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Empress' Palace
47.9 (Day After Yule)
Decorated for the festive time of year, the Empress' Palace in Kyoto was set for the holidays. Its' dark stained wood and golden paneled walls were adorned with verdant evergreen garlands draping down between scenes of famous historical battles and portraits of those of those in the Kitsurugi Clan that had fought in them. In between the crimson berries and sharp leaves of holly boughs, volumetric visages of starship classes and swords famously used by the clan twinkled in golden hues of light while the great fireplace created a din of white noise as it warmed the conference throne room, licking out towards the filigrees of the mostly blackened gold grate that contained it.
There was a new chair here that was not unlike the Empress' throne, albeit smaller and less ornate. It was where Father Yule sat — an idyllic visage amongst the decor and pomp of celebration. In a bright voice, the old-looking man called forth any to come sit on their red-velvet adorned lap and speak their wishes for the year (much like the Empress had asked all of Yamatai to do so). Though Yule had passed the day before, it seemed like he still wanted to make one last appearance for this event.
Having been born the day after Yule, Kitsurugi Aiko's birthday was usually hosted in a joint celebration alongside the holiday by her captain, Taiyou Hoshi. But the captain had been missing from the Kaiyō crew's lives even after the undercover NMX operation meant to rescue her and, so, Aiko's own kin had opted to hold the festivities for Aiko and her crew here at the palace.
It wasn't often since the end of the Kuvexian War that Aiko came and stayed at the Empress' Palace. Though it was still the center of the Kitsurugi Clan's power — particularly following the loss of the Ketsurui Sanctuary Palace in the Himiko System — and she still had quarters maintained here, other places had become her home more than the Empress' abode ever had been. Still, Aiko felt nonetheless at ease in these halls and moved happily between conversations alongside Boss, the YSS Kaiyō II's MEGAMI avatar who tended to accompany her wherever she went.
Aiko wore an armless turtleneck sequined dress tonight that hugged the shapes of her body closely. It was made of a deep black fabric, but the sparkly spangles gave the garment a luminous appeal that twinkled in ways that were never the same twice.
"How odd to see Father Yule here," Princess Aiko said to Boss from behind a smile. She tread over the palace's polished floor on iridescent silver six-inch heels toward some of her crewmates while she spoke. "We have ended so many years in relative solitude at Kaiko Park that his jolly appearance keeps catching my eye."
Kitsurugi Yui, one of the three original Nekovalkyrja, and Aiko's mother, poked her head around a corner and then popped out to wave at everyone. She was wearing her old red and white kimono with the red ninja stars on it, and a purple silk obi. "Aiko," she greeted her daughter with a respectful nod. "How have you been?"
Aiko stopped in her tracks, gliding smoothly to a halt when Yui approached, and then bowed deeply to Yui according to Yamataian tradition.
Yui returned the bow respectfully.
The Kaiyō MEGAMI next to Aiko had given a half-nod to the princess before the eminent Mistress Taisho greeted the princess. Respectfully bowing, Boss was keen to let them converse in peacable familial conversation, looking out for any of her crew members that were not yet engaged.
"Oh, it's Boss!" Taisho Yui grinned. "Nice to meet you. I'm a big fan of your work on the Kaiyō." She offered Boss a firm handshake.
"We have been well enough," Aiko said while her legendary mother and Boss exchanged pleasantries. "I am sure you have heard of our latest victories, hard fought in Abwehran space, and so these holiday festivities are a welcome respite until the next battle. I will be glad for Hoshi-taisa to return as my captain following her convalescence. I trust you are well yourself, Okaasama."
Turning her attention back to the Mistress Taisho, Boss' short indigo A-line hair splayed out as she turned, taking in the praise and handshake graciously. Any bewildered expression was only momentary as she accepted Yui's attention with aplomb. The ship's smile only grew as Aiko recounted the latest work of her crew.
Uehara Asuka walked in, trying to look as inconspicous as possible. Certainly the santo hei had had to rub elbows with elevated heights before, but this was a whole other level and she suspected it would be safer in a live fire exercise. Acutely aware of how infrequently she wore her Type 35 uniform (she wasn't sure she'd ever worn it outside the initial fit check), she carefully did not adjust it with any tugs and simply looked about, sizing up the other arrivals as she kept her hands clasped behind her back.
"Welcome to the Empress Palace," Yui told Asuka. "Make yourself at home. It is our pleasure to have you over here for the Year-End. Yui gestured to her yeoman who went to the event staff and soon everyone was getting offered lovefruit wine and some sort of really tasty cheese and crackers.
"Ah, thank you," Asuka said to Yui, offering a polite bow. Surely no-one could take offense at a bow. And the prospect of food brightened things substantially as well. Of late she'd had few enough opportunities to indulge in nice things, and she considered the lovefruit wine with slightly narrowed eyes. It wasn't exactly her normal drink, but an experimental sip didn't seem too bad. Her eyes cast about, smiling and relaxing a bit as more familiar faces appeared.
Erika slid in cautiously. The last time she was at the palace it was to receive a Yui’s Blood Medallion, and it took a 3-hour soak in the Resurgence’s onsen to work the tension out. Aiko had implied that this was a lot less formal, but in the short time Erika had grown to know the princess, she had the impression that there was some level of dissociation between her and the social reality of everyone around her. Erika managed an easy smile, SAINT training clicking into place, but she could feel the muscles in her lower body tense.
She'd taken the event as an opportunity to prurchase a new hōmongi kimono. The fabric was a shade of pale red with branches and white Ume blossoms reaching up from the edges of the garment. She had her braid rolled up behind her head.
Next to arrive fashionably late was the ID-SOL exchange officer. Thought he wasn't quite as taken aback by the grandiose palace. It wasn't the first time he'd been there either. Slowly walking the familiar palace hallshalls, William silently sideled up to Aiko. "Been awhile since I've been here. Takes me back." He remarked
"Hanako got kidnapped at least twice so try not to feel too upset about it," Yui told Aiko in a low voice, with a humorous tone. "It's good you were able to collect Hoshi back. I was not going to be pleased if you hadn't."
A smirk slithered across the right side of Aiko's mouth, curling her matte black lips into a knowing grin right when William stepped up beside her. The princess' normally stoic mask looked more mischievous than she usually let even her crewmates see.
"I have been meaning to tell you how I laughed when you instructed me to not fail at it," Aiko said plainly, sounding very assured. "At first the thought entertained me — the idea we would not get Hoshi back had never yet crossed my mind. But remembering your words from that message did bring me some doubt as the months dragged on whilst we searched for her. Some small measure of uncertainty is always good for motivation, so thank you in any case."
"Perhaps like Hanako-taisho, our captain's capture will only serve her legacy." Boss said.
From the great chair, Father Yule gave a hearty laugh—like tinkling jingle bells whose cadence didn't dull for several moments. Finally, the cheery figure put a gloved hand up to his frosty white beard, gaining composure amongst those gathered.
"I believe the same goes for Aiko-chusa thanks to her time amongst the Kuvexians," Boss added on as she looked from Father Yule to the raven-haired woman next to her.
"Hopefully we will some new cooperation between the Kuvexians and Yamatai to face the Mishhuvurthyar threat," Yui remarked. "Recently we were able to secure a deal with the Quallox Vaibal megacorporation, thanks to one of our First Fleet ships, the Resurgence."
"I could not help but wonder what Major William, Premier Sanders' son, thinks of a Kuvexian partnership." Boss asked as she looked to the Nepleslian that had joined the party. "He, too, was in servitutude to them alongside Aiko-chusa." When she said this, the MEGAMI looked quizically from William and Yui to Asuka and Erika. She gracefully moved back as her arms went wide, making room for them in the conversation.
"With their central government gone, their corporations have been opportunistically re-aligning themselves to the powers of the universe. I can't say I fully trust them, but their greed makes them predictable, at least," Yui said. "I have reviewed William's service record and I was happy to extend his exchange program term to keep him on the Kaiyō. It's a great thing that Nepleslia and Yamatai are finally on the same page and I hope to keep it that way. I remember when there was nothing but stress between our nations. Unfortunately I had a hand in that," Yui admitted.
Aiko kept silent for now. She didn't particularly enjoy the idea of allying with Kuvexians regardless of any advantage they'd provide against the Mishhuvurthyar. Only two years ago, she'd singlehandedly launched a mini war to cleanse remnants of the Interstellar Kingdom from Hanako's World and very publicly vowed to continue hunting their kind. But now certainly wasn't the time to say more than what she had in the past. Plus, Aiko wanted to hear what the others had to say about it.
"Apologies, but I don't think I am the best to answer that particularly question" William replied, a well rehearsed neutral tone he had needed to hone now that he was getting higher in rank. Aiko knew how he felt about the thought though, and it bordered on fire and brimstone.
"We have bigger squids to fry." Erika said with a wry smile. "It also allows us to put social and political pressure on them to rehabilitate." She then bowed deeply to Yui. "I'm Shoi Erika Elster by the way, Kitsurugi-sama. I don't expect you would remember me, but I served aboard the Resurgence during the recovery of a lost Sharie-class battleship."
"Quallox Vaibal is trying to build a new Glimmergold in YE 48," Yui added. "I think they want to put it in Sood Zadra. They're calling it El Dorado." She looked to Erika with a nod of approval. "That was a great mission. One for the ages," she said, recalling the reports of how the battleship narrowly escaped using an aether generator stolen directly out of an NMX ship.
"If I may Admiral," Erika continued with a diplomatic smile, even as her lower body was starting to cramp from the tension around the small of her back. "I still wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them. We only recently had a breach with the Elysians. Though I'm sure you've already considered that angle."
"Don't you mean, 'considered that angel'?" Father Yule chortled from afar. "Ho ho...!"
"The Kuvexians still fear me enough to maintain their bounties," Aiko said, finally saying something on the topic at all. "So whether during peaceful negotiation or some future war concocted in their guile I will keep them in check if the Empire requires it."
"Surely canceling bounties on members of the royal family is part of the treaty." Erika said incerduiously. "A condition before we even have formal talks."
Loitering just outside the room with her back to the wall, the Kaiyō's resident shieldmaiden had been listening to the conversation on the other side. A conversation that cemented the feeling of being a fish out of water. Getting invited to the palace, despite being under the umbrella of the ship's pedigree, was no small concern for a simple soldier. Yet, she was already there, and no doubt she'd have a lot of explaining to do if she bailed out now, so with a deep breath and a moment to set her outfit straight, Sif walked through the doors, keeping the inner panic contained for the time being.
Sif's attire was a red vest and tie over a black dress shirt, paired with black slacks and shoes. Knowing royalty was right around the corner, she looked rather nervous to be there. "I'm hope I'm not too late," she said, trying to feign an air of nonchalance as she bowed. Though her fellow crewmates would definitely clock that her tail was a lot more tightly wound around her waist as she joined them.
William smiled at Sif and waved her over. He remembered what it was like coming here for the first time.
The new arrival walked over to William's side, being the first one to acknowledge her in her state of wanting to slip into the shadows. "Somehow my heart's beating faster than the first time I met you all," Sif would say to the ID-SOL.
William smirked as he turned to her. "Come on, I'm not that scary." He teased. "But I get it. I first came here as a teenage no-nothing."
Erika scoffed at William's comment then turned to Sif, "If its any consolation I feel the same way. We're in the family home of a friend who's also princess of the Empire. I'm not sure what's appropriate."
"Feels like stepping foot on a completely different planet," Sif added with a nervous chuckle. "I suppose I can rest easier knowing I'm not the only one being a little skittish." At this, she started to take in the atmosphere, lifting an eyebrow upon noticing Father Yule.
Isuke wasn't a stranger to the life of high society, but this was also a festive one, so she knew she had a bit more wiggle room when it came to her choice of attire — even if the locale WAS the Empress' Palace. As a result, she decided to try something a bit different. She had opted to try wearing a red colored kimono with white trimmings, but unlike the standard design, this one was worn with her shoulders completely exposed, leaving her cleavage exposed as well. For a bit of added warmth (or at least the appearance of it), some fluffy white bits lined the top. Perhaps a little risque, but she was pretty sure it wasn't a inappropriate.
She did recognize quite a few people present, but as she was a little late, the Lorrfolk wasn't too sure who she should drift towards, and for the time being, contented herself with admiring the decor of the room.
"You not a bit cold in that?" Erika said with a smile just loud enough for the lorrefolk to hear as she slid beside her. She tapped Isuke's shoulder with a small porcelain cup filled with warm sake. "You drink?"
The pink-haired Lorrfolk offered a winsome smile. "Not particularly. I'm pretty good at handling cold weather, or hot weather for that matter. Come to think of it, I've never thought too much if its a me thing, or a racial thing...," Isuke shrugged slightly. "And I'm more then happy to drink. I don't want to say I love it in excess but... well, I do enjoy it, let's put it that way?"
Erika offered the porcelain cup to her, while showing she had a second in the other hand. "Probably for the best that you don't over do it. There are about one hundred ways to end your career in this room." She chuckled.
"You get used to walking on the pins and needles, but maybe that's just me. I have to say, the first few times I had to attend anything this formal, it was nerve-wracking! That was years ago now though." Isuke took the offered cup and held it out for a brief 'clink' with Erika's before taking a sip herself.
"Come one, come all!" Father Yule called out and Boss, too, waved the two over like William had.
"More of our crewmen," Boss said with glowing pride as she introduced them. "Isuke has been with us after providing security for one of Yamatai's senators and Jôtô Hei Sif Ignemar has completed Advanced Infantry training this year on our captain's urging. Both honorable examples."
Upon being introduced, Sif drew a blank on what to say, and just gave a polite bow. Possibly the better choice as blurting out the wrong thing would be a disaster.
"We should probably talk less about politics and do more celebrating," Yui said to Aiko and the others, giving William a pat on the shoulder and dropping the topic of the recent Kuvexian corporate machinations. "I think due to everyone's hard work, the Yamatai Star Empire has a good future and we are going to keep giving the enemy hell."
William gave Yui an appreciative nod. In the back of his mind, it was slightly conflicting. On one hand this was the former Empress of Yamatai. On the other, she was Aiko's mom. He leaned more on the later and mouthed "Thank you" to the Mistress Taisho.
Aiko nodded happily, grinning as she held both of her hands and forearms up to the elbow tight above her belly.
"I am greatful to you all for being here," the princess said, both to her mother and as a welcome to all of the others who were trickling in. "That even Father Yule has shown himself to revel with us marks this year's celebration as an auspicious one. Tonight would only be made more perfect were Hoshi here, but we will rejoice enough for her, too."
Father Yule's pink cheeks bounced up above his beard at Aiko's comments and he gave a cheery little, "Ho ho ho! I'm sure she would want that. Enjoy yourselves, for you have protected the Empire ceaselessly and deserve the merry delight that Yule brings."
"Let us feast," Yui said, showing them to a grand dining room where waitstaff were bringing dinners out. In the center of the table was a massive nut the size of a large turkey. Yui pulled out a huge Viking-style war hammer. It looked heavy. "Who wants to do the honors?"
Boss put a hand over her mouth, then under her breath spoke to Aiko, "Would you, for your birthday? Or perhaps Father Yule should do the honors?"
Aiko stepped up beside Taisho Yui. Boss was right — on both counts. The busting of a mega nut could rightfully be seen as her duty as the birthday girl, but so was it acceptable to pass it along. She grasped the war hammer easily around its haft, accustomed as she was to wielding massive clubs and hammers, and then held it for a moment."
"Though it would joy me to carry out this deed," Aiko said in a solemn way that would sound out of place if it were anybody but her saying it, "Father Yule should honor us by demonstrating the proper technique. I am but an amateur in this art."
She then looked over to the jolly character waiting in the wings while holding the hammer with an expectant look on her face.
Now standing, Father Yule looked extra dimunitive, short-statured and obviously less portly in some areas than many depictions. Regardless, he walked with the jolly swagger of a man about to deliver a present. Pushing up his fur-lined sleeves as if readying to accomplish some massive feat of strength, his pinkish forearms momentarily showed before the heavy sleeves pushed back down.
With a thanks and a sing-songy, "Happy birthday, Aiko-sama," Father Yule clutched the massive war hammer from her and took a step back on patent leather boots before stepping forward. Extra energy was brough forth on the follow-through and the massive nut split and splattered a few inches, caught on the serving tray specifically designed for this feast-worthy nut. Waitstaff got to work collecting the remnants on plates for the guests and serving it alongside the buttery roasted vegetables and richly creamed potatoes. Father Yule was chuckling mightily, pleased with the outcome of the endeavor the birthday girl and Yui had bequeathed him.
Clapping her hands rapidly in front of her neck, Aiko looked elated to have witnessed a mega nut being cracked for the first time in her life. It was a rare occasion, to be sure, and she was glad to have passed the hammer off to the superlative santa so that she could observe a proper busting.
"And I have a gift!" Yui smiled. "The Kaiyō crew will be provided access to the moon of Iðunn in the Yamatai Star System. Located in orbit of the gas giant Heimdall, this will be a place where you can set up your own base of operations. You will have stewardship of the moon."
Father Yule had looked to Aiko at the mention of Iðunn, then looked away and stepped from the table. He grabbed the extra suit at his belly, giving one passing glance back at the mega nut pile.
"I have been many times," Aiko admitted, bowing deeply for a moment. The faintest blush crossed her nose and cheeks, and grew when she stood upright beside Yui again. "The Samurai there have shared their facility and trained with me over the years. Other than my quarters aboard the Kaiyō, it is the place I would most call home."
The princess — famous for her stately grace just as much as she was for her heroism in war — looked a little queasy for a second. She cast her eyes to the floor as if considering some weighty thought, and squirmed her hips around so that her heels slid around in their place on the ground. And then she burst forth and gave Yui a tight hug around her waist, which only lasted a moment, before pulling away. Such acts weren't in her samurai nature, so the princess made it quick.
"Thank you, Okaasama," Aiko said. The redness in her cheeks faded quickly while she pulled a black fingernail through her bangs, adjusting a single strand that had fallen out of place. "I enjoy Iðunn immensely."
William smiled warmly at Aiko's display. He knew how rare such a display was. It made him happy to see how much joy the gift brought her. He also definitely couldn't top giving his friend a planet for her birthday. He may just leave his for her to find later.
JP by: Ametheliana, raz, Wes, aitoseigi, Sunny D, Gunhand, Nameless, krisslanza
47.9 (Day After Yule)
Decorated for the festive time of year, the Empress' Palace in Kyoto was set for the holidays. Its' dark stained wood and golden paneled walls were adorned with verdant evergreen garlands draping down between scenes of famous historical battles and portraits of those of those in the Kitsurugi Clan that had fought in them. In between the crimson berries and sharp leaves of holly boughs, volumetric visages of starship classes and swords famously used by the clan twinkled in golden hues of light while the great fireplace created a din of white noise as it warmed the conference throne room, licking out towards the filigrees of the mostly blackened gold grate that contained it.
There was a new chair here that was not unlike the Empress' throne, albeit smaller and less ornate. It was where Father Yule sat — an idyllic visage amongst the decor and pomp of celebration. In a bright voice, the old-looking man called forth any to come sit on their red-velvet adorned lap and speak their wishes for the year (much like the Empress had asked all of Yamatai to do so). Though Yule had passed the day before, it seemed like he still wanted to make one last appearance for this event.
Having been born the day after Yule, Kitsurugi Aiko's birthday was usually hosted in a joint celebration alongside the holiday by her captain, Taiyou Hoshi. But the captain had been missing from the Kaiyō crew's lives even after the undercover NMX operation meant to rescue her and, so, Aiko's own kin had opted to hold the festivities for Aiko and her crew here at the palace.
It wasn't often since the end of the Kuvexian War that Aiko came and stayed at the Empress' Palace. Though it was still the center of the Kitsurugi Clan's power — particularly following the loss of the Ketsurui Sanctuary Palace in the Himiko System — and she still had quarters maintained here, other places had become her home more than the Empress' abode ever had been. Still, Aiko felt nonetheless at ease in these halls and moved happily between conversations alongside Boss, the YSS Kaiyō II's MEGAMI avatar who tended to accompany her wherever she went.
Aiko wore an armless turtleneck sequined dress tonight that hugged the shapes of her body closely. It was made of a deep black fabric, but the sparkly spangles gave the garment a luminous appeal that twinkled in ways that were never the same twice.
"How odd to see Father Yule here," Princess Aiko said to Boss from behind a smile. She tread over the palace's polished floor on iridescent silver six-inch heels toward some of her crewmates while she spoke. "We have ended so many years in relative solitude at Kaiko Park that his jolly appearance keeps catching my eye."
Kitsurugi Yui, one of the three original Nekovalkyrja, and Aiko's mother, poked her head around a corner and then popped out to wave at everyone. She was wearing her old red and white kimono with the red ninja stars on it, and a purple silk obi. "Aiko," she greeted her daughter with a respectful nod. "How have you been?"
Aiko stopped in her tracks, gliding smoothly to a halt when Yui approached, and then bowed deeply to Yui according to Yamataian tradition.
Yui returned the bow respectfully.
The Kaiyō MEGAMI next to Aiko had given a half-nod to the princess before the eminent Mistress Taisho greeted the princess. Respectfully bowing, Boss was keen to let them converse in peacable familial conversation, looking out for any of her crew members that were not yet engaged.
"Oh, it's Boss!" Taisho Yui grinned. "Nice to meet you. I'm a big fan of your work on the Kaiyō." She offered Boss a firm handshake.
"We have been well enough," Aiko said while her legendary mother and Boss exchanged pleasantries. "I am sure you have heard of our latest victories, hard fought in Abwehran space, and so these holiday festivities are a welcome respite until the next battle. I will be glad for Hoshi-taisa to return as my captain following her convalescence. I trust you are well yourself, Okaasama."
Turning her attention back to the Mistress Taisho, Boss' short indigo A-line hair splayed out as she turned, taking in the praise and handshake graciously. Any bewildered expression was only momentary as she accepted Yui's attention with aplomb. The ship's smile only grew as Aiko recounted the latest work of her crew.
Uehara Asuka walked in, trying to look as inconspicous as possible. Certainly the santo hei had had to rub elbows with elevated heights before, but this was a whole other level and she suspected it would be safer in a live fire exercise. Acutely aware of how infrequently she wore her Type 35 uniform (she wasn't sure she'd ever worn it outside the initial fit check), she carefully did not adjust it with any tugs and simply looked about, sizing up the other arrivals as she kept her hands clasped behind her back.
"Welcome to the Empress Palace," Yui told Asuka. "Make yourself at home. It is our pleasure to have you over here for the Year-End. Yui gestured to her yeoman who went to the event staff and soon everyone was getting offered lovefruit wine and some sort of really tasty cheese and crackers.
"Ah, thank you," Asuka said to Yui, offering a polite bow. Surely no-one could take offense at a bow. And the prospect of food brightened things substantially as well. Of late she'd had few enough opportunities to indulge in nice things, and she considered the lovefruit wine with slightly narrowed eyes. It wasn't exactly her normal drink, but an experimental sip didn't seem too bad. Her eyes cast about, smiling and relaxing a bit as more familiar faces appeared.
Erika slid in cautiously. The last time she was at the palace it was to receive a Yui’s Blood Medallion, and it took a 3-hour soak in the Resurgence’s onsen to work the tension out. Aiko had implied that this was a lot less formal, but in the short time Erika had grown to know the princess, she had the impression that there was some level of dissociation between her and the social reality of everyone around her. Erika managed an easy smile, SAINT training clicking into place, but she could feel the muscles in her lower body tense.
She'd taken the event as an opportunity to prurchase a new hōmongi kimono. The fabric was a shade of pale red with branches and white Ume blossoms reaching up from the edges of the garment. She had her braid rolled up behind her head.
Next to arrive fashionably late was the ID-SOL exchange officer. Thought he wasn't quite as taken aback by the grandiose palace. It wasn't the first time he'd been there either. Slowly walking the familiar palace hallshalls, William silently sideled up to Aiko. "Been awhile since I've been here. Takes me back." He remarked
"Hanako got kidnapped at least twice so try not to feel too upset about it," Yui told Aiko in a low voice, with a humorous tone. "It's good you were able to collect Hoshi back. I was not going to be pleased if you hadn't."
A smirk slithered across the right side of Aiko's mouth, curling her matte black lips into a knowing grin right when William stepped up beside her. The princess' normally stoic mask looked more mischievous than she usually let even her crewmates see.
"I have been meaning to tell you how I laughed when you instructed me to not fail at it," Aiko said plainly, sounding very assured. "At first the thought entertained me — the idea we would not get Hoshi back had never yet crossed my mind. But remembering your words from that message did bring me some doubt as the months dragged on whilst we searched for her. Some small measure of uncertainty is always good for motivation, so thank you in any case."
"Perhaps like Hanako-taisho, our captain's capture will only serve her legacy." Boss said.
From the great chair, Father Yule gave a hearty laugh—like tinkling jingle bells whose cadence didn't dull for several moments. Finally, the cheery figure put a gloved hand up to his frosty white beard, gaining composure amongst those gathered.
"I believe the same goes for Aiko-chusa thanks to her time amongst the Kuvexians," Boss added on as she looked from Father Yule to the raven-haired woman next to her.
"Hopefully we will some new cooperation between the Kuvexians and Yamatai to face the Mishhuvurthyar threat," Yui remarked. "Recently we were able to secure a deal with the Quallox Vaibal megacorporation, thanks to one of our First Fleet ships, the Resurgence."
"I could not help but wonder what Major William, Premier Sanders' son, thinks of a Kuvexian partnership." Boss asked as she looked to the Nepleslian that had joined the party. "He, too, was in servitutude to them alongside Aiko-chusa." When she said this, the MEGAMI looked quizically from William and Yui to Asuka and Erika. She gracefully moved back as her arms went wide, making room for them in the conversation.
"With their central government gone, their corporations have been opportunistically re-aligning themselves to the powers of the universe. I can't say I fully trust them, but their greed makes them predictable, at least," Yui said. "I have reviewed William's service record and I was happy to extend his exchange program term to keep him on the Kaiyō. It's a great thing that Nepleslia and Yamatai are finally on the same page and I hope to keep it that way. I remember when there was nothing but stress between our nations. Unfortunately I had a hand in that," Yui admitted.
Aiko kept silent for now. She didn't particularly enjoy the idea of allying with Kuvexians regardless of any advantage they'd provide against the Mishhuvurthyar. Only two years ago, she'd singlehandedly launched a mini war to cleanse remnants of the Interstellar Kingdom from Hanako's World and very publicly vowed to continue hunting their kind. But now certainly wasn't the time to say more than what she had in the past. Plus, Aiko wanted to hear what the others had to say about it.
"Apologies, but I don't think I am the best to answer that particularly question" William replied, a well rehearsed neutral tone he had needed to hone now that he was getting higher in rank. Aiko knew how he felt about the thought though, and it bordered on fire and brimstone.
"We have bigger squids to fry." Erika said with a wry smile. "It also allows us to put social and political pressure on them to rehabilitate." She then bowed deeply to Yui. "I'm Shoi Erika Elster by the way, Kitsurugi-sama. I don't expect you would remember me, but I served aboard the Resurgence during the recovery of a lost Sharie-class battleship."
"Quallox Vaibal is trying to build a new Glimmergold in YE 48," Yui added. "I think they want to put it in Sood Zadra. They're calling it El Dorado." She looked to Erika with a nod of approval. "That was a great mission. One for the ages," she said, recalling the reports of how the battleship narrowly escaped using an aether generator stolen directly out of an NMX ship.
"If I may Admiral," Erika continued with a diplomatic smile, even as her lower body was starting to cramp from the tension around the small of her back. "I still wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them. We only recently had a breach with the Elysians. Though I'm sure you've already considered that angle."
"Don't you mean, 'considered that angel'?" Father Yule chortled from afar. "Ho ho...!"
"The Kuvexians still fear me enough to maintain their bounties," Aiko said, finally saying something on the topic at all. "So whether during peaceful negotiation or some future war concocted in their guile I will keep them in check if the Empire requires it."
"Surely canceling bounties on members of the royal family is part of the treaty." Erika said incerduiously. "A condition before we even have formal talks."
Loitering just outside the room with her back to the wall, the Kaiyō's resident shieldmaiden had been listening to the conversation on the other side. A conversation that cemented the feeling of being a fish out of water. Getting invited to the palace, despite being under the umbrella of the ship's pedigree, was no small concern for a simple soldier. Yet, she was already there, and no doubt she'd have a lot of explaining to do if she bailed out now, so with a deep breath and a moment to set her outfit straight, Sif walked through the doors, keeping the inner panic contained for the time being.
Sif's attire was a red vest and tie over a black dress shirt, paired with black slacks and shoes. Knowing royalty was right around the corner, she looked rather nervous to be there. "I'm hope I'm not too late," she said, trying to feign an air of nonchalance as she bowed. Though her fellow crewmates would definitely clock that her tail was a lot more tightly wound around her waist as she joined them.
William smiled at Sif and waved her over. He remembered what it was like coming here for the first time.
The new arrival walked over to William's side, being the first one to acknowledge her in her state of wanting to slip into the shadows. "Somehow my heart's beating faster than the first time I met you all," Sif would say to the ID-SOL.
William smirked as he turned to her. "Come on, I'm not that scary." He teased. "But I get it. I first came here as a teenage no-nothing."
Erika scoffed at William's comment then turned to Sif, "If its any consolation I feel the same way. We're in the family home of a friend who's also princess of the Empire. I'm not sure what's appropriate."
"Feels like stepping foot on a completely different planet," Sif added with a nervous chuckle. "I suppose I can rest easier knowing I'm not the only one being a little skittish." At this, she started to take in the atmosphere, lifting an eyebrow upon noticing Father Yule.
Isuke wasn't a stranger to the life of high society, but this was also a festive one, so she knew she had a bit more wiggle room when it came to her choice of attire — even if the locale WAS the Empress' Palace. As a result, she decided to try something a bit different. She had opted to try wearing a red colored kimono with white trimmings, but unlike the standard design, this one was worn with her shoulders completely exposed, leaving her cleavage exposed as well. For a bit of added warmth (or at least the appearance of it), some fluffy white bits lined the top. Perhaps a little risque, but she was pretty sure it wasn't a inappropriate.
She did recognize quite a few people present, but as she was a little late, the Lorrfolk wasn't too sure who she should drift towards, and for the time being, contented herself with admiring the decor of the room.
"You not a bit cold in that?" Erika said with a smile just loud enough for the lorrefolk to hear as she slid beside her. She tapped Isuke's shoulder with a small porcelain cup filled with warm sake. "You drink?"
The pink-haired Lorrfolk offered a winsome smile. "Not particularly. I'm pretty good at handling cold weather, or hot weather for that matter. Come to think of it, I've never thought too much if its a me thing, or a racial thing...," Isuke shrugged slightly. "And I'm more then happy to drink. I don't want to say I love it in excess but... well, I do enjoy it, let's put it that way?"
Erika offered the porcelain cup to her, while showing she had a second in the other hand. "Probably for the best that you don't over do it. There are about one hundred ways to end your career in this room." She chuckled.
"You get used to walking on the pins and needles, but maybe that's just me. I have to say, the first few times I had to attend anything this formal, it was nerve-wracking! That was years ago now though." Isuke took the offered cup and held it out for a brief 'clink' with Erika's before taking a sip herself.
"Come one, come all!" Father Yule called out and Boss, too, waved the two over like William had.
"More of our crewmen," Boss said with glowing pride as she introduced them. "Isuke has been with us after providing security for one of Yamatai's senators and Jôtô Hei Sif Ignemar has completed Advanced Infantry training this year on our captain's urging. Both honorable examples."
Upon being introduced, Sif drew a blank on what to say, and just gave a polite bow. Possibly the better choice as blurting out the wrong thing would be a disaster.
"We should probably talk less about politics and do more celebrating," Yui said to Aiko and the others, giving William a pat on the shoulder and dropping the topic of the recent Kuvexian corporate machinations. "I think due to everyone's hard work, the Yamatai Star Empire has a good future and we are going to keep giving the enemy hell."
William gave Yui an appreciative nod. In the back of his mind, it was slightly conflicting. On one hand this was the former Empress of Yamatai. On the other, she was Aiko's mom. He leaned more on the later and mouthed "Thank you" to the Mistress Taisho.
Aiko nodded happily, grinning as she held both of her hands and forearms up to the elbow tight above her belly.
"I am greatful to you all for being here," the princess said, both to her mother and as a welcome to all of the others who were trickling in. "That even Father Yule has shown himself to revel with us marks this year's celebration as an auspicious one. Tonight would only be made more perfect were Hoshi here, but we will rejoice enough for her, too."
Father Yule's pink cheeks bounced up above his beard at Aiko's comments and he gave a cheery little, "Ho ho ho! I'm sure she would want that. Enjoy yourselves, for you have protected the Empire ceaselessly and deserve the merry delight that Yule brings."
"Let us feast," Yui said, showing them to a grand dining room where waitstaff were bringing dinners out. In the center of the table was a massive nut the size of a large turkey. Yui pulled out a huge Viking-style war hammer. It looked heavy. "Who wants to do the honors?"
Boss put a hand over her mouth, then under her breath spoke to Aiko, "Would you, for your birthday? Or perhaps Father Yule should do the honors?"
Aiko stepped up beside Taisho Yui. Boss was right — on both counts. The busting of a mega nut could rightfully be seen as her duty as the birthday girl, but so was it acceptable to pass it along. She grasped the war hammer easily around its haft, accustomed as she was to wielding massive clubs and hammers, and then held it for a moment."
"Though it would joy me to carry out this deed," Aiko said in a solemn way that would sound out of place if it were anybody but her saying it, "Father Yule should honor us by demonstrating the proper technique. I am but an amateur in this art."
She then looked over to the jolly character waiting in the wings while holding the hammer with an expectant look on her face.
Now standing, Father Yule looked extra dimunitive, short-statured and obviously less portly in some areas than many depictions. Regardless, he walked with the jolly swagger of a man about to deliver a present. Pushing up his fur-lined sleeves as if readying to accomplish some massive feat of strength, his pinkish forearms momentarily showed before the heavy sleeves pushed back down.
With a thanks and a sing-songy, "Happy birthday, Aiko-sama," Father Yule clutched the massive war hammer from her and took a step back on patent leather boots before stepping forward. Extra energy was brough forth on the follow-through and the massive nut split and splattered a few inches, caught on the serving tray specifically designed for this feast-worthy nut. Waitstaff got to work collecting the remnants on plates for the guests and serving it alongside the buttery roasted vegetables and richly creamed potatoes. Father Yule was chuckling mightily, pleased with the outcome of the endeavor the birthday girl and Yui had bequeathed him.
Clapping her hands rapidly in front of her neck, Aiko looked elated to have witnessed a mega nut being cracked for the first time in her life. It was a rare occasion, to be sure, and she was glad to have passed the hammer off to the superlative santa so that she could observe a proper busting.
"And I have a gift!" Yui smiled. "The Kaiyō crew will be provided access to the moon of Iðunn in the Yamatai Star System. Located in orbit of the gas giant Heimdall, this will be a place where you can set up your own base of operations. You will have stewardship of the moon."
Father Yule had looked to Aiko at the mention of Iðunn, then looked away and stepped from the table. He grabbed the extra suit at his belly, giving one passing glance back at the mega nut pile.
"I have been many times," Aiko admitted, bowing deeply for a moment. The faintest blush crossed her nose and cheeks, and grew when she stood upright beside Yui again. "The Samurai there have shared their facility and trained with me over the years. Other than my quarters aboard the Kaiyō, it is the place I would most call home."
The princess — famous for her stately grace just as much as she was for her heroism in war — looked a little queasy for a second. She cast her eyes to the floor as if considering some weighty thought, and squirmed her hips around so that her heels slid around in their place on the ground. And then she burst forth and gave Yui a tight hug around her waist, which only lasted a moment, before pulling away. Such acts weren't in her samurai nature, so the princess made it quick.
"Thank you, Okaasama," Aiko said. The redness in her cheeks faded quickly while she pulled a black fingernail through her bangs, adjusting a single strand that had fallen out of place. "I enjoy Iðunn immensely."
William smiled warmly at Aiko's display. He knew how rare such a display was. It made him happy to see how much joy the gift brought her. He also definitely couldn't top giving his friend a planet for her birthday. He may just leave his for her to find later.
JP by: Ametheliana, raz, Wes, aitoseigi, Sunny D, Gunhand, Nameless, krisslanza