Akina and Katsuko - Leaving the TBC Area
It was a strange comfort to hear the words; Katsuko had never really been known to vocalize what she and Akina had unless there was a strain. The strain now existed in other places which made the words flow so much easier and with more eloquence than before. Absence makes the heart fonder in some cases, and with this red-headed beauty, there were no words that could describe her place in Katsuko's life. "I love you too," she responded in a low voice, just above a whisper in fearless expression, "...but those words hardly provide justice to it, I feel like your return has set right the ship of my life's journey back upon a logical course after it was lost within the darkness and a storm." Katsuko had lied to herself for a long time, her vision blurred by the hatred figures like Kiyoko and Misato had spawned and blindsided her with. Katsuko clung to the warmth that was there as their footsteps led them down the winter path. The glistening dusting of white brought an ambiance to it all, a piece of a home that had been cast prior beneath the dark clouds of what was a political nightmare. The clash of enlisted and officers before them, snowballs flung between parties as their steps wandered through the festival grounds. "The lights are beautiful," Katsuko observed, Akina had thought of every embellishment and had truly captured the celebration of the year's end. Although this somewhat returned Yamatai to a world of sparkle and color, she still longed for the next year which would hopefully be ushered in with the establishments of new colonies and a rebirth of the frontiers and pioneering spirit that had driven her up the ranks of the Star Army, to begin with.
The blue-haired former Empress spotted Hanako and the Kodian in the distance and she lightly nudged Akina to choose the path which would lead them there. It would be nice to wish the fellow Taisho a Happy Year end as she had done the previous year. Hanako was one of the few faces of the Senate she missed, she said quietly to Akina as their steps led them closer, "I forgot the gifts, that is what I forgot," she added as she noted the pile of gifts she had left on Port Jiyuu in the hustle to get to Yamatai on time, she would have to send them when she returned. At least she could greet Hanako with a proper wishful toast, "Happy Year End to you Hanako!" she said as they closed their distance and she gave the Kodian a gentle nod of acknowledgment and an apologetic gaze as they interrupted the conversation as gently as possible.
Airwin and Company
Airwin gave a grimacing reaction to Morris' words, almost a confirmation of the sentiment which read plainly across the soldier's face. "Aye, few have an appreciation for what it is you do. I doubt I would myself save for the fact I clearly recognize the bravery and valor to which the Iron Company joined us upon our most trying endeavor. Similar to my gratitude to Yamatai, there is no way I can ever figure out to repay despite the fact that the balance is paid in full on paper," he said with a brief pause and then continued in a breathed expression of reality, "Fight the darkness so that others may stay in the light, just don't give in to its allure Morris for even in the shrouds of safety and glistening towers and strong bastions lurk the possibility of incursion." He raised his mug a little, "To those of us who understand, and to your health," he added in a brief toast to which Gemetzel also raised her mug.
These others who had joined the table were obvious friends of Cheol. Cheol being one of the very few things that were complicated about this new Ysi that had come barreling from the flames of a fallen universe, he remembered well when Cheol had been adopted. He couldn't help but wonder what it was like for the Admiral in those most intense moments of Operation Fireplace. The man had found a place though. It was somewhat of a relief to the Norian leader as he observed the interactions, a unspoken thought couldn't help to notice the subtle fluctuations in what had become the norm that maybe Cheol himself was oblivious. His attention strayed as he noticed Lynira nearby. He waited till that moment came when the connection of gaze was met to raise his hand and usher her towards them. A friendly invitation for her to consider what she had secured libations for herself, the transmitted words interlaced with a peaceful demeanor which had a joyous embrace of the occasion, //"Come join us when you are done there, it is good to see you again."// Airwin knew even in statehood Tsenlan would need the skills of its diplomats. Perhaps this little gathering would lead to an offer for her to join his staff, no longer constrained by what their previous social situations had implied there was a stark reality to the more Minatu approach he had, titles meant little without the following which made the gears turn. A lot of gears needed to be turned. They were like a newly hatched bird from its egg, mere younglings to the ways of this new place that had opened up to accept them.
Cheol said to Lenna in acknowledgment of her words, "If it is what brought you to cherished kin, then that is all justified. I am glad it was Yamatai that brought me to you if I might so boldly add, it is nice to have a ship and crew to find purpose in again." Were his words too careful, too formalized to convey what he truly meant - perhaps, but time would lead to an unraveling of the mysteries which lurked within Cheol's thoughts as he quieted to regard the conversation between the two. He nodded in affirmation of Nikki's words, "Indeed, Gamma Ark," he said before a healthy sip of his beer. The Sobek awaited, it made a smile across his expression and he awaited another avenue to add to the conversation, it was strange feeling nervous around people after years of briefings and speeches. "So where are we headed after the end of the year?" he questioned them, anxious to hear of the places the Sobek would venture. He had yet to meet the one paying for recent endeavors, that woman Lenna had mentioned.
Sweet Cream Booth
Kaoru grinned from ear to ear at what Yue said, "A song! I can hardly wait. I want to hear about your idea, we will get to making it a lyrical masterpiece. At least we will be able to collaborate since you're coming with the fleet." The presence of the Yugumo civilian side of the mission they were soon to embark on offered a unique opportunity for them to work together in closer proximity. Perhaps a concert or two or more would be available as they made that adventure through space. It might just of been what had cooled Kaoru's objections to the future Taro and her mother had pressed so hard for her to consider.
