OK, a military convoy takes you all to the hotel. Katsu is still drviing you in his van, which is now loaded down with all the clothes Kiku bpought. (Yay clothes. *_*) (And my random stuff too!) You pull up to a nice fifteen-story hotel. It looks first-class. (looks like Natsumi finaly noticed the deadness) meanwhile a second convpoy comes up that inclues a battery of anti-aircraft missiles. * Nova points out to Keika, "Are we blending in now?" in reference to a military essort standing out far more than her uniform did. * Kiku has been looking sorta sleepy during the drive, even as she stares out the window. katsu is letting you rest. * Hinako has been reading a rather thin book on learning guitar. * Karasu looks over at the missiles. Yes, you blend in quite well with the rest of the targets. the van stops. katsu gets out and is called aside by a man in a captain's uniform. They talk for a moment. Kiku, you sleepiily ntoice Katsu isn;t in the van anymore. * Kiku makes a cute mming noise, then yawns and stretches, looking around a bit. "Nn... we there?" * Karasu looks around and occasionaly up while Keika waits for the arrangements to get sorted out. Katsu walks back to the van. "Just to let you ladies know, the hotel will be under guard during our stay. Howveer, we will be free to come and go as long as we keep Captain Hirotomi there informed of our wherabouts/ * Karasu looks at Katsu. "The Major has deicded not to revoke our leave." I assume the gaurds will be shielded? "That is correct." * Hinako continues to read the book, but looks up to reply to Katsu. "Alright then. I'm glad that we can still stick around though. I've really wanted some time off since basics. You wouldn't believe the demand for medical staff since this war started." Good, that's one less thing to worry about while we're here. You puile out of the van and get to check into your rooms without incident. The manger says the hotel restaurant makes excellent sushi and sukiyaki beef. * Kiku continues to look a little unawares. She's sorta got her arms in a self hug, not having had a plushie on her, in fact, since she left the base. "We've also been isntructed to allow delviery people in after they've been searched for weapons, so if any of you want something like a pizza it can be arranged." "just call the front desk." I have eaten. Yes, but supperitime isn;t for several hours yet. Yo bags are taken and you are shown to your rooms. * Kiku nods a little absently and is lead to her room. She seems to be getting more awake. Each room has two large beds, a television with videogame console and cabel setup, a desk and a plush chair, along with a bathroom and a teapot. A selection of teas is in each room for yoru use. Each room also has a mini-bar with prices for each bottle of liquor and mixers listed on the top. Finally, there a re foru glasses and foru teacups in each room. (Are people carrying up my dresses?) Yes. katsu is looking at the TV Guide equivalent and the list of video games available. * Kiku goes into her room and mms a little, with a smile. "It's a nice room." Each bed is big enough to sleep two comfrtoably, and looks very soft and comfortable. Nova, you ntoice a small packet of powder on your pillow. The packed has the Ares logo on it. * Karasu rides around on Keika's shoulder as she walks around her room and then opens her duffle bag and pulls out a wall plug attached to what otherwise looks like a normal bird pirch. * Nova walks into her assigned room and sits on the bed (or one of the beds, if two) and looks out the window. It's a nice view, although the city has a few scars from recent bombardment. (Last time I checked you were rooming with Hinako) (I think so too.) (yes, that's her 'assigned' room.) (Yeah. Keika's grumpy and alone, Nova and Hinako together, and Kiku and Katsu.) (she has a bird ; ) ) Hinako, you notice the packet. (* grumps at Kiku) Nova, what's in the packet? * Kiku looks back at Katsu and smiles a little, before glancing around and wondering where here clothes are. * Nova looks the way that Hinako references, seeing the A.R.E.S. logo, she says, "Probably a gift from management. I'll look later." The clothes Kiku bought are neatly piled on the chair, and the attendants have left. (Nova's dress is with me, isn't it?) (probably) Make a MIND roll, Kiku. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 3. (Kiku is smart!) You remembered to give it to Nova on the way. Alright. I guess that's your bed then. (I'm going to assume we've got chests of drawers and closets in here too?) Nova, you ahve the dress. Yep, you have everything you fould find in a standard hotelr oom that isn't a capsule or a love hotel.l * Nova sets the dressbox down on the bed and turns her attention to the television, flipping it on and clicking through channels **BLIP BLIP BLIP BLIP BLIP BLIP** * Kiku picks through her new clothes with a soft smile, saying to herself, "Oh, I haven't had so many dresses for a long time." * Nova comments unemotionally to Hinako, "Leave is unproductive." Matsu smiles. "I'd like to see how you look in one of them when we have dinner tonight." * Keika sets up the pirch where it'll have a good view of the door and and window and then starts moving her things from the bag into the drawers. They're mostly black, but there are occasional spots of white or dark blue. * Nova continues flipping channels, but her eyes shift from the television over to looking at Hinako and watching her. Perhaps so, but if we were at top efficency our entire lives, we wouldn't really have much time to actually enjoy our life would we? * Kiku turns towards him and nods. "I was going to change into one right now, really." She pulls out, surprise, a blue dress! he then turns to his won suitcase. "The only civiliam clothes I brought are a few T-shirts, a pair of pants, and a business suit. I think I'll wear that to dinner. Ever tied a necktie before?" (... God, I don't think so.) Are you saying that out loufd? (No, I was mentally thinking, that I don't think Kiku's ever tied a tie.) (Things in () are OOC) Acutally, make a MIND roll at +1, Kiku. 2d6+1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6+1) and gets 7. (Made by 1.) Nova, you find the news. Kiku, you remember the basics of how a men's necktie is tied. kei taught you once "just in case you needed the knowledge". * Kiku frowns slightly at the dress she pulled out for a second, then her eyes light up. "Yes! Yes I have." The news is heavily slanted, as muich proaganda as news, and you notice a few desriptions of your own activitiesa that are blatantly false. * Nova replies "I don't know," while continuing to look at Hinako with her eyes while her body points in the direction of the television and she keeps flipping channels, not stopping on one, as if she doesn't really care about what's on television, only that she wants something to physically occupy herself with - like home some people drum their fingers. * Hinako has her guitar out that she bought at the mall and seems to be trying to learn a song. "E minor, G, D minor, C, A minor..." (RUN AWAY, NOVA. RUN AWAY.) Hinako, you notice the Playstation 12 attached to the TV and a selection of games beside it. (And WHAT do you imply by that? O_O;; ) * Keika pulls off her boots and hangs her vest in the closest and sits down on the bed closer to the door. (It's the DEVIL! "Plaaaaayyy meeeee." indicates the possessed PS12 ; ) ) (AIEEEE.) (Oh NOES!) * Kiku looks over at Katsu looking at his stuff, then takes the dress into the bathroom. She doesn't really bother closing the door all the way, but she does get on with changing into the dress. Well, I guess if you wanted to see just how efficent you could really not be, I'll challenge you to a game. Kiku, you hear the sounds of katsu changing out of his unform from the room. * Nova still staring directly at Hinako and flipping channels. She responds to Hinako with a question, "What happens if I win? What happens if I don't win?" * Karasu flies from Keika's shoulder to the pirch. (and RDM's out untill somebody comes to visit, cause Keika's grumpy and doesn't like people!) If you win, you get to prove that you are better than your opponent, which would be me in this case. If not, then you prove that you try to be too efficent with your life, and you don't get to enjoy it half as much as you should. Kiku, you have changed into the dress. * Nova shifts her eyes away from Hinako to the channel flipping television and asks unemotionally, "Do your owners care about you?" If you want to, yolu cna also put on make-up. * Kiku , since all the viewers have seen her naked, has no need to describe that again! She comes out of the bathroom wearing a nice simple non-sparkly blue dress. Strapped and armless. It fits her upper body almost like a glove. The woman at the store must have known what she was doing. Katsu is just zipping up his trousers. He has changed into the shirt and pants of the suit. the coat is draped over the chair of the desk, and the tie is along side it. (No new makeup.) * Kiku whistles slightly, and says, "I thought that was for dinner, Katsu?" Owners? I'm not owned by anybody. I do pretty much as I please, as I have for the majority of my life. (Which is, as the GM ha said, a while away.) Katsu looks up and stares at you."god, kiku, you look so gorgeous in that dress! I wanted to see if the suit still fits. Does it?" * Kiku blushes slightly, then looks him over to see if it actually fits! * Nova shifts her eyes back to Hinako while continuing to flip through the channels. She asks, "Then why are you here?" 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 8. Kiku, katsu's suit fits him like a glove, although it a little tight around the butt. (Aww. JUST missed the empathy check.) * Kiku giggles slightly when she notices that last part, then says with a smile, "It looks good, Katsu." "Thanks. Want to help me with the tie, or shoudl that wait until dinner?" I indeed have a purpose in life, but I define it myself. I don't understand your situation, because I have not been in the same; but I can say that I would like you to experience the life that I have been given to live. * Kiku says, "It can wait," then looks at him and rubs her bare arms for a second, before heading over to her JSDF suitcase and breaking it open. "What are you looking for?", Katsu asks. * Nova asks, "What purpose have you have assigned to yourself?" She has been, and continues to, speak in a flat, emotionaless tone. Nova, you suddenly come to an infoemerical for one of Ares' consumer products. * Kiku pulls out the singed Haguro and waves it at Katsu. Katsu smiles. "It just wouldn't be the same without your little Haguro, would it? Kiku without Haguro would be out of place somehow." (Cookie!) * Kiku smiles a little, and hugs it close. "I had to bring a few along. I didn't... really have much else to bring." (YAY COOKIE.) Katsu reaches overt to the radio and turns it on and finds a station that plays older music. "Shall we dance, milady?" Well, the purpose that I have assigned myself is to learn medical practice so that I can help those who are ill. I don't know if this is the best path, but I do believe that it is the most appropriate for now. (... Man, this guy is so old school that a guy from the 40's would look at him and say, "What's with it, old timer?") (Might I suggest that Hinako and Nova move into another channel to cut down on confusion?) (This has been going on the last 20 minutes... why stop now?) (Hah.) * Kiku looks down. "I've never... really... danced before." With a guy, I mean. (Are you doing something with the infomercial GM?) * Nova continues, "It's not true that you are your owner. You take orders everyday from the Military. The Military is your owner." "it's easy!" he says, taking your hand. "Just move to the music." (I think it was supposed to distract her. I wonder if it did. ^^;) (You mean sending subliminal messages? No. I'm trying to ste the mood.) * Kiku takes his hand with one of her own, and holds Haguro in the other. No, the military is not my owner. I joined the military by choice, and I joined because I thought that it would be the best way to help those who were being hurt by this war. Katsu piuts his other arm around your waist, and starts to move. It's somehow very comfroting. * Kiku tries to move along with him, smiling and giggling a little. * Nova says, "If the Military gives you an oder and you disobey, you will be punished, perhaps killed." (order) (Nova's awfully persuasive. ._.) ( ; ) ) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6-2) and gets 8. (... Missed the empathy check AGAIN.) (Even with the contact bonus.) Perhaps, but I doubt that it would be so. Being part of the medical staff, and the head nurse at that, the odds of me not following the orders I give myself are very slim. * Kiku starts to lean against Katsu a little as they dance. Katsu pulls you in a little tighter and sunggles closer as the song ends. ( God, I'm going to be sick.) ( God, I'm glad I didn't invest in more HA, otherwise I'd have to listen to them.) (Ha.) * Kiku just sorta leans against him, not looking up at his eyes. Then she sniffles very quietly. * Nova continues, "They own you and they could give you an order to do anything at anytime. Regardless of whether you agree with the order or not, you will obey it, or disobey it, and if you disobey it, you will suffer punishment, death, or both. What would you do if you are given on order that you oppose? Will you follow the order or suffer punishment and risk death for disobeying it?" Katsu looks at her concernedly. "Is something wrong, Kiku-chan?" * Kiku says, in a weak voice, "No, no... I'm just..." "It's OK, whatever it is>' katsu says. "I love you no matter what. That's what love is." In the heat of a battle, those who give me orders should know best. Outside of that, when I can think about my orders, I will always put them through a moral and legal examination, because I don't fear my own death if it means that I chose to do the right thing. * Kiku trembles and doesn't respond. Katsu plants a kiss on Kiku's forehead. "It's all right, darling Kiku. It's OK. You're safe. You're free." * Hinako now seems to be able to play a few chord progressions, but can't quite play a song. * Nova continues her line of questioning, "If you are assigned to care for if a prisoner in the hospital, and then later ordered to kill that same prisoner by your superiors, such as smothering the prisoner with a pillow, will you do it, or will you except destruction at your owners hand?" (delete 2nd 'if') * Kiku slowly reaches her hand up towards the side of his heaed. You'd say it was cradling the side of his head, if it were, you know, larger. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6-2) and gets 4. (Finally!) You sense a lot of psotive emotion, concern and love from Ktasu. he means eveyrthing he is saying. I would never take the life of one that I was caring for. It is unlawful to take the life of a prisoner, and it is also against the hypocratic oath of which I took when I first started practicing medicine. * Kiku trembles and whispers, "You don't make any sense to me, Katsu." "You're just not used to being loved for who you are, that's all. And it;'s OK that i don;t make sense to you. You make no sense to me sometimes too, but that doesn;t make me feel for you any less." * Nova continues, "Then you would accept your own destruction even knowing that the military will then just send someone else to kill the prisoner after they have had you executed for disobeying orders. The prisoner dies either way, but by disobeying orders, you die also." * Kiku looks down and whispers, "Kei loves me * Kiku 's hand falls down to his shoulder as she says that. (It's 'cause he's not been near a girl in 20 years and Kiku bounced her breasts at him - once was all it took to sink him ; ) ) "I'm sure she does. You're very lvoable. I love you, Kiku." (Ha.) (Look at THESE. LOVE ME.) Are you familiar with the Japanese Code of Military Justice? You really should read it sometime. I wouldn't even have a hearing about my disobedience because I do not have to follow an order of which is unlawful. (This is why Keika wears a bra, it cuts down on the number of lost puppies that follow her home :P) (Hey, I wear a bra. >_>) * Kiku says, some of the sadness finally seeping out of her statements, "I know." (I'd suggest one that gives more support, but it's too late now.) * Nova says, "The people with power over you are your law. The laws of any others won't matter if you have already been killed by your owners, even if they are later punished by someone else - you are already destroyed." (It wasn't support that was the problem. It was the really really really tight JSDF uniform. ^_~) (And I'm off to fetch my brother.) Katsu reaches a\hand to her face and wipes away her tears. "Are you going to be all right now?" * Hinako puts the guitar away and grabs a small pad of paper, writing a small note. "That may be so, but if I lead others to do what is right by my example, then I should have no need to fear the "justice" that would so be done." Katsu says "I'm not an empath myself, you know. You have to tell me how you;re feeling for me to understand." * Kiku looks up at him and gives him a smile with a hint of teasing. "I was gonna be okay before." Her hand drifts down from his shoulder over his chest. * Nova says without emotion, "Okay," and shifts her eyes back to the television screen which she has continued to flip channels on while speaking with Hinako. * Nova turns the television off. If nothing else importnt is happening right away, I'd like to break off for the vening. We'll pick up on our regualr session when it;'s suppertime. What are you going to do until then? * Hinako folds the note over, puts it on top of the guitar case and goes into a different bag to change into something different. (Well, we probably aren't going to do _too_ important a set of stuff, although Kiku was going to check on the other girls. ^^;) (Well, you can go ahead and do it now if you want) * Nova puts on the clothing that Kiku purchsed for her, changing by the bed and not seeming to care if Hanako sees her nudie bits or not. * Hinako , who was at that time behind the bar where she had put her bags, grabs some clothes that were a bit warmer, since the room was starting to feel a bit chilly. (Well, I'd do that as long as the GM's still here so that I can tell Katsu I'm leaving. ^_~) Go ahead. * Kiku says quietly, after a second of looking at him, "I'm gonna go check on Ares-san, Hinako and Keika, okay?" Katsu smiles."Fine. They start serving dinner in three hours, If you look half as good when we get to the restaurant all the waiters will be fawning over you like slaves." ( I could be wearing sackcloth and they'd do that, silly! ...) * Kiku smiles a little at him, and then seperates to go to the other room! I'm going off for a while. You ladies do whatever you need to do, and make sure you send me a log. (Nighty) * Hinako is now wearing a longer dress with a light sweater. * Kiku knocks on the door to Nova and Hinako's rooms! * Nova, who is completely in a state of undress, moves to stand to the side of the door and asks through the door, "Who is it?" S'Kiku, Ares-san. I wanted to see if you two were all settled in. I'll get it in just a second if you want to finish changing. * Nova opens the door completely, exposing herself to Kiku, and then turning around, walking back over to teh bed and starts putting on the dress, leaving Kiku staring at her in the doorway. * Kiku does stare at her, getting a serious flush to her face. Uh... Ares-san? M... maybe you shouldn't open doors without any clothes on? * Hinako walks over to the door. "And to think that you missed the great conversation." * Nova seems not the least bothered, putting on the dress as if it was completely natural to be nude in from other others. (while in front of others) * Kiku manages to take a step inside the room, perhaps still too stunned to _not_ look at Nova. "Conversation?" Well, I guess it doesn't matter too much. But I do think this hotel is absolutely fabulous isn't it? * Nova continues to put the clothing on that Kiku bought for her. * Kiku nods slowly, finally looking over at Hinako and giving her a slight nod. "It's a wonderful place, yes.' She squeezes Haguro with her left arm. Is Haguro doing okay? * Kiku holds him up and says, "Singed, as usual, but he's tough." I'd imagine so if he's been with you. * Kiku mms and says, "Well, its not usually so rough on him, but... with all the fighting..." * Kiku glances over at Nova. * Nova finishes putting the dress on. We can only hope he doesn't get hurt again. * Kiku nods slightly. "Yeah." She gets a smile and turns towards Nova. "Oh, that's a fun dress, Ares-san!" * Nova asks confused, "What is fun about it?" It's rather... revealing. But if you like it, that's what's important right? * Nova says to Hinako, "Okay." * Kiku walks over to Nova and says, cheerily, "It has different patterns, and it fits well, and the colors are nice..." * Nova says to Kiku, "Okay." * Kiku quirks her head. "What do you mean, okay. You picked it out! Don't you like it?" * Nova says, "I don't know." * Kiku reaches out to brush her hand along the fabric at the hip of the outfit. "Oh, that is nice. Why don't you know?" I guess that's really not my style, but it does look rather good on you. * Nova says, "I've never chosen before." You've never been able to make your own choices in life? * Nova says, "Only tactical choices." Are you sure that you were even given the ability to choose then? * Kiku 's hand falls away from Nova's hip and her grip on Haguro gets a little tighter. * Nova reiterates, "Tactical decsions." That you have had programmed into you? Are you sure that you have ever made a single choice in your life before today? * Kiku looks over at Hinako funny. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 9. (And the dice suck keeps on coming.) * Nova says, "Only tactical decisions because the corporation can't respond fast enough in live combat to make such low-level choices in real-time." (I already crit-failed....) You haven't convinced me yet. * Kiku sighs slightly and rubs Nova's bare arm. "Can you leave Ares-san alone for a second, Hinako? I think she picked a good dress." I guess so. I just really got into the discussion. Sorry. (Where's GM to submit some conveniently timed mecha or something like that?) (Ha.) (So, I guess that's all then?) * Kiku nods a little. "It's... it's okay." She looks away for a second, and her hand falls away from Nova's arm. (I don't think there's much more... unless you guys have something to do) (Well, you could always try to beat Nova into playing those video games. ^_~) (Heh Heh - okie - nighty then ; )) (I'm already afraid she is going to kill me) >_< (You and your fear. 9_9) So, do you feel up for some more shopping? * Kiku looks over at Hinako, and then shakes her head, "No.. I... I think I'm gonna check on Keika." Do you mind if I come with though? * Kiku waves her hand, "Oh, no." She glances over at Nova, then walks to the door. We'll see you later Nova. (She says it anyway... why not?) (THAT SUCKED!) (Eh. I won't say she said it or not. ^_^;) (She's a silent type. We'll leave it out. ^_^;) (WB Keika) (Yeah... probably...) * Kiku exits the room, and strides to Keika's door! * Hinako follows Kiku. * Kiku gets to the door and knockknocks! "Keeeeika!" * Keika answers after a pause and without opening the door, "Yes Kiku?" And me too! * Kiku gets a slight smile."And Hinako too. We were checking if you were all settled in and stuff." * Keika opens the door to her room, she's taken off her boots and for once Karasu isn't sitting on her shoulder, "Yes I have, is there anything else you want?" Well, would it kill you to talk a bit? Probibly not, but if you had asked me yesterday if eating in someplace that's supposed to be 'civilized' would I'd say no. Shall I invite you both in, or do we want to give a demonstration on conversation to Nova? * Kiku giggles very slightly. Well, both would be nice, but I'll take the invitation. * Kiku nods slightly. Of course. * Keika takes a step back and hits the lightswitch on her second try, "Come in, come in." Thanks. *Slight smile.* * Kiku comes in! Yay. She's got her Haguro and her nice dress and seems pleased. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 6. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 10. (Aww. Poor Keika. She got hit, Hinako got missed.) (Yay! Not like you would get much out of me...) * Keika 's room looks just like everbody else's with the exception of her boots at the end of one of the beds, Karasu on his pirch... and an unburnt Haguro plushie leaning against the pirch. (Keika's angry at herself for missing the lightswitch, and antisipating Kiku's reaction to the plushie) * Kiku gets a sorta vacant smile, until she sees the plushie, then her eyes go wide. "Y... where'd you get one of those?" * Karasu looks down at it's plushie. After he watched the movies in your room he wanted one... and wouldn't stop twittering at me about it untill I finaly sent Katsu out to find one. * Kiku giggles a little and crosses the room to Karasu. * Karasu watchs Kiku come closer. * Hinako steps in towards the middle of the room. "Your room is really nice too." It's a hotel, they're all the same. * Keika sits down on the bed with her boots next to it. * Kiku hesitantly pets Karasu, and says, "I'm... um... glad you like it, Karasu?" * Karasu is still metalic, and rubs it's head on Kiku's hand. It also whistles a few bars of the Haguro theme. Well, what do you think we should do for dinner? Katsu said that the place in the hotel has really good food. * Kiku gets the slightest of blushes before saying, "I think that's where we should go." His suggestions seem to have been good so far, and we have three days, so there doesn't seem to be a reason to look anywhere else." I guess so. And we can go somewhere else tomorrow night too if we want to. Lunch and dinner as well, although if Katsu makes recomendations for them as well, I will go find somwhere on my own. * Kiku blinks. "Don't like Katsu's recommendations?" I don't like having somebody else making all of my decisions for me. I always figure that everything is worth a try. And after earlier today, I think staying in the hotel would be best if possible. * Kiku pets Karasu again, and says, "Oh." If we up against somebody competent I'd have us back to the base hours ago, but I don't think the group we ran into even let anybody else no we were there. (know) (wow, I haven't made that mistake since grade school @_@) (It happens to everyone.) * Kiku blinks at Keika a few times. * Kiku finally says, "Well, maybe." But, you can't be too sure either. I guess the best thing that we can do is keep our guards up and hope for the best. They should be shooting at us by now... Hell, if I was running their invasion that mall would be smoking crater right now, and with us still in it. * Kiku murmurs something to herself slightly. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 7. (.. I missed my hearing check. ;_;) (me next!) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Hinako (2d6-2) and gets 5. (If I remember correctly, this is a soul check right?) (I thought it was off of mind) (consults manual) (Body or Mind... but mostly mind... I failed too) * Kiku 's mumbling is secret! Mwahahaha. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Karasu (2d6) and gets 7. (Mwahahaha! yourself! I made that! And I'm sitting right next to you!) (... Cheating bird.) (If the shoe fits...) (Of course I cheat.) * Kiku speaks up, saying, "Well, I still have to buy each of you something yet, so I'm glad we didn't get kicked back to base." * Karasu tilts it's head up so it can look into Kiku's face and coos like a pidgeon. You don't have to, though I appreciate the offer. If you insist, I won't turn down a gift. * Kiku faces Karasu and coos back, with a petting, "Good bird," then turns back to both of them and gives a 1.21 jigawatt smile. "I know I don't have to, but I want to." Then do it, there are few better reasons. Well, I guess I won't say no. I'm glad you think of me so highly. *Returns her smile.* * Kiku smiles for a bit longer, then a frown starts to slip across her face, even as she says, "I... I'm surprised you carry around a sword, Hinako." * Karasu looks over at Hinako. Oh, really? It's an heirloom in our family. I've always enjoyed having it around because nobody can really tell that it's there. Certainly not something I'd expect a doctor to cary around, but this is a dangerious world. Well, this has other functions as well as simply slashing away at somebody. Oh? And what are they? * Kiku idly pets the mechanical bird. Hopefully it's not too pointy. * Karasu has a few pointy bits, but most of them are keeping it from falling off the perch. Most importantly of all, it has a remote control to bring my mecha to my position. * Keika snorts, "Ahh, now that's a usefull thing, pitty were were too far from the base this morning." ( a pitty) * Kiku smiles a little. "That is sorta neat... Hikari just sorta sits there. She's lazy." Inari is always active, she's really effective at maintaining all of the systems too. She's just a baby though, she will learn as she gets older. Unlike my Hirameku... * Keika shakes her head, "She's turning into a cranky old lady in her age." (Should we feel dumb that we've all named our mechas?) (No.) (We should feel dumb that we all have blue hair.) (And that we are using them as mainstay to keep a conversation alive?) (I don't have blue hair!) (You haven't looked in a mirror latly have you? o/~) (Actually, I have. >_> (Helping Katsu with the tie.) (Putting on my own dress. ^_^;) (That too.) (I sit corrected.) * Kiku 's frown has returned, which doesn't stop her from saying, "Well, I guess she's young..." (Are you calling me young? Or are you calling your mechas (or their AIs) young? This is kinda important.) (Keika is calling Kiku's mecha young.) (Yeah.) (Hikari, not Hinako) So you and Katsu can raise her together, you've already got her flying. * Kiku blinks, then says a little nervously, "I... I never really thought of Hikari like a child." Or perhaps as pet like Karasu over there. * Karasu squawks indignantly. * Kiku jumps. Sush you. * Karasu huddles down on it's perch with it's head sunk below it's shoulders. * Kiku looks over at him and says in an amused tone, "You and he sure get along well." * Keika laughs a bit, "We've been together his entire life... and the seven before that." (Hinako, you're being quiet in the convo... ^_~) Seven before that? Somwhere beneith his beady little eyes is an unlucky little AI that keep getting it's bodies broken, but Karasu has been a good survivor, haven't you? * Karasu stands up straight again and chirps. So what did Karasu look like before? Was he still a bird? * Keika leans back on the bed and tilts her head up, "Polly and Taika were both birds and Ten looked like a little angel." * Kiku is looking over at the two girls. She licks her lips and hugs Haguro close. 2 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2 2d6) and gets 7 5. (Yay! Empathy for everyone.) (<- is all nostalgic at the moment) (Curious about Karasu's past and such.) (You might get it out of Keika, he obviously can't tell you himself) * Kiku mms a little, and says, "He must have looked like a cutie as... um, Ten?" (I figured.) So, is there a particular reason that you got Karasu? She certainly seemed to think so, hopefully I won't have to spend as much on plushies as I did on mirrors and clothes to keep her happy. * Kiku smiles. "Plushies are... um..." she gets a little embarassed/nervous looking. "...cheap, I hope." (The-not-so-mini mini is coming upon the end of it's 5th hour... @_@) (Hey, we took a long break!) (I'm reminded of WNN) (1/2 hour maybe... but not that big of one.) It shouldn't be enough to put a dent in any of our paychecks... now silk dresses with custom wingslits... I miss Ten, but she was getting silly near the end. * Kiku blinks. * Kiku turns towards Karasu and pets his head. "You're certainly weirder than I thought before." * Karasu tilts it's head from side to side as it's petted. So Ten was rather vain? That is an understatement, but yes. Well, at least she served her purpose right? When I could tear her away from her mirrors and any other handy reflective surfaces. Heh, I used to know somebody who was just like that. * Kiku giggles very little, then the frown creeps back on her face. Why do you seem so down Kiku? * Karasu sidesteps along the perch so it's closer to Kiku. * Kiku 's eyes widen and she looks over at Hinako. "N... I'm not down." She smiles a little. It's oh so forced, now. If you want to, you can go back to be with Katsu. * Karasu clicks it's beak twice. I... that's not... Kei, the Slythe or both? * Kiku blushes slightly, then looks away and says, "I... it's not..." she takes a slight braeth, then sighs. "Slythe." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Hinako (2d6) and gets 9. (Bad roll... proceed.) (Aww.) * Karasu twitches it's head to look around the room quickly. * Keika points at the chair, "Take something from the bar if you need to, sit down and tell me about it." Do you mind if I have some tea? * Kiku looks at Keika funny. "I... from the bar? I don't... I've never... really... drank." There is soda and water and a few candy bars in there, and since none of us are the ones paying for it, take what you want. * Kiku smiles a little. "Oh." (Yes, Katsu has to pay for it all! >_>;; ) (That's his problem, not mine) Oh, if I'm going to make some tea, would you like some too Keika? * Kiku goes over and grabs a GeneriCola, whatever that is in 2160. (I think you've just coined it :P) * Karasu hops off of it's perch and flys across the room to land on the back of the chair. * Kiku awkwardly opens the cola, then takes a drink. I will pass. Alright then. *Goes off to make some tea for herself.* * Kiku sighs, and climbs onto the bed. (Which bed?) (Er... whichever one is closest to the bar.) (I have no idea if that's the one that Keika's on or not) d2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (d2) and gets 1. (It is. @_@) (Yay! Bed Buddy!) * Kiku is on Keika's bed! * Hinako comes back over with a rather warm cup of tea. "They have so many different flavors to choose from." * Keika doesn't rock as Kiku climbs onto the bed, they must have good matresses here, "Definatly a fancy place." (You guys wanna keep this going?) * Kiku nods a little, then takes another drink and clutches the plushie tight. * Hinako grabs the chair that Karasu isn't on and moves it over towards the bed that the other two are on. * Karasu takes a flying leap off the chair and then keeps flying untill it lands on the headboard of the bed. (which it has because I say so.) * Kiku says, "It's just... it's silly, I guess.' That we're getting invaded by blue skinned aliens who can't plan their way out of a cardboard box? Or that they're willing to waste so many resources to make us think that? But the latter could be a really effective tactic if they then turned around and pulled something totally unsuspected. I don't know. They... they're weird. * Karasu looks at Kiku. How are they weird? K... they're all male, I think... All the ones we've seen, anyway. Even the groundlin... er, soldiers? But in many societies in our past, only males were allowed to serve in any form of armed forces. * Kiku says, quietly, "Yeah, but..." I guess. Perhaps their women cannot pilot for the same reason Katsu cannot. I will have to ask the next live one I meet. Go on Kiku. * Kiku mms a little, then says, "I... I've just been... thinking... about what they could do. Like you said... the... the one could have killed us with a look. They must want... something else." * Kiku looks down at Haguro. "They're... very good mindkillers." We saw that when they killed all of the officials. So, they are toying with us? * Kiku chews her lip and says, "I... I don't know. It just... they... I don't know." Do they know? * Kiku 's eyes widen slightly, then she quickly shakes her head. "Not as... not that I've seen." With how they have been acting, I would doubt that they do. Also know that since then we have been wearing these mind caps to protect ourselves. Is the one I pulled out of that oversized mech still alive? * Kiku stammers and says, "I... I don't know which one that is..." I would look if I had access to the medical records from here. Don't worry about it, I will go and find out when we get back. But if any of them were to know anything, he would be the one. * Kiku nods very slightly, clutching her plush close. She takes another drink. * Keika lets a little warmth into her voice, "Just tell me what you do know, and what you guess, that's all I'm asking." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 7. (Bingo!) * Kiku turns to look at Keika... I can tell you this much: if we're going to have to probe his mind, we better make sure we know what and how to do it. * Kiku says quietly, "We... we already did." (Gimme that sweet empathy, Keika.) (Throws an acting roll to send what she's trying to project) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 8, a CRITICAL FAILURE!!! "My momma always said, you gotta take the good with the bad. Have a little bad." (... Oh dear.) (...Ahahahaahaaa!) * Keika let a little too much warmth into that- her tone of voice is downright scathing as her annoyance at Kiku for not being able to find anything, the Slythe for existing, and the entire world for getting her into this mess with a bunch of little kids seeps through. (Can I say "Owned?") * Kiku suddennly shies back, falling off the bed. Luckily, the can is mostly empty, so no mess, but her eyes are wide and she's started to tremble. * Karasu squawks at it's owner. * Hinako almost spills her tea, but it get thrusted into her face and she drinks it instead. Yeah, yeah, I know featherbrain, I know. I... I... * Keika stands up up and walks around to the side of the bed where Kiku fell off and offers her a hand, "it isn't your fault." 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 1. * Kiku looks up at Keika, trembling. "But you..." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6) and gets 9. (Well, on the hand contact, it'll succeed. Ha ha.) * Keika seems to have lost all trace of that anger and is just about projectiong apologetic and kindness into the room, pity the contact empathy reveals that she's still pissed, but now most of it's aimed at herself. (Damn it I made that by 7 and it counts for NOTHINK!) * Hinako walks over to help Kiku up. * Kiku reaches up for her hand, since she seems OK... but then feels the anger and pulls back again... excecpt this time, her hand didn't get the 'release the scary woman's hand message', and Keika gets a somewhat weak (AKA, Body 2) yank on her arm. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 2. 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6+2) and gets 12. (Ha ha. So weak.) * Keika doesn't get pulled off her feet, "Kiku? Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you." (I have no so strong too...) (I just have a body of 4 ^^;) * Kiku nods a little and says, "I... I know..." 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6-2) and gets 6. (The empathy continues!) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 0. 2d6 (aimed at keika's calm down statement.) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Hinako (2d6) and gets 5. (Not like I'd say it's a falsehood, but I need that to be used for something.) (We are the best group ever.) (We are lying and sensing eachother wildly.) (Kiku / Hinako for Prez '08! ) (We've had how many dice rolls and none are combat related so far!) * Keika spoke the truth, and (by 8) is acting as calming as she can, she wants Kiku to calm way and is getting increasing annoyied at her actions having the reverse effect that they're supposed to. * Hinako offers Kiku a hand up. "C'mon lying on the floor isn't going to make Katsu think you're any cuter." * Kiku has her eyes locked on Keika, and her grip is getting sorta tighter as she just STARES at Keika. She's starting to murmur sommething incoherent. (Listening rolls?) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Hinako (2d6-2) and gets 9. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 1. (Ow.... just ow...) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Karasu (2d6) and gets 5. (Uh, when I mean incooherent, I really do mean incoherent.) (Yes, but I _know_ it was incohearent) (And how!) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kiku (2d6-2) and gets 2. * Karasu flys across the room and lands on Keika's shoulder. (And the empathy keeps coming!) Kiku? What's wrong? * Keika is worried now, and acting the same way, and confused, and the anger's fading. * Kiku takes in a sharp, shuddering breath, and as Keika's anger fades, Kiku's grip lessens. * Karasu looks at Kiku for a moment and then over at Hinako. Hinako? is there any of that tea left? * Hinako grabs Kiku's other hand. C'mon let's get you up. Yes, I think there should still be at least another cup or two. * Kiku finally lets go of Keika's hand and takes another sharp, shuddering breath. (Yay... body roll!) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Hinako (2d6-4) and gets 4. (Oof, are you gonna pull her up? @_@) (I win!) (Isn't that supposed to be +4?) (Er... wrong modifier) (Yeah, you so failed. >_>) (I wondered how I managed to make it work.) A little hand perhaps? * Kiku swallows, then says, quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear, "S... I didn't mean to... panic." * Keika leaves Hinako to take care of Kiku and walks over to the teapot, "Doesn't matter to me." * Kiku grabs Haguro from the place he fell and stands up. Would you like some tea now too Kiku? * Karasu watches Keika carefully as she gets a cup and saucer and pours the tea in. * Kiku shakes her head slightly. "N... no, I'm okay. I just was..." she trails off, and takes another breath. * Keika brings the cup to Kiku, "You're getting it anyway." * Kiku looks at Keika and gives her a little smile, then takes it. Well, after tucking Haguro under one arm, she takes it. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 1. * Kiku takes a small sip. * Keika sits down on the edge of the bed, "So... Hinako... tell me about your sword. You said it was ancestral?" She seems politly interested. (And totaly trying to change the subject.) I assume there's a story in there. * Kiku takes another sip, then holds the tea (and Haguro against her) with one arm, while she smooths her dress out with the other. Well, it's name is Tashite. I have only heard of the powers that it has, but I know nothing of what it can actually do. They said that it leaves a burning sensation upon the wound, and that it drained you very sould when you are hit with it. * Karasu twists it's head around a bit. But, when you wield the sword, it also consumes part of your energy. That much, I do know from experience. * Kiku says, faintly, "That sounds... almost magical." If I was not sitting across from a telepath I'd say that sounded... exactly as she put it. But there are a great number of things that only seem like magic untill you know the trick to them. They say that the powers of the mind are also just tricks that you have to learn to control. * Kiku looks down slightly and nods a little. Then she takes another sip of tea. It's... there's learning, yes. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Keika (2d6-4) and gets 5. I would imagine it would be just like learning to do anything else, starting with the little things and working your way up to the big ones. * Kiku nods slightly, then takes another sip. * Kiku mumbles, fairly clearly, "It's hard to explain," then turns to look at Keika. "I'm... I didn't know I was so..." * Keika waves a hand in Kiku's direction, "Don't worry about it, you arn't the first person I've turned into a gibbering lump, just the first it's happened to when I wasn't trying." * Kiku giggles a little weakly. * Hinako goes to see if there's any more tea. If you think you've recovered enough to continue... otherwise Hinako and I will be forced into some more uncomfortable small talk. * Hinako returns with another cup of tea. * Kiku looks down and away. "I... I can, but there's not... " Even just your wild guesses and hunches, I am going to pay them a visit, but it'll go faster if I have somewhere to start from. * Kiku says, questioningly, "Them?" (Horray for mind probing!) Our Slythe prisoners. Oh. They... they aren't very cooperative. They... don't speak Japanese. * Kiku smiles a little nervously. I seem to remember the one I caught doing so, and the two that didn't die this after noon certainly seemed to. * Kiku blinks, and tilts her head slightly. "You're right... weird..." I will find out if they can be persuaded to to remember how. If not I will simply have to find one to ask before he convieniently forgets. Maybe that's further proof of their massive mind powers? * Kiku nods slightly. In that case I'll have to bring both kinds of shields with me. * Kiku licks her lips once, idly, then says, "It... it's good to be safe. If the Slythe are being weird... maybe the captured ones aren't like that." ...The captured ones? Which ones didn't speak Japanese? Well, the two we captured today spoke it to our faces. * Kiku nods at Hinako, then says, "The... the one we interviewed didn't." That must have made for a difficult interview, when was it? Before we had lunch. I... I mentioned it to you, remember? * Keika nods slightly, "I had thought you had ment with the prisoners on the base, but right now it doesn't sound that way." * Kiku nods slightly. Yeah, we... like I said. Interviewed. I'm still... sorting through it all. Since he couldn't speak Japanese, did you simply copy from his mind? * Kiku looks at Keika for a second in a startled way, making it fairly clear that Keika made the right gues... then looks down at her teacup before saying, "I... fighting the Slythe... I think I'm still tired. You two... don't mind if I go rest before dinner, do you?" No, go ahead. You probably need it after that fight. I don't mind it too much, this tea is really soothing. Go take a nap, and if Katsu doesn't want to let you sleep either come back up here or kick him out. Or go try to have a conversation with Nova. Boring yes, but also headache inducing. * Kiku giggles a little and sets the teacup down, then goes over and picks up the soda she dropped. "I think I can convince him to let me sleep, but thanks." Sleep well then. Enjoy your nap Kiku. * Kiku sets the soda next to her teacup, then smiles at both of them. "I'll see you both at dinner." She adds with an almost teasing tone, "I hope you have a good dress, Keika!" I think I stole one somewhere once. * Kiku laughs a bit, then walks by and out with small steps that only slightly disturb the fabric of her dress. * Karasu watches Kiku untill the door closes behind her, and then turns to look at Hinako. I remember you wanting to talk to me about something this morning. * Hinako looks at the clock. "Wow, it's been an hour already? And yes, I did. About the objects in your head. What function do they serve? * Keika laughs, "Remember what I said about things being magic untill you learned the trick?" Yes, but I'm not that great at putting two and two together. So, I take it then that you use those to amplify your mental abilities? Not amplify. I don't have any of my own, but they do let me controll my puppets. Ah. That's probably just as well. I think I'm going to take a swim before dinner though. Care to join me? No. Thankyou, but no. I have to go aquire some formal wear. Would you like me to come along then? I can swim after dinner if you would prefer some company. It would probably be safer if we did too. I can take care of myself. Alright then. Have fun then. * Hinako cleans up the few dishes and sets them by the sink. Then she leaves to go swim. (End?) * Keika waits untill Hinako is gone and then starts to change her cothes. (end it.) [Mini End!]