RP [Tsenlan] A Moment to Grieve

Alastair was enjoying the moment when he heard the voice of Saga near him. He then turned to her in reply. "I can not say for sure but who am I to deny comfort to another." He was curious when others would start to question his actions. Even he was questioning his actions, allowing himself to get caught up in the moment. Though this did give him the opportunity to learn more from Aelya. "Hey Saga, feel free to do the thing you enjoy doing. I am curious what all you might find." He said to her giving a hint that he wanted her to start snooping around. While these were the people they just saved, it was wise to consider they might have a few skeletons in the closest.

Alastair then turned his attention back towards Aelya to dive deeper. "Ah yes, very good to hear you embrace polyamorous culture. Yam is a mix so this is not uncommon to find with us as well. Personally I have an unofficial harem on my ship so I guess you could say that I too embrace the way of the poly." He couldn't help but chuckle at how silly that must have sounded. Though he does not have any wives so technically this is true. Granted he was sure some of them would be more than happy to tie the knot given the chance. "I am glad to hear you are more or less free. I do hope I am one that you find interesting. As I am curious where this might just lead too." His lips curled into a smile though she would not see it. "Oh and this is no trouble. My culture is a mixed bag of what rules we should follow at any given time. Heck, even getting a mission brief can be a challenge for some." He once more chuckled knowing while Star Army wasn't perfect, they were still family. "You are welcome to stay like this as long as you so choose." Though this was to the benefit of them both for her to stay. Her body was doing a great job of hiding his excitement.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

AELYA

Aelya sighed, leaning more into the Captain's embrace as she felt her niece's emotions via vesper. "Of course they progressed! I have not had contact with anyone out side of work and now am here trying to keep my self together, like you are. This is the first time I see you in months and you squeeze my side then walk away...What am I supposed to do hmm? I can't come up there with you and you know that. So, if it bugs you that much then take it out on me afterwards. I've missed you dearly Arina-ji, but you're not the only one hurting. " she expressed her pent up frustration to Arina. Her hands' grip on Alastair tightened trying to keep the emotions from becoming visible to others.

Things snapped back to the events in the group she was with when she heard the Captain's statement to Saga. Slender pointed ears twitched as she watched the speech, "Im sure you won't find anything outside of our contributions here. So if there's something you want to know, you might as well interrogate me." she responded without deviating from the projection. "What keeps it from being official? Also, Captain.. if I did not find you interesting I would have cut our conversation short much earlier. I am almost certain you would have done the same." she said calmly. It was true. If she hadn't taken a liking to him she wouldn't have given him a moment of time. Let alone allowed him this close to her. "I am rather fond of adventures and don't mind seeing where things go. What are the odds I'd make a new friend here?" she whispered quietly.

"I am glad that this isn't trouble. Not that I would mind if it was. Sometime you're going to have to tell me why mission briefs are challenging. Unless the Aestaesys has a problem with this, then I choose to stay." There was a rather interesting pause before Aelya sneakily got on her tip toes to whispered into his ear so only he could hear, "You waking alone half the time MUST be a personal choice on your part." She shifted back down doubting without breaking from the comforting embrace.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

Arina

The blood would not leave the face of the Volaer, it got worse the more she got through from Aelya, especially the last part. She could feel more color coming back to her, there was a snap in her exhausted mind, as she stood on the new world with a body just as tired, sometimes wobbling in the wind ever so slightly. The youngest royal gripped the bottom hem of her uniform jacket and squeezed.

She used the word.

Arina wanted to, and more, but there was the matter of her still being a cauldron of emotions, not the least of which was, I wwwanted to! Why do you think I squeezed you? I'll come get you if you want. Just let them say something. And the meat of their back and forth came with more of her own mastery of Vesper getting the better of her (again) as she flashed more elaborate and embarrassing (for the moment) but honest visuals to her aunt. I will, then! Do not think I won't. She squeezed her coat again, it never left her hands, really. I...missedyoutoo-... there was a pause, then a very honest extra burst, including repressed emotions as she got, -...Aelya-ji! Out. They were both stubborn, but it did work on getting the snowy-haired soldier.

It already felt like some of the numbness was chipped away, that and she got so aflutter that her eyes teared up, causing her to try to look somewhere other than Aelya.

That's when she saw Nikicon.

She immediately wanted to say something to the redhead she was having the feelings with and at, but sucked on her cheeks to bite the inside slightly to try to keep from sharing thoughts about the bunny with fur the same color as her hair.

Now there were extra items on the to do itinerary.

All of that, and she was still mystified by the questions she had about the newest Norian arrival. She could see the stir it was causing, even despite what turmoil erupted quietly at the proceedings.

The scrawny marine gave a sharp nod before planting her feet. Her eyes unfocused as she connected to the local network just in time for her to miss her Captain’s harem comment.

Query: Tal'Cel+”Aelya Caeyara” + Norian + Caeyara
Results were scant at best. These newcomers weren’t bound to be in many databases. However what she did find made her fight the urge to drag her Captain away to safety.
Results: Tal’Cel: Ascendent Queen (rough translation from Norian) Caeyara Yis: Ruling Tsenlan clan. Aelya Caeyara: Sister to Aestaesys Airwin Caeyara Aestaesys: Emperor (rough translation from Norian) Yis-Clan (rough translation from Norian) [URL='https://wiki.stararmy.com/doku.php?id=corp:loken_institute']Lo'ken Institute[/URL]: Tsenlan state owned corporation [URL='https://wiki.stararmy.com/doku.php?id=wip:places:tsenlanese_cultural_center']Tsenlanese Cultural Center[/URL]: A center for the preservation and study of Norian culture.

She dug through public portals for the Lo’ken Institute and the Tsenlanes Cultural Center searching for more references to Aelya, sister to an Emperor, to glean some ideas of what she was like and what she valued. Most of the pieces were the standard sanitized political and corporate fare, but from what she could gather is that she served a sort of public diplomacy or even a degree of a backroom diplomatic role.

Eyes snapping back into focus, she simply gave her Captain a nod. Fleet officers served their own diplomatic functions. This was all just part of the great game. She’d just remember to kick him before he agreed to something stupid.

Zeck got up and moved with the rest of the group however she got lost in the conversations. She didn't care much however she was to busy trying to not look miserable in the cold. Her mind drifted to warmer places and she made a note to see if there was volcano or something she could jump into later. She looked at Nikicon and frowned a bit.

"Zeck need warm up soon. Zeck not know would need warmer clothing. Left it on Sood" She said and gestured to herself. The red skinned alien dressed up nice but she wasn't dressed for the cold. She was looking a little sleepy from what Nikicon could see. "Zeck wish ancestors where not lizard-primates."


Rakel scanned the funeral and caught sight of Alastair. She should go and meet the man to thank him for his contribution but he seemed busy at the moment. So kept sitting in her spot for now and watch the funeral proceedings.

Cheol and Leena​

The Admiral replied to the Captain, "Yes, the food was beneficial. All your efforts were not in vain - you performed honorably. It is actually why I've sought you out," he said as he tried to dismiss the other conversations around them. "Everyone is making plans for the future, a lot of them are headed into the Star Army. I think I've had enough of the military though," he said as he once again had to divert himself back to the business at hand, it appeared that the fraternization between the new friends had reached a whole new level, "Anyway, I wanted to ask about openings on your crew? I just can't see myself joining the Star Army, or resigning myself to residential life yet," he gave a slight smile. "I think I might be helpful, I can pilot a starship, and I think I have a good grasp of business, or well I used to anyway," he offered the Captain.

"I take it you wish to sit inside?" he asked, "I can take you to your seat?" he offered her his arm.

Cheol couldn't help but catch a quick vesper to Aelya, //"Quick friends, Tia Tal'Cel (my Queen), I wonder what he will find when the polish wears off the surface. I wonder about a lot of things. If something goes awry, I'll be close by,"// he offered.

Admiral Aphelion and Ketsurui Aiko Group​

The veteran fleet admiral of the MERN surveyed the gathering of her soldiers, it made her heart hurt that this was what was left. Even in the sea of black and silver that met the eye, things just seen diminished. She approached the new arrival, the delegation with Ketsurui Aiko. It was apparent the Yamataians were doing what they could to manage the cold, thankfully the warming centers and observation containers were in place now. She bowed when she approached Aiko, in an attempt to at least respect the Yamataian gesture, "Welcome to Akina, if you wish we have some warmer places, we're honored to have you here. You will have to forgive me, you look rather important but I'm unsure of who you are. I am Admiral Aphelion, probably most recognizable as the voice you all heard from the lead Titan," she introduced herself and welcomed them.

Platform​

Naelui left the flock of her escort and approached her father, she didn't adhere to the standard in that she just threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly, "I am here, Father. I know the others will have so many questions, but we will answer them together. I am here for you and for mom," she stated.

Jun wasn't sure of what to think of the sibling he was unaware of, he almost stepped in her way to block her approach to their father.

Airwin didn't hug Naelui back, his arms stayed at his side a he just looked past her, "I'm glad you're here, but things are about to get started," he said, his voice nearly as cold as the wind which blew across the plains. He had not answered Arina either, but she appeared to have made off with Aelya and her new friends. It was more obvious that the result of the disagreement between the High Priestess and Airwin.

The Tsenlanese leader left his daughter's hold and stepped up to the podium, "Welcome, It is a great honor to be gathered here with you all to celebrate the life of my wife Aester Sinith Caeyara the first, our lives have had a rift in them since the day she passed, I know mine has. I'd like to apologize, normally this would be the job of a priest, but with the coming of new age times change, and if you could all find your seats we can get started. Also, I'd like to remind everyone that the celebration to follow's location has been marked on your cards which are being handed out by the MERN soldiers," his voice was projected across the gathering, and the internal comms of the observation containers.

Iron Company Delegation​

While Airwin signaled everyone to take their seats, Jun headed off the platform briefly to welcome another of their guests. He approached the Sentinel, "My father is glad you are here Mister Steiner, it is good to see you intact," he said, then took a brief look at the men in the company, "They seem a lot more dressed up, it is good to see some of my former patients alive and well," he said in recognition of the many hours he had spent doing surgery on Iron Company men following the battles they had joined the MERN in. "I take it Tacho decided to make herself scarce? How is she doing?" he asked, curious as to the fate of the cultural exchange officer.

Uaeso and Naika​

"Rin and my mother had problems, the uncomfortable kind," the Prince stated to his wife, "She might not have felt comfortable being here, although she knows, I hope anyway, that my mother meant her no harm. They tangled over the love of my father, and my mother's staunch adherence to unpopular methods like monogamy," he explained, he also knew Naika would understand considering they had struggled with their own decision to be monogamous, something that was openly seen as strange within their society.

"As for her..." he watched as Naelui hugged his father, and then noticed what Naika had pointed out about the necklace, "Another secret that has been kept from us..." he said with a muffled sigh. "You would think that something like this would be a dialog that we'd be in the know, but of course not. The clandestine lives of mother and father unravel at the most damn of times, I think we're in for an uncomfortable evening. We might want to raid the chacelle supply," he didn't know if he wanted to get on the platform now, but he knew he had to and started to lead Naika towards it, his arm around her shoulders.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

AELYA

Aelya closed her eyes briefly letting a little sigh escape her lips. She wanted to stay here in the Captain's arms, almost as much as she wanted to go to the platform to be with Arina. If she went to the platform shed be faced with the brutal reality of the circumstances. "Fine, you really want me to come up there?! I'll have to sit next to your father..." she shot via vesper to Arina. The ebb and flow of frustration filled sorrow apparent to her niece as tears welled in her eyes again. At the moment Alastair's arms were the only thing keeping her from slipping into a dark, cold state.

Cheol's vesper communication caught her off guard. She could not quite remember the last time they had been in contact, outside of the traditional respects earlier. "I wonder to, right now I am just trying to stay sane. After all, its been all work and no physical contact since before..." she paused as her mind wandered to before they had to flee. Her head shook to clear her thoughts hoping the Admiral had not picked up on where her head went. "I feel like I am about to lose my mind. Careful getting too close, they might think I'm trying to make a move on you next Admiral." she stated via vesper.

On the platform she caught the woman hugging Airwin, but noticed he did not return it. If a hug would have helped drag him out of the state he was in, she would have already done it. She was not sure what would help him heal or if anything ever would. It seemed he wanted everyone to go to their seats. Unless someone made a convincing argument to the contrary rather quickly, she'd be obliged to tear herself from comfort. "Well Arina-ji, shall I come up there? I might need you to sit next to me. Also, I am mildly concerned if I move now the media drones might catch view of something.....that would cause more havok than I already have." she shot via quick vesper to Arina again.

NAIKA

Uaeso's words drew her attention from the speech sensing his difficulties, the hand that held his moved to interlace fingers. She knew the topic of monogamy to be a hard one to broach, especially in Norian society. People had seen her husband's mother as a monster for her belief in monogamy. Naika understood why this rift in culture amongst the highest ranks would cause such a tiff. However, unpopular as it may be she felt herself lucky to find someone like her husband who felt different from others. She sent him a reassuring nudge over vesper assuring him that she was happy as they were.

"I'm fairly certain there is an entirely logical reason for her existence being kept a secret. Whoever she may be." she said to him switching to vesper. "If there was a dialogue of this, it was clamped down tight." Naika switched back to speech seamlessly, "That we are, but I will be here by your side. Granted, I would like to change out of this uniform afterwards if we're gonna raid the chacelle." His arm around her shoulder in such a public setting sent alarm bells ringing through her head. Something was wrong, very wrong. Normally in uniform it'd be nothing but the utmost professionalism. This was not a normal event and she sensed whatever the consequences were....he needed her. She rested her head against him as they made their way to the platform, sending him another vesper message, "Whatever happens I am here."

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

"There is nothing to forgive; my name is Aiko," the princess said, bringing the sheathed dragon katana held in her right hand up ahead of her chest in a salute before giving a slight bow in return. If this admiral had yet found an opportunity to even superficially study the Kuvexian War then Aiko's introduction was complete, but she continued unassumingly. "Taisho Yui is my mother. It is my honor to meet you, Admiral Aphelion, even on this day. Although I am sure your people have received countless condolences since your arrival, please accept mine now as well."

Of course, she did not recognize Aphelion's voice at all. The starship on which Aiko served had been completely absent from the Kikyo Sector during Operation Fireplace, only having arrived back home a few days ago. She would not mention it, though, for not everything required explanation. Especially not the secretive details of those far-off places that the YSS Kaiyō was sent to fight and defend Yamatai.

"And, likewise, welcome to the Star Empire," Aiko added, mirroring the admiral's greeting. "It is not so cold here on Akina as it is out in the void, so warmer accommodations are not required."

Upon the platform, the Aphelion's leader Airwin had taken his place and looked like he was about to speak.

"May we get to know more of each other under happier circumstances, Admiral," Aiko said, turning her attention up to the Tsenlanese Aestaesys. "For now I will listen to him and mourn with you on behalf of the Ketsurui Clan."

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

Arina

Secrets revealed themselves where Arina was, slowly heaping another layer over her frustration, as if a blanket were being pulled atop the rest. It was just like them not to tell her anything! She was ignoring she was one of the youngest in the line, and that her family looked as confused as she was. Rubbing moisture from her eyes (which was replaced immediately), only Aelya's quick nip back pulled her back from looking in a shocked stupor at Naelui.

She resisted staring straight at her, and her nose wrinkled prettily as if her heckles were being raised. Little pinpricks felt like they came up her arms and across her shoulders. More than willing to take her challenge, she only flashed the images of the ways she preferred to get her aunt over, picking an easier one, thankfully, for the proceedings. "I'll be right back."

The Volaer stepped backwards and spun herself completely in the Tal'Cel's direction, stomping her foot lightly. With her eyes still wet (in addition to the mess of being red and puffy) she emitted a silent, "Hmf!" And kept, with extraordinary effort, from narrowing her eyes or acting on any of the other things she wanted to do.

Fine! Well I'm not concerned as long as you're with me it's my fault. It is not as if I do not know what it feels like. She sent back with at least an equal amount of frustration, and the absence of contact amidst all the fighting, sorrow, and running.

She made short work of the walk to her in a straight line, and simply grabbed her most available wrist, squeezing it /extra tightly/ before grasping the same hand with her free one to cover it. "Thank you all for coming. She is needed with the rest of the family. I will try to meet you all after." The Princess said evenly as her bright eyes, so similar to Aeyla's, stayed on the redhead. Together they modeled legendary Norian beauty, as if pulled for some kind of volumetric campaign. It ran in the family.

Arina pulled insistently, to try and lead her (as calmly as possible while maybe digging her nails into that wrist) to bring them both over to two free seats, taking the cards with the event information on the way in a hurry. You will be sitting with me, Aelya-ji. Father will just happen to be there. Progress away and to actually sitting themselves down or not, the soft form of the princess would not let go. Somehow the bits of emotional relief fed to her through their shared frustration and anguish only served to make her among other things, more stubborn. In her eyes, this course of action was obvious choice over all of her much preferred methods that were sent the way of Aelya.

Akina

Well, that's the First Fleet patch. I suppose it could be. Akina thought to herself.

She could always perform a more targeted search, but seemed like a waste when she could enjoy the mystery and ask someone after the funeral concluded. The Taisho sat down slowly, it was brisk as far as she was concerned, but she had an affinity for cold climes. It made sense to her that Katsuko chose a system with the world such as it was, after her.

Far, far above in orbit the assembled group of ships turned their weapons in preparation to give their own honor to the fallen monarch. They stood by, waiting for a signal. There would be no use of aether, and their firing vector away from the world was already announced and cleared. Dummy rounds were used as available. It felt like to Akina and others in the fleet it was the very least they could do.

Ayano

Fuck I am cold.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

AELYA

Her eyes shot wide open as the images from Arina flashed through her vision. She narrowed her eyes closing them briefly so no one saw the fire lit in her eyes in the direction of the Volaer. She almost feared for what may become of the celebration afterwards if there was no where to get some privacy. Perhaps she might have to take the Admiral up on his offer, if not to only remove herself.

Aelya's eyes fluttered open at the feeling of a grip on her wrist raising an eyebrow after realizing who it was. "Pardon me Captain, Saga." she paused, "Thank you for coming, but I must go. Maybe we will meet another time." Although she knew he would certainly not be able to pull her out of whatever emotional hole shed be in when she left his arms. Afterall, it would be even more of a coup for Arina to soothe her on the platform in the same manner. Truly, they both needed comfort but not in the manner they would be able to get here.

Gently but firmly she broke herself free allowing Arina to pull her away. Sparse tears started to flow down her cheeks. The only thing that kept her in check at this point was the sting of the nails dug into her wrist. Aelya's head dipped as their vesper surged with the mutually preferred ways of getting over there. She even expressed how close she was to slipping into darkness. "Let's go." she quipped quietly via vesper, ready to follow Arina.

Nikicon's head tilted as she heard that little noise of a squeal come from Aelya tilting her head as Lenna is pulled away and nodded some. Then as Zeck comes over to say that she was cold Nikicon would sigh softly and then ask, "you didn't get the wearable heater like the rest of the crew had? I swore Lenna made an announcement that it was available for use to all. I forget though if you were still working on the Sobek at the time or not. Then nods some as she spoke once more, " The Sobek is not far if you want to go there, and there are the warming huts that are available also if you wish to stay." Nikicon moved to look around some as she points them out to Zeck. "I guess I am lucky since I'm more accustomed to the cold, if it was not for the heater under my outer clothing I would let you use mine." Nikicon would give a warm smile and then nod as she hears the people take their seat announcement. Seeing someone move over to drag away the one that was speaking to Alistar and go sit she shrugged and moves over to rejoin the Sobek's crew once more. Those long ears of hers only now start to fall back onto the backside of her head.

Lenna tilts her head some at that squeal also and looks around a little, Lenna knows that something was going on and that she was talking to more than just Alistar. Then as Cheol spoke about the food and how it was beneficial, and that her crews performed honorably, the next part caught her by surprise as he spoke about everyone making plans and how he did not wish to rejoin a Military or a residential life. Lenna's eyebrow raised as he asks if the Sobek had room for another crew to which Lenna would nod and said "Yes we could use more crew onboard, most of the ones that are currently onboard are only for this mission on hand and were going to head back to where they were before. You could say there are on loan. As for the more permanent crew, it is me, Nikicon, Zeck, and sometimes if on a mission by our current main client there can be two or three others.

To the comment of wishing to be inside, she shakes her head some and then says "We have a heating undergarment that is keeping us warm, shall we go take our seats with the rest of the crew?" Hinting already that if he wanted to that he was more than welcome. "Oh," Lenna said taking his arm and moving over to the seats. "as of now we don't really have a pilot as Nikicon or I would do the driving but a dedicated pilot would be really great, we can get you up to speed on the handling and quirks of Sobek when we get to that point and someone with a good grasp of business would be perfect. The only holdup I would think of is our main client of ours A governess of a neutral port would also take you as a crew. I don't see why She would not accept you, but that is a possible issue. Just a heads up on that one."

Reaching the seats she smiles at Nikicon and asks for her to scoot over some as they move to sit down, A few murmurs from the crew behind them that are hushed quickly as Lenna turns around to look at them. There were some more questions about what he was able to do, but there were more pressing needs that need to take care of. In a hushed whisper, Lenna would ask, "you did speak to the host of the event and clear the Sobek for the salute as with let them know the channel to signal my ships to perform the 21-gun salute right? it will not fire a shell and have a reduced gunpowder loadout, but it will still give quite a showing. " Lenna smiles some as she LOVES seeing the massive main cannons of her ship fire.

"Greetings young Jun," Steiner returned the greeting, giving a slight bow as he spoke, "Many of us still endure, despite our best efforts." This drew a few snorts from the
troopers, including his own guard. "As for Tacho; she is alive, well, and as foul-mouthed as ever." As he stood to his full height, he pointed upwards, raising his head slightly towards the sky, "She is currently in orbit; something about not wanting to deal with 'a stick in the arse' or some such." As his arm returned to his side, he looked back down at the young Norian. "I had figured she would want to see her kinsmen but alas it is not to be."

Not that he could blame her; he recalled the few dealing he had outside of Airwin, his family, and the soldiers he fought beside-most Norians had a smug superiority about them; more often than not born of a mentality that they were the Builder's 'Chosen'. Lot of good that did them when the Craethel showed up, but they'd eventually shaped up; to a point anyways. The Grandmaster highly suspected there were more likely than not a few holdouts skulking about, longing for the old days even after being humbled so thoroughly. "As for the uniforms; those were her doing-she is not overly fond of wool or other materials of a similar nature." He explained gesturing to his men, many of whom stood a little straighter. When she'd voiced her complaints about the uniform when she'd first donned one to replace her own MERN uniform after it'd been damaged in combat, Steiner had more or less tuned her out, and when she'd requested to design a uniform for them. He'd really not been listing having been preoccupied with repairs being made to the Dawn.

He'd made a point of keeping an eye on her afterward when she got it into her head to design equipment; especially after the rifle.

"Anyways; how are you and your family doing?" He inquired, changing the topic from the rowdy exchange officer; he'd see about at least getting her to join them for the wake they'd be holding after the services, "The loss of a loved one can be a trial that can lay low even the most stalwart of individuals." This was true-he'd spent he didn't know how long aimlessly drifting along during his training with the Old Company before Alexi took him under his wing and after the schism-taking work when and where he could before he'd been able to rebuild his unit.

A trying time, but it was looking more and more like they'd finally found some stability in this Ancestor's-Damned universe; hopefully it would last.

Hopefully.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

Alastair knew this fairy tale would need to come to an end. Aelya had her role to play and he'd expect her to put on the best performance. There was yet more to learn and he 'd make a point to seek her out at a later date. In the mean time he'd keep himself out of trouble, mostly.

As the embrace broke Alastair reached out and put his hand onto her head. "I understand, you are needed up there. The sorrow will be real but remember to smile. As you never know who might be falling in love with it." His hand gave a few pats then it rolled down her cheek. His cools hands gliding over her soft skin. "I shall seek you out later, you can count on it." He gave a warm smile as she was pulled away. He reached down and tugged at his coat. A few wipes across his chest and pants and once more his uniform was perfectly ironed.

As she slipped off into the crowd, Alastair turned his attention towards Saga. As they started to walk back to their seat, he reached out and gave her a pat on the head. "You did good," he said with a smile towards the small goth girl. He had received through his digital mind the details she had found. Then he remembered the results sometimes from giving Saga head pats. He had got caught up in the moment and might just be in for a shock.

"The funeral's beginning," Aliset offered a soft smile, probing Nalini's defenses with her mind absently. She knew Sacre's. If she needed to, it shouldn't be hard to put either one of them to sleep, rather than have a fight at a funeral. Gently, she reclaimed her hand after giving a soft, reassuring squeeze. "I'm gonna go top off my suit. Be back in a moment. Try to not strangle Naga'Shun while I'm away, please."

So she turned and stepped off, stripping off her Yamataian uniform top to reveal the black of Shuristan Civil Service on her suit, the honey gold of burial steel. Opening a panel below her breast, she flipped two oxygen bottles down, pulling the canisters of liquid oxygen off in pairs. These, she fed into a small kiosk the Shuristans had been quick to move in, and she connected a hose to to a port behind these bottles, beginning to drain the suit's CO2 and waste systems, replenishing her fresh water and nutrient pills. She kept flipping and removing liquid oxygen bottles, letting them collect in the return tray, and lettingthe freshly filled canisters gather for mere moments before beginning to install them.

With her suit fully restocked and charging, she opened one of the pouches on the top of her wrist, pulling out a heavy bag of metal rings, paying in water credits for the water, oxygen, and... Well, the glowing greenish slime could barely be called food. It was actually part of her rebreather, a living algae colony that helped keep her life support efficient. But also doubled as a snack that some of the crews actually enjoyed. She never had.

She glanced down to the readout screen on the edge of one of her pauldron plates, seeing the battery charging lights. Based on the red on either end gently pulsing and the third from the edge of her peripheral vision blinking, the battery was somewhere between twenty and thirty percent full, and charging quickly. Still, better that she put her top back on than continued being in partial uniform. She was sure the Star Army had something that would have performed better, but having no help to find it in time... Well. It looked garish. But it worked.

Stepping back and next to Marigold, she offered the Helashio a soft smile. "Do you want to come sit with me? Or we could claim our seats here. I have a small projector on my wrist screen, should let us get a better view."

Nalini's mind was there, it was just strongly blocked off. There wasn't any way she was going to get into Nalini's mind. There was also a odd sense of feeling like she was having only a tiny peek at something much much bigger mentally. Sacre and Nalini looked at each other, Sacre's heart hardening. "I don't need another useless god in my life." She said stalking off. Nalini just looked sadly after Sacre as she went.

"Yes." She said, having finally stopped adding 'mistress' after everything, but the implied word was still there as she stopped herself from saying it. She sat down next to Aliset, with a slight fidget to watch the funeral.

Ensuring that the seats were set up for Sacre to take her seat between Ali and Marigold, Aliset passed off her wrist screen, quickly plugging in the camera feed for the stage and offering it to the helashio as she stood, looking for Sacre in the crowd and the corners. "Hey, Nalini, you see where Sacre went? She okay?"

Another probing strike sparked off Nalini's defenses as something deep within her mind narrowed its eyes, considering the challenge presented by something that simply could not be accessed. By something too large, too ancient for that body. Not that Aliset wasn't that, herself, with the rapidly burrowing corruption spreading across her psyche. Not that it was strong enough to be noticable, yet. Just a whisper in the back of Aliset's mind, a miscalculation here and there. A slight shift in the balance of necessary action, bitterness and resent versus her normal kindness and fearless honesty. But still. No thoughts, no feelings... Nothing. This... Dare she say minor deity? It didn't respond at all. As thought it didn't notice her. That wasn't a normal Separa'Shan. No, Sacre was normal. Certainly resistant, but could feel a simple probe. Ali could feel the emotional imprint radiating off her, like a warm safety blanket that let her know she wasn't alone. This thing simply sparked her own emotions, and there was no flow. Not even machines had such immutable presence. Not even raw metal.

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

AELYA

Bewilderment and disappointment flowed through her when he let her go without a fight. Granted they had just met, but surely she thought he would have tried something or even resisted her being taken. She considered referring him to Jun to get his head checked. When he patted her head, her lips curled into a frown. His words caused her expression to change from that of outward discontent to icy stone.

Alastair's brushing against her skin sent shocks through her system causing her to stiffen up. "OH! So he has the testicular fortitude to pat my head, but not to sit with me....Interesting. Maybe he needs to get his head checked." she shared with Arina via vesper. It took everything in her power not to tell him exactly what she thought about thee audacity he had. Fiery eyes glared deep into the recesses of his almost daring him to try again later.

Saga’s cheeks reddened slightly at her Captain’s praise. The “thank you, Sir,” forming on her lips turned into a squawk as the taller man had the audacity to reach down and pat her head. She violently shrunk back, snatching the hand away. She opened her mouth to bite the offending hand and thought better of it. Holding her Captain’s large hand in both of hers, she peered up at him with narrowed eyes. Noticing the look of shock and maybe hurt on his face, she sighed and released his hand. Snatching off her beret, she jerked her chin down against her chest, presenting the top of her head again.

Face burning, she muttered, “We should find seats soon, Sir.”

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

Arina

Even the princess was surprised at how much better she felt (save all of her other problems, including starving for contact, especially with Aelya) the second she grabbed her aunt and they started to make it clear.

That is his loss. You're all mine now. She pulsed through with another burst of unconstrained moving and still images through their vesper. The head doing the thinking needs a different kind of doctor, from what I saw. I could practice my CQC on it, if you think it would help? Those nails shifted a touch, but dug in again as she looked at her with finally, a smile. A dark little one, but a smile.

There were some seats left empty up with the rest of the family, and she boldly strode to the front row and waited for Aelya to sit down in one of the empty seats there left for those unable to attend, specifically Rin, as her seat was right next to where she sat. A rearrangement had to be made of their hands. She took the one she had into her lap and squeezed it with an affectionate possessiveness, and laid her free hand on the Tal'cel's thigh, returning to the use of her nails while also kneading it slowly, almost eagerly or pensive from anticipation.

You belong up here, Aelya-ji.

It was much less, and much more distracting at the same time to have her up there with her, but it felt right and it meant she could at least hear her father's words again. The mystery girl had even been put on hold. Someone would tell them soon. They had better.

Ayano and Miyako

With Miu sitting next to her and the eye-drawing pop icon to the other side of her, Ayano got a good look at how warm the Chusa looked (in several places more than others). Without asking, and giving the other officer a start, the Taii shot her an envious look, wondering if she would make a good heater.

There was no way she was going to a container. She was more about complaining than actually cold, it turned out. Even if no one heard her.

Alastair did hate to let Aelya go but he knew very well of responding when duty called. Though he could not help but notice the look which Arina had. While no words were spoken, this did not do well to hide her body language. Clearly this is exactly what she wanted. This was interesting information to learn which may just come in handy in the future. He thought of this as a possible locating beacon, you find the one you more than likely have found the other. He took the dagger eyes from Aelya with grace and moved on knowing this would only be temporary. For a moment he was curious if this might have been the first time a man walked away from her. Given her status she might be use to others just following her along. While this was not the intent in this exact moment, it still served to make the point, it would take more than hand holding to win his favor.

As him and Saga moved away, he was shocked at how quickly Saga reacted to his head pats. He was use to the quiet girl in the corner and forgot she does have advanced training. They stood for a moment while she held his hand, not sure if the redness of her cheeks was from blush or the cold wind. Then it all started to click for him. She had been right by his side while he was flirting with Aelya. Maybe she too wanted in on the hand holding as well. He then smiled bright at her letting her know everything was alright. He then tipped his head to one side as she once more present the top of her head. Clearly having not learned his lesson from before he reached over and gave her a couple pats on the head. "Come on then, lets go find our seats."