HANAMI FESTIVAL
YE 45.3 (Spring)
Kaiko Park, Kyoto, Yamatai
Under the Eucharis
There was a moment after Hanako had spoken that Hoshi took to process all that Yamatai's Premier had said. She stored a lot of it to churn over later, unwilling to pry into a lot of the personal details that Hanako had shared. Finally, the Kaiyo captain knew what she wanted to ask.
"Thank you for sharing that," Hoshi prefaced. "You said he wanted to redeem himself in battle but that we should be better than that. How then should we seek redemption of our own, if not through battle?" Hoshi's blue eyes were dark with the weight of Hanako's words. "Sorry if I sound naive or like the only thing I know how to do is fight. But, I mean..." She looked around at the blossoming park, thinking about how much she had gained from battle and what really could be attained beyond it.
"We just have to be careful about being the best people we can be so we don't have to go seeking redemption in the first place," Hanako told Hoshi. "It's not always the easy path," she added.
"A path worth taking," Hoshi said with a tilt of her head and a smile. "Thank you for taking the time, Taisho."
"Just like the cherry blossoms show a new beginning of spring, so too does Yamatai start a new season of existence in the galaxy and we have a chance to try to do things right," the new premier told Hoshi. "It is why I chose to run in the election. I just want to be somewhere I can make a positive difference for people whether they're Kodians or Nekovalkyrja or humans, and so on. At the same time, the Kuvexian War showed us this is a very dangerous universe outside of the Kikyo Sector and we need to get out there in it if we want to protect what we have."
Aiko seemed to be listening with a respectful contentedness as Hanako waxed philosophical in response to her captain Hoshi's thoughts, her face and form a statuesque image of interested attention. But inwardly, the tall Ketsurui warrior was lost not so much in the conversation as she was the scents of the flowering season — and even more in the savory aromas of all the barbeque and other treats being served up here today both from vendors and personal grills that attendees brought along. Two years ago she'd had her first set of ribs alongside Hanako and Hoshi, and was eager to eventually find her SAINT mentor Saiga-taisa to sample the springtime hibachi he was doubtlessly cooking alongside his squad of off-duty operatives.
"You have come so far in your years, Hanako," Aiko said, in large part to get her mind away from thoughts of BBQ meats and the hungry growls even her Nekovalkyrja belly would grumble if she dwelled upon them too long. "The premiership in your hands is a gift to the entire Star Empire, and suits this new part of your storied lifetime for sure."
Hanako offered a modest smile in response to Aiko's kind words, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "Thank you, Aiko. I hope that I can live up to the trust that has been placed in me and truly make a difference for the people of Yamatai."
As the group continued to converse, the enticing aromas of nearby food vendors grew stronger, eventually catching Hanako's attention as well. "I must admit," she said with a small chuckle, "that the smells of the barbeque and various treats are quite tempting. Perhaps we should all indulge a bit and enjoy the festival while we can."
"I'm going to take you up on that. It was really lovely to meet you like this," Hoshi said to Hanako.
Alastair rolled up along with his brother Mikodimus. The wonder twins had finally met up after so much time apart. Miko had in his hand a tray filled with different types of BBQ meats. "Did someone say something about eating. Cause I got some real meat to dish up right here." The tray was filled with pulled beef, sugar cured bacon, rump roast, beef sticks and a dipping glaze.
Alastair grabbed a couple bacon stripes and offered some to the crew.
Quickly nodding in agreement with Hanako, Aiko's eagerness to feast broke through her dignified countenance for a brief moment. And then when the brothers Belmont popped up, having apparently absconded long enough to retrieve some of Mikodimus' famous cookery, Aiko unashamedly went in for her first sample of the day's flavors.
"No brisket, though?" Aiko questioned, looking across the smörgåsbord of smoked slices at Miko with a critical grin on her lips. She chose a slice of bacon to satisfy her cravings instead. "Still, this will be as fine a start as any. Perfect timing, chef."
"You're welcome to the ryokan for a different view of the festival, Hanako-Taisho." Hoshi then turned to her XO with a delicate smile, "Aiko-sama, I'm going to go change and see what Saiga's cooked up."
Hanako nodded with a warm smile. "I'll join you there shortly, then."
Giving her captain Hoshi a knowing grin, Aiko chewed the slice of bacon Miko had brought on his platter. If the leggy Nekovalkyrja war hero's pleased eyes were any indication, glittering with the same glassy intensity as the red-gemmed Blazing Sun medal worn high on her uniform's neck, the Belmont chef's bbq still failed to disappoint.
"I will be along soon enough, Hoshi," Aiko said, still looking at the pink captain while she nabbed another bacon strip with her fingertips. To hear Hanako planned on hanging out, too, prompted her to smile even wider while she dreamt up the funny faces Saiga might make upon the Premier's arrival, since the two were old comrades with him serving on Hanako's Eucharis several times.
Majnun eyed Miko's return curious to what treats he brought back along with his troublesome brother Alastair. "Oh do you now? We'll see about that, if the offer is open to everyone that is."
Miko looked at Aiko like a deer caught in headlights. "Ahhh, how could I miss to have brought the brisket." He then stopped and gave her a wink. He passed the tray over to Alastair and reached up and clapped his hands. The motion causing his behind to jiggle around. A moment later a small team of people walked over with another platter. "Perfect, we have more treats." He then popped open the tray top, the steam lifting slowly into the air. The smell was heavenly and was going to blow the clothes off anyone that tried it.
"So, who is first, slow smoked brisket. First dry then finished with a wet mop. Personally I am proud of this one." He said as he reached into and grabbed a peice. He looked at it, then smelled it. Finally he put it in his mouth.
"I personally am partial to spicier things, but Ill give it a try!" Majnun chirped. Eagerly she reached to try a piece without interfering with others who may wish to partake. "Not as spicy as I thought, sure would blow ones clothes off though." she said with jokingly.
Miko blinked for a moment, looking Majnun over. He knew this was going to be a tough crowd, so had come prepared. He reached into his apron and pulled out a bottle that had a big X on it. "I have just the thing, some BBQ that is spicy with a hint of sweet. Come, give it a try."
Majnun eyed up the apron Miko was wearing wondering just where exactly the hidden pocket was on this apron of his. "X marks the spot. So how can I say no?" she moved more towards him. "How exactly do you want me to try this allegedly spicy sauce good sir?" she said with a hint of sass and slight tilt of her head.
"I'd recommend to dip just the tip. Anymore and will have an explosion in your mouth." Miko said with a sly grin. He took his own instructions and put a few drops onto the end of the brisket. He took a bite and paused for a moment. Then his face turned beat red.
She smirked a little getting an unbitten piece of meat dipping almost the entire piece. With a bit of a chuckle she plopped it on her tongue savoring the flavor that seemed to be as promised. "Now that is delicious!" she said hopping joyfully. "Where may I ask, did you get that?!" However, she paused momentarily with a worried look on her face. "Are....are you going to be okay?"
It was the perfect day to bring a rented outfit to the big Hanami downtown, and Misaki had taken full advantage of one of the specials. She wore a breathable cotton kimono with a lighter blue color that was somewhat close to matching her hair. It had cloud and wind patterns all over, but wasn't overall too dark. Her hair was held up with two long pins, and in one hand she held a matching bamboo umbrella with a light hiding inside of it in case she got stuck in some sort of inclemate weather. It was not likely to happen, but it granted extra style as an accessory and shield from the sunlight. If she had to cross something other than a path, she decided to float rather than wear down the vegetation, and this is what brought her floating by Hanako and her crew by coincidence. She froze and squeezed the bottle of alcohol under her other arm a little more tightly. The time she had spent serving Hanako as well as other things floated to her head, and her mouth opened into a little shape like pursed lips. Her mind being a computer did not really do more than assist her in playing out way more ways to say hello if she was going to say hello in the first place. The crowd seemed busy to her.
Hanako's eyes caught a glimpse of Misaki as she floated by, her lovely kimono and umbrella drawing attention. Recognizing her, Hanako offered a warm smile and waved at her. "Misaki! How wonderful to see you here! Please, come join us."
Oh. That was easy. Misaki's mind was quickly put at ease. "お久しぶり, Hanako-sama ("It's been forever, Hanako-sama)." The blue-haired officer floated her way and set down once there, bowing swiftly, and deeply enough that she looked like she was about to take a header to the ground. It was the proper way to greet her after so long, and in public no less. A smile was plastered on her face when she righted herself. "It is such a treat to see you here, but you do have a habit of brightening these sorts of events. I am even more glad I decided to dress up today." All of her time aboard the Eucharis (except the part where she died) with Hanako was very precious to her.
Hanako returned the bow with a more modest one, a warm smile gracing her features. "Misaki, it is truly a pleasure to see you again as well. It has been too long," she agreed, her voice affectionate. "Your attire is absolutely beautiful, and it suits you perfectly. I'm glad you decided to dress up as well."
"Some of your fashion sense must have rubbed off on me." Misaki replied, though she had the impulse to hug her, she decided to let that plan go for the moment, even if she got closer enough to signal what she was going to do. The smile would not leave her face, "I did not stop working with my hobby with beautification and personalization, even after I was transferred. Oh forgive me, congratulations as well are in order. I never had a doubt, but I voted for you anyway." That was definitely Misaki's attempt at a joke, even if the tone of her voice was a bit stale. The officer sounded more comfortable than she had back at the start of the 30s. "I was at a base at the time on-world, it was practically buzzing."
Miko could not speak for a few moments. Then the redness moved from his face, down his body before it vanished. "Yeah, sweet love does that have some kick. Though it seemed to be just the right spot for you." He said walked towards Majnun. He gave her a small pap on the back. "If I need someone to try my spicy food, your getting a call. He had grinned from ear to ear as he looked onto her.
The raven haired iromakuanhe became increasingly worried at the spread of redness on Miko's body. She let out a small gasp at the pat on her back and glared at him. "Do you always touch people without asking?" she chuckled a bit. "Its alright, you brought me this delicious sauce, so as long as theres more where that came from you just might keep your limbs. For now." she eyed him with amusement. "How is it do you plan on calling me if you do not know how to do so?"
Miko grinned, hopeful that someone might ask for more. "Ah, yeah, old habit of being friendly with people who love my food. Tis an odd twitch of mine." He then reached into his apron pocket once more and pulled out another bottle. This was had a Y on the label. "How about a trade, my more spicy goodness for your number?" He said with a smile as he waved the bottle in front of her.
Majnun was doing everything she could minus outright asking him where the pocket was in this apron. "It's alright, I am more open to surprise contact from friends. Though for you I will make an exception just this once if you don't mind answering a question for me. Where is this magical pocket and how does it hold all this sauce?" she said eyeing the latest bottle he pulled out. Surely this apron had limitations to its capacity. "That sounds like a fair trade to me!" she whispered her information into his ear and stepped back out of his personal space. Playfully she held out just her pointer finger, "Just the tip."
The grinned only widened across Miko's face. "I accept your exception. As for where is this magic pocket. Tis a secret though I shall give you a peak." He gave a wink and pulled the apron away from his body. Behind it was a pocket hidden from view. Though the view she'd get was anything but hidden. "Now, just the tip as requested." He said taking the bottle and putting a few drops on her food.
For some unknown reason Majnun hastily covered her eyes almost afraid to see what was beneath. Separating her fingers to peek through at what he had unleashed. She was surprised to see the pocket on the back of the apron. Stepping forward she peeked inside, "Impressive that it was able to hold so much!" Whatever other view that had been exposed did not cause enough havok to shock her. However, she withdrew her finger from being offered as a sacrifice for hot sauce as she watched him put some onto her food. "How delightfully polite of you, thank you."
"My pleasure, I do hope you enjoy. I worked hard to make this have some kick. In fact I made these to be paired together. Like a couple sharing a bite to eat." He then took the other bottle and put more on his food. "Enjoy" he said lifting it up and then taking a bite of it.
"Oh I quite clearly do very much enjoy it. What does one need to do to persuade you to make them a couple bottles. Regrettably I do not have any pockets as you can see." she watched the insanity as the man who turned red at a drop proceeded to increase the spice level of his food. "Dear me, are you sure you're going to be okay? Or are you perhaps just a wee bit insane?"
Miko let out a chuckle. "Well, given who my family is some might say I am a little crazy. Though it is the good kind of crazy." He then looked at her and tipped his head to one side. "You know, if you want some pockets, I have a spare apron that would more than likely fit you." He grinned once more. "Though, I will leave to you where I am hiding it." He said taking a another nibble of his food. Though this time he did not turn as red as before.
Majnun raised an eyebrow at his statement of family. "Who is your family that people would say such things?" she asked. Emerald eyes watched as he looked at her with a bit of a grin, "I would love some pockets! This kimono here did not have any I'm afraid." she walked around him looking for this alleged second apron and stood in front of him with a shrug. "Beats me, is it in your transport or in some kind of other residence?"
"Oh, that would be the Belmonts. Though we are completely harmless. At least I am." He then eyed the kimono with one eye brow lifted. "That is a crime not to have pockets. Where does one stash things without pockets." He then reached up and snapped his fingers. One of the servers walked over and handed him an apron. "See, magic." He grinned and gave a wink.
"Well you are the only Belmont I know and I see, that I am aware of. So far you're not all that bad, but if you pat me on the back again you're getting a hug and thats your only warning." she watched as he eyed her kimono. She held it up in front of him, "Did you want to try it on or something, commit the crime of no pockets? Although the suffering may not be worth it if you are able to store so much treats in such a contraption as a pocketed apron." she eyed him befuddled at how he did not know where some women stashed things with no pockets, "Usually bags or purses I think." she stopped short as he snapped his fingers summoning her an apron. Gracefully she accepted it, donning the pocketed wonder. She did a little spin and smiled, "Oh this is just magical! What do I owe such a favor?"
Miko leaned back slightly as she suggested to him a hug for pats. "Oh my and I am not even wearing my hug the chef apron today." He let out a giggle. "After a few more drinks I may just try on your outfit. I am sure there wont be a misunderstanding as I walk around in your outfit and your in one of my aprons." He paused and looked at her after putting on the apron. "I do say, this is a very nice look." He put his thumb and index fingers to his lips and kissed them, enjoying the sight before him.
Sakura Treeline
According to her internal map of Kaiko Park, Okimi had successfully managed to traverse every festival pathway, stopping to look at every stall, vendor and performing act she had come across. All those new experiences meant that today was ticking just about every box in the 'win' column for the Festival. In fact - aside from making at least one new friend, helping someone in need and giving joy hugs; there was little else the young neko could have hoped to achieve. Vowing to herself to keep her eyes and ears open for opportunities to bring some joy into someone's life, Okimi decided it was time to track down her fellow crewman from the YSS Resurgence and make sure they were enjoying the Festival as much as she was.
As Okimi meandered through the park, she spotted a familiar figure beneath a picturesque cherry tree. It was Pidole, dressed elegantly in a silk kimono, enjoying a picnic with her beetle companion, Bidole.
"Oh, hello, Okimi," she replied, her voice soft and melodic. "I've been having a lovely time. The beauty of the cherry blossoms is simply breathtaking. How about you? Have you been enjoying the festival?"
Okimi smiled widely at the redhead with her ever-present companion. "Oh, hi there Pidole!" She deliberately turned her eyes to the beetle. "And hello to you too, Bidole!" Even had she wanted to try, she couldn't have kept the excitement from her voice. "I'm loving this! All the wonderful colors, people, smells, sights and sounds - it's like nothing I have ever experienced or even dreamed of." Okimi nodded enthusiastically as she spoke. "At least now if in the future, the ship I am on cannot be home for this, I'll have some idea of how to bring the Hanami Festival to the crew instead!"
Pidole's eyes sparkled as she saw Okimi's enthusiasm and listened to her excitement. "That's a wonderful idea, Okimi! Bringing the spirit of the Hanami Festival to those who can't experience it firsthand would be a great way for a caretaker to spread joy."
Bidole, seemingly pleased with the attention they received, buzzed happily and moved a bit closer to Okimi, as if to welcome her into their little picnic area.
As the two chatted about the festival and their experiences, Pidole couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Okimi's boundless energy and optimism. It was contagious, and soon Pidole found herself feeling more energized and excited to explore the festival alongside her friend. "Let's make a promise," Pidole suggested, her eyes shining with determination. "No matter where we are or what we're doing, let's always remember the spirit of the Hanami Festival and do our best to bring its beauty and joy to others."
Okimi's eyes lit up to match Pidole's and she practically bounced on the spot. "It's a promise!" The neko took a moment to set a pair of permanent reminders within her internal calendar, one for the first of nigatsu and another for the thirtieth. That would make sure she couldn't miss the Festival in the future.
Pidole grinned, feeling content and satisfied. What a beautiful day. She was glad Okimi had joined the crew. It was great to have someone so positive and helpful. Even if it was her job to help the crew that way, it felt like having a new friend.
"Hey Ruru," Narapara Apparata nudged her companion, after spotting the Resurgence crew. "Do those kitties look familiar to you? I think we've seen them somewhere."
The former officer peered back at the former senior NCO, and responded, "Yeah, they were with that bunch that came to the snowball that time, Nara. They were looking for the boss"
"It's the group that had the one that was too shy to blow up the hoversled with the MANPAD, from the Deluxe Romance Package Tour, tch." Narapara, the former Superior Elite sneered, giggling as she nudged Rurunaru. "They don't tube them like they used to back in our day."
"Hoi! Kittens! We came to your party this time!" Rurunaru Kamatara, former Commander of the NMX, former Shift Supervisor of Quallox Vaibal Colonial Security, waved at the Resurgence crew, then nudged back at Narapara, "I wonder if the angry green-haired one is with them."
In a heavier getup than her crew had seen her before, Mineko was looking for the Resurgence crew in the drapery of a hana bira-emblazoned kimono. She had seen Okimi earlier while she was performing and, now done with her dance and free for the day, was seeking out her newfound friends in the crowd. The former NMX Nekovalkyrja's calls drew her attention and the analyst raised a long sleeved hand to wave at the loungind Pidole and Okimi, too.
Okimi spotted motion and trained her eyes upon the waving Mineko. With a wide, happy smile for one of her first friends aboard the Resurgence, the caretaker waved back.
In a reminder of her Lianjia Nepleslian heritage, the very, very long Cheongsam worn by the positively titanic Emiko Freyjasdóttir, or properly in that language, Hóng Diànmǔ, had a similar print to Mineko's kimono. Perhaps they coordinated? "Who is the waver, small friend, you know them?"
"Not them, no," Mineko said, shaking her head. "Hey! You made it, big friend! Look, that's the ship's caretaker Okimi over there. Let's go join them!" Mineko said, tucking her hand around one half of Emiko's forearm to guide the Lily-type along.
Half was an optimistic description of how much of Mineko's little hand could fit around Emiko's substantial forearm. "Yes! I got relieved of watch after rotation. For brief shift, Emiko was in charge of entire ship!" Looking down at Okimi, Emiko smiled broadly. "Bon Dia Caretaker Okimi. Have seen in ship's corridor, never said hola, ho sento." Of course, she was a Sardinian Lianjia, so Lianjia-speak was secondary to that dialect of Mutari. And Trade a third, let alone Yamataigo her fourth tongue.
Okimi blinked and checked again. No, the woman Mineko had dragged over to them really was that big. The young neko couldn't help herself and ran a hand from the top of her head over towards Emiko and back again. Yup, now she felt short. "Wow, you're really tall, Emiko!" The caretaker rolled her eyes. "Which of course you are fully aware of, sorry!" She smiled. "I'm sorry we haven't had a chance to meet properly before now! But wow, you were in charge of the whole ship? How was it? Do you think its something you would like to do again? Are we looking at a future Starship Captain?" Oh right, if she didn't stop asking questions, nobody would get a chance to answer. So she swallowed the next question and rubbed a finger across the base of her right ear.
"No, no, it was just the rotation for deck officer so everyone can enjoy the festival! I am an infantry officer!" Emiko laughed. "And I am tall, am I not?" She flexed in her cheongsam, upper arms parallel to the ground, then made a scrunched-up sort of face. "I thought there would be food. Gymnastics-friend? Is there not food?"
Okimi offered an understanding smile and nod. "Still, it's impressive and yeah, I think you're the tallest person I know?" She paused to think back through the people she had met, but got distracted by the follow up question. "Ooh, there is ALL the food! I didn't even know half of this existed before today!"
Mineko sort of shrugged, "My old dance instructor had a salmon bento for me this morning before I performed so I don't know. It all seems too... much for me. Definitely up your alley, Emiko-chan!" She finished her statement with a jovial tone as she looked about. "Could start with some takoyaki balls and move onto the harder meats. Hmmm, maybe best to start at the protein, actually."
"Oh yes, the meats!" Emiko's eyes were fixed on the stands, and she began to drift in that direction, as if guided on rails and the others she was with didn't exist.
Of course, near the meats is also where a pair of hungry stray kittens were lurking, trying to figure out with their limited budget what the best strategy for maximizing it would be at the food stalls.
Okimi watched, highly amused at the way the massive infantry officer was drawn towards the food like a moth to the flame. Not seeing anyone else she recognized just yet, she decided to follow Emiko and Mineko.
"How have you been enjoying your role on the ship?" Mineko asked Okimi, curious about the caretaker occupation and how her crewmate had been taking to it.
Okimi couldn't help the happy grin that formed in response to Mineko's question. "I can't believe it has been two months already since I joined the crew! It some ways, it feels like it was only last week that I boarded the Resurgence for the first time." She let off a soft chuckle. "I know some people see the Caretaker as being one of the 'lesser' roles we can have but, honestly, I can't imagine being anything else. Even back as far as basic socializing, I discovered that I am at my happiest when I am helping others. Being a caretaker is like having a license to do that, all the time! It's the greatest!"
Mineko nodded, listening. "You've certainly helped me a lot, so I wouldn't be one of those thinking of it as lesser, not by a long shot." She watched the hulking Lianji order quadruple portions with a smile. "We all need different things. What feeds me would never satiate her and if you fed me what she eats, I'd be sick. I notice you do the same for our crew. Supporting everyone differently." Mineko's toothy smile widened as Emiko hadn't even finished her order.
Offering a rueful smile, Okimi rubbed a finger across the bottom of an ear. "Well, as you said, everyone has their individual needs and desires. So, everyone needs something a little different to keep them happy. Beside it being my passion, it's also kind of my job to keep the crew happy, with high morale. So, I learn what a person needs and then try to give it to them." She smiled happily, even as she made a mental note of Emiko's increased appetite. "I'm just lucky to have found so many new friends aboard the Resurgence!"
"Me too," Mineko couldn't help but agree. "It's a good ship not just for serving the Empire but also full of a crew you can lean on. You make it that much easier."
Okimi tilted her head and smiled softly. "You're totally getting a hug soon, saying such nice things!"
= = = = = = = = = =
JP by Wes, Ame, iaincarter, raz, Yuuki, Miko, Miyako, Nakshatra
