2023-07-23: The Dangers of Femininity - A Day on the Beach

• Log: 2023-07-23: The Dangers of Femininity - A Day on the Beach
• Cast: Himeyuri Oono, Ruri Hoshino, Liam 7-020, Riika Sheder, Ryoko Subaru, Alto Saotome, Yurika Misumaru, Sheryl Nome, Hikaru Amano, Trevor Teach, Lucine Azul, Calas Zelinn, Michiru Tenjou
• Where: Tenician Island, Pacific Ocean
• OOC - IC Date: 23 July 0097
• Summary: The crew of the Nadeico have a mission- and they are steadfastly putting off in order to enjoy a day on the beach for themselves. After all, if the Chulip hasn't woken up yet, it can wait another few hours. Even some 'ex' ZAFT beach crashers get caught up in the fun. I'm sure it's fine.

---

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        The Tenician Island is a tropical paradise, with moderately untouched beaches, luscious jungle, and some minor remaining set pieces from the filming of Bird Human months ago.

        It has also had, for some months now, a Jovian weapon that has laid dormant, suspected to be a dud. It's for this reason that Nergal's Nadesico has been sent to the island.

....buuuuut if it's been dormant for months, there's no need to rush to finding it, is there?

        The beach itself is the very example of photogenic, a fair way from filming had been, and barely touched. The very platonic ideal of a deserted beach, where one can while away the hours lounging in the sun, or building a sand castle with a loved one or perhaps in competitive sport.

        Perhaps the only thing to mar the evening is a tourist seaplane parked a ways down the beach. It looks empty and locked up for the moment, and the engine's cold. Probably nothing to worry about, right? It's not like it's going to disturb the beach day.

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        "Don't let the women have all the glory!" The men of the Nadesico are charging in head-first -- and Nagare Akatsuki is leading their charge, at least. With a surfboard under his arm, he leads Jun Aoi and Seiya Uribatake forward, with their crows of, "Yes, sir!!"

        Today, it doesn't matter that Jun outranks them, as their Executive Officer. Uribatake isn't their head mechanic today -- and Akatsuki isn't one of their pilots.

        Today, they are beach-bu--

        "Wait a minute, all of you!"

        One woman is NOT dressed in a bikini.

        Erina Kinjo Won, harsh as ever, stands with a sheet of brochures under her arm. "Are you aware of what you're doing?" She asks, critical, as she looks over all the gathered staff of the Nadesico flooding onto the beach. "Many of you are still employees of Nergal Heavy Industries! That means the time you spend playing, at least, will be deducted from your pay." And as the disappointed groans roll out, Erina steps forward, giving each of them a flyer. "All right," she says, tone brightening but still quite sharp, "here's a brochure I made for spending time on the beach." Even the non-employees get one; Erina is generous, today.

        She steps back, and reads out, stern: "Make sure not to go into the deeper parts of the ocean," as Uribatake sneaks off with his rolled-up equipment for setting up a beach tea house, with Jun's help for the sign. "Wear sandals on rocky surfaces," Erina insists, as Ms. Howmei helps Ruri Hoshino with a big ol' beach umbrella so she can set herself up comfortably. "Do not use suntan lotions that are non-biodegradable," Erina goes on, as the Ra Mari II's Tempo Astelian leans up to whisper something to his fellow bridgemate, Gidon Kall, and the two men slink off. "And..."

        Erina looks up, now, and finds that all a sudden she's alone on the landing bay of the beach.

        So many people left her lecture... did anyone stick around?!

        "Geez!" Erina cries out, offended, perhaps even hurt. "Can't they even take the time to read the brochure?!" She was excited about it! She worked so hard on making sure that they'd all have a structured and safe and orderly time out here --

        In sheer frustration, she yanks off her Nergal uniform to reveal the deep red swimsuit beneath, and runs off to go and meet the others.

        The others, who are busy --

        Uribatake has set up the ancient tradition of the Beach Tea House, serving up absolutely miserable, sandy, awful food for bargain prices. Do you want ramen? Do you want yakisoba? Do you want shaved ice? You're in luck --!!

        The water, of course, is cool and fresh against the warm air. On the sandy beaches, there are plenty of umbrellas to rest under, too. (Ruri taps on a laptop underneath one, perfectly happy; Goat and Mr. Prospector play shogi on a bench under another, a man's game with men's tactics.) There is a net with which one might play ball.

        Really, it's the perfect beach outing!

        The weapon's a dud, anyway!

        (And surely that plane is just proof that this beach is the best; they're not even the only visitors. That might have been a problem if the Jovian weapon were active, but don't worry, don't worry...)

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        Not That Long Ago...

        "Do I look okay?"

        Liam stands in front of the suite's set of three full-length mirrors, looking at his brand-new outfit. He bought a pair of swim trunks just for this trip, as well as a matching cover-up; the shorts are deep green, come down to his knees, and feature bright golden tropical plants. The cover-up is sort of like an open tunic, with a few ties in the front. This is... easily the most skin he's shown of his own volution in public, at least since he escaped from Crucible.

        But having Lucine here gives Liam confidence, even as his face flushes. The beach bags are packed. His phone is charged, and the little backup solar charger is secure in its waterproof pouch. What are they--

        "Sunscreen, right," Liam says. His face gets even redder. "Both of us. I... might not need it, but... best to be safe, yeah?" He takes off his top, burning scarlet as he turns his back to Lucine.

        One Mutual Sunscreen Application Scene Later...

        Liam and Lucine arrived on the island yesterday, around noon. The success of Bird Human brought with it an influx of wealthy tourists, and the subsequent flush of cash has enabled the few hotels in the area to... go big. Turn the area into the next luxe vacation spot for couples. As it just so happened, the mystery hotel reservation turned into an (almost)-all-expenses-paid-(by Yurika)-luxury-trip, thanks to the actions of one woman who just wanted two lovebirds to have a nice time, god dammit.

        Liam is not a Nergal employee. Nevertheless, Erina's sudden cry of 'Wait a minute, all of you!' grabs his attention, and holds it. He waits, as instructed, the very model of attention as she goes over the wholly sensible rules for beach activities. No non-biodegradable sunscreens: check. Sandals for rocky surfaces, check. No swimming in the deep, check.

        "Maintain awareness in the ocean," Liam says. "The beach contains organisms that may be buried in sand, or obscured by surf. It's their habitat. Thank you, Erina." He, at least, takes a brochure!

        Once that's done, it's time for beach bivouac. Liam sets up the new umbrella (bright tropical print, UV-filtering fabric) and matching beach blanket, sets down the tote, and... looks at Lucine. "...Now what?" he asks. "There's so much we could do."

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

Riika Sheder is also here!

...she actually wanted to look at the Jovian weapon rather than go to the beach, because Earth beaches don't always agree with her. She burns (though she'd hardly be the only person here with THAT problem) and she's not much of a swimmer (well, she knows how, but...)

Also, let's be real: she is exactly the sort of person to get excited by the chance to take apart something she doesn't know how it works and figure it out. Not that Nergal would let her walk off with a Jovian weapon to study, but she could at least look at it, surely?

But, well, when you're at the beach anyway...

Riika is also not wearing a bikini, but that's because she has a one-piece, with a simple gradient that goes from sky blue (around her shoulders) to dark blue (by her hips). She has taken over one of the umbrellas and is currently putting up her hair underneath a swimming cap, because she doesn't want to mess up the puff too much.

She is wearing her visor rather than her glasses because it has straps that hold it in place whether or not she has, say, tucked her ears under her swimming cap, and she's not willing to go in the water with glasses that can fall off. You really don't want to know what hers cost.

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

"Beach umbrella unit, CHARGE!" Is Ryoko's cry for the ranks of the women to move forward, trying to outpace the men, "Eat our dust! You can have what's left over, Akatsuki!"

Ryoko is running with a cylindrical red bag, her violet sports bikini covering her torso from just below her bustline to her neck in a triangular shape, bordered by black.

It's backless, and her bottom is similar in it's violet fabric and dark border. It's has the effect of showing off her muscular midriff and buff limbs.

Erina Kinjo Won demands they stop, and she skids to a stop. However, as she talks, she motions to Hikaru and Izumi, and starts to creep away the moment she's not looking.

She does not take a brochure, nor does she empathize with Erina's pain. Instead there's a discreet opening of an umbrella, planting it down while Erina is still talking, before she drops her things and motions to the water-

Soon enough they're taking a dip.

There's a line of Aestivalis on the beach, like stately soldiers, or at least extra shade against the sun.

But eventually, a dip in the water just isn't enough for this girl, as Liam asks what they could do. "So what were you guys saying again about us hogging all the glory?" Ryoko says as she pulls out a beach ball, stamped with the Nergal logo, grinning from ear to ear. "What say you? Women against men, winner take all!"

It's a challenge that she feels they can't deny, and soon enough, it's likely the game is on, with a simple jumping serve.

In slow motion of course, with this soundtrack playing because...

BGM - Playing with the Boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjhJmVsvzws

... come on.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Patrols. Escorts. Recon. And of course, protection duties. Ever since Alto graduated, SMS has been keeping him busy, clearly trying to make up for all the time they had to let him 'waste' while doing his schoolwork. So a little visit to a beach actually sounded like a nice change of pace...

        ... Even if he still technically is on bodyguard duty right now. Which is why, even though he has taken to wearing a pair of swimming trunks and a colourful Hawaiian shirt, there is the occasional bulge of a holstered weapon beneath that shirt. The requirements of the job, unfortunately.

        Plus Alto is still a little worried about that Jovian weapon. He would have preferred to check it out first and then fun beach times. But clearly the others had different plans.

        Of course, just because he didn't agree with the order of the plans, doesn't mean he's not going to enjoy said fun beach times. Which is why Alto is currently lying back on a beach chair, having quickly walked away from Erina's Lecture to set it up, soaking up some sun rays. Appropiately sunscreened up, of course.

        And yes, it is of course Nome Pure Shield. Though he would never openly admit it.

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        "Mhm! Yep. Oh, yeah definitely. Hai hai! Alright. Roger that! Yep. I see I see!"

        Yurika is pulling Erina Sating Duty as everyone sets up for what even she can recognize as an idyllic little resort refresher. After the myriad messes the Nadesico's been in, isn't it nice to have a trip that's about as low stakes as possible! The Jovian superweapon might, like, not even be a problem! Maybe they can just casually stroll up to the thing and turn it off with a big bright red button!

        And so, Yurika takes the most noble sacrifice - and actually takes one of Erina's brochures! (She doesn't actually read it.) She was sorely tempted to pick something ultra fashionable and ultra showy to impress and be the queen of the waves - but after thirty minutes of fretting and agonizing about it, she was just so exhausted and picked out a simple one-piece white and yellow affair, tossing a breezy little jacket over her shoulders. It's still cute! Just also very modest.

        Besides, it's Ruri's first time out here, isn't it? And so periodically, Ruri's little shaded retreat from the sun and heat gets loaded up with one bottle of water, then two, then three, then also added snacks, and a cooler to keep them in, and added sunscreen, and a battery operated fan. Then three more bottles of water. Ruri has been efficiently Barricated behind a fortress of consumer goods!

        "There! That's everything you'll need to handle the beach, Ruri-chan! ...wait, is it enough!? Hmmm. Mou, I may have to come back with more. Don't swim too deep!" Yurika cheers, as though Ruri plans to get a single atom of water anywhere near her.

        She's gotta try her mettle in the court (of volleyball!) (is it called a court in that game!?), after all! Raring with confidence, burning with passion, Yurika's prepared for the serve of the century!

        ...But her plans are foiled when the period of slow motion has ended, and yet Yurika remains stuck at 0.25x speed for about a minute longer, totally gouging a canyon in the sands with her lunging dive! Isn't it sad.

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Sheryl is of course familiar with this island; she spent a lot of time here during the filming of Bird Human, using the vistas as inspiration to compose the movie's main theme. She hadn't really heard about the Jovian weapon that had been found there at the time--she found out about that later, from Grace. That had been an argument, but ultimately Sheryl had to admit that Grace was right, and it wasn't relevant to anything as long as it wasn't functional, and would just have been a distraction from her work. As much of a bother as Grace can sometimes be, Sheryl trusts her judgment.
        
        She still hates taking her medicine, though. But that's also not relevant to anything right now.
        
        Back during filming, Sheryl's default swimsuit had been a dark blue strapless two-piece. This time, it's a new one, recently purchased during an outing with friends. Reminiscent of a watermelon, the main piece is a green bikini with white straps and a lighter green sunburst design on both sides of the top and on the front of the bottom; the top is just a bit too small for her, which is of course the point. Pinkish-red straps wrap around her upper right arm and left thigh with dark seed designs, and several white and green bangle bracelets hang on her left wrist. Block-heeled sandals, shades, and a sunhat complete the look.
        
        She's giving Erina an unimpressed look at her lecture. The part about the sunscreen in particular gets a haughty, "Who do you think you're talking to?"
        
        She doesn't explain about Pure Shield's qualities, including biodegradability, though. She doesn't even wait 'til the end of the lecture. She just walks off, flipping her hair as she goes. Sheryl Nome might be nicer than she used to be, but she's still a proud woman.
        
        She takes a seat in a beach chair next to Alto, leaning back and folding her long legs. She gives Ruri a cheery wave from where she types away under an umbrella, but Sheryl lets Yurika handle her for now. The volleyball game that's starting up now gets her interest, but right now, she opts to watch rather than join in.
        
        "Get 'em, ladies! Show them who's boss!" she does call, though, waving one arm to Ryoko, Yurika, and the others. Despite definitively siding with Team Women, should any of the men look Sheryl's way, she'll give them a saucy little wink.
        
        "Mmmm! It's nice to come back here," she then remarks to Alto, folding her arms behind her head. "The beaches on Earth are so different from the beaches on Frontier." She was recently at a completely different island too for a beach BBQ party, so she actually can compare.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"I dunno what she's so worried about, honestly!" Hikaru shrugs, in regards to Erina Kinjo Won's tight professionalism. "I mean, seriously! The stupid lizards probably forgot to even turn the thing on." Everyone except Erina, of course, is under the impression that the dormant Chulip is a simple excuse for getting to unwind on the beach.

"Roger roger~" Hikaru singsongs at Ryoko's order, picking up her own pace. She takes Akatsuki's assertion as a challenge too and tries to outpace the men! Even if she's not as well-built as Ryoko is.

For her own beachwear, she has on a green one piece with sunflower patterns on it, as well as a cute, very strawy sunhat.

She's also holding onto a GIANT shark floatie. Sure, the Nadesico just had to deal with a deep sea creature in the form of a kaiju. But Hikaru promised that this one wasn't a cursed artifact granted by Alexis Kerib. She even showed Erina the receipt from the cheap novelty store she picked it up from!

Anyways, thanks to the plushie taking up one hand already, there's no way she's holding onto that brochure. She's known for being slippery on battle, and the same is true any other time, because the second Erina looks away, the girls are gone!

When they take a dip in the water, sure enough, Hikaru is relaxing on her floatie, hands behind her head, probably daydreaming about something or another. But that isn't enough, because competition is brewing. The beach ball is the first sign.

"Sure, if you guys are ready to get totally smoked!" Hikaru challenges the men, taking on what's supposed to be an intimidating stance, even though she's definitively the shortest woman on the court. Her eyes darting between Lucine and Liam, she adds, "And don't go easy on each other just 'cuz you're in loooove~" She winks.

And then Yurika totally bungles the game-winning serve by faceplanting in the sand. Hikaru does her best to help her up - before getting bonked in the head with the ball. She lifts her hand in a thumbs up motion. "We'll get 'em this round, girls!"

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

There is a robot on the beach.

...

Okay it's really more like 'there is a currently inactive robot on the beach.' That is to say, there is something here that is VAGUELY ACGUY SHAPED. It is bulbous and the bits that are jointed are covered up in rubber casing. But the paint job is definitely not Acguy-like. Neither is the fact that its torso and head are, with the exception of having been modified for underwater operation, distinctly that of... The JR-777 Isadore.

...

...Someone has painted an actual jolly roger on its extremely round new duds. That someone is-- also presently standing at the machine's foot with a Skull N' Crossbones towel wrapped around his hips like the world's most piratical buttcape. Underneath that is a pair of green trunks that are covered in white and yellow Pua Kala in a very beachy, tropical pattern.

His eyes are closed, and he appears to be gently rocking to a slow, heavy rhythm. Upon closer observation, he's absolutely swaying to the sound of the sea.

"Ah," says Trevor Teach, the sun catching upon his Sunglasses Eyepatch (literally just a fitted, tinted monocle held in place by patch straps) majestically. "This... truly is the sea... Seeing it in person... It's more beautiful than I had ever imagined..."

"The sea... truly is beautiful."

Ah.

He's One Of Those, it seems.
Trevor Teach
Trevor is a dashing young man with dusky skin and handsome features marred only by his insistence on wearing an eyepatch. His sea-dark blue hair is partially tied back in a loose ponytail. The remainder hangs lazily over his eyepatch, revealing only a grey-blue eye rimmed by long lashes. His lips a often pulled into a confident smirk, or a sly smirk, or basically anything that you might expect from a troublemaking roguish-type.
Somehow this young man seems extremely trustworthy. You're sure he's probably up to no good.
His body is slim, but toned, and he takes care to show it off as much as he can, preferring loose-fitting, but often fashionable clothing, generally in colors of blue or black, with white and gold accents. While piloting, though, he prefers a utilitarian black Normal Suit, unique only for the number of tools he's strapped to his harness and the stylized, condor-like golden insignia on his shoulder.
He is awake and looks alert.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        On Mars, sunscreen was.... well it was definitely a thing, sometimes more for the allure of glamour and an appeal to 'doing it like they do on Earth'. Decades of advertising of sun-kissed, tan, or evenly pale models have definitely done their thing.

        And now that they're on Earth and at a beach, Lucine is definitely ready to do the sunscreen thing for reals. .... Nevermind she's had to do so before during the shoot, but she was in a pilot suit, which are appropriately suited to combating sun damage by themselves, save.... her face, obviously.

        It also appropriately gets Lucine's mind off the *actual Chulip that may or may not be dormant*.

        Which leads to.... now. Dressed in a floral print one piece with her teal blue hair up in a short ponytail, Lucine waves her hands, palms out, to Hikaru.

        "..... Ah, I think the odds are stacked against me here in terms of a physical contest, Hikaru...."

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        The Tenician Island is a tropical paradise, with moderately untouched beaches, luscious jungle, and some minor remaining set pieces from the filming of Bird Human months ago.

        It has also had, for some months now, a Jovian weapon that has laid dormant, suspected to be a dud. It's for this reason that Nergal's Nadesico has been sent to the island.

....buuuuut if it's been dormant for months, there's no need to rush to finding it, is there?

        The beach itself is the very example of photogenic, a fair way from filming had been, and barely touched. The very platonic ideal of a deserted beach, where one can while away the hours lounging in the sun, or building a sand castle with a loved one or perhaps in competitive sport.

        Perhaps the only thing to mar the evening is a tourist seaplane parked a ways down the beach. It looks empty and locked up for the moment, and the engine's cold. Probably nothing to worry about, right? It's not like it's going to disturb the beach day.

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        "...good time for a break, don't you think?"

        It's a woman's voice that comes from beyond the mass of trees. "I made some lunch boxes for us, we can take a rest and get started again..."

        The tall woman that steps out in a hot pink bikini, sandals, and a straw hat has short brown hair, brown eyes and a confused expression her face, a dead ringer for Episode 26. "...later." She finishes, a little quietly, looking out at the sudden beach party that has broken out on the shore. That's a... lot of people. And... a ramen stall? That wasn't there before.

        Her eyes gaze up to the horizon, where the battleship hovers above the water. She recognized that ship. Her 'Socrates' had fought against it several times.

        The Nadesico.

        She looked out amongst those gathered. Which of those here was that mysterious man of action who had fought so hard? The young man sitting at the Ramen shack? No, he seemed more of an Akira. He didn't have the spirit for it. She wrote off the beglassed man running the stall instantly, she knew one of the background scientists when she saw one.

        What about the young man lounging in the hawaiian shirt, with the beautiful girlfriend? He seemed like the sort who could keep his cool in a battle, but honestly, something about him reads pilot, now she's gotten to know some.

        Prospector gets written off near instantly as well, on account of being a weedy little nerd. She's not sorry. Her eyes linger on Goat Hoary for a moment. A large, severe looking man with serious demeanor... in an utterly ridiculous swimsuit. That's a fitting captain, or a strong first officer. First officer, she thinks.

        There's also the tall, pale, scarred man. Himeyuri's eyes narrow. That's a villain if ever she saw one. Scar patterns like that didn't happen with heroes. He must be the chief of the pilot wing, a ruthless ex-mercenary who signed on for blood! Definitely the sort of man who would field women as sacrificial pawns. "Keep an eye on that one, Michi," she whispers back

        And then she stares at the man with the eyepatch and the Skull and Crossbones towel. Now *that's* a possibility. The Nadesico recruiting a swashbuckling, dangerous ex-pirate to helm their ship? Though ex might be a strong word. It wouldn't be that strange for the captain to have his own robot, either. Hrrrm... a dashing rogue, turned from piracy by the allure of Earthling gold, perhaps?

        And then there was the man lining up for beach volleyball to head the mens team. A strong physique, dashing looks, long black hair... Yes. A real Joe type, the sort of man you expect to be a Captain who fought like that. Two strong choices...

        There's other faces she recognizes too... A shock of green hair gives away that foul mouthed woman pilot. Subaru, wasn't it? The one she'd asked to send the agreement to the ceasefire-

        And there, too, was Riika. The traitor. Even if PLANT had retracted the accusations... she hadn't come back. She had still fought against her own people. And to think she had 'claimed' to understand Gekigangar. Like she wasn't a Sicoose in their midst.

        Himeyuri Oono, captain of the Nazca-class 'Socrates' takes in a deep breath and then-

        "Hi there! We didn't expect anyone else to be here today, I hope we're no bother! Did you come here with a tour as well?"

        A genius ploy to uncover what the Earthlings are up to AND identify the mysterious enemy captain who sofought their plans, thrust into her lap. All she has to do is play nice! That's Jovian ingenuity for you!

<Pose Tracker> Calas Zelinn has posed.

A break!

Calas steps up behnid Himeyuri and looks thoughtful at the crew gathered there. "It seems this area is popular..." She considers. Is it just a beach party that brings a crew like this here? Or something else? Setting up a ramen shack out here, to say the least, is...

Calas checks for any obvious dangers before she moves forward, but Himeyuri steps on forward and that leaves her to join in. She's brown haired and brown eyed, a woman in her thirties, in a red bikini. And she looks very serious.

But she can put on a smile. "A party's better with company, right?"

She starts on forward, not towards the volleyball... but towards the ramen. "I'm sure it's fine."

<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.

On the list of unexpected sights today, blinding pink and star-night blue were no doubt not on the list. Well, that's just Michiru's normal hair really! Even here on Earth, she can't see any reason to recolor it to fit in. Hiding who she is isn't the Gekigan way in the slightest. Even if that mindset made her rather... unpopular back home, at least with some people. But none of THAT is important right now. What IS important however...

She's FINALLY getting to bring Hime-hime out to the beach! Their summertime vacation plans wound up delayed for an ENTIRE YEAR because of a whole lot of ZAFT Circumstances, but now she can put all of her maniacal scheming and gathered resources to their proper use!

Nevermind that Michiru doesn't scheme, certainly not maniacally in the slightest.

It's a shame for sure, that the Socrates lacks some of the friends she'd always hoped to bring along on this trip. Whatever anyone else might say, SHE at least still misses Riika. That whole thing really never sat right with her. Well... not a whole lot she can do about that NOW. So she'll just have to make sure Hime and the crew are able to enjoy this trip to its fullest. She's made sure to get her entire flight squad some time to come along, and surprisingly to her, they were overwhelmingly happy to join in.

Michi's picked out for herself a soft blue but relatively concealing two-part bikini for this venture, unmistakably the same color as the Galaxia. It pairs so nicely with Hime's pink after all. Her hair is tied back, but loosely so. It still flows well, but it's not being a wild problem in the sun and surf. "Welcome to the greatest paradise in any lifetime. The ocean." Aquatic afficianado that she is, of course she's the type to think the beach an ideal place to spend all of one's time. The pools up in the PLANTs just can't compare in the least.

The Princess-Knight of the Depths has returned to her natural territory.

Hime speaks up as they come across a beachside party in progress. A mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. The Nadesico, and definitely some allies with them. "Of course Hime. Nobody will lay a hand on you while I draw breath." She may have SLIGHTLY missed the point. But the idea of a certain figure being deeply dangerous... that she understands greatly. And even if that villain is a giant who even towers over Michi, she has a burning, inextinguishable spirit on her side! And also knowledge of how to throw down. So that helps.

She's quick to put on a friendly face though, long before they reach the group. Though once they DO, the smile becomes far more genuine. She's actually so unbelievably happy to have an opportunity to talk with a few of the people here. An apology or two are of course in order. She'll eventually slip away to give those. But for now! She has the Socrates' own umbrellas and seating to set up. "It's Wonderful seeing so many people enjoying the sea! It's a perfect day for it too!"

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Ruri has, indeed, been here before -- and even to this very beach, considering the filming of Bird Human! Even so, she appreciates the water bottle. And the... second water bottle. And then the...

        "Fool," Ruri comments, by the time the fan starts whirring. She doesn't stop Yurika at any point, though, tellingly.

        She waves to Alto and Sheryl, though -- and waves Riika over. One tech nerd who doesn't want to get their gear wet inherently recognises another. "Everyone's very excitable," she remarks, with that same stoicism. "Well, I guess that's reasonable. Now we're all at the beach... I'm happy." Her face doesn't reflect it terribly much, but her mild expression is, at least, gentler than it could be.

        "It's a popular tourist destination," she goes on, "especially after Bird Human aired. Our scans even showed --"

        'Hi there!'

        "-- another plane," Ruri finishes her sentence, without missing a beat, as she turns to look at the women who pour into the beach. She blinks her too-gold eyes, owlishly. "So, we're not alone." The way she says it could be analysis -- or mild surprise. It's hard to say.

        As Calas drifts towards the ramen, Uribatake spreads his arms wide. "Step right up!" He declares, proudly. "The most important features of the beach are the powdery curry, ramen that tastes bad and shaved ice that's mostly melted! I'll pass down that heritage to beautiful visiting women, too...!!" He lifts his arms, grandly, and says: "For this is the last of an ancient tradition: the beach tea house!"

        Indeed, the sign atop it declares: Ocean's Best Beach Tea House

        And the signs on the side of the stall declare that a bowl of this awful ramen... costs 5 gilla.

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

"Hikaru certainly knows how to take it easy..." She'd said, at the time, watching her just on her floatie, but that was then, and now it's beach Volleyball time.

It's a helluva thing to get cheered on by an international idol, and Ryoko - feels fired up, "Ha! Just watch and see how fast they go down!" As she gives Hikaru an immediate high five on how fired up she seems to be. "That's the way Hikaru!"

She's maybe blushing a little on the love comment, but only a little.

Ryoko's a sporty girl, used to working in a team, and thus she can see a disaster coming, in slow motion no less. "Captain!" She moves to try and help her cover her, but it's too late.

There's a sigh, as the boys celebrate a point scored, "Yeesh."

A finger against her forehead for a moment in contemplation, before she asks Yurika, "You sure you've played before? You'd think they'd do this all the time at that fancy Earth military school you went to."

What does she think happens at fancy Earth military schools? Apparently, Beach Volleyball!

"Yeah it's no problem! We've got this!" As she springboards off Hikaru's enthusiasm.

However, before the game can take back off again, there's friendly strangers approaching on the beach. And Ryoko puts her hands together, "Time out for a second!" She doesn't think anyone will mind, after all, pretty girls on the approach?

"Yo!" She calls out affably with a wave, picking up the ball from the girl's side, and moving it over to the opposite hand as she steps off court towards them, "Ha! Nah, we're just taking some R&R for fun in the sun."

She grins at her and the other two girls with her, trying to cut off Uribatake a little before the three get TOO drawn in (There may be no saving Calas), "If you don't have to get back to the tour, wanna join us for our game? A bit of classic girls versus guys. We can rotate in and out!"

And with that, she passes the Volleyball straight forward at Himeyuri in a 'think fast' kinda way, as if to emphasize the offer a little TOO assertively (and test her skills simultaneously), "Name's Subaru by the way, Ryoko Subaru. You all are?"

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"I think I'll pass," is Riika's comment about beach volleyball. "But thanks for the invitation!"

Despite all her attempts at bridging the gap, Riika is very aware that a Coordinator playing sports with Naturals can only lose; if they win, *someone* is going to think they cheated, just by being them, and if they lose, some of those people will assume it was a deliberate ploy. Even on the Nadesico, where she trusts pretty much everybody, it's best to not push her luck or cause a fuss, even if she hates having to stand by sometimes.

But she *can* go swimming, and she intends to, at least for a little bit. Even if Ruri doesn't want to get wet, Riika's visor is waterproof enough; she waves at Ruri as she stands up. "I'll be up in a bit," she says, "but I want to at least try getting in the ocean." Has Riika ever been in the actual ocean? She's starting to head toward the waterline when she hears a voice. A voice she hasn't heard in... months. Her head jerks around as if pulled.

"*Captain Oono*?" she blurts out, taken completely off guard by running into someone out of context. She hadn't thought that she would ever come to Earth; it simply never occured to her, since Riika knew she wasn't very fond of Earthlings (well, a lot of PLANT citizens aren't).

The last time they spoke, they were fighting, and Himeyuri had vowed to stop her. But that was before Rau was revealed as the traitor and madman he was; back when Riika couldn't tell any of them what he was, because it was in front of Rau and it would have only ended with them dead too when he tried to cover it up. And not just her, but Michiru too, and Zelinn...

Of course, none of that comes out of Riika's mouth. "What are you doing here?" is what she actually says, more in surprise than anything else.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        "Ah," Liam says, as Ryoko and Hikaru needle him, playfully. "let us enjoy the water a little, first!" True, Liam spent a very nice evening in the suite's outdoor plunge pool, but this is the ocean, and it's warm and tropical, rather than the cooler waters off Japan or Ireland. He strips off his top, revealing even more scars--one running down his sternum, others elsewhere on his chest and back. He delicately offers his hand to Lucine. If she accepts...

        The two of them spend a little while in the crystal-blue water, together. Liam looks down, searching for sea life, and points out a small fish. "Look, Lucine--hey, Trevor, there's a fish!" Several fish: yellow and white and black. Liam watches them, enchanted, as they school around his legs before darting off.

        A pause. There's one voice Liam recognizes, instantly--

        "Sheryl's here, too." He's excited, now. "Should we say hi?"

        The newcomers haven't yet pinged his radar, it seems.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Alto has his eyes on the beach volleyball match that's currently in play. He may have to jump in on that some time soon. For now though, he's content to watch. It's also during the watching that he notices Ruri's wave. He gives her a simple wave back too. It's nice to see the small operator getting out and enjoying things. Especially after what happened not too long ago...

        Of course, Alto isn't just watching. He's also listening too, as Sheryl speaks up beside him. He turns his head to look at her... And is once again slightly transfixed by the sight. For a moment, before he realizes himself and quickly speaks up, softly scratching at his cheek, "Even with all the attention to detail, it's hard to shake that artificial feeling. Especially with a giant glass dome over your head."

        Oh hey, more people are showing up. Alto glances over them for a moment, not thinking too much on it. Nor objecting to their joining. This is hardly a private affair, or a private beach. And even though it's probably one of the furthest beaches from the resort on the other side of the island, it's probably gotten more popular since the release of the movie.

%Still, a part of him reminds himself to keep on alert towards the unfamiliar people. Bodyguard is gonna bodyguard.

        Back to discussion though, "It's a shame Ranka couldn't come along. But then she's been pretty busy lately. Makes sense." Yes. That's it Alto. Lying next to his 'beautiful girlfriend', bring up the other girl in his life. Nice move.

        Man, he could go for some ramen right now.

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        The beach volleyball game isn't going so great for Team Women so far. "Don't back down now! Get back in there and score some revenge points!" Sheryl shouts, cupping her hands over her mouth. She leans back on her chair to smile over at Alto.
        
        "It's just like you to be paying attention to the sky," she says affectionately. "It's not just that, though. The shape of the waves, the quality of the sand... The Frontier beaches are beautiful. But you're absolutely right; it's very artificial. I like the little flaws we have here." She gestures around the beach, and to the waves in particular. There seems to be a robot on said beach. Sheryl blinks at Trevor, but doesn't worry about it.
        
        "By the way, your birthday's coming up on the 27th, isn't it? Don't think just because you snuck it past me last year that you'll be so lucky this time!" Sheryl takes off her shades and waggles them at him as if to chastise him in the mildest way possible. "Is there anything you want as a present? And don't say 'nothing'!" Her blue eyes turn a little wistful at the mention of Ranka. Shaking her head slightly--she's gotten used to this from him by now--she replies, "It is. She just got a cute new bathing suit, too." Her smile widens as she gestures down at herself and winks. "We went shopping together recently; I got this back then, too. D'you like it~?"
        
        A woman calls over to the group then, asking if she can join in. Sheryl glances over at Himeyuri, Calas, and Michiru, just as Ruri finishes talking about how the scans picked up another plane. Being familiar with tourists, Sheryl thinks nothing of it--only smiles, winks, and wiggles her fingers at the trio in greeting. She fully expects to make their day by doing so; it'll be more of a surprise if they don't recognize her. Who in the galaxy doesn't know Sheryl Nome, after all?
        
        Who, indeed? At the very least, one of them sounds to be a captain, judging by Riika's surprised greeting. That still doesn't ring any alarm bells for her, though. Instead, she squints over her shades at Uribatake as he shouts his advertisement.
        
        "...Is he seriously trying to market his wares as bad on purpose? Is that actually a tradition? Maybe some things are too flawed." She sighs. "Too bad! I could've gone for some shaved ice, but if it's as bad as he says it is, I'll pass."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        The tragic mistress takes the pale scarred villain's hand. In the future, she will inevitably fall in love with the hero and redeem herself shortly before dying, possibly in the hero's arms, as she gasps something about her fate before gently fluttering her eyes closed.

        "Ah, Trevor! You need to see this one!" Meanwhile, Liam and Lucine stare at the colorful fish that swim in the water. "The water's so salty... ah, look at that one! It's so cute..."

        This is clearly set up to justify the way the villain had snared the delicate damsel in his clutches. That's one way to editorial this scene, of course. The fun with classic anime tropes is that they're extremely flexible!

        "Ah..." Yellow eyes blink as they glance over to where Sheryl and Alto are, to the new people coming in. "... I suppose it is a public beach... Riika seems to know them? I can't get a read on what's going on over there... but I'm sure it's fine, if she knows them." A true go-getter would go over there and assess the situation, while the lazy Newtype will look from the shallows and make incorrect guesses on partial evidence.

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

         "Pfeh. Foo. Blegh. Sand in my mouth. Help me, Ryoko. Please. Waaah." Yurika's wiping all the sand free from her front and looking generally like a disheveled puppy. "...I've actually only been on a beach a handful of times! They didn't have that on Mars, and Neo-Japan has a few...fake beaches, but they were always so crowded that I never bothered going..."

        Suddenly, new arrivals! Yurika's engaging ~high speed emergency hair-brushing~ and ~outfit adjusting~ to get herself in picturesque shape! There's still obviously a ton of sand in her hair, but never mind! She immediately marches right towards Himeyuri, and puts an end to any and all detective work, with a merry, well-practiced, "Hi! I'm Captain Yurika Misumaru of the Nadesico! V!"

        Well there she has it!

        "I knew we had added company, so that little plane out there is yours! It's very cute and convenient...which one of you knows how to fly those? Three maidens in the prime of their life, traveling to anywhere in the world their little hearts could take them, in search of romantic destinations and vistas. Everywhere they visit, getting together just enough time for memories, just enough cash to stay over somewhere, just enough fuel to make it to the next island over...aaaah, what an amazing lifestyle you three must lead! Tell me all about the last little destination you waved tearful farewells to!" -WARNING- Yurika is doing the Thing again. Please vacate the premises and avoid any of the pastel imagining bubbles - Dr. Fressange would rate those as a Class 3 Cognito-Reality Hazard.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"Woo!" Hikaru cheers, going for the high five with Ryoko. She too, feels fired up, being cheered on by such a pretty idol. "It's okay, Sheryl-chan!" She flashes a thumbs up at the idol. "If we get knocked down, our fury only grows~!"

"Do they really play beach volleyball there?" Hikaru questions Ryoko's insight about military schools. "I guess they really do try to prepare you for everything!" Although once Yurika gets back up, she assures her, "Don't worry! You can mess up a few times! Once you learn from that, you'll be unstoppable~"

And Hikaru's ready to go back into it, when... more people show up? "Ehh? Latecomers?" She perks up, as Hime, Michi and Calas make their appearance. "Ohmigosh!" Hikaru exclaims. "Your swimsuit... don't tell me. You're a fan too?!" She immediately runs up to take Himeyuri's hand. "I'm Hikaru Amano! Age 18 and blood type B! I bet we're gonna get along great!" And her companion... "And you! Your hair, it's so cool...!" She's not swooning, she's definitely not swooning. And she's glad Ryoko doesn't seem opposed to them joining their party. "Yeah! With you two on our side, there's no way we're gonna lose!"

Riika declines to join, though... "Hey, that's okay! We'll definitely join you in the water later, Riika-chan!" Hikaru waves her off. She seems to have history with their newcomer arrivals...

<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.

A sense for danger doesn't really accomplish much when there's no intent of malice or harm involved. At least, in a situation like this. And so that instinct doesn't prompt Michi to move. That isn't to say she doesn't move however. As a matter of fact, she is blisteringly fast in leaping away from setting up beach equipment, to intercept the ball racing at Himeyuri. But the reason for that is...

Hime is holding such lovingly prepared food for everyone. And the risk of her dropping that, is a blasphemy of the HIGHEST order. And so it stands that Michiru Tenjou, Ace Europan... err, ZAFT, Pilot, comes to a sliding halt before Himeyuri, both hands in front of her to capture the volleyball on her palms. A ball which is still spinning and smoking upon impact, grinding away at the skin on her hands. The expression upon her face is... singularly intense. As if staring down a worthy and recurring rival for their final, climactic showdown. "Tenjou... Michiru Tenjou. You alright back there Hime?"

Thankfully her team can handle a few umbrellas and chairs. Saving lunch was The most important task at hand, and each of them knows it.

Wait, hang on a second. The ball definitely wasn't thrown THAT HARD, right? ...So the heck is up with this sight?
BBSYS: Post 1097, 'Coordination and Planning Discord' has been published to Announcements by MIDAS.

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

The waves... The waves call. The sea is itself a siren. The rhythmic pulse of the water rolling into white, sandy beaches. The living breath of the wind carrying the scent of salty spray from distant whitecaps. The sun, beating down from above, as i suggesting that, yes. This is the right answer Escape from the rays of the accursed day star, flee from it DEADLY LASERBEAMS and into the cool, frothy, primordial embrace of the limitless sea. If Trevor's Spacenoid Senses (read: Newtype Flash) could have informed him that someone was spying upon him, its signal is lost in the ocean's song. He takes in a breath and slowly releases, as if to savor it strongly enough to etch it into the very substance of his brain. The sights. The scents. The sounds. He commits it all to memory, and what he misses, his machine's cameras save to drive.

"This... is a good sea," he concludes, before tossing his towel boldly into the air (it lands, catching on Isadore's boot), equipping a SNORKEL AND GOGGELS and leaping bodily into the ocean. There may be a celebrity afoot, there may be beautiful ladies parading about in bikinis, but Trevor has never seen the real sea before, and nothing is going to distract him from...

Wading out a little further. Because he can't actually properly swim in the shallows. "Aye, they are myriad and beautiful, miss Azul. Like gemstone comets racing through the crystal clear blue!" Trevor agrees, and adjusts the goggles on his forehead. "I'm thinking of braving the depths and seeing them up close, personally. It'd be a waste for one such as myself to not properly commune with such a place. Later tonight, I'm going to be taking Isadore down, too. It's only right."

Oh. So that's why the mobile suit is so... round today.

<Pose Tracker> Calas Zelinn has posed.

Calas nods crisply to Riika as she greets the Captain. Then she smiles at Sheryl, a different reaction... though she doesn't get particularly effusive about it. That might just be her way, though. She does make her way to... Step right up! Calas does, indeed. Then, Uribatake starts to share the true purpose of the Ocean's Best Beach Tea House.

"What," Calas replies, skeptically. "..." SHe considers, and then shrugs. "Sure, why not? If you're going to hand out compliments I'll try your bad ramen."

Then she peers over at Yurika, who addresses them, and...

"Me being a 'maiden' would probably be news to my husband," she replies, dry. This might save her after all, though not from the volleyball game. She doesn't actually answer the questions, though. Also: she's not so worried about security; with Michiru on the job, the Captain will be perfectly safe... if any of these people were inclined to fight in the first place, and the vibe Calas gets is 'not'.

"Hmmmm, the water does look all right. Can't say I'm used to the 'ocean' though."

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        "Okay," Ruri nods, to Riika. She won't stop anyone else from getting in the water! Not that she's ever touched it. Well, it must be a good sea, she supposes, if Trevor says so.

        She tilts her head, a little, considering the way Riika recognises the strangers, but... the Captain is handling it, so it's fine. She keeps typing at her laptop, unruffled.

        Meanwhile: the Ocean's Best Beach Tea House welcomes Calas, with a, "Coming right up!!" from the middle-aged man who whips up a bowl of STUNNINGLY mediocre ramen for Calas. It's only 5G, and you get what you pay for, apparently.

        "If you're out here without your husband, he can't be making you too happy," Uribatake grins, serving up some good old lechery with her food. "Why don't you sit down? We can talk!"

        THERE HAS GOT TO BE OTHER TABLES AROUND HERE,

        And there are, in fact. There's the shogi bench with Goat Hoary (watching the newcomers but not with any particular sense of threat about him) and Mr. Prospector (puzzling over his next tactical move), and, of course, there's Ruri's Beach Fortress, with several water bottles and a battery-powered fan and her laptop all shaded by a big beach umbrella.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Sure enough, as Sheryl mentions his penchant for look at the sky, Alto turns his head to look upwards into the wide expanse of light blue above. He's heard that some spacenoids who grow up with ceilings or domes above them have trouble adjusting. Even going so far as getting nauseous. But he never had that problem.

        And then Alto's gut tightens. Though not because of the wide sky. But because Sheryl brings up his birthday. So close... A few more days and then it'd have passed with no one the wiser. What does he want as a present? Preferably nothi-crap. She beat him to it. Resigning himself to his fate, he shrugs as he reaches for a water bottle beside him, saying, "I don't know... Surprise me?" He's probably going to regret giving Sheryl that blank opportunity, isn't he?

        Sheryl goes on to mention the shopping she did with Ranka, and then asks about Alto likes her new swimsuit. Just as he's taking a drink from the water bottle. His eyes go a little wide and he coughs, hitting his chest a few times before he's able to calm down. But Sheryl still looks at him expectantly, waiting for an answer. So he rubs the back of head a little saying, "Uhhhh... It looks... Small?"

        Quick! Find something as a distraction. Wait, the tea house? Yes! That works. Alto quickly sits up, "I'm going to go get use shaved ice. Who knows, maybe it's so bad it's good?"

        A moment later, Alto is over at the tea house, saying to Uribatake, "Two shaved ice, please." While he's waiting, Alto gives a nod to the nearby Calas, "Hi."

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        This was, in fact, Himeyuri's first time seeing the real ocean up close, not from the bridge of a ship. Her home had the occasional man made lake, but, well...

        She'd never been to a beach before. She had spent the first while, before they started to work, just seeing the sights Michiru had to show her.

        But that was then and this is now, where Riika boldly makes herself known. Himeyuri just... smiles. There's something a little unsettling to it. "Sheder-san, I didn't expect to run into you here!" She continues that ever cheerful voice she has. "Well, the war ended didn't it? Your side won, after all. The PLANTs are ceding back to the federation, it's all done and dusted!" There's definitely something under her voice, but all that chipperness masks it well. "So, you know, going back to normal life we thought we'd take a trip, and actually see Earth properly for once. It's different than only seeing it in battle, you know." There's a pause. "Anyway, I see you're doing well with your new friends."

        And then there is a volleyball tossed her way at, well, a reasonable speed- only for Michi to dive in front of her and make the catch, stumbling backwards a little in surprise. "Th-thanks, Michi..." She looks, a little surprised. "I'm fine, thanks to you!" There's a pause though. "Boys vs girls? That seems a little unfair..." Surely the men, with their superior athleticism and masculine strength would be winning, right? Still... it wouldn't help to give the game away. "...I can try, though this is my first time at the beach! What do you think, Michi?"

        After all, no boy had ever asked to take her. And Michi inviting her was weird but... it was fine if they were both girls, right? And it's not like there was any danger.

        And then an event happens that causes Himeyuri's brain to break a little.

        A *woman* marches up to her, and declares herself the Nadesico's captain, before wandering down the garden path.

        She laughs nervously, as Yurika goes on. "Really? You're... not playing a prank, are you?" Her mind, so often full of numbers and formulae has, for once, gone completely blank. She turns to Calas to look for help- only to see she's walked off towards the bad ramen stand. She looks back towards Michi who has the volleyball now. Is this really happening?

        Here she is, trapped and alone with *the enemy*, who is no one she could have ever suspected.

        "Actually, this is our first stop. Michi really wanted to go swimming in the ocean, and this place seemed nice and not too busy." She'd readied the lie before. "So, you know, girls outing and all that! The plane's not ours though."

        She seems utterly gobsmacked. What could be romantic about three women travelling together...? "I mean Mrs Zelinn is more our chaperone, it would be wrong to risk someone my age being alone with a man, and Michi's my best friend! It's not really... romantic. The pilot's not my type, either... Too old and craggy." And too Earthling.

        She needs to extricate herself from this situation. "A-anyway, I guess that makes it my turn for volleyball, right? One of the crew can get the lunchboxes out!"

        She's definitely rattled. Himeyuri Oono never passes up serving out her bentos herself.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        Liam understands that feeling, Riika. He's good at controlling his strength, but he still doesn't wholly trust himself to hold back when Ryoko is there--not because of malice, but because he might actually listen to her egging him on. He doesn't want to send anyone to Dr. Fressange with a concussion, today. And the water is so cool and blue and beautiful...

        "...Huh," says the cyborg, as he turns to observe Riika and the newcomers. Riika seems... surprised, to see them. Former comrades? Friends?

        And then, Ryoko gets an idea. Liam's eyes widen. "Be right back," he says, hurriedly. He takes all of two sudden steps before the heroic save, but doesn't stop after Michiru catches the ball. "Ryoko!" There's carefully-controlled annoyance in Liam's voice. "That was a bit much, don't you think?"

        He turns back to Himeyuri and Michiru and Calas, managing an embarrassed little smile. "I'm sorry," he says. "Are you okay?" That's extended, apparently, to all of them. The young lady who almost got hit with the volleyball seems really ill at ease, for some reason. "That was a nice catch," he adds, because that legitimately was impressive on Michiru's part. "I've got some bandages in my beach bag, if you need them."

        A pause. Liam's brow furrows. "You... don't have to if you don't want to?" he says, to Himeyuri.

Riika Sheder tosses a coin: Tails

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

Thankfully for Yurika, Ryoko has a fondness for disheveled puppies, also the cooler she looks for helping Yurika, the more Akito will notice right?

Or at least that's how she's supposed to justify that right?

Either way, she rubs the back of her head as Yurika says she rarely visited the beaches, "Well, you wouldn't know it looking at you." Because despite all the sand, in that swimsuit, Yurika's a full on beach beauty.

Even she knows the difference between the two of them in one glance, at least when she's lacking sand in her hair.

Himeyuri doesn't catch the ball- but Michiru does, and Ryoko barks out a small laugh at the bodyguard antics, "Nice! Good reflexes!" However she does blink, at the smoke? The friction, the spin?

What is going on? She's not THAT strong? And as Liam is aghast on how much she yells at Liam, "H-Hey! Lay off! I didn't throw it THAT hard!"

Still, it disturbs her, she really didn't throw it that hard!

Then Riika points out she's a ZAFT Captain, "Oh hey ZAFT huh? Nice to meet you Captain. Got no quarrel with all of you obviously. The Fed was just being a bunch of dicks over the treatment of the PLANTS." As far as she's concerned, Rau's thing was all Rau and Zala. "And haaaa?! What's that supposed to mean unfair? Course it's not unfair! When we're facing a bunch guys who've-" She yells over at the guys for some trash talks, "-GOT NO GAME!"

She grins at her in short order as she offers to give it a try, "That's the spirit! Come on, Captain Oono! Let's see how you handle the ball!"

Still, do they seem familiar? Real familiar? Her eyes linger on Michiru for a while as if wondering if she knows her...

Hikaru seems enthused by Himeyuri's swimsuit, and calls her a fan? A fan of what? "Is this some weird Otaku code?" She asks Hikaru, "Do you have a SECRET HANDSHAKE?"

And then Hurricane Yurika hits them, and she has a hand on her hip, offering an exasperated sigh, "Captain really...?" Calas points something out that causes a small chuckle. "Career woman huh? Nice that you're in it for the long haul."

Anyhow, after a time she motions to everyone, "What say we get the game started back up huh?"

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Sheryl responds to Hikaru's thumbs-up with two fingers in a V sign. "That's the spirit! Show 'em what you're made of!" Yurika gets a look of sympathy, not just for all that sand she just ate, but the fact that apparently Mars didn't have beaches. What a world.
        
        Yurika's imaginings get a giggle out of her, though. "She's so cute," she remarks affably of a woman who is several years her senior.
        
        Calas's reaction is weirdly subdued... but maybe she figures she's looking at a look-a-like rather than the real deal. However, as Sheryl listens more, she realizes that these women are from the colonies. And as chipper as Himeyuri is trying to be about it, there's something about her that's a little... off. Then again, it would be if they were fighting on the opposite side not too long ago.
        
        "After I got you that upgrade for your Messiah, do you really want me to 'surprise' you?" Sheryl points out to Alto with a knowing smile. That smile only grows as Alto weighs in on her bikini after almost choking on his drink. "Small, huh?" She leans in dangerously close and whispers, "Compared to what? <3"
        
        So naturally he jumps up and says he'll get them some shaved ice. Sheryl frowns a little, but ultimately shakes her head a bit. "I'm not getting my hopes up, but if you're getting some for both of us, I'll give it a try."
        
        As Alto goes off to fetch the shaved ice, and the volleyball game grows in size (and also starts attracting some arguments), Sheryl gets up and joins Ruri under her beach umbrella. She fluffs her hair in front of one of the fans with a 'phew!' "It really is nicer with a good breeze," she comments. "Still, it seems a shame to just stay right here the whole time. Do you swim much, Ruri?"

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

Riika returns Calas' nod without really thinking about it.

Afterwards she says, "It's great to see you!" She sounds honestly pleased. "I just never expected you to come to Earth, even if the war is over, I suppose... everyone, this is Captain Himeyuri Oono, and Pilot Michiru Tenjou - she's the one who's catching the ball - and Pilot Calas Zelinn." Riika has a great memory for names. "I used to work with all of them, at ZAFT, though I was never assigned to their ship long-term."

"I really did mean to catch up with you," Riika says, "but I've been really busy, and... I think it's probably best if I don't spend a lot of time back on the PLANTs, it gets kind of awkward." For a couple reasons. "I really wish our last meeting hadn't been the way it was, though."

Himeyuri seems a little... overwhelmed to Riika, though. "No, I understand, it's the first time for me too, actually. At the ocean, and not deploying in it. So, welcome! I don't want to press you guys too much, but... let's talk, before you head out again."

Pause. "She really is the captain though," Riika confirms. "Of the Nadesico, though that's not the ship I'm usually with. I just came down with them today."

<Pose Tracker> Calas Zelinn has posed.

"Hey there," Calas answers Alto with a nod.

Then for her ramen, "Mm. Smells adequate." Calas seems to be entirely amused by the idea of a stand that serves bad food. It seems quintessentially Earth. And they are on a break... However. Uribatake serves up some extra with the ramen, and Calas muses on it for a moment. She glances over to the kids for whom she's setting a good example.

"Hmmmm." She makes a point of looking him in the eye.

"The stand really suits you. I'll have to pass."

She walks off with her ramen, noticing Himeyuri in DANGER (social danger) and considering coming to her rescue... but decides it's not necessary just yet. Not when she can get some intel, anyway.

"That's right. The war's over. But you guys aren't Federation yourselves, are you?" Riika points out to Riika. "I get it. I'm former AEUG myself."

Then she keeps moving along, past Goat Hoary, past Mr. Prospector... and towards the Beach Table of Ruri.

"Busy even at the beach?" she observes. "...My daughter prefers to watch rather than swim in the water, herself."
I don't understand that.

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        She's about to walk onto the field when suddenly Hikaru rushes up to her. A fan...? Could it be remotely possible that this woman means...

        "Of course I am! I watched Gekigangar on my father's lap when I was a little girl, and it's been a part of my life ever since!" She beams proudly. "And Miss Nanako was my idol growing up! Himeyuri Oono, age 17, blood type A! Favourite episode: The Blade of Justice- Strike True Gekigan Sword!"

        Oh yeah, she's really getting carried away now. But... she doesn't meet enough real fans.

        The large man with the scars approaches and she steps behind Michiru instinctively. "It's fine, really, Michi was there! No harm done, right?" He's even scarier up close, but his voice seems so calm. "Besides, she was just inviting me to take part! Right?"

        The volleyball game is an excellent avenue to sneak away- and Ryoko's eager to let her handle the ball. "Oh, uh, it's not really a career thing, I just ended up suited to the job, I suppose? And it's not like I want to be a Captain forever. Once they find the right man, I suppose?" Why is she so talkative today.

        Riika explains herself. So she has come home a little. "I see. I guess that makes sense." Stilll, there's a sharpness on her tongue, as she walks on to the volleyball field. "Pass it over here, Michi!" She shouts.

        Keep endearing yourself, Hime. The captain already told you who she was- and Riika confirmed it. They'll be telling you everything soon.

        She's at leat a decent volleyball player- but she's got a strong jump and her height gives her an advantage- even if she's not used to the soft sand, and slips at least once.

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Uribatake visibly wilts, as he's rejected. "Ahh, the beach is cruel..." Luckily, he has another customer to distract him from, frankly, the bullet he just dodged with that verbal dismissal. "Yosh! Two shaved ice, coming up!" Uribatake turns to Alto, spooning out two cups of ice which are, indeed, already melting. But they're only 4G each! What a... bargain?

        Sheryl's right... it's a strange thing to advertise your goods as bad...

        Ruri looks to the illustrious Nome, as she joins her under her umbrella. "I've never swum before," she says, honestly. "I don't think I know how to. I was just studying our current situation." Ruri types a little more, on her mobile computer. "It looks like this island passed into private ownership recently... did you know about that, Sheryl-san? It's part of the Crimson Estate, the largest OCU conglomerate..."

        She is, indeed, still busy. Working at the beach! How ridiculous! And so, when Calas asks that, Ruri looks up and nods. "Yes," she agrees, reserved but not particularly impolite. "Not that we think there's any danger to visitors right now. Well, it's not like Nergal has any jurisdiction, since we're no longer a Federation vessel, but it's polite to warn people. As you can see, everyone's busy making a fool of themselves instead." She looks out over the fated volleyball game, quite removed from the situation.

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        The praise of her companions only make Yurika glow harder and harder. Perhaps that's what stands out the most to Himeyuri - what position other than captain on a ship would preclude the flamboyant idol Sheryl cheering her own, or of Ryoko helping dust her off, or of everyone's support?

        "Ah, ah, I see, so you're the team mom who made a promise to these girls to help them see the world, I understand now! It's all coming together. I have a loooot of intuition for this kinda thing, you know!"

        Brimming, sunny smiles all Calas's way, as Yurika momentarily peels herself towards getting herself a heaping helping of MEDIOCRE TO KIND OF BAD RAMEN. But would you have it any other way? "Uribatake you're so right. This cheap stuff is PERFECT for the beach! If you put too much effort in it'd feel like you're going too fancy, but this is just what hits the spot when you're still kinda wet and worn out from running around a bunch! Nice nice!~"

        Yurika quickly becomes the local ~distributor of shaved ice cups~, handing one not just to her crewmates, but to Liam and Lucine, and one on the house to her three new friends.

        "Oh! You all came from the PLANTS, you say? Ohhhhh! Right, it must have been pretty hard to get to and from there, the war probably cut off a lot of visas. Oh! Oh oh oh oh! Lucine over there? She's one of the people who did the super ultra mega risky stunts to disable GENESIS! We're all so proud of her here~" yurika no you're giving like so much intel

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        "... So the Isadore can also go underwater..." Lucine blinks, thinking back to that time she felt a presence coming from the Isadore. ".... How is your suit set up to enable it to do that...?"

        She casts a glance over her shoulder as Liam mentions that he'll 'be right back'. "...?" Did she miss something?

        Doing a little jog from the water to check up, Lucine is distracted by the offer of FREE SHAVED ICE CUPS, which automatically own over non-free partially melted ice cups. "... Ah! Thank you, Captain Misumaru!" Taking a piece of the ice, Lucine looks over the newcomers, with blue-tinted lips fresh from the shaved ice.

        ".... Mm? Proud of me for what?" She blinks. ".... For.... the plants? Ah, yes, ah, I do my best! Sometimes they die off, but... all it takes is an experimental approach... I make sure they're taken care of whenever I'm not doing something else..."

        It's a shame that no one can hear capital letters.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"Woah!" Hikaru exclaims. "What a throw! How did you make it all fiery like, Ryoko?" And Michiru... "And what a catch, too! Geez, that was straight out of a sports spinoff!" Which this kind of is, if you think about it. Liam's complaints gets a shrug from Hikaru, who's used to this kind of hijinks from the Nadesico. "That's just how it is when you hang out with us, Liam-kun!"

And when Ryoko mentions they have no quarrel with ZAFT, Hikaru nods. "It always sucked fighting you guys!" She agrees. "Besides, I'm more worried about those stupid lizard bugs. They're kinda creepy, don'tcha think?" Levelling her eyes at Michiru and Hime, and then away, towards the horizon, where god knows the Chulip might be, she adds, "Not today, though! Only thing I'm worried about today is chillaxing~"

Yurika gets a giggle out of Hikaru as always, even when Hime seems to question her authority. "Yep!" She answers. "That's our Captain! She's just as weird as the rest of us, but you should see how serious her face gets in battle!" Surely it's not just because Akito's out there, though.

"No way!" Hikaru exclaims, eyes lighting up when Himeyuri confirms she is indeed a fan. "I'm a pretty recent fan, so I'm not on your level just yet, but I adore Gekiganger! The hot-blooded, passionate feelings of each of the men... it makes my heart race! I can't count the number of times it's made me cry..." And Nanako-chan is her idol? "Yeah! She's so cool, isn't she? The main characters are all awesome but they never would've triumphed over the Great Kyo'akk Empire without her support!"She can see it a little, in how Hime is constantly supporting Michi. That's really cute!

"I've written plenty of fanworks, so if you ever want to read 'em, check out @missnanakochanwrites on VERTEX!" The content itself might be objectionable to Himeyuri and the Jovian Federation, but Hikaru is no less enthusiastic.

"Now that we've gotten to know each other, surely our teamwork will be all the more better, Hime-san! Let's Gekiga IN!" She shouts, as she goes for a piercing spike across the net. Akatsuki will have to be extra sharp to counter Hikaru when she's truly motivated...

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"No, I'm not flying for the Federation. I think I'm actually still wanted there..." Riika wants to laugh it off but, really, she can't. They absolutely would be happier with her in jail, though. (So would some PLANTs citizens.)

"But I wouldn't even if I wasn't. I can't agree with some of the things they've done... I guess you'd know, if you used to be AEUG. But I don't want to talk about work tonight!" Riika also is alert enough to not let too many things leak, because even though they're ZAFT and she trusts them -

Well, the Three Ships Alliance can't give all its secrets away. It's just talking about herself that's safer.

"We can talk later. Good luck with the game!" Riika smiles, brightly, toward Himeyuri - and then she does, absently, head toward Ruri's Fortress of Beachitude, thoughts of swimming momentarily dashed. She stays just outside the barricade to not get in Ruri's personal space, but she does ask: "Can I have one of those waters?" Since there's like a half dozen or more just being used to demarcate a boundary line.

She also says: "They're the ones who watched Gekiganger with me in ZAFT. I put my copy on - they'd seen it before, but they wanted other people to, too. It feels like a long time ago... well, I guess it was like a year, now that I think about it."

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Alto doesn't expect another upgrade to the Messiah or anything... In fact, perhaps a little part of him is hoping it's something a little more personal? Though he definitely doesn't vocalize those thoughts, waiting a bit longer before acquiring two cups of Mediocre Shaved Ice! Huzzah.

        Making his way back over, Alto sees that Sheryl has migrated over in the direction of Ruri and Co. Which is fine. He probably would have grabbed another cup for the younger teen, but it seems like Yurika has already beaten him to that. He hears talk of the PLANTs, recalling the recent war. Not that he ever got involved in it, which is probably a blessing, giving how many lives were lost. Though thinking about how many more might have been... The people responsible for that were clearly complete assholes.

        Arriving at Ruri's fort, Alto passes Sheryl her cup of shaved ice and then sits to join them. He's arrived to hear Ruri's secret, to which he simply replies, "Don't worry, I'm certain you'd be able to pick it up with a little training." Is that an offer?

        Alto tries the shaved ice and finds... That it is perfectly Okay. Okay then.

        On other matters, Alto actually seems quite interested in Ruri's description of the island's fate, "Someone bought the entire island?" Alto is doubtful that even Sheryl has the money for something like that. Though by the name, it's probable that this is some corporate matter. Alto hmmms, "I suppose it might make some sense. This place has probably seen an increase in tourism recently. Probably a good investment."

<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.

Michi's having a bit of a time right now. She does in fact calmly hand Himeyuri the ball. But the way she does it looks... absent, and blank. Mechanical almost. Because the idea of them being here on some kind of romantic date has in fact, broken Michiru as well. It's unthinkable. But... Hime IS her best friend. The person she shares almost everything with. Her partner.

On some level it doesn't sound... wrong. Though that level is locked far away from any waking thought.

Hikaru's admiration for her hair is something she'd normally appreciate, though she can't exactly vocalize it. Or how she had it done. Maybe she can offer tips on that later.

What finally wakes her up again is an aggressive girl with green hair raising her voice. "Wait... I know those voices. You're..." Those two girls who can do the Gekigan Flare! She doesn't say it though.

Her gaze turns to Sheryl for an instant, but there's not even a trace of recognition. Does she REALLY not know who that is? Does she come from a PLANT with no music or something? How pitiable.

Briefly she's on guard, when the one she was warned about approaches... but, he doesn't do anything aggressive. Rather, he offers aid? Strange... and it COULD be a trap. But she'll just keep a passive eye on him. And otherwise be friendly. "Oh, not at all. I'm perfectly fine really. Her serve was quite spirited, but if I couldn't handle that much, I'd never be able to call myself a proper pilot or defender." She is after all, also Himeyuri's security detail.

But finally, she looks over to Riika, and rubs the back of her head. "I uh... I'm really sorry." Seeing her stammer even a little is weird. Still... it seems like that's something that's been eating at her for a while. "I'm glad we wound up running into each other out here. I've... wanted to apologize for a long while." Even though strictly, she was just following orders. And disobeying would have gotten her shot at too. Still...

The game is on once more. And while her natural terrain may rate highly in Water, she's certainly no slouch at volleyball. She's got an excessive natural athleticism, though there's never been any doubt of that as her swimsuit makes the level of evenly spread tone she bares, abundantly obvious.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        "I know," Liam says, his lips curling in a frown. "It's just--" He shakes his head. Himeyuri hiding behind Michiru--he knows their names, now, but introducing himself feels like it would just make the situation worse. "Okay," Liam says.

        Thankfully, Yurika provides an ice cup, and even a half-melted ice cup is better than no ice cup. Liam's is cherry-flavored. He takes a sip, and puts his hand on Lucine's shoulder. "You should be proud of the plants," he says, with a big smile. "But--I don't think that was what the Captain was talking about?" There is a brief pause on his part. Liam lowers his voice. "...Thanks, by the way. For getting us somewhere to stay here. It's gorgeous. Were the, ah, rose petals your idea?"

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Sheryl leans in to get a better look at Ruri's screen as she explains about the Crimson Estate. "I didn't. Grace probably did, though," she replies. "The Crimson Estate... That sounds familiar." She turns her gaze towards the hotel in the middle distance. "I'm guessing they're the ones who're doing all this new construction?"
        
        She smiles at Yurika as she brings around a shaved ice for Ruri, waving off one for herself since Alto's got that covered. Speaking of whom, she looks over at Alto as he returns with shaved ice, accepting her cup as he joins in on the conversation. Being already partially melted, it's more like a flavored iced drink than a shaved ice, and the way she crunches her nose up makes her thoughts on that plain. "Yeah, it makes sense," she comments on the purchase of the island. Maybe she has enough money for that, but she's not sure she'd have money for much else afterwards.
        
        Riika introduces Himeyuri, Michiru, and Calas properly at that point. Sheryl's a bit away from the others at this point, but she's close enough to hear, and she gives them a more normal wave. It goes a little sideways to Lucine and Liam too, but it's to Himeyuri and her friends that she says, "Nice meeting you, ladies~!"
        
        And then, as is totally straight and normal, she winks and blows them a kiss. What? Calas is married, to a man? You think Sheryl Nome cares?
        
        "You should learn to swim sometime, Ruri!" she continues to her companion, already over herself. "Being in the water is a lot of fun. You don't have to go all the way into the water, though--you can just walk where it's shallow and let the waves crash into your legs." She looks at Alto curiously and adds, "Do you know how to swim? You didn't go too far into the water yourself at last year's beach party."
        
        Finally, she attempts her shaved ice/icy drink. It's... okay. Artificial-tasting. It really is basically just a cold drink. She mentally decides to treat it that way going forth.

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

"I DIDN'T!" She protests to Hikaru, volume increasing.

Ordinarily she'd be delighted, but she isn't THAT strong, and she knows it. Claiming strength above her own would make her feel uncomfortable.

She completely misses Michiru's blank look.

Oh no, Gekiganger fans. Ryoko just sighs, "Should have known. Greattttt..." It makes sense, given how ZAFT always acted in those fights that some of them were just really intense Otaku like Hikaru.

"There you go again about the 'passionate' feelings of men." She says as she pats Hikaru twice on the shoulder, as she mentions crying, "Yeesh, is that why you're always sobbing up in your bunk? We need a bigger tissue budget."

And Michiru? As she mentions she knows those voices? "Hmmm? Maybe we ran across each other in a battle or something?" Ryoko shrugs it off, not really suspecting it's anyone in particular since they were around ZAFT a lot, "Our comms kinda get... busy, wouldn't be surprised if you heard us."

Himeyuri speaks how she doesn't intend it to be a career thing, and Ryoko, takes it in stride, "Oh I get it, just signing up while the war raged huh? Good for you-! Bet the guys will be all over you back home, I mean, a Capt-"

Ryoko's line of sight shifts towards Yurika.

"-ain. Huh." Pause, contemplation as she realizes maybe being a Captain does not improve one's dating prospects as much as she thinks it does, "Well! Hang in there! Don't give up!"

Hikaru however, with the 'Let's Gekiga IN!' causes an exasperated sigh, "You always gotta bring it into everything Hikaru!"

Michiru seems a natural at it, "Way to go!" She calls out to her on a return. And as Captains go, Captain Oono seems better at the game than Yurika, though at one point when she slips, Ryoko's hand lashes out and catches her by the wrist, standing her back on her feet.

"You good?" She asks so casually, with an affable smile, as she gives her a small pat on the back as if to tell her she's got her back, or is watching out for her, "Alright, back in position." As she then moves to the back of the court herself, We've got this-! Just need to pick up the pace!"

As she tries to rally the women's team back to victory against the guys.

<Pose Tracker> Calas Zelinn has posed.

"No more Federation talk then," Calas answers Riika smoothy, and doesn't bother her further about it. Instead she turns to Yurika, and actually smiles at her. "Something like that," she says, actually playing into her designs!? ...She does look fondly at Hime and Michi, though. She seems to like them at least.

She spares no more thought for Uribatake...

"Hmmm, that's fair." Not knowing how to swim. Then she looks thoughtful. "No danger, huh? That worries me a little, but if you say so."

There's some useful data here, after all.

"It seems like they're having a lot of fun at least," Calas muses. "But I guess it's easy to have fun when you're supposed to be doing something else." She doesn't sound particularly disapproving.

Lucine helped to disable the GENESIS, did she? Calas casually observes Lucine and Liam for a moment.

"You're pretty young to be worrying about work though," she points out to Ruri. Then--Hmm. Sheryl.
%"Oh," she says, and smiles. "Sheryl... Nome, right? You're the idol! Well, it /is/ nice/ to meet you," she says, and grins a little. "...Forgive me not recognizing you; the age my girls are, the music I listen to is mostly singing vegetables when I'm not on the ships."

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        "Ahh, Captain, I knew you'd come around! SEEYAAAHH!!" Uribatake stirs his ramen pot, with gusto: "Daruma's dolly's falling down, Daruma's dolly's falling down, Daruma's dolly's falling down--! There you go!!" He slops it into a bowl, and presents it to Yurika, proudly. Along with as many ice cups as she can buy, of course!

        "Go ahead," Ruri shares her bounty of Yurika's generosity with Riika without missing a beat, nodding to one of the many bottles of water here. "Oh," she's reminded, "and I should..." She opens up her bottle, and takes a drink. Hydration is important in the sun!

        "I'm a member of the Nadesico, too," Ruri informs Calas, and there is a little pride, there, though she's still quite muted. "I'm the Systems Operator. Ruri Hoshino," she introduces herself, a beat later. And if that name sounds familiar from any number of clashes... well, Ruri doesn't realise how much she's giving away, here. Like this: "You don't have to worry, I think. There is a weapon from the Jovian Lizards on this island, but it's dormant... it's probably just a dud. That happens, sometimes."

        Meanwhile, as Alto and Sheryl take an interest, they may sense A DARK PRESENCE APPROACHING --

        "The Crimson Estate..." Inez Fressange rises from nowhere to explain the situation. "They're one of the top makers of energy barrier systems. They made the barrier satellites above us as well. But I recall their lone daughter is a real problem child," she adds, in her white labcoat... covering a one-piece black swimsuit. "Adding a paralysing drug to the entrees at a dinner party for no reason. Kidnapping a manga author so she could have her own shoujo comic. She's the one stain on the otherwise perfect profile of the Crimsons."

        And so, Ruri wonders: "Would I be considered a problem child?" It's more thoughtful than troubled, as she looks to Calas. "Do you have problem children, Mrs. Zelinn?" Thanks to Riika, she can put a name to her! Her gaze tracks to the water, and she hums to herself, thoughtfully. Shallows...

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

Riika reaches down to pull up one of the bottles of water. "Thanks, Ruri!" She needed that more than she thought she did.

Technically, Riika also flew to disable GENESIS - but that's very well known and she doesn't see any point in bringing it up.

Instead, she responds to Michiru. "It's not your fault," Riika says, immediately. "Once I know what le Creuset was doing... I started to look into him, and that's what got him to give you those orders. I couldn't tell you it was him while he was right there, because then he'd just go after you too, and I couldn't - I didn't want to be responsible for that."

"I only made it because the Ra Mari found my wreckage," Riika admits. "So I stuck with them, and that's why I'm here now. I know the order in ZAFT's gone now, but... they were there for me, back then."

...

"And look at me! I'm kind of destroying the beach vibe, aren't I?" Riika smiles again. "But I'm glad we met up again. You don't need to need to apologize, but... if you feel you did, it's accepted. Now go have fun! We can catch up more later. I've seen a lot of interesting places on Earth, if you want a bit of directions to take Captain Himeyuri around!"

She glances aside, having caught some of the conversation, and addresses Ruri again. "THAT is a problem child. You haven't done any of that, so I really doubt it..."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Feeling that spike of defensiveness from Ryoko, Lucine reacts reflexively, wanting to come to the aid of her friend. "... Yeah, Ryoko treats everyone like an equal, so she--" Hikaru mentions the lizard bugs, and like the flick of a light switch, Lucine's mood darkens, her focus now on projecting an aura of utter confidence to chase away the stiff pangs of dread and anxiety. "... Those things better not show up... We should find some way to destroy that thing while we still can...."
        
        But, with the talk on dicey things like ZAFT and people agreeing to not talk about them due to some members being present, Lucine lets it go, clearing her throat.

        Especially as she listens to Riika, realizing her end of the story. ".... I'm sorry you had to go through all of that... but... I'm glad you found a home aboard the Ra Mari II. We have some similar stories, there...."

        Then, a large hand settles on her shoulder, and she looks up at Liam, her mood suddenly bright again, though she blushes. "... Ah, we were, ah, thinking about a movie night! The quarters feel a little big, even if it's just a splurge from the captain... I think it'd be a good idea!"

        Wait, where is the captain?

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        AHHHHH! Sudden explanation!

        Alto is a little surprised as Inez just appears, but nonetheless listens to her explanation. He nods along a little as he says, "I remember now. Many of the more modern pinpoint barrier systems are manufactured by them. Although I'm not sure what they would want with a resort island in that cases..."

        Alto then just shakes his head a little at the description of the problem daughter, "She sounds just a little unhinged." And then much like the others, he comforts Ruri with, "I wouldn't worry about it. You're definitely no where near that level of problem."

        Sheryl then asks if Alto can swim and... He just stares at her for a moment, before replying, "Yes. It helped a lot during the movie's underwater stunt scene." The one where he and Ranka kissed. Which of course flashes into his memory the moment he mentions it, causing him to turn his head away for a moment and softly scratch his cheek.

        To take his mind off that moment, Alto goes on to explain, "Frontier has a lot of water. Part of the system that helps maintain the biosphere. My mother taught me when I was young." There's a bit of wistful remembrance at the mention of his mother.

        Alto's eyes go a little wide as Ruri just blurts out the information on the Jovian weapon. Admittedly, these people appear to be in the military judging by snippets of conversation he's overheard. But still, he warns, "You probably shouldn't just go around talking about the weapon... It might cause a panic." If the resort's populace heard about it, it could cause a huge mess!

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        "...What are the odds on that?" Liam says, turning to Ruri with earnest curiosity in his eyes. "The weapon being a dud, that is." He squeezes Lucine's shoulder, and leans in to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead. He knows just how worked up she was when they got here, how ready she was to basically fly over herself and conduct a one-woman strafing run.

        He sips his cup of melty slush, the red staining his lips. Did he get a little on Lucine's face? Oh no.

        "Yeah, we... ended up with an extra-large suite, because of the Captain. It's beautiful. They said it was a 'honeymoon suite'." Because this is the Nadesico, there's no way in Hell that's not going to get out, and something something spin control. "There's even an AI concierge, Ruri. And a little tiny swimming pool."

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        There is, indeed, something of a blinking dotted island from where Yurika was just moments ago.

        ~flashback to a few minutes prior~ wherein she's hearing Ruri and Inez discuss the nature of the Crimson family - how this is ostensibly their private island, or they have a lot of property on the island, and all that. You may not have noticed the curious and low-fidelity O.O-eyed Yurika head popping over their shoulders.

        "Yoooosh. Everyone's having so much fun out here that...if I use my ~Captain's Intuition~ to get a better understanding of what's happening on this island, everyone can enjoy more time off." A little fistpump while talking to herself may make Yurika seem a bit out of it to onlookers. "...Besides, this trip can't really be that romantic when there's the looming worry of something going wrong! If we're smart, we can wrap up this whole incident right here and now, and then I'll look like the most wonderful and intrepid genius so much that I get a marriage proposal right there on the spot...!"

        Far, far too loudly, Yurika calls out, "Nooooo, this isn't the right time and place for that, silly!" before, slightly less loudly, whispering, "Let's do it, Detective Yurika's on the case!"

        TWENTY MINUTES LATER-

        A huddling Yurika can be found oppressed by the calls of loud, unfathomably strange exotic birds, hopelessly lost and slumped against a tree. "Nooooooo, why'd it have to turn out this waaaaaaaaaay...!"

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"Aww, I was hoping you'd teach me... that'd really spice up our training routines, don't you think?" Hikaru looks briefly disappointed, before bouncing right back to annoy Ryoko with Gekiganger. "Isn't it great, Ryoko?! If only Tenkawa was here, too, we'd have a whole convention!" Wait... where is Akito Tenkawa? Where's Yurika for that matter? Eh, it's probably nothing.

"Maybe..." Hikaru admits, about crying in a bunker. "Yeah! Maybe I should go bug ol' Pros about it!" Uh-oh, Ryoko gave Hikaru an idea... "Sometimes all a girl really needs is to let out a good cry watching their favourite show!"

Playing volleyball is a blast, and like Hikaru thinks of Miss Nanako, Himeyuri really is better at it than she lets on. "I wouldn't've said it if they didn't show up!" Hikaru protests about using the catchphrase. "You're kinda the outlier at this point, Ryoko-chan, and I will drag you into the swamp if I can help it!" She grins.

"Yeah, it gets real loud in battle. Mostly because Ryoko's screaming into mine and Izumi's ears. Sometimes the people on the ship yell at us too! Not Ruri-chan, though." Long story short... "So yeah! That's probably us. Were you the one in the machine that looked like Gekiganger? I thought it was the coolest! Even if I got kinda mad, because you attacked me, ahaha..." She rubs the back of her head. "It's all good now! There's something nice about friendships that cross enemy lines, huh? Like it doesn't really happen in Gekiganger much. But I have read a lot of alternate stories where Lady Aquamarine survives and joins the heroes!"

On the topic of the Chulip... "Probably a dud!" Hikaru agrees with Ruri. "I don't think anyone else really cares except for Miss Erina... but it would totally kill the vibe if the bugs showed up, yeah." She agrees with Lucine on the latter part, trailing off thanks to Riika's advice. "Let's just focus on having fun!"

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        Hikaru's enthusiastic 'Let's Gekiga IN!' earns a nod of agreement from Himeyuri. Still, the way Michi shuts down briefly... how strange? "Everything okay, Michi?"

        Still, she seems to snap out of it.

        "Right!" She responds to Hikaru. "She's a truly valiant woman, supporting the men in their battles and giving them a place to come home to and something to fight for! She really is the ideal woman..." Hm. "...Fanworks?" She seems confused, briefly but takes note. "I'll take a look later!"

        But it's strange. Despite her elaborate plot... this is fun.

        They act like they don't bear any ill will to ZAFT, despite fighting them? They take her *brilliant cover story* at face value? She is a little wary of Yurika's shaved ice though, and when no one is looking quietly tosses it into the jungle. It didn't look particularly nice, after all, mostly melted.

        "I'm sure that the- that my parents will find the right man somed- whoa!" She starts, before the slip happens- and then Ryoko catches her by the wrist, saving her from an embarrassing fall into the sand.

        There is something. Very very strange to Hime in this moment. It's not the sort of thing one expects from *the enemy*. It would make sense if Michi did it, she's her bodyguard.

        But there's a slight flush on Hime's face, as Ryoko pulls her up. "I-I'm good."

        It's a hot summer day, it must be getting to her. They're Earthlings, Himeyuri. Get it together.

        Still, the rally comes, and Akatsuki might have reason to complain about the girls calling in ringers. After the next round, though, Himeyuri begs off. "Ah, sorry, everyone must be getting hungry. I'll be right back, Michi!"

        And she does disappear for a few moments, completely missing Ines perfect explanation. Instead, she goes back to the sea plane. Most of Michiru's flight crew have already grabbed their lunches, but it gives her a few seconds to think. To focus down. "It must be the gravity. Making me light headed. That's all, surely. This is important information for the Admirals." She pauses. "...though maybe it's just a trick. Hiding their real captain from the enemy... Sheder-san doesn't know, though..." She shakes her head. If she's gone too long, it would be supsicious.

        She returns with several lunchboxes, in addition to hers, Michiru's and Calas'. Traditional japanese style bentos, immaculately kept. "I made a little extra in case we worked up an appetite, but I don't see a problem sharing!" If only she hadn't walked away at the crucial moment. She wouldn't have to bribe. "I didn't even have to worry about hitting the ration limits on ingredients!"

        She sets the spare bentos down on the sand, the perfect bribe, full of rice and fish and those little hot dogs cut up to look like octopuses with little faces in. Resist this bounty, earthlings!

        (It's good, but she's no Mrs Howmei. No one is Mrs Howmei.)

        Her eyes cast over to Ruri, where Mrs Zelinn is and Hikaru is calling back-

        Probably a dud? Her eyes narrow briefly. So it's not a coincidence, then? Of course it wasn't. "Well, they wouldn't be running tours if it wasn't safe, right?" A part of her stings. Her design wasn't a dud!

        But it also hadn't activated yet. That's why they were looking too. "Maybe you just shouldn't worry about it at all!"

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Sheryl smiles at Calas, as the older woman recognizes her at last. "That's me~. Don't apologize! You wouldn't normally expect to meet a celebrity while just casually out on vacation--and if you're a young mother, it makes sense that you wouldn't be playing a lot of my music around the kids," she replies, the last part dry. Back when she first came to Earth, she was surprised when she heard that Ruri, then about twelve years old, had attended one of her concerts.
        
        She doesn't weigh in much about the Jovian weapon or whether it's a smart idea to talk about that stuff in front of these newcomers. It does strike her as odd, but these are professionals. Surely they know what is and isn't sensible to talk about. When Alto suggests it's not a good idea, she blinks over at him. "Oh... You know, that's a good point. I hadn't thought about that."
        
        But that's a trifle compared to how Sheryl reddens when Alto points out he'd need to swim to do that certain stunt. She'd resolved to put that scene out of her mind, and it looks like she did too good a job of it. It's a little late to claim she was kidding, so she bites her tongue and looks away to keep from embarrassing herself further. Fortunately for both of them, Alto shifts the topic for both of them, and Sheryl nods. "Oh, your mother did... That makes a lot of sense. From what you've told me about her, it sounded like she took really good care of you. I didn't learn to swim until I was a teenager, myself--it wasn't normal growing up on Galaxy--so..." She trails off; anything else she might say would just sound like an excuse, so she simply shrugs.
        
        Fortunately (?), Inez approaches then to Explain Things. "H-hmm... Does that mean they make pinpoint barriers, too?" The talk of the problem daughter gets both eyebrows rising. Even for a celebrity, that's pretty intense for her. "Alto's right," she tells Ruri. "You're nowhere near that level."
        
        She does give Inez a concerned frown, though. "Is there a reason why you're bringing that problem daughter up? She's not on this island, is she?" If the Crimson Estate bought this island, then it seems perfectly plausible.

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"I just didn't want her to think I blamed her for everything. It wasn't her fault at all," Riika says, following Michiru with her eyes over to the game. But she assures Lucine, "I'm very lucky to have found a home, and I appreciate it every day. If there's ever something you need to talk about, well..."

Riika isn't really the Nadesico's therapist. Actually she's a very long way from the Nadesico's therapist. But currently she has a very low opinion of said therapist based on listening to Ruri, so, if talking will help Lucine, she'll do it.

She smiles, trying not to make it look forced. "Actually, I was interested in it. I've never seen one before! Even if it's non-operative I'd like to take a look at it, I brought my tools and everything." Well, there's at least *one* person interested in it who isn't Miss Erina... if for completely different reasons.

<Pose Tracker> Calas Zelinn has posed.

Ruri is very informative!! Calas considers this, and Ruri's age, without betraying much on her face. "Nice to meet you," he says. Then she seems to think a moment. "I see... Well, so long as it's dormant I suppose that's safe enough."

But Inez Fressange explains!! Calas listens to that, too. Before, "I don't think most problem children would be so diligent about their work," she points out. Then she shakes her head. "I don't. They're both very well-behaved." ...She'd know if they weren't, right? It's not just something her husband and their 'uncle' would keep to themselves so as not to worry her? "Much younger than you. My oldest has started school now."

Riika seems to have Ruri's reasurance covered, at least. And Sheryl, well, she seems pretty down to earth for a celebrity. "That's true," Calas admits of not expecting her, and grins at the dry statement. It's good music, but definitely not what you'd expect for kids...

She glances at Hime, as her eyes narrow--Calas maintains a fairly calm, sociable expression, for all that she remains somewhat reserved. "Aah," she says then, "Much better than cheap ramen." She might meet Hime's eyes--but surely it's just to claim a bento.

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Fourteen-year-olds are terrible at opsec. This remains true, even now Ruri is fourteen instead of thirteen. (It was also true when she was twelve.) "Oh," she blinks, looking up at Alto. "Yes, that's true." She looks to Hikaru, and trails off, for a moment: "Fun..."

        She is glad to hear she isn't a problem child like that, though. And she's glad to hear about AI assistants, by the way her expression gentles to hear Liam's report. "Maybe I'll meet them sometime."

        Ruri does, indeed, not look like the sort of girl who yells a lot. Or at all. She's remarkably even-tempered.

        "It's all right," she assures Himeyuri, subsequently. "It shouldn't pose any danger as it is now." A light pause, and she looks to Riika, to add: "I'm sure there'll be time to examine it." Ruri is definitely not qualified to make that decision, but here she is, bold as brass.

        "Though, I guess everyone's right," she adds, in light consideration, as she... gets up from her fortress. "Maybe I should try getting in the water... I want to see the fish."

        She will, of course, need some help to avoid becoming the world's first Drowned Fairy.

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        "They say she recently debuted," Inez adds, on the matter of the Crimson's daughter, "but who can say where she is, now...?"

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

"I can spice them up for you enough without any weird named VOLLEYBALL ATTACKS!" Ryoko snaps at Hikaru, probably sure to up the intensity of their training soon as a result. "He's probably just moping in his room, watching Anime." As she dismisses what Hikaru has to say.

"The machine that looked like what now?" Ryoko looks at Hikaru, then back at Michiru, "Seriously? There's mobile suits like that." But ATTACKED her? Ryoko squints, for a moment intense, and then that intensity just all fades, "Yeah, we're good now, war's over."

It's really no big thing to Ryoko, saving Captain Himeyuri Oono from eating sand is it? Ryoko's just seemingly good natured in the spirit of teamwork, but she is pretty built isn't she? Not many girls in ZAFT or back in the Jupiter Empire would have muscles like her, or such a midriff...

A dark presence, of exposition!

"And yet we're in the middle of a game!" Ryoko snaps, Inez's way, as she leaps to spike a ball back.

Nope, she's not paying attention.

"Hey! Don't stay away too long!" She calls out after Himeyuri as she vanishes, "We need you since Captain Yurika is who knows where!?"

When she returns though, and offers extra, "Time out for a bite to eat? I don't want any of Uribatake's crappy ramen!"

It's not long after that she's picked up a bento box, cracked open chop sticks and picks up the octopus weiner, staring for a moment before taking a bite, "Mmmm-!" She chew, chew and- "S'good-" She says, right before she swallows it, "Reminds me of home."

She says with a momentary smile, and a wistful expression. "Said you aspire to be a bride? Well you're well on your way."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        A dud.

        Riika's offer makes Lucine want to reflexively refuse. However-- ".... Actually, I'd... love to chat with you, sometime, just in general." There's many things still new to Lucine, or things she still has trouble wrapping her mind around. Riika... may be someone who wouldn't mind talking a little about where she's come from. "But later, of course..."

        Liam kisses her on the forehead, and Lucine is properly distracted from the topic all over again, her cheeks pink, and her forehead with a small smudge of red food dye. Nodding in tandem with Liam's explanation, Lucine adds, "It's a plunge pool, though, so... it can be a little surprising if you don't realize how deep it'll be...."

        Hikaru and Ryoko talk about Genkiganger. ".... I never thought you guys would find fans outside of the Nadesico... but I guess it's not as if we ask every person we come across if they know about it..."

        'Maybe you just shouldn't worry about it at all!'

        "..... You can't just say that..." Lucine says, then bites her tongue. Alto's right. Openly talking about it *would* cause a panic. Inez knows just as much as Lucine does of what the Jovian lizards are capable of, as does the entire crew of the Nadesico. They're all calm.

        "..... I think I need to go see where the Captain went off to," Lucine says, finishing the last of her shaved ice. ".... It's nice, to meet you all..."

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Alto is clearly not surprised to hear that Sheryl didn't learn to swim until later. He's never been to the Galaxy fleet, but he's heard about its slightly more unusual design compared to other long distance colonization fleets. There was certainly no room for anything like the Frontier's sea. Plus, from what he knows of Sheryl's childhood...

        ... As Ruri gets up, expressing interest in going into the water, Alto rises as well, "The water does have a lot of wonderful sights to see. I'm sure we can get you skilled enough to see at least some of them." As Alto begins to follow Ruri towards the water's edge, he begins, "First rule of swimming: Don't panic. I have a feeling you'll be fine in that regard..."

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Meanwhile, in the water:

A snorkel parts the gentle rippling of the sea's vast surface. It circles, shark-like, but brightly colored, in the distance. A technicolor shark's fin!? Something like that could fetch a high price--

But no, this is just Trevor, of course, soaking in the vastness of the seas first-hand.

As to where he learned how to swim--

MONTHS AGO, THE CITY OF APRILIUS ONE

A half-dead pirate washes up on the artificial beach. This is the sixth time, now. Someone wearing the uniform of the Sleeves pokes his body with a stick. "...I think he might actually be dead this time--"

Trevor--

Bolts upright with a start! Backflips straight back into the space-sea! LEARNS TO SWIM IN A SINGLE DAY!

...No. That's all a bit of an exaggeration. He does, however, keep at it. Because, well.

It'd just be shameful if a pirate didn't know how to swim at least a little bit, wouldn't it?

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        "See you back at the room," Liam says, his brow furrowing in concern. "She's been... on edge," he admits, but he doesn't want to say anything more. Ruri offers a wholly productive alternative.

        At first, he thinks--isn't that dangerous? Liam learned to swim in the community pool, before it closed and got turned into more expensive housing. The sea is wholly different. But...

        "Of course, Ruri," Liam says. "We just saw some, earlier." He offers her his hand. "Yeah," Liam adds, nodding to Alto. "You can float on calm water just by bending at the waist. It's called the, ah, Dead Man's Float, gruesome name, but it works. You also need to be careful where you put your feet..."

        Is Ruri one step closer to swimming with the whales, thanks to moving out of her comfort zone? She just might be.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"How 'bout this? SUPER GEKIGAN SPIKE!" She shouts, and once again it almost looks like that poor beachball is on fire. Tenkawa in his room, though? "I'm kinda surprised Yurika didn't drag him out on captain's orders!"

"Yeah, but it had the punches and everything! Right?" She glances over at Michiru. "You don't call that a mobile suit! It was waaay more like a super robot!" Unfortunately, her Aestie looks way more like a mobile suit than a super robot, but she doesn't let it stop her.

"Her bravery in volunteering to pilot the Gekigan Jet, too...! I kinda wish they let her, at some point." Which the Jovians might frequently gloss over. "I mean, they designed that really cute pilot suit for her too! Although if she was able to save Joe and fight her brother, I guess the plot would've changed a lot..." Her profile pic on VERTEX, by the way, is full cosplay of that outfit. In cosplay, Hime is truly a kindred spirit!

"Oooooo~" Hikaru winks, as Ryoko helps Hime up, seeing her flush up. But is she a little bit jealous? Maybe! It's fine, though, she has plenty of chances to get valiantly rescued by Ryoko in the midst of battle.

But the meal, though... it looks pretty tasty, and she can see Hime put a lot of care into the bento boxes. Hikaru understands she's working very hard to achieve her ideal of being like Miss Nanako. "Mmmm, delicious~" She compliments. "Your friend here must be preeeetty lucky to eat like this all the time!" Glancing over at Uri-pea's unattended ramen stand, she blinks a few times. "I almost feel bad for him." She comments. "Not too bad, though."

A swimming Electron Fairy... "GOOD LUCK, RURI-CHAN!" Hikaru calls, cupping her hands to her house for emphasis. "Use my floatie if you need to! It's real cute!" Swimming with a shark isn't the same as a whale, but it's close enough maybe.

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        Sheryl will join in on the swimming soon enough--she'd like to dive and see those fish, too. For now, she'll finish off that mediocre shaved ice.
        
        ...Alto got it for her, after all.

<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.

A perfect smile is broadcast in Hime's direction, when she frets slightly over Michi. "Oh, I'm fine. I promise. It's just been so long since I've seen the waves." She can tell her what really happened later, when it's just the two of them. Or... maybe not. Something about the sight of Himeyuri being swept up to her feet distracts her again. Only for a split second though.

While things are slow, she slides over to Hikaru, considering the words she's offering. "So you two ARE the ones who were using Gekigan Flare. I knew it! Yeah, you're talking about the one that's the same color as my swimsuit, right?" Strictly speaking Gardnova is not one of a kind, but Galaxia on the other hand is, and it's the only one in that color. It's also, strictly speaking, a higher performance model than the production models, but... they don't need to know that. "It's hard not to shout the original names when I'm in the heat of the moment. Especially when we're Together on the field." There's almost certainly going to be further bonding over nerdery even in the middle of this game. Not that it's going to stop her from crushing the opposition in volleyball. "I've not met many other fans in a while, but you say people write alternative works with..." That's FASCINATING information. Sure, it may not be the sacred work itself, but... Those dedicated enough to want to write about the passion and justice of Gekiganger must have the same kind of burning heart.

She has a number of questions for people here. Like wondering how she can improve her own physical conditioning to make up some of the obvious gap. Not because she's jealous of Miss Subaru, but because she realizes there's still so much more she could do, to be the best protector possible for Himeyuri. She'll get around to those questions in due time.

Before that however! They should dine upon Hime's carefully, delicately prepared food. Crafted with love. "Your cooking truly is masterful Hime-hime. Always a perfect picture and taste of home." Packing extra is usually a safe bet. Unfortunately Michiru wasn't able to prepare the customary desserts this time, given the nature of their trip. She'll make it up to everyone later, somehow. "Hime's talents are many, and even now I'm amazed every time I'm blessed to experience them." How can she say something so corny and... arguably mushy, with a completely straight face? She has to know how it sounds! Right?

<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.

        No real danger, huh? It's subtle but something passes across her face, for just a moment. Anger, or maybe indignation?

        Still, Calas casts her a glance, and the expression passes. "Yes. I'm sure you're right."

        Still, her food was accepted, and there's always been something... good about watching people appreciate her food.

        Even if they were earthlings. Even if, soon, they'd find that lost chulip, and find out what happened.

        Ryoko mentions not wanting any of Uribatake's ramen, and she laughs. "Well you can't expect a man to know his way around a kitchen, can you? At least he's honest."

        She smiles lightly at the compliment. Being a bride, huh? "Mmhmm. One day! It's what I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. I just... need to meet Mr Right!" Or have him chosen for her, when she finally got home. "But I've got a year or two yet! I still have to enjoy my maiden years!"

        Oh no. Maybe there's a running theme amongst young captains. Or maybe Himeyuri and Yurika are the same sort of weirdo.

        Still...

        Michi's compliment, saying how it reminds her of home. "I do my best, Michi!" That eager smile back on her lips. "Besides, I'm still not half the baker you are! I know you're going to make some guy very happy one day, Michi!"

        Is that... really how she feels?

        She sighs, a little wistfully. She's just pretending to get along with the Earthlings. She's doing a really good job of it. They trust her, due to her impossibly skilled act. That was definitely it. Definitely.

        "But wow... you're really different from what I expected." Especially Ryoko- Subaru. Pilot Subaru. "...You were really aggressive the first time we ever spoke. You're a lot nicer than I thought."

        Ah, there's the foot in the mouth. Just in time.

<Pose Tracker> Ryoko Subaru has posed.

That poor Beachball is having one helluva day, "Damnit Hikaru! If you ruin the ball doing something dumb, then we won't be able to play!"

-=-=-

Ryoko has a momentary far off look in her eyes, before she snaps to at what Hime says, "Hey- what's that supposed to mean!? I'm-"

They met? She goes cross-eyed, struggling to, and then suddenly, "-You were-!"

Looking embarrassed that makes things complicated, "It's not like- I'm-! Look you pissed me off by implying I'm not, feminine enough in how I talk or something-!"

Ryoko looks away, rubbing the back of her head, "S'not- look... was in the middle of a fight with those bugs and things got heated."

In other words 'I ran my mouth a little'. "Just, I'm willing to let it be water under the bridge or something, call it payment for your- home cooking."

And then she stuffs an octopus weiner in her mouth and looks away, definitely still embarrassed.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"You're one to speak! Besides it's fine! We're on Nergal budget, baby!" Her ass was not listening when Erina explained that fooling around was coming right out of their paycheck.

And when Michiru recognizes them as the ones who did the Double Gekigan Flare, Hikaru nods proudly. "Yep! You get it - teamwork and passion really does fire you up in the heat of battle! Even Ryoko knows that!" And then Michiru explains a little about Galaxia, and Hikaru listens eagerly. "Yep! Blue, right? My Aestie is pretty tiny, but she's a custom model too! Mostly because the head is orange and has cute lil' cat-ears." She has a custom-coloured orange frame for the 0G model too, which makes the head look a little mismatched on the other frames.

Seeing how the two girls talk about each other is really cute, too. Hikaru is surprised to hear they're just friends, because she already wants to ship them!

When Hime notes that Ryoko is different than expecting, Hikaru looks her way curiously, especially as Ryoko wilts away all embarrassed. "Ryoko is really sweet when you get to know her." Hikaru explains, earnestly, deciding not to tease her in this moment of vulmerability. "She, Izumi, and me... we're all best friends for a reason." After taking a bite out of an octopus sausage, she adds, "I bet our schedules probably conflict a ton, but hey... the war's over. Nothing's stopping us from hanging out like this another time, even after we pack up and go back to our ships!" And well - she already gave out her VERTEX for that purpose. Maybe part of her is really happy to meet fellow fans.