- RP Date
- YE 45,9
- RP Location
- Pisces Station
Pisces Station (Xylar System)
YE 45.9
The holiday party at Pisces Station, hailed as the pinnacle of festivity in the sector, was a spectacle of unprecedented grandeur. Once a stalwart Star Army base akin to the renowned Scorpio, Pisces Station had transformed over the years since its christening as an international diplomacy beacon in YE 43. Its metamorphosis was a testament to the evolving spirit of the Kikyo Sector, embracing additions that catered to the diverse factions that knit the cosmic tapestry of the region. The station boasted a vast agricultural expanse cradled on its underside, a verdant miracle in the void of space.
Yet, the crowning jewel was the recent addition - a colossal domed module, perched atop the station like a diadem or snow globe. Inside this transparent marvel, an evergreen forest thrived, an echo of the eternal woods of Ralt on Yamatai. Amidst these woods, a Yule-themed village nestled, its quaint charm reminiscent of a fairytale. Each cottage, with its gingerbread architecture, was festooned with a kaleidoscope of holiday lights, casting a warm, inviting glow. The main street, a meandering path of cobblestone and whimsy, was lined with shops that seemed to have sprung from a dreamer's fancy. They offered the comforting embrace of hot cocoa, the sweet allure of cookies and fudge, and the festive spirit of eggnog, each flavor a symphony to the senses.
As the celebrations commenced, a confluence of visitors from across the sector began to arrive. They were ambassadors of their worlds, each carrying the essence of their cultures, their hopes, and their stories. The air was electric with anticipation, a mosaic of languages and laughter weaving a tapestry of unified festivity. The very atmosphere of Pisces Station seemed to pulsate with a palpable sense of wonder, an enchantment that transcended the boundaries of space and time.
In the heart of this cosmic revelry, relationships were forged under the starlit dome, alliances were kindled over shared cups of cocoa, and old rivalries were buried beneath the blanket of snow that adorned the faux village.
Some of the crew of the YSS Resurgence, on shore leave, arrived after a short trip on a PAINT shuttle, and emerged from a elevator hidden in a historic-looking train depot at one end of Yule Village. Poppy Pink, dressed in a fur-lined coat over a dress, couldn't help but gasp as she stepped out into the winter wonderland. She pulled a knitted wool hat over her head before proceeding out into the snow, noting how it crunched under her boots. She felt a little sorry for Pidole who stayed behind to complete repairs on the ship. She made a note to take photos for her.
At Poppy's side was her best friend, Gabriela Lively. She appeared to be a humanoid anthro with features reminiscent of a red panda. She has a large, bushy tail and fur that includes white facial markings and orange around the eyes. Her ears were roudned and had the same reddish-brown color as her fur. Her eyes were large and expressive, conveying a sense of enthusiasm and eagerness. "This is amazing!" Gabby exclaimed!
Though snow was falling all around the people of Pisces, it found its mooring on many leaves and trees. One such example of this was on a trio of humanoid as the snow dotted their leafy bodies and faces. The brows of one trembled under the weight of the cold powder as they held a hulking orb in their oddly-shaped hands, looking around at the crowd for something—or perhaps someone. Another of their people held a small device and the last of them rubbed their hands together, hoping to conduct some warmth in this winter wonderland.
Banana didn't like the cold much, without the heating elements in her year-end attire she would probably be brumating and completely unable to enjoy the season. Her yellow tail with brown spots was the reason for her callsign. She thought it was amusing and had adopted it. She wore a green christmas tree sweater with a red hat with a white trim that had a bell at the end of it.
Poppy and Gabriela wandered around looking to see what they could see, spotting a large frozen lake with ice skaters amidst a backdrop of twinkling lights and festive music. She noted the skate rentals with varieties of shapes for different species and gravity conditions. There was also a snowball fight arena and a Holiday market with a series of stalls and shops selling unique gifts, handcrafted items, and traditional holiday treats from various cultures within the Kikyo Sector. First Poppy went to get a hot cocoa from a vendor to sip while she mingled.
On leave from the YSS Teisenjou, Yujin walked from the opening into the winter woulderland that was atop the station. He smiled at all the white that was there before him. His winter clothing should keep him warm from the coldness. Moving over toward the snowbank he wasted no time in making a snowball and tossing it into a random direction. Hoping that there was noone in that direction as a side thought.
"Hey!" Banana said as the snowball hit her in the side of the head. She narrowed her eyes at Yujin and tromped into the snowy fight arena, balling up some snow in her hands and tossing it back at Yujin.
Yujin had started to move from where he was when he heard the voice and then turns to look at the one that he had hit. " er um sorry there are you ok?". Then blinks as she turned to face him and now gathering snow in her hands and throwing it back ? "Incoming!" Yujin yelled out and moved dropping to a knee and gather up another snowball to launch back at her.
While Poppy was getting the hot cocoa, Gabriela bought a bag of marshmallows and long skewers to cook over one of the fires in the center of the village square. She glanced over and saw Yujin and Banana in the snowball area and laughed. Soon her pink-haired doctor friend came and back and the two hung around the fire for a bit.
Banana laughed as the freezing cold snowballs hit her, covering her in snow and slush. She launched her own attacks, balling up the snow as fast as she could and tossing it at him, sacrificing accuracy for speed as she closed the distance between them.
Yuijin was hit over and over as Banana laughed and came in closer. Yujin had been taking his time and making his snowballs to pelt the Separa'Shan that was closing in fast to him. Most of the snowballs that hit him just broke apart. He had not spoted the ones off to the side watching them as there was a lot more out there tossing snowballs back and forth.
Banana was focused in her attack, not feeling herself slow down as her body cooled from all of the snow that surrounded and piled on top of her. She swept her tail, trying to launch a tidal wave of snow at the Minikan she was facing.
Pisces was just one festive stop this month for Ketsurui Aiko, who made a point to try and visit every event she could from the myriad on Yamatai itself to distant Jiyuu during the holidays. She hoped this snowglobe of sorts, an artificial winter wonderland set up on the old Zodiac-class star fortress, would be something of a highlight with its promise to replicate Raltean cold and the warm comfort Yuletide festivities could provide to cut through that biting freeze.
With her ship's MEGAMI avatar in tow, as well as the two ever vigilant samurai yojimbo who followed her, Aiko now found herself striding down the winter village's central street. Today the tall Ketsurui princess wore a scarlet red bridge coat with epaulets and double breasted black buttons, long enough to cover up a brighter scarlet skirt save for a two inch strip of pleated fabric that peeked out from the jacket's lower edge. A ribbed cream colored knit turtleneck rose up from Aiko's red coat and matched her stockings, which were capped at the feet with a pair of black leather pumps held on by a thin strap fastened with a silver buckle. Aiko's hair was worn at its full length and festooned with a little bouquet of Yamataian bellflowers, as it always was, making her immediately recognizable to the sector's denizens present today.
Another Neko accompanied Aiko and her entourage today. A diminutive, grim looking girl with white hair who'd come along from Yamatai aboard the princess' Fukuro-class shuttle. She was Usada Chikako, an Uesureyan soldier assigned to act as a liaison directly to Aiko (and the Star Army's YSS Kaiyō II that sometimes fought alongside the Uesureyans).
"Look, Boss-san," Aiko said to her companion when she spotted the arboreal aliens who they'd helped liberate during the Kuvexian War. "Our old friends the Lienve still reside her. Usada, allow me to introduce you," she added, glancing at the Uesu Neko when she stepped over to greet the leafy tree people with a smile and graceful wave of her left hand.
"I'm assuming they didn't fight alongside you like we did," Usada said between her teeth as she tried but failed to imagine the leafy peoples fighting as she and her sisters had done twice now with Aiko.
"We similarly rescued them from certain defeat," Aiko shot back cheerily. Were it any other Uesureyan officer, the princess would have perhaps been more fawning or deferent. But Aiko had spilled blood with Usada-taii and knew the ever-exasperated Neko girl better than most others from the Star Army of Uesureya so took the moment to poke fun at her and try to lighten her up.
"They may not be warriors, but survivors then," Usada said succinctly when they were almost on top of the three leafy humanoids. When the princess' retinue approached them only one of them noticed and happily waggled their brows in a way that caught the attention of the others. In a rejoicing not uncommon for the seasonal celebrations, they lifted their free hands in the air joyously. Momentarily, though, they all stooped to one knee and held those hands to their shoulders before Aiko.
Aiko, ever the diplomat, didn't protest the Lienve's prostrated greeting as inappropriate and simply waited for it to end. Such demonstrations must have been some sort of cultural tradition, so she didn't want to interrupt it to correct the wayward alien peoples by informing them their ways may have been a touch flourished for the Kikyo Sector's sensibilities.
"I am pleased to see you here partaking in the season's festivities," Aiko told them once they'd risen up. "Now that you are here among the people of Yamatai after such hardships, may you share in our joy for countless years to come. Master Boughman," the princess continued, addressing the highest ranked among the Lienve directly before gesturing to the Uesu Neko with her, "this is Usada Chikako. The Kaiyō has helped her people fight the oppression of this universe, too."
In response to the Ketsurui clan member, the Leinve waggled his brows emphatically, looking from Aiko to Usada and back again. He held the orb forward as he did, nodding along with his leafy brows as they danced his language. The action made a bit of snow tip off of the Master Boughman's brows. The thing he extended towards them was white and smooth, about six inches in diameter, and had jewel-like packets dotting its circumference that glittered like the snow around them.
The electronic device one of them held began speaking, "It is an honor to know that you have not helped just us and our compatriotes in your journeys. May the sun shine on and let you have the ability to keep doing so for eternity. We were told to bring the essence of our culture and here we have done so. Lots of sunshine and moisture for this one, too. Just like you."
Smiling, Aiko placed a palm on the orb without hesitation, trusting that was the most appropriate (and only) course of action to take in this situation. She glanced to Boss and Usada beside her and nodded, telling them wordlessly to join in.
"Thank you, Master Boughman," Aiko said, closing her eyes for a moment while she spoke. "Your presence has helped to nourish our chilly spectacle here, and that is the essence of Yule. We are honored."
"Your kindness is something we will always remember," the device spoke out at the Master Boughman's brows just kept going with their wiggles. "Even moreso as we are presented with it face to face. Take this gift as appreciation in being a part of your Empire."
Though her MEGAMI touched at the orb readily, Usada was apprehensive until she took in Aiko's confident demeanor. The Uesureyan Nekovalkyrja put her hand on it no sooner than it was being handed off to the three of them and the Leinve once more knelt in the same overly flambouyant manner that they had in greeting. But this time, they held their pose with eyes closed tight under their crest of leaves.
Aiko returned the aliens' gesture with a formal and deep Yamataian bow. Once their gifted orb was done with Usada after passing from Boss, Aiko took it again and clutched it tight against her waist under her left arm.
"You have my gratitude, as well as the gratefulness of the Star Empire, for this gift," Aiko said. "Even more than that, you have it for your ability to persevere and be present here in our sector. Enjoy the festival here. Until we meet again," she finished, nodding her thanks again before stepping off with Boss, Usada, and her samurai in tow.
Stepping out of a side doorway, a blue haired woman paused at the extraordinary sight. Wearing a thick jacket, not unlike a hanten, she crouched down and scooped up a handful of snow and smirked at the sensation.
"You forget how warm snow can be when it's freshly fallen."
Shaking the snow free, she followed the scent of cinnamon toward the refreshments. It hadn't been her intent to show up at a festival, but racing between destinations, it was enough of a spectacle to warrant pause. With a faint smile, she watched the other boisterous guests, though she made sure to stand to one side whenever a clump of snow sailed by.
Yujin Meeps as the Separa'Shan moved to use her tail to send a wave of snow in his direction. Using that snow in the air he moved to dive into a nearby snowbank to hid as he readyed a few snowballs loosly packed as he was expecting her to rush to get closer.
Banana crested the snowbank, his snowballs hitting her directly in the chest. The Separa'Shan didn't even notice herself falling asleep as she fell into the other side of the snowbank and slid down at Yujin's feet.
"It's nice that there's something to bring together all the nations of the Kikyo Sector aside from having to fight off the Mishhuvurthyar," Gabriela remarked to Poppy as she toasted her marshamallows, looking around at the diverse crowds that continued to grow in the 'snowglobe' of Pisces. "The holidays always make me sentimental," she added.
Poppy nodded. "Me too. That reminds me...I am going to make it a point to go home and see my parents before the ship has to head out again. I have so many good memories of yuletide from when I was growing up. And now I'm a doctor just like my dad, and it wants to congratulate me in person," she told Gabby.
Yujin laughs some as he let those last few snowballs fly and hit the one charging at him. But then his expresion changes as they fell to his feet. Not knowing that they was asleep or not he drops to a knee pulling off a glove and tries to find a pulse. Feeling how cold they were he blinks. Looking over at Poppy and those around them calling out. " um I need some help here We need to get her warm, I think ...." moving to brush the snow off any exposed scales of Banana.
Banana was cold to the touch, her pulse was slow but steady for for now.
With a fresh cookie from one of the street shops in hand, Komatsu took a deep breath and nodded. "Not much can be done about the smell of environmental filters, but it's basically just like back home. I shall need to thank whoever organized this."
"Huh?" Poppy said, not sure what Yujin needed but she jogged over and introduced herself. "Hello! I'm Dr. Poppy Pink, ship's doctor for the Resurgence. How can I help?"
Toyoda, Yujin fighter pilot on the YSS Teisenjou, And um I don't have their name, We where throwing snowballs back and forth and then as their cleared the snowbank they fell to my feet, They are is cold to the touch and got a strong pulse. I think we need to get em warmed back up from the cold of the snow. " Yujin would say in a calm yet rushed voice.
"There's some cabins and taverns here, I think we should help her to relax in front of the fireplace at one of those," Poppy suggested, helping Banana up. Gabriela came over too and the two began moving her back up to the village, where they brought her into a festive bar that had a huge fireplace going. They moved a couch near to it and positioned Banana to bask in the warmth, brushing all the snow off her clothing so it wouldn't melt on her and get her wet.
The roaring fire and the couch helped to warm Banana back up, she moaned slightly from the ice cream headache like symptoms of getting cold too fast. She finally blinked awake, slowly looking around. She blushed in embarassment, "oops?" She said hoping she hadn't been too much trouble to move.
"Hello!" Poppy greeted Banana. She and Gabriela both gave a little wave. "Your friend asked us to help warm you up," she explained. "It looks like the cold was a bit much for your physiology."
Yujin smiles some as Banana woke back up and then smiled " You got a little too cold i think are you ok?" He smiles some offering to help Banana get better seated where they were seated.
"I think I will be better once, I warm up. I wasn't expecting the snow to cool me down that fast. I've never played in snow before, or seen it in person. Thanks for helping me to get warmed back up." She said, somewhat embarassed. "I'm Scessaly Valakadeyan, but my callsign is Banana." She said, introducing herself.
"A pleasure to meet you," Poppy smiled. "I was hoping to make some new friends tonight but this wasn't how I expected it to happen," she told Scessaly.
Smiles as the Separa'Shan warmed back up and then id'ed herself and smiles some as he says " Nice to meet you I'm Toyoda Yujin, At the moment I'm Spector 18 Nice to met you." There was a pause and then " er sorry about that first snowball you can out from behid that tree and well i didn't see you. "
"Here, let me buy as round of hot cocoa for everyone. It's my own fault for not paying attention to my temperature like I should have. The snowball fight just seemed like a lot of fun. I think my ship was deployed with the Resurgence once if I remember right. It's good to meet you. So Spector 18, that sounds like a pilot. What do you fly?"
It seemed Boss, the Kaiyo's MEGAMI, had the same idea as she nodded to Usada and Aiko before pointing out the main street's vendors and the sweet, warm delights they offered.
Aiko allowed Boss to lead the way. The princess would bring her MEGAMI along for these types of outings to allow the warship-bound intelligence to experience more of the Empire they protected together, so had never objected before to Boss' ideas as to what they should do when out on the town. So Aiko followed her friend into the pub, and thus Usada plus the duo of silent samurai followed her, intent on ordering some sugary holiday drink for Boss.
Smiles some more as he smiles some and then says " oh i fly a Mozu with a pod instead of the normal cockpit." Yujin would say with a smile and then says "yea snow can cool someone offf really quickly if your not careful. "
"I fly a Fuji-class," Gabriela grinned, showing her fangs a little, while offering a bit of friendly competition and dusting imaginary snow off one shoulder.
"That's the new one, I haven't gotten a chance to fly it yet. I've been involved in an experimental Kirie development, so I got a sort of SPINE implant to try. It's hard work, but we're pushing the edge of what's possible." Banana said thoughtfully. "Do you like flying them?"
Nods some as then says "Yes it is a very fast fighter, its nothing like the large freighters that Iflew before I joined the Star Army. " Hearing Gabriela say that she flew a Fuji-class and he smiles some "Isn't that a gunship?" Then looking up as another group entered the pub.
"The Fuji-class?" Having gotten their warm drinks, Boss was looking for a seat and came towards the fireplace. She heard mention of her own class of starship and perked in order to interject. "Only the best expeditionary gunship in the Kagami Galaxy! Mind if we sit?"
Banana slid her tail over so she wasn't taking up the whole couch with her long tail. "Please, I'd love to meet more people. I'm Banana."
"Not at all," Gabriela replied. "I've been stationed as the navigator of the YSS Resurgence for about three years now," she told Boss. "Taii Gabriela Lively."
"You will have to forgive my companion's untoward excitement," Aiko said, sitting down first at a place on the couch that left enough space for Boss to sit next to her near the seat's armrest. Her samurai Mao and Rei took up positions behind the comfy sofa's back. "This is Boss," the princess continued. "She is a Fuji-class herself, so enjoys praise for the class. The YSS Kaiyō II's MEGAMI avatar."
Yujin smiled at the others as they come over and asked to join them, "Sure is a pleasure to have you join us. " Then blinks as he never seen a MEGAMI Avatar outside its ship before and then tilts hius head some. " I was not aware that an Avatar can be outside their own ship." There was a short pause and then says "I'm Toyoda, Yujin a pilot on the YSS Teisenjou a Tanya-Class Expeditionary Heavy Cruiser. "
"I do thoroughly enjoy such praise," Boss said to Aiko, then turned to Gabriela. The motion made the ends of her dark sea foam hair flick next to her jaw sharply. "My captain has relayed to me words of wisdom about the Fuji from your engineer. I've no doubt you have similar exceptional experiences. At least judging by the confidence of your declaration, that is."
"I've been on a Fuji a few times, practiced an assault in my armor as red team. They're good ships. I spend most of my time at the test range or an engineering bay rather than doing exciting exploratory stuff like you all do. Test and tweak and then test some more." Banana said.
"I'm truly sorry," Boss said, eyes full of empathic concern for the Separa'Shan's words. "Having experienced dry dock before, I know how you feel."
"The Resurgence's AI kind of keeps to herself," Poppy noted, rubbing her chin. "Hmm..." She wondered if that could change.
"I did too," Boss replied with a somber nod. "It took me half a decade; give her a few more years. All good things take time." She looked to Aiko, then Poppy to say, "And let's enjoy those we have around us now. No better time to celebrate than now, no?"
"Here's to that!" Poppy nodded, raising a new cup of hot cocoa towards the ceiling. "To enjoying the moment!"
= = =
OOC: JP by Wes, Raz, Ametheliana, Damaske, Soban, icekatze
YE 45.9
The holiday party at Pisces Station, hailed as the pinnacle of festivity in the sector, was a spectacle of unprecedented grandeur. Once a stalwart Star Army base akin to the renowned Scorpio, Pisces Station had transformed over the years since its christening as an international diplomacy beacon in YE 43. Its metamorphosis was a testament to the evolving spirit of the Kikyo Sector, embracing additions that catered to the diverse factions that knit the cosmic tapestry of the region. The station boasted a vast agricultural expanse cradled on its underside, a verdant miracle in the void of space.
Yet, the crowning jewel was the recent addition - a colossal domed module, perched atop the station like a diadem or snow globe. Inside this transparent marvel, an evergreen forest thrived, an echo of the eternal woods of Ralt on Yamatai. Amidst these woods, a Yule-themed village nestled, its quaint charm reminiscent of a fairytale. Each cottage, with its gingerbread architecture, was festooned with a kaleidoscope of holiday lights, casting a warm, inviting glow. The main street, a meandering path of cobblestone and whimsy, was lined with shops that seemed to have sprung from a dreamer's fancy. They offered the comforting embrace of hot cocoa, the sweet allure of cookies and fudge, and the festive spirit of eggnog, each flavor a symphony to the senses.
As the celebrations commenced, a confluence of visitors from across the sector began to arrive. They were ambassadors of their worlds, each carrying the essence of their cultures, their hopes, and their stories. The air was electric with anticipation, a mosaic of languages and laughter weaving a tapestry of unified festivity. The very atmosphere of Pisces Station seemed to pulsate with a palpable sense of wonder, an enchantment that transcended the boundaries of space and time.
In the heart of this cosmic revelry, relationships were forged under the starlit dome, alliances were kindled over shared cups of cocoa, and old rivalries were buried beneath the blanket of snow that adorned the faux village.
Some of the crew of the YSS Resurgence, on shore leave, arrived after a short trip on a PAINT shuttle, and emerged from a elevator hidden in a historic-looking train depot at one end of Yule Village. Poppy Pink, dressed in a fur-lined coat over a dress, couldn't help but gasp as she stepped out into the winter wonderland. She pulled a knitted wool hat over her head before proceeding out into the snow, noting how it crunched under her boots. She felt a little sorry for Pidole who stayed behind to complete repairs on the ship. She made a note to take photos for her.
At Poppy's side was her best friend, Gabriela Lively. She appeared to be a humanoid anthro with features reminiscent of a red panda. She has a large, bushy tail and fur that includes white facial markings and orange around the eyes. Her ears were roudned and had the same reddish-brown color as her fur. Her eyes were large and expressive, conveying a sense of enthusiasm and eagerness. "This is amazing!" Gabby exclaimed!
Though snow was falling all around the people of Pisces, it found its mooring on many leaves and trees. One such example of this was on a trio of humanoid as the snow dotted their leafy bodies and faces. The brows of one trembled under the weight of the cold powder as they held a hulking orb in their oddly-shaped hands, looking around at the crowd for something—or perhaps someone. Another of their people held a small device and the last of them rubbed their hands together, hoping to conduct some warmth in this winter wonderland.
Banana didn't like the cold much, without the heating elements in her year-end attire she would probably be brumating and completely unable to enjoy the season. Her yellow tail with brown spots was the reason for her callsign. She thought it was amusing and had adopted it. She wore a green christmas tree sweater with a red hat with a white trim that had a bell at the end of it.
Poppy and Gabriela wandered around looking to see what they could see, spotting a large frozen lake with ice skaters amidst a backdrop of twinkling lights and festive music. She noted the skate rentals with varieties of shapes for different species and gravity conditions. There was also a snowball fight arena and a Holiday market with a series of stalls and shops selling unique gifts, handcrafted items, and traditional holiday treats from various cultures within the Kikyo Sector. First Poppy went to get a hot cocoa from a vendor to sip while she mingled.
On leave from the YSS Teisenjou, Yujin walked from the opening into the winter woulderland that was atop the station. He smiled at all the white that was there before him. His winter clothing should keep him warm from the coldness. Moving over toward the snowbank he wasted no time in making a snowball and tossing it into a random direction. Hoping that there was noone in that direction as a side thought.
"Hey!" Banana said as the snowball hit her in the side of the head. She narrowed her eyes at Yujin and tromped into the snowy fight arena, balling up some snow in her hands and tossing it back at Yujin.
Yujin had started to move from where he was when he heard the voice and then turns to look at the one that he had hit. " er um sorry there are you ok?". Then blinks as she turned to face him and now gathering snow in her hands and throwing it back ? "Incoming!" Yujin yelled out and moved dropping to a knee and gather up another snowball to launch back at her.
While Poppy was getting the hot cocoa, Gabriela bought a bag of marshmallows and long skewers to cook over one of the fires in the center of the village square. She glanced over and saw Yujin and Banana in the snowball area and laughed. Soon her pink-haired doctor friend came and back and the two hung around the fire for a bit.
Banana laughed as the freezing cold snowballs hit her, covering her in snow and slush. She launched her own attacks, balling up the snow as fast as she could and tossing it at him, sacrificing accuracy for speed as she closed the distance between them.
Yuijin was hit over and over as Banana laughed and came in closer. Yujin had been taking his time and making his snowballs to pelt the Separa'Shan that was closing in fast to him. Most of the snowballs that hit him just broke apart. He had not spoted the ones off to the side watching them as there was a lot more out there tossing snowballs back and forth.
Banana was focused in her attack, not feeling herself slow down as her body cooled from all of the snow that surrounded and piled on top of her. She swept her tail, trying to launch a tidal wave of snow at the Minikan she was facing.
Pisces was just one festive stop this month for Ketsurui Aiko, who made a point to try and visit every event she could from the myriad on Yamatai itself to distant Jiyuu during the holidays. She hoped this snowglobe of sorts, an artificial winter wonderland set up on the old Zodiac-class star fortress, would be something of a highlight with its promise to replicate Raltean cold and the warm comfort Yuletide festivities could provide to cut through that biting freeze.
With her ship's MEGAMI avatar in tow, as well as the two ever vigilant samurai yojimbo who followed her, Aiko now found herself striding down the winter village's central street. Today the tall Ketsurui princess wore a scarlet red bridge coat with epaulets and double breasted black buttons, long enough to cover up a brighter scarlet skirt save for a two inch strip of pleated fabric that peeked out from the jacket's lower edge. A ribbed cream colored knit turtleneck rose up from Aiko's red coat and matched her stockings, which were capped at the feet with a pair of black leather pumps held on by a thin strap fastened with a silver buckle. Aiko's hair was worn at its full length and festooned with a little bouquet of Yamataian bellflowers, as it always was, making her immediately recognizable to the sector's denizens present today.
Another Neko accompanied Aiko and her entourage today. A diminutive, grim looking girl with white hair who'd come along from Yamatai aboard the princess' Fukuro-class shuttle. She was Usada Chikako, an Uesureyan soldier assigned to act as a liaison directly to Aiko (and the Star Army's YSS Kaiyō II that sometimes fought alongside the Uesureyans).
"Look, Boss-san," Aiko said to her companion when she spotted the arboreal aliens who they'd helped liberate during the Kuvexian War. "Our old friends the Lienve still reside her. Usada, allow me to introduce you," she added, glancing at the Uesu Neko when she stepped over to greet the leafy tree people with a smile and graceful wave of her left hand.
"I'm assuming they didn't fight alongside you like we did," Usada said between her teeth as she tried but failed to imagine the leafy peoples fighting as she and her sisters had done twice now with Aiko.
"We similarly rescued them from certain defeat," Aiko shot back cheerily. Were it any other Uesureyan officer, the princess would have perhaps been more fawning or deferent. But Aiko had spilled blood with Usada-taii and knew the ever-exasperated Neko girl better than most others from the Star Army of Uesureya so took the moment to poke fun at her and try to lighten her up.
"They may not be warriors, but survivors then," Usada said succinctly when they were almost on top of the three leafy humanoids. When the princess' retinue approached them only one of them noticed and happily waggled their brows in a way that caught the attention of the others. In a rejoicing not uncommon for the seasonal celebrations, they lifted their free hands in the air joyously. Momentarily, though, they all stooped to one knee and held those hands to their shoulders before Aiko.
Aiko, ever the diplomat, didn't protest the Lienve's prostrated greeting as inappropriate and simply waited for it to end. Such demonstrations must have been some sort of cultural tradition, so she didn't want to interrupt it to correct the wayward alien peoples by informing them their ways may have been a touch flourished for the Kikyo Sector's sensibilities.
"I am pleased to see you here partaking in the season's festivities," Aiko told them once they'd risen up. "Now that you are here among the people of Yamatai after such hardships, may you share in our joy for countless years to come. Master Boughman," the princess continued, addressing the highest ranked among the Lienve directly before gesturing to the Uesu Neko with her, "this is Usada Chikako. The Kaiyō has helped her people fight the oppression of this universe, too."
In response to the Ketsurui clan member, the Leinve waggled his brows emphatically, looking from Aiko to Usada and back again. He held the orb forward as he did, nodding along with his leafy brows as they danced his language. The action made a bit of snow tip off of the Master Boughman's brows. The thing he extended towards them was white and smooth, about six inches in diameter, and had jewel-like packets dotting its circumference that glittered like the snow around them.
The electronic device one of them held began speaking, "It is an honor to know that you have not helped just us and our compatriotes in your journeys. May the sun shine on and let you have the ability to keep doing so for eternity. We were told to bring the essence of our culture and here we have done so. Lots of sunshine and moisture for this one, too. Just like you."
Smiling, Aiko placed a palm on the orb without hesitation, trusting that was the most appropriate (and only) course of action to take in this situation. She glanced to Boss and Usada beside her and nodded, telling them wordlessly to join in.
"Thank you, Master Boughman," Aiko said, closing her eyes for a moment while she spoke. "Your presence has helped to nourish our chilly spectacle here, and that is the essence of Yule. We are honored."
"Your kindness is something we will always remember," the device spoke out at the Master Boughman's brows just kept going with their wiggles. "Even moreso as we are presented with it face to face. Take this gift as appreciation in being a part of your Empire."
Though her MEGAMI touched at the orb readily, Usada was apprehensive until she took in Aiko's confident demeanor. The Uesureyan Nekovalkyrja put her hand on it no sooner than it was being handed off to the three of them and the Leinve once more knelt in the same overly flambouyant manner that they had in greeting. But this time, they held their pose with eyes closed tight under their crest of leaves.
Aiko returned the aliens' gesture with a formal and deep Yamataian bow. Once their gifted orb was done with Usada after passing from Boss, Aiko took it again and clutched it tight against her waist under her left arm.
"You have my gratitude, as well as the gratefulness of the Star Empire, for this gift," Aiko said. "Even more than that, you have it for your ability to persevere and be present here in our sector. Enjoy the festival here. Until we meet again," she finished, nodding her thanks again before stepping off with Boss, Usada, and her samurai in tow.
Stepping out of a side doorway, a blue haired woman paused at the extraordinary sight. Wearing a thick jacket, not unlike a hanten, she crouched down and scooped up a handful of snow and smirked at the sensation.
"You forget how warm snow can be when it's freshly fallen."
Shaking the snow free, she followed the scent of cinnamon toward the refreshments. It hadn't been her intent to show up at a festival, but racing between destinations, it was enough of a spectacle to warrant pause. With a faint smile, she watched the other boisterous guests, though she made sure to stand to one side whenever a clump of snow sailed by.
Yujin Meeps as the Separa'Shan moved to use her tail to send a wave of snow in his direction. Using that snow in the air he moved to dive into a nearby snowbank to hid as he readyed a few snowballs loosly packed as he was expecting her to rush to get closer.
Banana crested the snowbank, his snowballs hitting her directly in the chest. The Separa'Shan didn't even notice herself falling asleep as she fell into the other side of the snowbank and slid down at Yujin's feet.
"It's nice that there's something to bring together all the nations of the Kikyo Sector aside from having to fight off the Mishhuvurthyar," Gabriela remarked to Poppy as she toasted her marshamallows, looking around at the diverse crowds that continued to grow in the 'snowglobe' of Pisces. "The holidays always make me sentimental," she added.
Poppy nodded. "Me too. That reminds me...I am going to make it a point to go home and see my parents before the ship has to head out again. I have so many good memories of yuletide from when I was growing up. And now I'm a doctor just like my dad, and it wants to congratulate me in person," she told Gabby.
Yujin laughs some as he let those last few snowballs fly and hit the one charging at him. But then his expresion changes as they fell to his feet. Not knowing that they was asleep or not he drops to a knee pulling off a glove and tries to find a pulse. Feeling how cold they were he blinks. Looking over at Poppy and those around them calling out. " um I need some help here We need to get her warm, I think ...." moving to brush the snow off any exposed scales of Banana.
Banana was cold to the touch, her pulse was slow but steady for for now.
With a fresh cookie from one of the street shops in hand, Komatsu took a deep breath and nodded. "Not much can be done about the smell of environmental filters, but it's basically just like back home. I shall need to thank whoever organized this."
"Huh?" Poppy said, not sure what Yujin needed but she jogged over and introduced herself. "Hello! I'm Dr. Poppy Pink, ship's doctor for the Resurgence. How can I help?"
Toyoda, Yujin fighter pilot on the YSS Teisenjou, And um I don't have their name, We where throwing snowballs back and forth and then as their cleared the snowbank they fell to my feet, They are is cold to the touch and got a strong pulse. I think we need to get em warmed back up from the cold of the snow. " Yujin would say in a calm yet rushed voice.
"There's some cabins and taverns here, I think we should help her to relax in front of the fireplace at one of those," Poppy suggested, helping Banana up. Gabriela came over too and the two began moving her back up to the village, where they brought her into a festive bar that had a huge fireplace going. They moved a couch near to it and positioned Banana to bask in the warmth, brushing all the snow off her clothing so it wouldn't melt on her and get her wet.
The roaring fire and the couch helped to warm Banana back up, she moaned slightly from the ice cream headache like symptoms of getting cold too fast. She finally blinked awake, slowly looking around. She blushed in embarassment, "oops?" She said hoping she hadn't been too much trouble to move.
"Hello!" Poppy greeted Banana. She and Gabriela both gave a little wave. "Your friend asked us to help warm you up," she explained. "It looks like the cold was a bit much for your physiology."
Yujin smiles some as Banana woke back up and then smiled " You got a little too cold i think are you ok?" He smiles some offering to help Banana get better seated where they were seated.
"I think I will be better once, I warm up. I wasn't expecting the snow to cool me down that fast. I've never played in snow before, or seen it in person. Thanks for helping me to get warmed back up." She said, somewhat embarassed. "I'm Scessaly Valakadeyan, but my callsign is Banana." She said, introducing herself.
"A pleasure to meet you," Poppy smiled. "I was hoping to make some new friends tonight but this wasn't how I expected it to happen," she told Scessaly.
Smiles as the Separa'Shan warmed back up and then id'ed herself and smiles some as he says " Nice to meet you I'm Toyoda Yujin, At the moment I'm Spector 18 Nice to met you." There was a pause and then " er sorry about that first snowball you can out from behid that tree and well i didn't see you. "
"Here, let me buy as round of hot cocoa for everyone. It's my own fault for not paying attention to my temperature like I should have. The snowball fight just seemed like a lot of fun. I think my ship was deployed with the Resurgence once if I remember right. It's good to meet you. So Spector 18, that sounds like a pilot. What do you fly?"
It seemed Boss, the Kaiyo's MEGAMI, had the same idea as she nodded to Usada and Aiko before pointing out the main street's vendors and the sweet, warm delights they offered.
Aiko allowed Boss to lead the way. The princess would bring her MEGAMI along for these types of outings to allow the warship-bound intelligence to experience more of the Empire they protected together, so had never objected before to Boss' ideas as to what they should do when out on the town. So Aiko followed her friend into the pub, and thus Usada plus the duo of silent samurai followed her, intent on ordering some sugary holiday drink for Boss.
Smiles some more as he smiles some and then says " oh i fly a Mozu with a pod instead of the normal cockpit." Yujin would say with a smile and then says "yea snow can cool someone offf really quickly if your not careful. "
"I fly a Fuji-class," Gabriela grinned, showing her fangs a little, while offering a bit of friendly competition and dusting imaginary snow off one shoulder.
"That's the new one, I haven't gotten a chance to fly it yet. I've been involved in an experimental Kirie development, so I got a sort of SPINE implant to try. It's hard work, but we're pushing the edge of what's possible." Banana said thoughtfully. "Do you like flying them?"
Nods some as then says "Yes it is a very fast fighter, its nothing like the large freighters that Iflew before I joined the Star Army. " Hearing Gabriela say that she flew a Fuji-class and he smiles some "Isn't that a gunship?" Then looking up as another group entered the pub.
"The Fuji-class?" Having gotten their warm drinks, Boss was looking for a seat and came towards the fireplace. She heard mention of her own class of starship and perked in order to interject. "Only the best expeditionary gunship in the Kagami Galaxy! Mind if we sit?"
Banana slid her tail over so she wasn't taking up the whole couch with her long tail. "Please, I'd love to meet more people. I'm Banana."
"Not at all," Gabriela replied. "I've been stationed as the navigator of the YSS Resurgence for about three years now," she told Boss. "Taii Gabriela Lively."
"You will have to forgive my companion's untoward excitement," Aiko said, sitting down first at a place on the couch that left enough space for Boss to sit next to her near the seat's armrest. Her samurai Mao and Rei took up positions behind the comfy sofa's back. "This is Boss," the princess continued. "She is a Fuji-class herself, so enjoys praise for the class. The YSS Kaiyō II's MEGAMI avatar."
Yujin smiled at the others as they come over and asked to join them, "Sure is a pleasure to have you join us. " Then blinks as he never seen a MEGAMI Avatar outside its ship before and then tilts hius head some. " I was not aware that an Avatar can be outside their own ship." There was a short pause and then says "I'm Toyoda, Yujin a pilot on the YSS Teisenjou a Tanya-Class Expeditionary Heavy Cruiser. "
"I do thoroughly enjoy such praise," Boss said to Aiko, then turned to Gabriela. The motion made the ends of her dark sea foam hair flick next to her jaw sharply. "My captain has relayed to me words of wisdom about the Fuji from your engineer. I've no doubt you have similar exceptional experiences. At least judging by the confidence of your declaration, that is."
"I've been on a Fuji a few times, practiced an assault in my armor as red team. They're good ships. I spend most of my time at the test range or an engineering bay rather than doing exciting exploratory stuff like you all do. Test and tweak and then test some more." Banana said.
"I'm truly sorry," Boss said, eyes full of empathic concern for the Separa'Shan's words. "Having experienced dry dock before, I know how you feel."
"The Resurgence's AI kind of keeps to herself," Poppy noted, rubbing her chin. "Hmm..." She wondered if that could change.
"I did too," Boss replied with a somber nod. "It took me half a decade; give her a few more years. All good things take time." She looked to Aiko, then Poppy to say, "And let's enjoy those we have around us now. No better time to celebrate than now, no?"
"Here's to that!" Poppy nodded, raising a new cup of hot cocoa towards the ceiling. "To enjoying the moment!"
= = =
OOC: JP by Wes, Raz, Ametheliana, Damaske, Soban, icekatze
