. Besides, it'd be a shame..." Kotori raised her hand so she could touch Miyoko's cheek. "You are not unpretty."

"Since I chose this face, I'll take that as a compliment, I suppose." Tomi smoothed her hair back idly, looking just a bit put off-balance by the remark. "I could always regrow another one, but I'm a bit attached to this one. Mostly by nerve endings that would do far too well at informing me if it were ripped off."

"Ah, well, perhaps I should do more gentle things then." Kotori closed in and made to place a chaste kiss over one of Miyoko's cheeks.

Tomi stood, dumbfounded, for a few seconds afterward. She'd seen her fair share of horny nekos, but she was certain this was something entirely different, far more innocent. For a brief moment she considered returning the gesture, but she settled for a deep bow, stammering out, "I-I'll do my best to justify the trust you're placing in me." Rising from the bow, she looked thoroughly embarassed at the line.

Kotori smiled and leaned on her desk a bit, propping herself with her arms. "I'm sure you will. I also hope that despite the grim mission I've asked you to assist me in completing that you will find your time on the Miharu memorable, if not enjoyable." She chuckled at the last bit, but the point was that she really wanted Miyoko to feel welcome.

"Just keep the science supplies coming and I'll be happy." After dipping another quick bow- with her cheeks still betraying just how much the past few seconds had shaken her- she turned and exited the room.

Kotori blinked as the other made her escape. She opened her mouth to call out, but thought better of it and lamely closed it. I guess I embarassed her. She sighed.

END

Nyton watched Leutre go to attention and kept a hard glare on him. He tried to add to the discomfort factor by not blinking his eyes when he faced Leutre. Nyton inwardly smiled at having had the cybernetic eyes installed.

"Next we'll address how to properly render courtesy to a superior officer. Whenever you greet a high ranking officer you are to give a slight bow." Nyton then demonstrated by going to the position of attention and then bowed at the waist. He lowered his upper body to a forty five degree angle and held it for a few seconds before he stood up. "Officers who are of much higher rank shall be rendered a deep bow such as this." Nyton then displayed a bow that went further down to about an ninety degree angle. When Nyton stood up he immediately continued. "Because you are currently at the very bottom of the rank structure you shall be rendering a deep bow to every non-enlisted member of the crew. That includes myself, Santo Juni Kurohoshi Masako, Chui Suzuka Yukari, and especially Taii Ketsurui Kotori. Whenever she enters the room you are to stand and bow. Whenever you enter a room for a brief or any kind of official business and she is present, you are to bow upon entering and either sit where directed or stand off to the side. The same goes for the Chui."

"As a rule of thumb, if you see another officer that is not a member of this crew who may be visiting or passing by, whether you are busy with actual work or not, you just carry on unless addressed by that officer. You will then snap to the position of attention, face that officer, and render proper courtesy with a deep bow." Nyton added that although he doubted there would be many visitors of the like to the Miharu. But you could never be too careful especially if Leutre survived this mission and did get reassigned to another ship. "Remember that you will not speak to an officer unless spoken to. While that rule may be somewhat relaxed here, it is only done so because those of us who can act professional can be trusted not to let ourselves go and become sloppy. For now I want you to observe that rule around the officers here. That is another reason we have a chain of command here. You are technically supposed to talk to one of the senior enlisted members who will then address your concerns. If that senior member is unable to handle it they go up the chain and speak to the officer as your representative. So there actually IS a method to the madness. However, seeing as we lack a non-commisioned officer aboard here you will defer to Taii Ketsurui's policy as stated during the briefing. As such you will speak to officers for official business only on an appointment basis. Emergencies, combat, and extreme situations are the only exceptions to this rule. The rest is just common sense."

Nyton paused for a second as he tried to recal all he learned back at the Academy. Sometimes even when things were second nature they took a moment to remember. "Also you will not interrupt an officer who is speaking unless it is an emergency. You will still apologize for the interruption and give a nod of respect as you deliver whatever urgent message. Again common sense. Although perhaps in your case it would uncommon sense. Maybe I should adjust it to mean that if it feels right to you do the opposite." Nyton said in an almost derogatory tone.

After a few seconds had passed Nyton felt that would be time to let it all sink in. "Now then let's review. I will make the following announcement of 'officer on deck.' You are to go to attention. When I say 'render courtesy' you will then do such. Get it right!"

Nyton went to attention and then bellowed. "Officer on deck! Render courtesy!"

Once back in her own room, Tomi flopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling. What was THAT about? She'd been on both ends of any number of lewd advances, but one soft kiss and she was stammering like a schoolgirl. As for her response... she sighed quietly. Her hasty retreat from the room had probably made the Taii feel bad about the whole thing, whatever the hell it meant.

Because it wasn't just some horny advance- there was actual emotion in it. How long's it been since I encountered that? She quietly cursed the thought, but deep down, she knew it was right. Just looking around her room was enough to verify that; two years of accumulated belongings, and not a one of them had much to do with anybody but herself. And then to have somebody put out such a simple heartfelt display of emotion abruptly...

But it didn't matter. For all she knew, the gesture had been a test, or a common occurance in some culture she identified with, or any one of a dozen other things. If it actually meant anything, the meaning would become apparent after further interaction; dwelling on it wasn't going to do much. Putting the matter aside, Tomi pulled out her new communicator and began to fiddle with the options, providing herself an alternate focus for the time being.

Rising slowly from her dazed position on her bed, Mizuho bit down at her lip slightly. Ah, she had stalled long enough. It was time to actually do some bloody work. She had enough respect for Kotori to observe that things needed be done, much as she would rather have stared unfeeling into the ceiling forever. So she rose, letting her hand fall from the tasseled hilt of the jian.

"Miharu? Please compile a list of what is known about all new Mishhu vessels and new Mishhu tactics. Also, if you could prepare simulations of anticipated use, that would be appreciated. I will return shortly." A pause. "Could you direct me to Nyton Claymere, please?"

She was going to actually discuss things with him. Imagine that. Mizuho was breaking out of her shell, if only because she was being forced to.

ON:YSS Miharu, Engineering Subdeck

Leutre quickly locked his arms at his side and bowed his head low, biting his lip in an attempt to stop himself from sneering.

Nyton watched with an obvious expression of displeasure. "From the waist. Bow from the waist!" he shouted. "Drop to the floor. Twenty push ups, now!"

Leutre flinched slightly as he heard Nyton's voice. He quickly dropped to the ground and began doing pushups. Control. Just put that anger into your pushups. Control it, just like when meditating. Don't let it control you. He silently counted until he had finished twenty, then stood up and stared off into the air, trying his best not to leer at Nyton.

Nyton watched Leutre complete his pushups and narrowed his eyes. "Let's try that again. Remember as the lowest ranking soldier on board you bow from the waist. Ninety degree angle." Nyton took his position again. "Officer on deck! Render courtesy!"

Leutre bowed slowly this time, careful to keep himself rigid and bent at the waste. Unconsciously he held his breath and hoped that Nyton wouldn't be able to find any further fault in his actions.

Nyton gave a satisfactory nod but nothing else. "Alright stand up. Now let's take a look at your uniform." he said before he began to scrutinize Leutre's appearance.

Leutre almost jumped at the mention of his uniform. He hadn't bothered leaving his uniform out to be cleaned, so when he left his room that morning it was in a wrinkled state. "Erm, Claymere Juni, sir. If I, uh, may speak. I think perhaps it's worth nothing that I was, erm, crawling through maintenance shafts to double check contstruction just before you arrived. So pardon my uniform if it's in disarray."

"I did not give you permission to speak so you can do twenty more push ups for not having asked permission." Nyton snapped. "As for the current state of your uniform you will present to me a clean example tomorrow morning before breakfast. I will inspect your uniform and it better be good. Considering that Miharu does most of the work anyway this shouldn't be too hard for you to do." he added while he crossed his arms. This training stuff isn't as easy as it looks. I'll need to go over the reg book myself to make sure I teach everything right. Nyton thought to himself.

"Yes, Claymere Juni." Leutre barked and stood still, hoping to avoid further reprimanding. Well, he bought my excuse. At least that's one thing in my favor today. But I can't believe that idiot puts crew appearance over double checking the ship's systems. No wonder the Star Army losing this damn war, bureaucratic bastards like him are putting protocol over practicality.

Nyton had to think for a moment. Damn, what else should I use to drill him? It's been over a year since I was in basic and several months since the Academy. He then thought had an idea and picked back up his harsh demeanor. "Moving on. Facing movements. Starting from the position of attention." Nyton then stood at attention and bellowed out. "ATTEN-SHUN!"

Leutre straightened his stance and stood rigid at attention. His eyes flickered over to Nyton as he attempted to read the expression on his face. Is this guy serious? Facing movements? What next, walking drills? I'm starting to think he's just doing this out spite, not training.

"First I will show you a left face." Nyton said and he stood in front of Leutre so that he could see him clearly. "Permission to move your head is granted. Now watch my feet. This is how you perform a left face." Nyton then lifted the toes of his left foot. He paused for a second before shifting his feet. He balanced himself on the heel of his left foot and front of his right foot and it was on this that he pivoted his body to the left by ninety degrees. As soon as Nyton faced his left he brought his left toes down to the floor and joined his right heel with the left in one swift movement. Upon completion of the movement he faced Leutre again and stood at attention.

"That is a left face. Upon the preperatory command of 'left' you are to bring up your left toes. When the command 'face' is said you will then pivot to the left and complete the movement by bringing your feet together as I have shown you. I shall now demonstrate." Nyton then called out the command. "Left face!" Then with a count of "One! Two!" he performed each step slowly. He then returned to face Leutre. "Like that. Now as a command without a count." Nyton then said "Left!" and did the first step followed by "Face!" thereby completing the maneuver. "If any of this is sinking in you have permission to give me a head nod. If you need me to show you again then you have permission to say so. Otherwise we will move on."

Leutre nodded and pivoted on his heel, turning completely around and back again. He then quickly brought his feet together and stood at attention. See? Even a child can do it. I can't believe this is what they actually teach recruits. No wonder I skipped over basic.

"Next a right face. This is essentially the same thing as the left face but starting with the right foot and facing right at the end." Nyton then went and performed a right face. First counting off with two steps. Then he did it with just the commands. After he demonstrated he faced Leutre. "Now let's see you do this."

Leutre pivoted on his heel, propelling himself in the other direction. Once he had turned ninety degrees he stopped himself, brought his feet together, and straightened his stance. He glanced at Nyton and patiently awaited further orders.

Nyton watched and made sure the maneuver was done correctly. It was easy enough to teach these when it was one on one as compared to his class which had two dozen recruits to one instructor. "Alright now for an About Face." Nyton stood at attention and said "About Face." He then brought his right foot behind the left foot so that the toes touched the heel. With the heel still off the floor he then swiveled around so that he was completely turned around and faced away from Leutre. As he swiveled around the heels of his feet met together so that he ended up at attention. "Now the same timing goes for this maneuver as it does for the rest. One, two. About. Face." Nyton then displayed this while counting off. "Now show me if you can do this or ask me if you need to see it again."

No, sir, please show me again. I'm so incompetent that I can't turn around without proper Star Army training. Leutre once again mimicked Nyton's movements, placing one foot behind the other and swiveling on his heel until his back was turned. He did this once more until he was facing Nyton once more.

Satisfied that he had learned the procedure Nyton nodded. "Alright let's put this all together." He then went to the position of attention. "ATTEN-SHUN! LEFT... FACE! RIGHT... FACE! RIGHT... FACE! ABOUT... FACE! ABOUT... FACE! LEFT... FACE!" Nyton bellowed out the commands with pauses between them to give Leutre time to respond so that he could observe.

Leutre scrambled to move as Nyton began shouting orders. After a moment he quickly felt into beat with each order and began move.
Well, at least he's yelling orders to me instead of yelling at me. He mentally sighed as he continued the exercise.

After Leutre completed the movements Nyton stopped and paused.
Alright that's some of the basics. I'll need to think of some other methods to expand the training. Maybe we could use the VR room for that. Before Nyton could go on however the Miharu cut across with an announcement.

"Claymere Juni, Mizuho is currently asking your whereabouts. Are you available?" Miharu asked.

Yes! Leutre thought as the Miharu interrupted them. Finally, the torture ends. Thank you, oh great Goddess. He felt the urge to do a little celebratory dance, but restrained himself in case Nyton should notice.

Hm, how much time has gone by already? At this rate I'll never get my research done. Nyton thought. He then sighed and looked away from Leutre. "Let her know that I am available and to meet me in the wardroom if she wishes to speak." He then looked back to Leutre. "Lesson is over for now. However I have a few assignments for you. Miharu please provide Leutre a book on Star Army rules and regulations. Leutre, I want you to write me an essay of no less than five hundred words on customs and courtesy. Next I want you to research and write me a five hundred word essay on Mishhu combat capabilities and countermeasures. You need to know how to fight some of our enemies and unfortunately your skipping out on basic left a gaping hole on your combat ability."

Nyton then looked around the subdeck. "The Mishhu could board this ship and unless you know what you are facing they'll run your entrails all over the ship. After that I want you to write me a one thousand word essay on how this ship runs, what your job is, how you would perform your job on this ship and how important that job is. The first essay I want tomorrow. The second one in two days, and the third in three days. Got it?"

"Okay, firstly, Did you say combat? I do sabotage, I do salvage, I do booby traps, heck, I even know a little first aid. But I'm not a warrior." Leutre began worriedly pacing the deck. "I mean, the closest thing I've ever done was work the targeting systems on Da's ship. You can't really send me up against those Mishhu or they'll turn me into a stain on the ship's hull! Plus, do you really think it's a good idea to arm the guy who threatened to kill you?"

"I'm not expecting you to become a front line combatant but everyone of us is in danger of becoming participants in battle. These are just the basics of combat so that you know the proper end of a rifle to aim at the enemy. There are no rear echelons on a warship. Not when your opponent can phase into a ship and kill you while your back is turned. As a member of this crew you will need to know how to fight if you find yourself in the thick of it. Like it or not, this is war. Things are out there trying to kill you. You need to kill them before they kill you." Nyton said grimly. "And you will drop and give me forty pushups for dropping out from the position of attention without being dismissed and for talking out of turn."

Leutre felt himself close to his breaking point once more. The only thing that stopped him was his fear of sealing his fate, but even that knowledge could only do so much. "You-- I-- Fuck!" Leutre yelled loudly and he clutched his head in frustration. He quickly dropped to the deck and began doing pushups before he was overwhelmed by the urge to lunge for Nyton's neck.

As Leutre did the pushups Nyton watched him. "Remember, Customs and Courtesies essay tomorrow. Five hundred words. Combat capabilities of Mishhu and countermeasures. Two days from now. Also five hundred words. Starship operations, your job, your importance. One thousand words, three days from now. Permission granted to reply if you understood."

"Go throw yourself out an airlock." Leutre snapped in between pushups. "Or throw me out one. Which ever one will get a break from your consistent nagging." He was quickly growing tired with Nyton's orders. I hope no one will notice a stray shot or three during the heat of battle, should things come to that. It would make a perfect opportunity to rid myself of this swine.

Nyton's foot swept out to knock Leutre's hand out from where it was while he was doing pushups in order to knock him onto his face in mid-pushup. He would then put his foot on the back of Leutre's neck and hold it in place on the floor. "That didn't sound like what I wanted to hear. Did you understand the assignment I gave you?! Say yes or no! Add fifty pushups to wherever you left off!" Nyton said harshly.

"Hell's Bells!" Leutre swore as he felt the foot on the back of his neck. He felt something wet on the deck and hoped that his nose wasn't broken. "Hey, hey, hey, that hurts! Fine, I understand the assignment. For the Lady's sake, move already!"

Nyton retracted his leg and allowed Leutre to recover. "Be sure to read the part in the regulations regarding discipline and punishment just in case you get any ideas on what my limits are. Now finish those pushups so we can call it a day. I'd smoke you longer but I shouldn't keep Mizuho waiting long." he said.

Leutre slowly finished the last few pushups and stood up. He tenderly touched his nose and felt for damage. Content that it was intact, he began rubbing the back of his sore neck. That's it. Buy my time. Put up with his arrogance now so you can murder him later. It took all his willpower to stop himself from shouting profanities and lunging and Nyton. Wait until the next Mishhu attack. Then we'll see how pompous you are when you're sucking vacuum.

Nyton saw him finish up and decided he would find out tomorrow if Leutre remembered to complete the essay. "Alright that's enough for today. I'll be asking you questions about the content in your essay so don't go having someone else write it for you." he said half joking. "ATTEN-SHUN! Dismissed."

Leutre sat down on the deck and took a moment to listen to the machinery of the sub deck. His breathing slowed, and he felt his anger dissipating. I'm going to need plenty of meditation from now on if I want to have even a shred of self-control. Especially around Nyton. At the thought of Nyton he felt his anger surge slightly, but it soon settled as he concentrated on the loud hum of the ship systems.

Nyton walked away from the subdeck. As he did so he breathed a sigh of relief. Geez, how do those drill sergeants do that for as long as they do? And with over a dozen people worse then him even. he thought to himself. I'm going to need to make a lesson plan and organize things. Looks like I'm not getting a lot of sleep tonight. While he walked towards the lounge he then spoke to Miharu. "Miharu, could you please compile a complete listing of Star Army rules, regulations, history, customs, and courtesies. I'm going to need to do some research myself into this. Also please find me a few basic training lesson plans so I can do more then just work with what I remember."

END

"Claymere-Juni will meet you in the wardroom. Should I tell him you can meet him there?" the Miharu replied to Mizuho's inquiry.

"I will put the desired files along with your other research material, Juni." Miharu assured Nyton.

Shimatta. Shimatta. Shi-mat-TAAAA!

Yukari had not made it far past the kitchen. Pacing on the observation deck, she didn't pay a single thought to the view. All she could think about was heat -- the heat in her brain from the emotions and thoughts she had, the heat in her lips from Tom's kiss, the heat on her breasts where he touched her so roughly. The heat from her nose, which had almost absorbed most of her second fall, was not even an afterthought.

All of the things she had said to Tom about being appropriate, about respecting the system -- air, every last word of it. In an instant he'd destroyed all that. Several instances, she surmised worriedly. She had not failed once but several times, in succession, with increasing degrees of failure. She was an officer! She could not cavort around with someone who, Yamatai citizenship or not, was enlisted! It was not done.

But it was done. Mmm ... it was done very easily, and very well. When he had picked her up in such a rough fashion, she felt a little vulnerable, yes. But the emotion behind it ... it was all-consuming. She could not hold another thought in her head. She was almost glad Mara had interrupted them and made her fall chest first; it managed to extinguish some of the emotions.

What was she thinking? She was sure she knew what Tom was thinking; he was too honest. But Yukari could not place her own feelings. Did she return his love? Or was she so taken, so enthralled by his brief but intense courtship, that she was simply flattered and there for attention? She had gone in thinking perhaps she could apologize for earlier in the tub. She left as a ... girlfriend. The word sent a shudder down her spine, a very nice shudder.

He loves me. A communication officer she had worked with had mentioned a Nepleslian word for her condition -- starstruck. She had used it when talking about a famous Nepleslian singer Yukari liked at the time, but the word seemed proper. She felt the blush in her cheeks and the shy, embarrassed smile on her lips. She was being silly, and she did not care. He loves me.

She had to tell someone. She had to. There was not much time left before dinner. She had to talk to Kotori.

Yukari turned from the observation deck -- and nearly tripped over herself with surprise as she saw Mara watching from the wardroom, with Sigurd idly watching as well.

"You're funny," Mara said with a smile.

Yukari resolutely ignored her as she flew (walking was too difficult) to Kotori's quarters, waving to Tomi as she passed. She then signaled Miharu to ask Kotori if she would see her.

"$%& that's HOT!â€

ON: YSS Miharu

Shortly after Yukari's question, Kotori's door slid open, with the Taii peeking out at Yukari. "Of course I can." She said. The golden-eyed nekovalkyrja's hand were busy setting one of her mandarin dresses on a hanger. "Come on in."

"Fast," Yukari said quietly, but she stepped in all the same. Her eyes briefly floated around the scenery before locking on Kotori again. "Taii-san, may I speak freely?"

"Go ahead, Chui-san." Kotori smiled as she poked fun at Yukari's formality now that it was just the two of them. "What is on your mind?" She asked, one hand smoothing out wrinkles on the dress.

Yukari looked behind her, making sure the door had slid shut. Upon confirming this, she blurted, "Tom Freeman kissed me again."

The other arched an eyebrow. "Again?" Kotori had suspected both liked each other since Yukari had mentioned they'd go on a date and that Tom pretty much confirmed her suspicions when he and she had talked in the baths back on Scorpio Base... but Yukari had not talked to her in earnest since when she had brought up the desire to change back to a NH-29H body.

"Again," Yukari said, words dumping out of her mouth at once like a pepper shaker without its top. "In the kitchen this time. On the counter. He touched my chest too. So sorry, Koto-san, but it felt incredible." Yukari's legs seemed to wobble a little bit as she thought about it during her retelling. "He is dangerous, Koto-san; I see him and my mind becomes soft like anpan, soft and sweet and not good for anyone!"

Kotori frowned a bit before heading in her walk-in closet. There was the distinctive sound of metal-coming-in-contact-with-metal as she hooked the hanger. "Why tell me you are sorry?"

The question sunk into the softness of Yukari's brain and didn't go anywhere for a moment. "I -- do not know. I had to tell someone, and I trust you completely, and I felt I was betraying my duty by interacting this way with an enlisted, as it is inappropriate." Her eyes seemed to glaze over a little. "But ... it felt so good, Koto-san." She breathed the words out. "And he has such emotions for me, and I for him, I believe -- " She stopped short, realizing what she had said.

"Taisa Sydney didn't seem to have such worries. Neither did Taisa Hanako. I don't see why you have to bother your pretty head about that as long as you act responsibly when the time requires it. The same goes for him." Kotori emerged from the closet and walked to her bag, which rested on a corner of her bed, to pick up some of her lingerie. She gave Yukari a sidelong glance. "So you're very fond of him?"

"Yes," Yukari said before she could hesitate. "Ah-I meant to say, that ... yes. I am." The scene seemed a little strange to her -- Kotori was practially endorsing Tom's handling of her, as long as he waited for the proper moments. And it was true that Taisa Hanako had no issues with seemingly anything involving touching. She did not pursue the mention of Sydney-Taisa; it was still a sore spot for Kotori, whether she brought it up on her own or not.

"Good. Then go for it." Kotori nodded to Yukari and sat on the edge of the bed, her hands industriously beginning to fold her undergarments. "It's what we are in the market for, remember? Men of integrity?"

The thought fried Yukari's brain into existence again. "Integrity," she said slowly. "You believe he has that?"

"I think he has more than most." Kotori replied.

" ... Sou." A big, stupid kind of smile rose on Yukari's face. She smiled with teeth for once, then jumped up and down. "I see! He does, does he not? I have found one! I found one! YATTA!"

Kotori chuckled, but her eyes strayed to the undergarments she was folding. "You found one before me. Maybe you aren't as plain as you think."

"Aw -- " Yukari immediately realized she was gloating, and stopped. "Koto-san, that is no way to talk. You will find someone, I know." She sat down on Kotori's bed opposite the undergarments. She raised an eyebrow. "Especially with such pretty clothes."

"Don't worry about me." Kotori made a small dismissive gesture though she inwardly admitted that while she was rooting for Yukari, having Yukari's time and attentions monopolized by Tom meant she'd end up being without company most of the time and Yukari was the only person she felt she could really open up to. The thought made her feel hollow. "Instead, I'd like you to reflect on the nature of the relationship. Isn't two days a bit quick to get as serious as you are now?"

Yukari blinked. It felt like months somehow. "You mean to say, he does not love me, but wants me for intercourse, neh?"

"I mean to say the there is a difference between lust and love." Kotori wetted her lower lip as she considered what to say next and then continued. "The relationship you and I have is based on having someone that the other can confide to that would understand the joys and pains the other shares. It's based on knowing that you can depend on the other, that you are willing to support the other as much as you can. However, when we get to the bed... it's mostly lust motivated: we slake our needs so that we can feel less lonesome and generally better about ourselves afterwards. It's true that we do pay a kindness to each other by doing so, but it is still mostly lust."

"So, what goes on between you and I is intimate friendship, but we aren't exactly lovers."

Yukari thought about what Kotori said. It seemed cold, but she was right, mostly. The idea of lusting over Kotori did not quite make sense, she had always considered it intimate, whether it was sexual or not. With Tom-- what was it with Tom? "With Freeman-Heisho, it is some of that as well, Koto-san. I just cannot base it in time and trust ... just feelings. We understand each other, we feel what the other is feeling. We care about the other. It is not so different, I think, yet it is not the same at all." She looked confused. "I cannot explain it."

"If you want love, you'll need to build a better foundation for it than simply feeling good in his arms, when he touches you, or when you talk to him." Kotori asserted. Her voice had a slightly sad undertone to it - it was a lesson she had paid a high price to learn. "Love is more than sharing one's bed. It is going out of your way to be with that person and make his or her life interesting. You have to live with him, but it's not only that."

"Love can only grow out of a respect for your own life. When you love yourself, then you can love someone whom can make your existence seem all that much more worth living. But as long as you carry around a baggage of self-loathing, you cannot realistically achieve that."

Yukari had never heard anything like that come from Kotori before ... but somehow, she did not feel like she was being talked to. She nodded all the same. "I understand, Koto-san ... thank you." She spoke quietly, trying to look into Kotori's golden eyes.

Kotori tried to smile."You have a right to be happy, Yukari, despite your mistakes, despite your imperfections. It's just the same for Tom. It's probably also why you both don't enjoy being soldiers all that much: you both have something to lose which gives you more than a healthy reason to fear for what you might miss." Kotori reached out and had her index tap lightly on the tip of Yukari's nose. "That's why I'm encouraging you, but also cautioning you about knowing what you really want and how to aim for it."

Yukari's smile brightened again. "I did not believe I would receive advice on how to aim from you, Kotori." She smirked, just a little, before leaning in and pulling Kotori into a hug. "Thank you, so much, Kotori ... "

Kotori squeezed in return. "Make sure to... well..." She felt awkward. "...make sure you don't end up having regrets, Yukari. Regrets are bad memories to have."

"The only regret I will have, Koto-san, is that if I hurt him. Or you." Yukari looked into Kotori's eyes now, finally. "Neh? You are still my best friend, Kotori."

"Only for a little more than a week!" Kotori giggled, making fun in general to how quickly nekovalkyrjas latched emotionally to something. Of course, a week had more than the trivial value Kotori was making it seem; even a week meant something to a young nekovalkyrja.

Yukari smiled. "You forget, I have no other friends but you! I cannot discard you simply for a man."

"Oh, so, I'm your best friend because I'm your only one? How flattering!" Kotori said, her grin softening the sarcasm in her words.

"I could also say it is because you are good in bed!" Yukari grinned too, taking up the challenge.

"Maybe, though I think you'll quickly find I pale in comparison to a real mate." The other countered.

"You do not credit yourself enough," Yukari said, almost a purr in her voice. "Besides, women please one another in ways a man cannot. Neh?"

"I guess." Kotori replied.

"Cheh," Yukari said, still grinning. "Do not worry so. You will find someone, man or woman. I know you."

Kotori pulled back to sit properly on the edge of the bed. "I suppose I might eventually." She didn't really want to dwell on it, so, it was time for a subject change. "You left the briefing quickly." She noted.

"Ah -- yes," Yukari thought, eyes looking down. Kotori had put up her wall again. She understood. "I had to take time to think."

"I want the senior staff to meet up after supper so we can discuss things over, but I've already had a talk with Nyton to cover things which bothered him. We can talk too, you know?"

Yukari nodded. "I only worry ... our tactics." She shook her head. "No, our strategy. We are a ship without a unit, without a squadron ... we are alone, by design. It frightens me some."

Kotori blinked at her friend's words. "It's strange... I see it more as me not having anyone in the way of things that need doing. It makes it so that I can do things my way instead of depending on someone else to make the big decisions. Does that make sense?"

"Mm, it does ... and I am glad you will be able to do things your way." Yukari looked down at the undergarments for a moment. "It feels as if we are ... assassins. We were created simply to kill beneath the view of everyone but Ketsurui-sama."

"Does it seem that bad?" Kotori asked, tilting her head.

"It does not seem ... honest." Yukari had to struggle for the words. "We are SAINT operatives, in a way, and I have never been comfortable with SAINT. Forgive me, these are my feelings."

"Is there a better way to oppose the Black Spiral?" Kotori inquired. Yukari had training as an intelligence officer. Either she would come up with a better idea or she would reflect on the merits of the approach they took (with perhaps suggestions which might improve on it).

Yukari had to think for a moment. "If our available time is great, and no other vessels can assist us ... no. I suppose not. But to succeed, we must eliminate vessels one by one, in single engagements, and hope that Black Spiral cannot rebuild fast enough." She shrugged. "We seem to be shooting for a specific target -- otherwise, the odds of our success are dismal."

"I agree for the most part." Kotori nodded. "But the Miharu's main task is to investigate the Black Spiral and try to significantly hinder their operations. If we see an opportunity to hurt them badly and risk an open engagement with them, I can go and request the Taisho for more ships." The Taii grinned. "I'm ambitious, not suicidal."

"Investigation I understand," Yukari said, settling into the role of intelligence officer. "But experience and evidence suggests Black Spiral is a very insular organization ... difficult to penetrate, predict or track. To hinder their operations appropriately, we must have a target in mind, at some level. We are not aiming otherwise."

Kotori sighed and filched more clothes from her bag to fold. "That really depends on what details we can find out in our investigation. I'd like to make a more coherent plan, but the truth is I don't have the answers just yet... so, all I can do is to try and have a more open-ended approach on this."

Yukari nodded. "Ketsurui-sama did not specify much else ... " She shook her head. Without a plan, we risk losing sight of the goal.

"That's why we're being given some latitude with this." Kotori smiled indulgently. Yukari was such a worrywart - but she was her worrywart and that was why Kotori had her as her second-in-command too. Someone had to balance out her initiative with caution.

PAUSE

Mizuho nodded gently. "Please do, Miharu. Incidentally, if you could also offer me directions to reach there, I would be greatly appreciative."

That aside, she set off into the hallways, eyes cast down, the darkness of her soul cast over her mind yet again. "...still fucking dancing." A wan smile. "Dancing to the fucking singing of a broken violen inside my heart." For had she ceased dancing, there would be no thought. Only the sweet kiss of oblivion.

...she forced her thoughts back to discussion of Black Spiral while dealing with Nyton.

"Thank you again Miharu. Hopefully I will get a chance to review all the hard work you've accomplished." Nyton said as he hurried on to the wardroom to meet with Mizuho. Silently he wished he could have had a chance to go over the research before he discussed anything further with anyone.

Yukari worked her brain for a moment as Kotori continued with her settling in. So many pieces did not add up ... not for her, at least. The twisted, cloak-and-dagger history Kotori had explained went against much of the recorded history she knew. But, that was no excuse to simply not consider it.

We do not know who truly leads Black Spiral. We do not know their true size, their true penetration into Yamatai, or their ultimate end-goal. The political designs they have could be superfluous, after all. But we know they have our weapons, and they have our tactics. That is something.

"Ketsurui-Taisa ... brought something back from the Karasu, did she not?" Yukari asked.

"She managed to access the Karasu's MEGAMI and upload data that included the location of region of space the Dark Ones occupy. She didn't manage to get much hard data on the Black Spiral itself, but Taisa Hanako did manage to get the list of transponder codes they use for identifying their vessels." Kotori answered. "By far, the IFF codes are one of our best assets in that situation because we'll be able to detect some Black Spiral vessels in our vicinity despite being stealthed. We might be able to also use those codes to mask our own identity as another Black Spiral vessel ourselves."

"HURRAY!"

Chigusa screamed rather loudly, probably disturbing other residents of the Akina no Iori, but she just couldn't contain herself. She made a mad dash from her cabin for the docking pylon where the YSS Miharu was docked, and grinned widely the whole time. After reaching the Pylon, she stood awed in the presence of the utterly awesome technology. "Oh my goodness! It's marvelous! Is that Zesuaium?"

Chigusa remembered the communication from the Miharu-MEGAMI, and looked around for the "cute sandy-haired sprite" that it had mentioned.

What was it's name... Maha? Mana? Ma.. Mara, that's it!

She waited for 'Mara' to take her inside.

After a few moments of idling in front of the airlock, there was a pressurized hiss and the hatch parted, showing the promised sandy-haired neko. The sprite wore the Star Army uniform with an orange panel that computer-created sprites generally wore on their assigned ships.

"Zesuaium framework, double layered 150-centimeters-thick yamataium hull armor with xiulurium-coated zesuaium plates on the surface." Mara whispered softly to Chigusa as she handed her the new Nitô Hei pin.