The Laughing Nonapus
Named for a Kuvexian culinary delicacy served on the premises, the Lauging Nonapus was, on the surface, an unassuming dome like most of the others in the colony. A pair of doormen in gold armor and a bored-looking valet for those few who require parking, Kuvexians all three, occupied the front.
Del and Kinie would have made it a little before the group on foot.
The doormen simply nodded to the pair of NMX Nekos, fellow colony security.
"Yeah," said Ruru, "We aren't going in with you. Have fun. She's probably hanging out on the bottom floor. It's more or less her office. Gets more high class the deeper you go."
"And smaller," added Nara. "You kitties look us up when you're done!"
"Oh you're not coming in? Is she that scary?" Delmia asked the two Neko. "What's the dress code?"
"Clothes, I guess?" Ruru shrugged. "It's just not our kind of place. We do our own thing."
"Yeah..." added Nara.
When the other group of Yamataians approached, the valet looked up, saw no one had vehicles in need of parking, and quickly lost interest, going back to his volumetric puzzle game as he leaned languidly against the valet kiosk beneath the hanging heater.
"Captain." One of the guards nodded first at Lenna. "Zeck!"
"Zeck!" the other exclaimed as well. It seems the doormen were quite happy to see her. "Are these the Yamataians?" He leaned forward, "I thought the one guy had a L'Kor standing behind him at first."
They would allow the group to pass without incident, but the NMX mercenaries that escorted Del and Kinie had other plans. "Hey, there!" Nara called out. "Hey Zeck! Looks like you found the rest of them. Hey, Yamalams! They went inside!"
Ruru just grinned and shook her head. "What is it you Angel-dudes say? Abandon all hope, ye who enter here?"
"Yes i Zeck, and yes these are the Yams. No idea why named after potato it odd." Zeck said. "Is boss lady in and did she get pipe finally?" She asked and looked between the two.
The pair just looked at each other blankly for a moment, then shrugged in unison. "You're so funny, Zeck!" Nara laughed.
Mochi exchanged glances with his fellow crew members, wondering what 'kind of place' this might be if their escorts were so hesitant to enter. "Angels?" He chuckled, "My, I haven't heard that one in a long time." As the Kuvexians stood aside, he would gesture to the others to come in with him and nodded his thanks to the doormen as they went further inside.
Yayoi remained silent, her emotions controlled, as she was unsure whether they were being rude or not. She assumed they were sure that they knew they were Yamataians, though she was unsure what Zeck meant by getting pipe, and wondered if there was a drainage issue.
Delmira moved over to Mochi. "Well glad someone with diplomatic skills is here." She said and looked up at the taller man. "Kinie was given point on this one but I think you are best suited for this job, I may also have leverage in case Soon proves to be stubborn. Just hope I don't get into trouble with Yugumo corp."
"I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission," Kinie said with a serious expression.
"Yugumo?" Mochi asked with a raised eyebrow, "Why would you get into trouble with them?" However, after he recognised her compliment the Elysian smiled. "Skills may be a little generous but I appreciate the vote of confidence!"
"Yes well I may be a Yugumo corp spokesperson and can thus sell weapons and equipment" She turned to Kinie and put a hand facing flat palm out as she made the gesture for “sorry” to Kinie.
Yayoi glanced over "I've heard of them" She said in comment about Yugumo, and silently glanced around, keeping her hetero chromia eyes out for danger or trouble.
Mochi gave Delmira a dismissive wave of the hand, "Don't mix civilian things with SAOY business, trust me. That's a can of worms that isn't worth opening." With Kinie's comment, the Elysian gave her an odd look, "Well, let's keep as cool as we can, mhm?"
"You follow Zeck to see Soon yes? I bring you down, Zeck need to see boss lady too." Zeck said, looking for Lenna and Nikicon who seemed to have run off.
The science officer clapped his hands gently at Zeck's confirmation. "Sounds good!"
The first level of the Laughing Nonapus was the largest, and least exclusive. Rather than a dive bar, it was a very disappointingly mediocre bar and grill of the most obnoxiously generic sort. Most of the clientele were lower-caste Kuvexians and some Ehlen laborers, with the occasional Human or L'Kor. The level below was only barely noticeably better, and was significantly smaller. More of the same sort of place, one market segment higher. The sort of place the regulars of the first level would take their dates. The spiraling ramp continued downwards, with a sort of portal at the threshold of each layer. Third, more of the same, incrementally better.
The fourth is where things started to get interesting. The strange, lanky, blue folk who looked somewhat like a human cosplaying a Kuvexian began to make an appearance, and became more numerous on the floor below, as did the Elefirn. The Kuvexians on the fifth and sixth levels were starting to look quite wealthy indeed. For there to be three or four beyond this must truly be the elite of this colony's society.
It wasn't until the portal between the eighth and ninth levels that there was anyone checking to make sure anyone trying to go below belonged there. A particularly well-dressed, snooty, and skinny example of one of the not-quite-Kuvexian blue folk sat on a stool behind a podium, flicking through a volumetric display.
"I make introduction , yes? Maybe boss lady will be nicer." Zeck said before the group reached the foot of the stairs to the lower level Zeck made sure to tell the guards that the guests were with her when it was needed. Her nervous toothy grin was plastered on her face but she felt a surge of excitement like she was a mobster in those shows they like to show on TV.
Delmira Followed behind the group pulling rear security just in case anyone tried to do something. She didn't quite have her hand in her jacket but she was close to it. ready to pull her concealed weapon and use it if needed. Her eyes constantly moved, checking people out for weapons and posture and if they were acting strange. Well they were in a Kuvexian bar. Everyone was strange here as far as she knew.
Yayoi simply remained silent as she followed the group. She glanced at Sanda a few times to make sure she was doing ok as they went. She remembered that with a twitch of her wrists her hidden blades will come out ready to be used, the cloth was comfortable and soft though.
"Great idea, an introduction would be handy to get things started!" Mochi accepted the offer cheerily, being very conscious to not come off as overly cautious or reserved. That's why Del, Yayoi and Sanda were here. Thad too, although he was more like the kid you bring along to show something educational too. Or eye candy. Maybe the Baroness would take a liking to him, who knew? Between him and Kinie running up the front - if she wanted to - they should be able to get through this unscathed. Of course, it all came down to what the Baroness herself wanted to do. Yamataians could be useful hostages, but then again the nation was known for taking more.. direct.. approaches to diplomacy than others. 'Gunship diplomacy' of the Yui variety.
The well-coiffed, well-manicured, tailored-clothing-wearing receptionist just disinterestedly waved the group through.
THE BOTTOM FLOOR
"Soon!" Zeck said as she entered the room and handed her crowbar and tool box to a guard who looked confused. "I bring guests, they are Yamataians how you say star army. They come looking for information about world made of machines a uh machine world i think it called." The red skinned alien approached closer to the blue woman, her toothy grin on her face and heart beating a mile a minute.
At the large, round table in an alcove opposite the entrance that served as Baroness Soon Bardoon's office, sat, predictably, the Baroness herself. The eighth floor had been the last floor that was an ordinary restaurant and bar, a sort of fine-dining-establishment-meets-exclusive-nightclub vibe. This one, while it had all the trappings of an intimate supper club, was occupied primarily by Soon and her associates. There was no singer on stage, nor a bartender behind the bar.
After a moment spent dictating something to a well-dressed Kuvexian assistant, Soon Bardoon looked up. "Ah, Zeck. Always a pleasure. I see this is the crew of the... Resurgence? I haven't heard a thing from Yamatai since the IRC. And nothing at all about my terms for treaty. Yet, here you are, apparently needing help from me. I thank you for your assistance with the invasion, and am thusly indebted, but it wouldn't hurt you to call from time to time, no?"
The Baroness was still, for the most part, recognizable as Kuvexian. However, she'd undergone extensive genemodding and other augmentation to better endure the frigid environment of UX-3 III. Much of those genes came from humans. More body fat for insulation thickened her form and softened her face. Her human-like nose was somewhat large and aquiline, not unlike the stereotypical Patrician one, all the better to breathe in the cold atmosphere. Her skin was still blue, but a warmer shade, and the main tell she was even a Kuvexian at all were the double-ears.
Yayoi remained silent throughout the conversation, choosing to leave it to Mochi to talk. She'd remembered the IRC, sampling NDC food and treats, as well as those of other nations.
Delmira will move into the room taking up the rear and stand off to the side of the entrance. She scanned the room taking note of everything.
Zeck meanwhile stood off to the side to Soon. She wasn't sure where to stand or sit in all honesty.
Mochi realized once the Kuvexian mentioned the Resurgence that she must be the woman they were looking for. Respectfully, he executed a crisp Elysian salute in greeting, extending his wings back and placing a hand over his heart. "A pleasure to meet you, Baroness Soon. Apologies if our nation has not been in more regular contact - the business of foreign affairs is conducted by the Premier - which is sadly beyond our purview." He explained with an apologetic tone. "We've been very impressed inside your.." Mochi recalled back to his knowledge of the NDC's system of government that used similar titles, finishing, "Barony." The blonde scientist gave her a flashing smile, "It's certainly a very vibrant and prosperous place." Mochi rubbed his palms together slowly, thinking over his words, "We were hoping you'd be able to indulge us in some local knowledge, perchance, of this part of space?"
Nodding to one of her flunkies, who immediately left the room, then to another who immediately went to the bar and began preparing a complicated drink, Soon then pursed her lips and laced her fingers to support her chin. "It's coming along, I suppose," she mused, deflecting the compliment. "Quallox Vaibal started taking development more seriously after the invasion and increased my budget significantly."
The assistant returned to her with the drink and Soon took a sip. She paused a beat, then narrowed her eyes. With a nervous twitch and fearfully blank expression, the assistant took the drink back and scuttled back to the bar.
"What sort of knowledge about space? Zeck here said something about a machine planet? Is that supposed to be some kind of joke? I think Yamatai knows full well where the Essai are." She slapped the drink out of the assistant's hand without tasting it when she returned again, glare fixed on Iemochi's eyes, never breaking contact or even blinking.
"Not the Essai, Baroness." Mochi corrected, gesturing with open body language. "We're looking for other planets. Ones that are covered by machine hiveminds, or similar such hazards. Or dead worlds which once had some kind of 'grey goo' catastrophe. That kind of thing." The Elysian's beautiful wings spread out a little more, "We know of a lot from Yamatai's intelligence, but we know little about this area of space." The emerald-eyed man added, "I'm sure your assistance would help with furthering relations."
Yayoi glanced from Mochi to the Baroness and back again, though certain that she needn't worry about attacks, it was comforting to her to keep an eye on things
Leaning back in her padded chair and heavily resting on its arms, the Baroness finally seemed to breathe and blink once more. "I see. Well, indebted or not, that's not the sort of thing that comes without cost. In Kuvexia we have a saying, 'Friends never ask for freebies,' if you understand?"
She didn't wait long before looking around herself then turning to scream at the assistant, "WHERE IS MY DRINK?"
Mochi rubbed his chin for a moment, considering what they had to offer that she might want. Nothing much came to mind - Kuvexia was as advanced a civilisation as Yamatai. "Usually debts can be called in, at least in part. But I respect what you're saying, Baroness. Does anything come to mind that you would like in exchange?"
Zeck perked up a bit and lightly touched Soon's shoulder before leaning in. "Red haired neko said something about selling Yugumo corp stuff." She whispered into the blue woman's ear.
"Well, I certainly need to have my terms answered with expedition." Soon patted Zeck's hand on her own. "Yugumo? That's the one owned by the family that... that Baron Kordoon is always getting mixed up with? I suppose anyone who hates Gello Kordoon is someone I can work with. I can't imagine what I'd need."
"And as for cost, if you can't help me with the treaty terms or at least some response," Soon turned her attention back to Iemochi, "Currency isn't something I'd ever refuse."
Zeck will stand up and move back to where she was.
Delmira cranked her head around real fast to face Soon and Zeck. Shit this wasn't quite how she wanted this to play out so soon. She remained alert however and her hand drifted to her coat again.
The Elysian grimaced slightly at the mention of treaty terms. In truth, that was something between the Premier and these Kuvexians. The Star Army couldn't technically throw its weight into that field without there being some kind of backlash, even if it could help with a mission - the constitution was clear on that. He could bring up the fact he was a Senator, which gave him a more direct line to speak on behalf of the government, but he wasn't on good terms with Katsuko and that could go very badly. Not only that, even mentioning it inside the Resurgence was against regulations.
"Currency." He relented, crossing his arms and nodding. "Very well. That is something we can certainly spare. Of course, we want to make sure that we get our money's worth. How many of these kinds of planets do you know about, Baroness?" Internally, Mochi sent a quick telepathic message to Koyama,
'Heya, how much money are we allowed to spend to get the intel we need~?'
"How many do I, Baroness Soon Bardoon, personally know about? No, no, no. You're buying the data set and you can sort through it yourselves. You don't want to pay what I'd ask for doing that myself, and I wouldn't want to have to say no to that money even if you did." The Baroness finally got her drink, and, much to her assistant's relief, didn't throw it at her head.
«Ahh, we don't have anything authorized that I know of, I'd need to ask the Captain. He's in a meeting right now,» Koyama replied.
Mochi thought back to his training from the Accelerated Officer Programme. Nothing in relation to exchanging money for military advantage had come up. However, it seemed like something that must have come up at least once before this. Who was best to call? Was there a department of operational expenses? If there wasn't this kind of thing, it would be worth messaging his sister about it - she'd surely know.
"Very well. We have our own analysts. How much KS is your asking price for the data?" The Elysian made a snap decision. Aoba had made it clear that this was vital to their mission, and he was the only officer here to further that goal. What were a few KS to the Star Army?
"Asking price? That's hardly any fun!" Soon beckoned to one of her quieter, more studious-looking assistants, and whispered in her ear, getting one back in response.
"I'm going to say there's at least two planets in the set that fit the general description. Maybe more. We didn't exactly spend more than the last two minutes looking."
The civvie-clothed science officer grinned, "Bartering, then?" At the mention of at least two potential targets, he ran some potential figures through his mind. The cost of several items the Star Army would usually quantify costs in. A Plumeria. A Fuji. A Mindy. He'd have to see what Soon would start with.
"Team, Aoba here," the away team heard in their heads. "Tell her I'm offering ten million KS, double if it results in us successfully landing on a planet that meets the description."
Delmira nearly had a heart attack when she heard those numbers. Man the places she could visit and take Kinie to with that kind of money. She kept a straight face however chewing on the inside of her cheek slightly
Mochi glanced at the others and gently waved his hand towards the ground, indicating for them to mask the fact they just received a transmission. There was no need for the Star Army to spend more than it needed. No doubt they'd get a commendation if they came back with a few million spare rather than emptying the bank.
Back on the Resurgence
With certain parts of the crew coming back, Nalini started making some cookies for their return. Thankfully, the situation with Irim wasn't resulting in something terrible happening. Which was always a risk with the Taisho. She put out the variety of cookies for the crew to munch on when they returned.
Tachiko refilled her cup from the carafes that Mia had left behind. "Commander, both parties have reached the Laughing Nonapus, and have entered. Kawa and Lulie arrived first. It seems like their... new friends refused to enter the building."
Koyama nodded in acknowledgement, then shot a concerned glance back towards the Captain's office. "Let me know if this... Nonapus building interferes with communications. Belmont's report from the
Kōun's initial contact says it's nine stories underground."
Shuttle Bay
Given the circumstances, Chiasa had cleaned up as best she could.
The tiny Nekovalkyrja offered Thia a coy smile as she finished fixing her hair and adjusting her uniform—her second of the day after ruining her first one. Then, with a deep breath, she picked up her bags and glanced back to the Counselor, content to let her lead the way into the Resurgence. Of course, she had no idea that the CMO was likely being chewed out by the captain at that exact moment, which given the circumstances might make for an interesting arrival!
Thia reached into her pack to pull out a tiny vial of an amber liquid, which she opened and dabbed on her wrist before putting it away and setting her pack down. "Want some perfume, honey?" Thia asked as she rubbed her wrists together, then started rubbing her wrists behind her ears like a cat grooming itself. Seeing that Chiasa was already well on her way, Thia debated for a moment hanging back and playing it cool, before deciding against it, slinging her pack on her shoulder and double-timing to catch up.
"I don't smell
that bad, do I?" Chiasa replied, giggling as she did. "But, you know...just in case!" She added with a smile, before accepting the offered vial and spritzing some on her neck and wrists.
"You smell delicious," Thia replied, her voice almost a purr. "You might want to smell like something else, is all."
Chiasa blushed. "Thank you~" She purred back, before handing the vial back to the Counselor. Then, Chiasa followed Thia out of the shuttle and into the bay of the Resurgence.
"Where's the CMO?"
The military police officer who had quietly rode the shuttle with Chiasa and Thia didn't say anything, he just quietly went to go meet with the captain.
Thia gave the MP a sly side-eye before she replied to Chiasa. "In the med bay, I assume," Thia said with a grin. "I suppose you have the floor plans in mind, want to lead the way?"
"Kuso." Chiasa swore under her breath. "I thought we were alone in there?" She whispered.
"Well, live and learn," Thia said with a quiet chuckle. "Let's find Vec."
Thia's cybernetic eye flashed then dimmed to a steady glow as she recalled the deck plans she'd studied earlier, after a moment her eye went back to normal and she nodded in the direction of the ship's lift. "This way."
Chiasa followed the Counselor, her features flush with crimson as she did. "I'm going to put my bags up in my assigned room and...I guess, just report to the med bay." She said, "I'll see you in a bit!"
Hopefully not in the brig, the tiny Nekovalkyrja thought to herself.
"See you soon, honey," Thia offered Chiasa a wink as she made her way to the med bay.
Aoba's Office
Aoba's office was a stately place, uncluttered and immaculately clean, with a display of ancient samurai armor and swords in one corner and a library of leather bound books in another. He sat at an elaborate red laquered desk with inlaid gold featuring scenes of Yamataian fishing villages and intricately carved dragons curled into columns making up the desk's corners and feet.
"Chui Vec Wilson reporting as ordered, Sir," Vec said as he entered the office, face grim.
"Take a seat," Aoba said, offering Wilson a chair. Mia took her seat in the other one.
Vec approached with the air of a stray being offered food. Still dressed in his ratty old Synththrash shirt the CMO stood out like a sore thumb among the luxury.
"I'd like you to explain what it is you think you're doing," captain Aoba told Vec. "I'm not talking about Mia's suicide attempt or Poppy's failure to prevent it, I'm talking about what you are doing. What is your motivation here?"
"I'm a doctor, sir," Vec replied, searching the man's face for extra meaning. "I don't know what you mean."
"Okay, so here's what I'm saying. What do you see as the outcome of this? Is anyone going to benefit from what you're doing? Is Mia? Is my ship going to benefit? Are you? What I'm asking in terms of motivation is what are you trying to accomplish?" captain Aoba questioned. "Would you like my opinion?"
"I'm pretty sure my career's in the trash, sir," Vec said, sitting with a stiff back. "I rarely think of my actions in terms of my career. I do believe Mia deserved more of a say in her own life. Beyond that, I just believe our role as medical professionals isn't to make decisions for other people."
Mia frowned, and looked over to Vec. She looked into his eyes as if searching for some meaning. "You could have just talked to me, asked me what I thought," she said. "I'm sick of being disrespected by this crew just because I drink and have sex. Everyone on this ship drinks and has sex, well except you sir," she added, looking to Aoba for a moment. "Anyway, Poppy was the only one there for me. She's my friend. I refuse to testify against her."
Vec sighed. Being a surgeon was much simpler than this general practice stuff. He paused considering his words.
How much does she know? At this point, is it right for me to even tell her? "You don't deserve to be disrespected or disregarded, Mia," Vec said. "I apologize if I've added to that."
"Here's my opinion,'' Captain Aoba said. "Nothing good can come up dragging up this matter. It doesn't help you, it doesn't help me, it certainly doesn't help Poppy, and it doesn't help the crew. It doesn't help the fleet, and it doesn't help the Star Army or the Empire. Before taking action you should consider the cost and benefits, and what the results are going to be. Furthermore, I think you moved without all the facts. We've already done an investigation on this, which was closed, before you set foot on the ship, and Poppy was cleared at the time. Nor did you speak with Mia. Instead you went off like a bull in a China shop. You embarrassed me and the ship in front of the admiral. You embarrassed yourself."
Always moving forward, Vec thought. He felt a sort of kinship for the man. He hated it. "I weigh the benefits for my patients, sir. But you are right, I did act without considering," Vec said, straining to keep his face blank. Legality, morality, ethics. All so blurry. He wanted to snap,
Did Poppy ask her what Mia wanted? Is embarrassment all you care about?
Just then the door chime rang. "Police officer," a male voice said.
"Come," Aoba said
An older Nepleslian man dressed in a wrinkled dark blue paneled Type 35 jacket stepped in, looking down at his communicator and then looked up at everybody. "Right...I'm Taii Leonardo DiPozzuoli, from the First Fleet investigations division. Can I get everyone's names? It's for the recording."
"Chui Vec Wilson," Vec said mechanically. Maybe the Captain was right, what had he wanted? Some vague sense of righting wrongs. Not get shot in the back of the head at least. He was still alive for the moment.
"Chusa Aoba Kuranosuke," the captain said. "Commanding officer, YSS Resurgence."
"Mia Fuckin' Barber," Mia frowned. Aoba shot her a disapproving look.
"Right..." the detective said, reaching for a cigar and then stopping abruptly and going back to work. "So who's the victim and who's the accused?" he began.
"Complicated, sir," Vec said. "I have come to believe that this issue is for SAMA personnel to handle."
"So..." DiPozzuoli said, "There's...no crime? You hauled me out here for nothin'?"
"Again, that's complicated, sir. I would ask you to review the recordings and decide for yourself, I'm a medical expert not a criminal one," Vec's voice was flat. He wondered how this man responded to domestic disputes.
"Right..." the detective said. "Already done," he added. "Well, is the coffee on this ship any good?" he laughed. "Maybe some food? It's gonna be a long shuttle ride home."
Aoba's serious face turned into a rare grin. "Our cook has Italian heritage and bakes a great stromboli," he told the MP.
"Now you're speaking my language!" DiPozzuoli grinned, shaking Aoba's hand vigorously.
"Coffee's almost as good as mine, sir," Vec said, coffee talk being one of the few things that could break through his sour mood.
Mia looked at Vec. "I make coffee for a living," she boasted. "I'll get you some if we put this all behind us," she offered, not really expecting him to agree.
"It's about the beans, kid, gotta select good beans," Vec let himself get drawn into the conversation. Anything was better than the non stop ride this day had become.
"Good, because if I have to sit through any more of this I'll blow my brains out," Mia joked.
"I'll see myself to the galley," detective DiPozzuoli said, ducking out of Aoba's office/cabin. "Great group of people," he said to himself with a laugh.
Aoba's palm and face connected. "It's a serious topic and I'd like it treated with respect in the future," he said. "Do you understand? No jokes about it. That goes for everyone."
"Yes sir," Mia nodded. "Sometimes using humor is all I got..." she explained.
Vec simply gritted his teeth making a mental note to recommend her to that new counselor whenever she arrived.
When does she arrive? "I'd never think of it, sir," Vec said.
"Maybe smooth things over with Poppy," Aoba suggested to Vec. "You'll have to work together."
"I'll do what I can, sir," Vec said. He still didn't fully trust the woman, but the Captain was right. They were both still assigned to the ship, and she was popular with some members of the crew.
"Go ahead and get that coffee," Aoba told Mia, who left the office. "Vec, one more thing," he said, waiting until they were alone before continuing. "Why don't you do your own little investigation on Mia's readiness to serve?" he suggested. "I'm worried about her ability to perform to standard."
"Understood, sir, as soon as Counselor Keslie touches down, I'll brief her," Vec responded.
"Very good," Aoba nodded. "Let's work on better communication in the future. Perhaps less red phones, please. Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir," Vec said standing and snapping off a sharp salute in stark contrast with his ratty civvies. As he left, he turned again and said, "Again, I am sorry that this got out of hand."
"I can take embarrassment, it's Poppy who needs an apology," Aoba said.
"I still don't approve of her actions, this is still my assessment as a doctor. That said, I don't have any reason to keep her away from duty," Vec said.
"You're the Chief Medical Officer now, so you get to make the tough calls instead of her. If you want to make better ones than she does, you'll have every opportunity. Let's leave the past in the past."
Vec didn't see it as a competition, but he kept his counsel. Instead he was becoming increasingly worried about the similarities between himself and the Captain. He wondered if the man was also a lifer without any family on the outside.
"Dismissed means get out," Aoba said with a sly grin and a cute wave.
"See you in the mess, sir," Vec said, giving the man much less formal salute before leaving.
Mia passed Vec with coffee and offered him a cup without saying anything.
"Maybe later, Mia, I don't drink coffee if I think I'll have to do surgery," he said, hoping he didn't sound dismissive.
Zero G Tubes
Floating alone in Zero G, Vec let out a string of obscenities in a string of languages. He just wanted to sleep and put the day behind him, but he couldn't. Crew were out in the field and the medbay was unstaffed.
He opened a direct comm to Poppy, "Hey, Pink, you're off the bench. Feel free to hate me later, but we've got work to do."
Medical Bay
"Pink, what was the status of those patients?" Tachiko sent over the comm while everyone else was in the Captain's office.
Thia walked into the med bay with her pack still slung over her shoulder. Her cybernetic eye, distinct from her organic one because it was hazel instead of brown, glowed and whirred as she took in the scene. "Hello, is the CMO here?" Thia saw a corpse and someone who seemed to be a prisoner and frowned. "Are there any crew here?"
Chiasa arrived in the medical bay a few moments after Thia, a frown forming across her features as she took in the scene—a green-skinned prisoner in one of the containment cells and the body of massive ID-SOL in another.
"This is highly irregular." Chiasa observed. Regardless, the tiny Nekovalkyrja processed the message that had come over the comm and quickly formulated a response to the communications officer at the other end.
"Santô Hei Ohara Chiasa, reporting." Chiasa began. "Sorry my voice is unfamiliar, I just arrived on the Resurgence with Counselor Thia. We're new arrivals." She continued. "We don't have any patients at this time, but I'm assuming that the corpse of the ID-SOL and the prisoner are in the right place?"
When Chiasa joined her, Thia smiled. "Oh good, I'm a little out of my element here. Unless the person in the cell could use some counseling," Thia looked at the prisoner hopefully. When she heard Chiasa calling out, she waited to hear if there were any further instructions.
"Somebody qualified had better be standing their watch in my medical bay in the next two minutes." The voice over the comms this time was not Tachiko, but the Executive Officer herself.
"You're qualified, aren't you, honey?" Thia asked Chiasa. Deciding that it was likely she'd be here a while, she carried her bag over to what she assumed would be the least-obtrusive corner of the room and set it down on the ground.
"Ketsurui-Taii," Chiasa began, offering a nervous smile towards Thia as she did. A real Ketsurui? Had she been of weaker constitution, she might have fainted. "Sending my assignment orders to you now." She answered. "I'm a new arrival." She repeated. "I apologize for the confusion, but it's just me and Counselor Thia in the medical bay at the moment. I believe that Pink-Heisho and the CMO are indisposed."
Seeing that Chiasa was feeling nervous, Thia walked over and gently started straightening the little neko's hair, hoping it would help calm her as Thia looked around the med bay. She gave the prisoner a smile and a wave with her other hand.
This place is interesting already, she thought to herself.
"We could go find them, if that helps?" Thia spoke to the communicator. "This is Counselor Thia. It's wonderful to meet you all, though it's a shame it has to be quite under these circumstances. Chiasa here is a medical specialist. So maybe she could stay here and I could go find one of the others?"
Chiasa didn't feel comfortable talking while she was still on the line with the Executive Officer, so she instead transmitted a digital message to Thia's communicator:
Sounds like a plan.
Thia felt her communicator buzz, but she tapped it to pipe it through to her cybernetics, so her words appeared overlaid in front of her vision. Not as elegant as Neko tech, she was sure, but convenient nonetheless.
"Indisposed? Pink, where are you? Report to the medical bay, stat." Koyama once again paged.
Not a bad plan, Thia replied digitally to Chiasa. Her digital interface was primitive Nep tech, so she had to click her jaw in a specific sequence to form the message.
But paging her probably works better. I suppose we don't want to leave the bay unattended, after all.
I'll keep watch in the medical bay, Chiasa flashed back to Thia as the Executive Officer's voice came over the comm.
I'll let you know if someone turns up.
Works for me, Thia sent back. She paused her hand mid-pet on top of Chiasa's head as her cybernetic eye flashed again, recalling the Resurgence's deck plan and a very outdated bunking assignment. Poppy Pink in Cabin 1 with...ginger bug, green bean, and cutie pie. Thia smiled and set off for her new favorite cabin on the whole ship.
See you again soon, honey, she sent to Chiasa as she left.
Outside Cabin 1
The deck plan Thia had found hadn't enumerated the cabins, but there were only a couple of decks with enlisted cabins so it didn't take her long to find the one marked Cabin 1. Leaning against the doorway, she knocked gently on the door. "Poppy Pink? Are you in there? I'm Counselor Thia. Are you alright, dear? I believe you're expected in the med bay, if the voice over the intercom is to be believed."
Poppy emerged from her cabin zipping her uniform up. "I'm on my way," she said to basically everyone via wireless and verbally, putting her cotton candy hair back up in her typical ponytail. "I thought I was relieved of duty," she explained, making her way towards the medical lab.
Thia smiled when she saw a teal panel and a proper medical badge. "I was starting to worry about you Pinky, you seem to be the most popular girl on the ship right now. Everyone was wondering where you were," Thia walked with Poppy back towards Medical. "It sounds like you were just unrelieved. I hope that comes as a relief after being relieved." Thia smirked at the confusing wording.
"As long as someone is in there doing their job I don't care who relieved who of what or when. It looks like Wilson is finished with the Captain as well." Koyama abruptly cut the comms much as the Taishō had, her patience for the events of the mission so far clearly at its limits.
Medical Bay (later)
It hadn't been the longest day in his career, but Vec would have prefered protracted gun battles or hiking through enemy territory over Star Army politics. Trudging into the Medlab, he fished out a spare uniform he'd stashed for long shifts and a pack of sanitary wipes.
Poppy stepped in and looked at Vec inquisitively with that pretty face of hers with its high cheekbones and tall, straight nose, and vivid green eyes.
As soon as the CMO entered the medical bay, Chiasa turned back from what she was doing and snapped to attention, her gaze focused straight ahead.
""Santô Hei Ohara Chi-"
"Adease," Vec said before the tiny Neko could finish. "Ah so you're the new pharm tech...trainee," Vec said, forcing a smile, "Sorry for less than organized welcome, we'll do better in the future."
"Medical Specialist right now, Chui." Chiasa clarified as she set herself back at ease. "Medical and Pharmacy Specialist in a few months, hopefully." She added.
Thia walked in shortly after Poppy and spotted an extra person this time, whom she assumed was Vec. She gave him a smile and wave as she listened to them talk. As she waited, she put the backs of her hands on her hips, and adopted a pose that communicated a relaxed interest in her surroundings.
Addressing the other newcomer, "And I'm guessing you're Counselor Keslie, your presence is more than needed here."
"You're guessing correctly, sir," Thia gave him a wicked smile. "I guess you're Vec. Call me Thia."
"Right in one," Vec said, still clutching the wipes and spare uniform. Maybe he'd have to wait to change out of old band shirt.
Thia looked down at the wipes and the spare uniform that Vec was holding. "Are those for me? I can take a shower if you need me to."
Chiasa covered her mouth, but couldn't suppress the soft giggle that slipped out from her lips.
Vec side eyed his coffeepot but decided against it. Mochi, Hoshi, and the others were still out there. No coffee then. "Ok pardon my appearance, but since we're all here, let's go over a quick briefing. Thia, as I said in our SYNCs, we'll put together a list of soldiers who are priorities for counseling. Pink here has worked with some of the crew already. You two need to work together to develop a more official treatment routine. Additionally, I'm adding everybody in this room to the priority list."
"Does Pinky have any training in counseling?" Thia smiled at Poppy, expectantly.
"Nothing special, but she's built a rapport, so I want you to use her as a resource, some of the crew can be a bit... standoffish," Vec explained.
"We get some basic mental health first aid classes but that's about it," Poppy told Thia. "Medic training is primarily focused on lifesaving, stabilizing patients, and hemosynth reconstruction."
"Then I'm happy to take you on as an assistant," Thia said warmly. "But I think I'll use my own discretion when it comes to treatment plans, sir. I don't have any medical training beyond the basics, and as such I'll leave the prescriptions to your discretion."
"Crew well being is a team effort, I don't intend to dictate how you do your job, but we do need to keep on the same page," Vec said fighting a yawn.
"Of course, sir," Thia nodded to Vec, then frowned at his yawn. "You seem like you need some sleep."
"Probaby, but I've got at least another eight hours in me," he said, choosing to return the uniform to its stash and settling for giving his hands and face a good pre surgery scrub down.
Thia nodded again. She wanted to say more, but she didn't think it would help so she kept it to herself until she had a chance to speak with Vec privately. Seeing him start to scrub down, she glanced at her bag still sitting in the corner. "If I'm not presently needed, I'll get settled in my office."
"Get some sleep, Counselor. We've got an away team out. Once they're back I want to start funneling them your way, I want post mission counseling sessions on the reg," the CMO said.
"We're on the same page there," Thia smiled at him before going to retrieve her bag.
Chiasa took the hint, but she wasn't quite sure where the CMO wanted her. "Do you need any assistance, sir or do you want me to get settled in, as well?"
"Ground your gear and report back," Vec said, "Sorry to hold you, but today might be a bit long. When you're back I'll show you around. If you can find a corner in here to nap, you're welcome to it. I plan to do just that."
Honey, Thia sent to Chiasa digitally as she left the room.
Be a dear and tell me if Vec shows any signs of fatigue or stress. At least any of which you think I should be aware.
"Thank you, Chui." Chiasa replied with a shallow, informal bow, before setting off towards her quarters.
As Chiasa left, she flashed Thia a quick message:
I've left the medical bay to get settled in, but I'll keep you informed!
Vec almost told her not to use his rank, but there was a reason Big Army was a stickler for these things. He was starting to understand.
As soon as he had a brief respite from filling in his new crew, he grabbed his uniforma and wipes, and stepped behind a privacy screen to change.
= = =
OOC: JP by
@Wes ,
@ajax228 ,
@Charaa,
@Cowboy,
@Soresu,
@Soban , Spaceeye,
@ShadowWalker ,
@Ethereal ,
@Yuuki ,
@Zanven Brax ,
@Locked_0ut,
@Damaske,
@hyralt ,
@Immortal Cyan
The Counselor is IN 
The Counselor is IN THE MED BAY 
