2023-09-25: Captain's Celebration

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<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


A room on the Ra Mari II has been set aside for a party! Gravity is normal; couches have been brought in that aren't being used in residential areas. There are refreshments, from light alcohol to soda to water, and there are snacks, cookies baked in cute shapes and little sandwiches from one of the cafeterias. There are decorations in the large room, little cutouts in shape of a baby in a carrier, little teddy bears, and other adorable signs of Children. And above all...

There is a bright, cheerful atmosphere. Space--and the Magallanica--loom outside the viewport, but within is as warm and inviting as the outside is cold and dark. Numerous members of the crew mill about here and there; there are already a few little party favor boxes for some who had to tend to duties on the ship at this time but otherwise might've come. It's not the whole crew, naturally--tht wouldn't fit in one room!!--but there are people here, for certain, and the entire ship is set to get some little bonuses in celebration. Eight can't have her entire crew here, but she can at least celebrate with them in a way.

A mastermind of this particular occasion is visible, running around talking to people and getting things organized--one Licia Chovan, brown-haired and energetic. She is not in uniform, but she's easy to recognize anyway. Just as important in planning was a certain Minato Haruka, who is around somewhere too with an active hand. Her ~~minion~~ partner in crime is Tempo Astelian, purple-haired and rather in his element, welcoming everyone and directing them to look over at the happy couple. A few other Important Crew Members are milling about, too.

But the couple in question: Eight York sits on a couch, in a nice red dress with a white half-jacket, extremely eight months pregnant. Her shoes, if one notices, are the kind you get when you reallly want to emphasize comfort. Beside her is the chief engineer of the ship, Lavnadim Orlodhari, who is speaking animatedly with her about something as they wait for things to get started. He's in yellow, a nice sweater over his broad chest and dark trousers. He has much less trouble with his feet, one would assume. He's dark-haired and green, the very image of a Zentradi. At least he's micronized!

There is also a set of tables for Presents, which are for them, not for you. But the refreshments are for everyone!! 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


In any other circumstances, Rena Lancaster would have been helping Licia plan this event. However, she had recovering to do, and there had to be a somewhat organized effort to make sure that Rena did not overstretch herself from such recovery. So, she arrives, and she isn't in uniform either.

She has a black button-up shirt, which shows a sign of her injury from Denver Colony: a deep blue, glittering crystal, about an inch across, just below her collarbone. Otherwise, she has blue jeans on, and she looks better than did a couple of weeks ago.

She does not have a present.

Because she has lifting restrictions, and forced the large wrapped box into the arms of one Anita Rosetta.

Sorry, Annie.

"Octo! Lahvi!" Rena calls out. "H-Hi, everyone! It's so good to be able to be here!"

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Ruri Hoshino arrives! She arrives in a lovely little white sundress, her twin-tails up in ribbons; she carries with her a little wrapped box, which she carefully places upon the table. "Hello," she says, bowing at the waist by the table. She's quite proper.

        "Ruri-ruri! Come on, they're right there!" Minato Haruka, on the other hand, didn't have to arrive. She is already here. She turns from talking to someone in hushed tones to get something sorted to wave to the littlest Nadesico crewmember, gesturing her to Eight and Lahvi. "Ahhh, you're so cute!!" She adds, and her portrait absolutely sparkles as she says it.

        "Hrmm..." Ruri mumbles, face red, as she goes to where Eight is sitting. A small miracle erupts on her face as she smiles -- it's not a large smile, and it doesn't last forever, but she definitely actually smiled. "Congratulations, Eight-san, Lavnadim-san. Omoikane and I are happy for you."

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita did not help with planning - that's because she was involved in the equally important effort to keep Rena from overworking herself. But she wouldn't miss this for the world - it's a big event for one of her best friends... even if the atmosphere makes her reel just a bit.

It all felt real before, still, but somehow an event like this makes it even more evident how much time is moving forward. She wouldn't say she feels old because she isn't, yet. But it does feel much closer than before.

And so, when Rena enters the cafeteria, Anita isn't too far behind.

"Hey, Eight, Lavhi, everyone." Anita greets. She might be a little muffled, considering the box in the way. Fortunately, carrying it isn't a problem - her left arm does most of the work, while the right supports and balances it. She cranes her head around the box as she looks for the present table, spots it and makes her way over to set it with the others, taking a second to catch her breath.

Atop the box, as it happens, is also a second, smaller box - this one from Anita!

"Yeah, congrats." Anita agrees, as Ruri expresses that she's happy for them. 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Leina was not involved in the planning beyond sending some links to various sites and money. She's playing catch up back on Earth right now to such an intense degree with her school work that even returning to space so soon was - a step further than she should have probably gone.

But, it's for Eight! And - flight time was a lot of time she spent catching up on said makeup work. Just a couple more weeks of buckling down and...

... well, she'll definitely be closer to done with it.

Either way, she's here today in a yellow floral print blouse and a pair of skinny jeans that actually look like skinny jeans now, not baggy.

She's finally caught back up on her weight.

"Hey Eight! Lavhi! I know it hasn't been long since I left but-" She says as she came in, lowering herself down to give Eight a hug, "- wouldn't miss this. Good to be back, even if it's only for a day."

She says with a big ol' smile. Her gift? It's relatively small looking, an colorful envelope with a ribbon, she leaves that on the table after she's done with the hug.

(It's not the only gift she contributed on, more on that later.)

"Hey Annie!" She calls out to her, before Rena gets a wave and an amused look, "Now I feel bad for not springing for your flight back, Rena." Whereas Ruri at her congratulations, there's a smile, and a look at Minato.

"Hmm, now that's... good to know." She murmurs softly, as she files away who on the Nadesico fusses over Ruri. She will definitely take advantage of that knowledge.

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Dressed in a bright HaroCon shirt and carrying a fairly large wrapped gift box of his own, Banagher arrives at the party, smiling widely. The decorations everywhere are charming -- he can't help but point out the little teddy bears to Leina. She loves this kind of event.

Sliding his present next to Leina's envelope at the gift table, Banagher follows her to greet Eight and Lavhi. As Leina hugs the Captain, Banagher shyly offers his hand to the chief engineer. "Congratulations. I can't believe it's almost time for them to be born."

The other guests present get a little wave from Banagher. His eyes (changed, now, with flecks of near-luminous green deep within his golden irises) land on Rena in particular. Something unreadable flickers across his face.

"Rena, how are you?" Banagher asks, smile gentle. "Can I get you anything? Water, refreshments? I know you're doing better, but if I can help, I'm here."

Leina is only here for a day. As much as Banagher wants to monopolize her attention, he's not the reason she's here -- and that's okay. He stands back a little as she chats with the others.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

It's a party! And can you truly have one without the lively crew of the Nadesico? Well, Minato Haruka would tell you otherwise, having helped plan the whole thing. But it doesn't mean Hikaru won't show up to show everyone her own party spirit!

The last time Hikaru was on the Ra Mari II, she got pretty easily lost -- it's such a big ship! A very cool ship no less, but still quite easy for a poor girl to find herself lost. This time is different, with everything clearly pointed towards one room.

Her entrance is unmissable as she blows into a massive party popper, causing confetti to fly out of her hair as she walks. Don't worry, a real magician knows how to clean up their tricks.

But first, the stars of the show should be greeted before anything! "Happy birthday!" She blurts out first. "No... that's not right. Happy anniversary?!" She scratches her cheek. "Oh, hehe, of course... twins! 'Grats, Cap'n!" She grins, with a mock salute, because she never even salutes her actual captain, but the atmosphere's just a tad different, here. "And 'ulations to you too, big guy!" She smiles to the micronized, but no less stout and well-built Lavhi.

And hey! Was that a smile from their very own Ruri-chan? Dangerously adorable, she is...

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Strictly speaking, Shinji was invited to come along with Kaworu--but Kaworu can't make it for reasons Shinji would rather not discuss, so he's here on his own today. He's brought a present from the both of them besides (really just from Shinji since he had to do the shopping on his own, but it's the thought that counts, right?), and while it might be very basic, it's wrapped up in nice paper with a bow.
        
        Shinji himself is a little self-conscious as he arrives, dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, a baseball cap, sneakers, and a windbreaker he wore to a recent mountain trip; he likes Eight from the couple times they've met, but it's not like they're that close. Still, he wanted to wish her and her husband and future children well.
         

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        A distant and ominous rumbling gets closer and closer to the celebration. On the one hand: isn't that worrying? On the other hand: isn't Yurika supposed to be here and she's never just going to arrive normally? Place your bets on whether that Strange Looming Pressure is just Yurika's Present - yeah that's exactly what it is.

        Sweat dripping down her brow as she pushes it along, Yurika, less importantly, is looking all cool and autumny and high in denim content - jeans and jacket alike! - with a bright yellow cardigan beneath. MORE IMPORTANTLY her present appears to be - some sort of tank??? It is definitely a brightly wrapped rectangular thing on tank treads. The wrapping is definitely baby shower appropriate at least for whatever is happening in that rectangular main body. And she's just heaving it next to the table with pressents like this is completely normal!

        "Phew! I made it just in time~ ...Wah, was Ruri-chan smiling?! Oh, I definitely made it at the right moment!" Fishing herself up a bowl of punch, an already tired out Yurika topples onto a couch and drinks her fill, with a big long exhale of refreshment. "Uwah, I can tell Minato was way into this - she was pestering me lots and lots to get just the right present, and whenever I asked she was always helpful pointing out what might not be enough, or what you all probably already had!"

        could she not just get them a blender to make like home made baby food or something. (maybe the tank is that! it could certainly fit several blenders) 

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


Roux Louka was involved in planning this event. In so far as she has a 'space address' (how bougie of her, to have an Earth AND a space address) it would probably be, at this point, at the Ra Mari II.

And she was glad to get away from the high-stacked if remunerative EARTHNOID BULLSHIT in Azadistan.

SO, ELITE MERCENARY PILOT ROUX LOUKA

comes in from another entrance, pushing a cart containing metal dishes. Roux herself is in a short-sleeved cook's shirt, buttoned up. She has her hair tied back rather more severely than usual, and she's wearing working pants and slide-on foot covers that are more like greaves than work-boots but partake of some aspects of both.

"Hey!" Roux declares as she approaches the refreshments, clearly intent on unloading. "Sorry I was running behind, but --" It smells...

*Savory*. Spicy. Roux looks around. "Banagher," she says, "and Leina, and --" Roux looks towards Shinji, snaps her fingers once, and taps her nose. "-- Remind me of your name, help me unpack this right quick."

THE DISHES CONSIST OF

* A bunch of seasoned rice. How exciting.
* A dish of assorted pickled vegetables. PREGNANCY JOKE
* About twenty seared blackened white-fish fillets freshly gotten from the last restock at Magellanica's aquatics agri-pod. They are fresh enough that the last three or four of them are still faintly sizzling crispily.

"Is everyone having fun?!" Roux declares during the process of unloading. The pre-existing buffet supplies should be sufficient for people to dig in.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


"Rena!" Eight answers warmly, waving from her seat. She does not get up to greet her, but she's still smiling. Lavhi waves, too. "Hello!" It is very friendly. Eight eyes the box thoughtfully, and Lavhi says, "It looks quite heavy..."

Annie is with Rena, and Eight beams at her, too. "Thank you," she says to them both, as Lavhi inclines his head in agreement. "We are indeed very happy," he says.

Ruri!! Eight--who notably appreciates Minato's significant contributions--glances her way when she hears her talk, waves, and then sees--a cute Ruri!! She manages not to call her out on this, but she is touched by that small smile. "Ruri..."

"Thank you," Lavhi says, "Both of you. I am glad that you were able to come, Ruri."

"Glad you made it back," Eight takes over for Leina, hugging her back. "It wouldn't be the same without you." Lavhi, at the same time, gives Banagher's hand a firm shake. "Thank you, Banagher!" A laugh. "Yes, the time, it flies!" Eight siiiighs, "Maybe for you." He laughs again, and squeezes her hand. "It is true, you are doing the part that is difficult!"

Hikaru's arrival gets a surprise from Eight, who perks up a little at the noise. (Licia elbows Tempo, "We should've gotten more confetti!") Then she laughs, at the greetings. "Thanks," she answers Hikaru warmly, and Lavhi gives her a salute in turn that i rather less mock. Somehow it seems light-spirited even so.

She smiles at Shinji, when he arrives; she can tell when someone's self-conscious, so maybe she's a little extra calm for his sake. "I appreciate that," Eight says, and though she's smiling she's serious about it too. "Then perhaps you can convince our Eight to rest more," Lavhi intones gravely, and then grins. "Thank you."

Eight notices the rumbling. And the... treads??? The tank treads??? She and Lavhi tilt their heads in perfect sync to look at her. There may be sweatdrops. Lavhi rights himself first, "You are indeed on time!" Eight laughs a little. "Yeah, Minato's been a huge help all along. I'm really grateful."

And Roux steps in... with...

"Oh I'm so hungry," Eight admits, inhaling the beautiful scents of buffet. "Why doesn't everyone have something to eat?" she invites.

Eight looks gratefully at Roux as Lavhi stands up to get them both little plates of--well, of everything, actually. He is also hungry, as it happens.

"I can't believe you remembered the pickles," Eight laughs when she sees them. Tempo, in the meantime, will also help Roux unpack stuff, because he's nice, and because he has some history with Roux by now about being helpful. 

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Minato claps, and -- somehow, she has a megaphone! "All right, party people!" It's not tuned too loudly, at least, but everyone gets to hear her. "Once you've had your fill, your job is to present your presents to the happy couple! Tell them what you've brought! Tell them why it's the best!"

        And once she's done that, she inconspicuously hands the megaphone back to Yurika, with a wink. "Thanks for letting me borrow that, Captain! o/`" She adds, lyrically. How did she pronounce the musical note? No one knows that.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Rena walks over to give Eight a hug -- around the shoulders, then she smiles. "I wouldn't miss it!" she says. "It's hard to believe it's so soon..."

Then, she looks back at Anita, and flashes a grin at her. "Thanks, Annie," she says. "You, um, okay with both of those?"

She detaches from Eight, then looks at Leina. "Aaah, it's okay," Rena says. She tilts her head. "We had a military shuttle that was stopped over, anyways, so..."

Some lower level diplomats that Mineva had sent to the AEU; the part of administering a large group that fell into the 'routine' category, instead of the higher level stuff. She looks sideways at Annie, flashing her a grin.

Then, she looks at Ruri and the Nadesico's crew -- and waves at them. "I'm glad you could come!" she says. "And... and that Omoikane could. As much as he can come to stuff, I mean. And--"

Hikaru's noise making goes off, and she laughs, then she waves at her and Yurika both. "I love it, Hikaru!"

She looks at Banagher, then she smiles, and steps closer. She reaches a hand out to him. "Banagher," she says. "I'm... I'm a lot doing better. I still have some lifting restrictions," she says. "But those are up at the end of the week. It feels weird. I'm... really sorry, I know I gave you a lot to worry about. And when you were recovering, too."

She sniffs the air -- blinks -- and looks in Roux's direction. "Ah--that smells great, Roux!"

She glances at Anita -- then she nods. "Let's wait," she says. A moment's pause. "Th-this is not about showmanship."

This is absolutely about showmanship.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"Ah I see! Well so long as I didn't put you out..."

Hikaru's own brand of congratulating them causes Leina to raise an eyebrow as if to mark whom on the Nadesico is 'a bit spacy' but she smiles because it turns out to be rather endearing.

Shinji, she gives a curious look as she hasn't seen him around before. He's pretty young too? But she doesn't immediately approach him.

She's about to head with Banagher when Roux comes in, and - "Sure I'll lend a hand. Smells incredible!"

She does give Roux an amused look when she unpackages the pickled vegetables, before- "Dang Roux, you've been busy!"

And no, she doesn't mean busy busy. Even though she assumes that too. She's definitely not about to come out and tease whether the next baby shower would be hers.

That would be rude.

"'course! Especially now that you've brought more for the feast!"

She does prepare a plate. And it's then, with a fork stabbing a fillet and said fillet scooping both it and rice up to her mouth that she makes it to Banagher, as she nudges Rena, "You absolutely did. But you absolutely have nothing to apologize for - it's not like anyone could have predicted what happened."

As she then stands besides Banagher and murmurs, "You okay? You've been all 'keeping my distance' and 'hoping she won't notice'." She smiles wryly, in amusement. "Tell me it's not you being mopey, I haven't been gone that long."

And when Minato says that, "Oh hold on a tick-" And Leina heads to the present table, picking up her envelope and-

"Let's get the boring gift out of the way. Gift certificate for diapers."

Leina smiles coyly as she hands it to Eight.

She's absolutely downplaying it. Because? It's a gift certificate for two years of diapers for twins.

She's rich. And she only tends to flaunt that when it's gifts for other people.

"Hope it helps!" She says, with a wink, but now it lets every other gift upstage this one in presentation since, it's just a tiny little envelope...

... with a gift certificate.

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"It's cool, I've got 'em." Anita assures. And, she does! Rena moves to give Eight a hug and Anita's right behind her, offering one as well - and then, a shake of a hand to Lavhi before she steps back to let the next well-wishers in.

"Hey, Leina." Anita greets back with a smile and a casual wave, now that her hands are free. "Banagher, too. Good to see you both. Hope you're doing well."

She gets herself a drink - and Rena too, if she hasn't already got one for herself and wants one, before Roux immediately draws her attention. Food.

"Wow, that's incredible." Anita notes, in surprise. She will, of course, help herself to some food and snacks.

And then... presents! Anita looks toward Rena, offering her a sly grin.

"It's not, huh? Well, if you say so~." She replies with a gentle nudge with her elbow. She doesn't mind waiting, herself.

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Ruri nods, to Shinji -- and yes, as Yurika and Hikaru notice, she was indeed smiling. Briefly!

        "I'm glad I could come, too," she says, to Lahvi. "I've never been to a baby shower before." Is that why she's so proper????

        When Rena notices them, though, a little screen pop-up... pops up, emanating from Ruri's communicator. It's terribly crackly, given the current communications issues, but the Nadesico is close enough to the Ra Mari II that Omoikane can just use laser comms.

                                < SET PARTY = true >
                        < 8 8 >

        (The 8s he displays in that text box are notably small and chubby, decorated in childish polkadots, and surrounded by confetti.)

        "Omoikane is excited for smaller Eights, too," Ruri explains the joke, helpfully.

        Once she's had some little sandwiches -- NOT with pickles, Eight! -- she takes her own present, and walks up to Eight and Lahvi. It's wrapped, but she explains, anyway:

        "I set this tablet up with all of Omoikane's encyclopedic entries on babies and parenting. Since you're learning a new skill, I thought you'd want to look it up." And, indeed, the tablet is small enough to fit in a pocket, and sturdy enough to survive in a pocket. "It's not connected to the internet, so it will work even if communications are difficult, like they are now."

        Of course Ruri got them an encyclopedia.

        Why wouldn't Ruri get them an encyclopedia.

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        Yurika has been handed a megaphone. This is probably somewhere in the Top 50 Riskiest Decisions Makeable. There's the temptation for Yurika to give Minato a big 'thank you!' via megaphone. Her finger is on the button. Instead -

        It's time to actually present her present, presently! Yurika sets that megaphone aside, where it is safely out of the hands of hubristic humankind. Excitedly, Yurika unveils the wrapping paper around the tank body with a flourish, revealing...!

        ...revealing...?

        it's still not clear what this is besides a cuboid with lots of panels and openings and deployable parts.

        "It's totally electric-powered, so no need to worry about any fumes! On full charge, it can keep at 200 degrees for over eight hours! I didn't install the battery before getting here since I uhhhhm couldn't figure it out, but it does come with one! I think it's...down in here?"

        Yurika has still not explained what her present is.

        Opening up a vertical rack with several mounting points, Yurika sighs in relief as a Large Lithium Rectangle is dislodged. "Okay! That's where it comes in the packaging. You're actually supposed to install it underneath, though? Since this is really close to heating elements, where you definitely don't want it to be. Oh, and the water tank has an okay capacity, but it's really just for a few immediate needs, so I wouldn't use it just for normal water dispensing.

        Yurika has still not explained what her present is.

        "The battery also powers the treads, so don't worry about pushing it around like I did! It's probably a little more useful if you wind up having a house with lots of open grassy spaces, that's why it has treads, but they're still functional even in a ship or a colony!" Yurika's hands are proud upon her hips.

        Yurika has still not explained what her present is.

        "OH RIGHT and the reason I picked it up is exactly because it has a lock on the center door so you can make absolutely sure your baby doesn't accidentally get inside it when it's running! Safety first, even though I know you'd never let the baby out of your sight that irresponsibly!" Yurika demonstrates by opening the central hatch, sliding out two of the racks, then closing it, depressing the lock button, and opening again! oh that's an oven. oh this is some sort of mobile kitchen??? 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Shinji does look young, as Leina's already noted. You wouldn't guess he's sixteen to look at him--maybe fourteen at best. Maybe he's a late bloomer.
        
        It's at least easy to smile back at Eight when she smiles at Shinji. Smiling has, in general, become much easier for him over the past couple of years. He laughs a little at Lavhi's comment; his and Eight's demeanor do help relax him. "If she's anything like Misato-san, I don't think anyone could manage that," he says. "You're both welcome. Oh--and Kaworu-kun couldn't make it, but he sends his best wishes, too."
        
        Technically, Shinji is assuming on that point. But he knows his friend well enough to be sure he would anyway.
        
        After that, he goes off to the refreshments table. However, he's only there for a second. When a distant clattering grows steadily louder, Shinji looks up in confusion--then utters a surprised little, "Waugh!!" and hastily steps out of the way of Yurika and her tank. He blinks rapidly in a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. D-do new mothers really need something on treads?? (Did his mother have something like that?) Childbirth is scary...
        
        Someone's snapping her fingers at him. "Huh? Me?" he utters, looking at Roux. "Um, I'm Shinji. I... don't think we've met?" At the very least, he doesn't recognize her. He sure hopes he hasn't forgotten meeting her, though if they have, she's forgotten his name, so maybe they're even?
        
        Parties where you barely know anyone there sure are exhausting... ... ... ...not that Shinji's gone to many parties in his time. (At least the number isn't zero.)
        
        All the same, he sets aside his cup to help Roux unpack the dishes onto the refreshment table. It's a simple enough task, and she asked for his help, so... While he might grimace at her shout of if everyone is having fun or not, the fish and pickles do smell good. "Did you make these?" he asks her, genuinely curious.
        
        It is nice to see Ruri smiling, however briefly. Shinji doesn't bring attention to it, because he knows how embarrassing it is. He himself smiles at Omoikane's message and the miniature 'Eights'--it takes him a second to get the joke, but when he does, it's genuinely charming.
        
        Minato then announces that everyone should personally present their presents to the couple. What they got, and why it's the best. For some reason, Shinji's face turns red. "Eh? U-uhhh..." He didn't think he'd have to go THAT far! He thought he could just leave it on a table and let Eight open it later! Augh, especially since that girl who was looking at him earlier is giving Eight a gift certificate for more of the same... much, much, MUCH more of the same... and apparently that tank-treaded thing is a mobile kitchen??
        
        ...maybe he can let his present get lost in the shuffle...
        
        Shinji pulls his cap down over his eyes and busies himself with continuing to lay out delicious-smelling fish, pickles, and rice. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"Hey Roux!" Banagher laughs at the sheer mountain of food Shinji is suddenly trapped helping Roux unload. "Wow, do you think you brought enough?" He teases, softly.

Eight and Lavhi turn Banagher's shy smile into a grin. "It's been a long, strange journey, hasn't it? But -- I think it's been worth it." His free hand comes up to rest over his heart. "And we're only just getting started, too. There's so much ahead."

Rena approaches, then, and Banagher turns to her, taking her hand softly. His eyes are full of concern, but he shakes his head when she apologizes -- first letting Leina speak for both of them. "You never need to apologize for something like that. You wouldn't have expected me to, after Gryps-II fired, right?" He smiles, squeezing Rena's hand. "All that matters to me is that you're safe, Rena. We're both a little different now, but we're still here."

"As long as you take care of yourself while you heal, I have no complaints at all." Banagher releases Rena's hand. "We still have a shopping trip to go on, remember?"

Banagher also prepares a plate! He takes a little of everything, giving Roux a quick "thanks" as he does. Leina sticks close, and as she murmurs, his face turns to surprise, and then fondness.

"It's like you're reading my mind, love." He wraps a free arm around her shoulders. "I'm not mopey, I promise. I just want to make sure I don't distract you from the party at all. I know your time is precious -- as much as I want you all to myself."

Before he can say more, the call goes out for present-presentation. Banagher laughs, kissing Leina's cheek, and goes to retrieve his wrapped gift. He offers it to Eight and Lavhi.

"This isn't much of a surprise." He says, ruefully. "But it's ready! A fully custom nanny-Haro. I couldn't have done it without a lot of people's help -- including Leina --" another kiss to her cheek. "It's got a baby monitor, it can safely feed a baby of any size, it has alerts for when diapers need changing..." Banagher rattles off functions.

His shy smile returns. It's tough bragging about your own work! "...all you have to do is open it, turn it on, and give it a name. Then, it'll be yours and yours alone, for as long as you want."

Everyone seems to be presenting their gifts. Banagher sighs in relief as his presentation ends, standing back next to Leina... But someone isn't getting time in the spotlight. That other young man definitely came in with a gift, but now he's still working on laying out food.

"I'll be right back." Banagher says to Leina, as he walks over to Shinji. "Hey, you okay? Don't you want to show off your gift?"

Taking a few plates, Banagher helps lay them out. "I can get the rest of this if you want. No pressure, though." 

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"Perfect timing indeed~ a party like this should bring a smile to everyone's face, even Ruri-chan!" Hikaru enthuses when Yurika shows up, and pours a nice cup of punch for herself, practically drinking the whole thing in one gulp.

And then Roux starts unloading the food. "Heck yeah!" She answers her question, eyeing the goods. "Ooooh, I only ever get plain white rice... I'll give some of this a try for sure~"

Getting Eight and Lavhi's thanks, and that salute in return, Hikaru looks around to see who else made it. "Hey Rena, hey Anita!" She waves. "Hehe~ I'm glad you like it. It's not a party without a popper!" She grins. "'Sides... I'm glad you could both make it, too. The Nadesico owes you both a lot for helping us save the heart of our ship, right?" And it's heartening to know Omoikane is partying it up, too.

Next, she can notice Leina sizing her up - seemingly having a good impression. She in turn, eavesdrops just a little on her and Banagher, and what type of relationship they have. The way Banagher keeps his distance, and Leina has to push herself closer... there's definitely something going on there!"

Minato announces it's time to present the... presents! They all really do match everyone's personalities... but she couldn't help but wonder what Yurika's over the top looking one could possibly be. Her eyes go stereotypically droopy as Yurika continues to explain the small details. "That's pretty cool. But what is it?" She finally asks, by the end of things. "Babymobile is out of the picture... so I kinda have no clue, eheheh..."

Hikaru's own present is wrapped, but very suspiciously portrait-frame shaped. And of course, it's a distinctly shoujo style portrait of figures that definitely look like they could be Eight and Lavhi in a classic anime style, background adorned with beautiful, romantic, cherry blossoms. Eight rests her arms around the large, grinning Zentradi man's frame, the colouring really making her red eyes pop. The attention to detail shows that despite Hikaru's initial scatter-brainedness, and her limited contact with the Ra Mari II crew... she put a ton of thought and work into this.

"It's... not much, y'know... but I wanted to do something for you, since you've helped the Nadesicrew so much, ever since Orb." She explains, handing the captain-to-be-mother the portrait. "Once they're born, I hope I'll get to draw your children, too! ...Although we can probably give that one a few years." 

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


"Thank you!" Roux says cheerfully to Rena. "This is just some home style stuff I made in the galley because I thought that you all might like something that isn't too fancy here. And," Roux adds, gesturing:

"Pickles are going to have salt and sour which I know can take the edge off, based on ancient lore..."

"Fish is full of unsaturated oils and other nutrients, which are good for mother and child alike..."

"And rice... means you're not going to end up hungry," Roux concludes, a little lamely.

"Oh, well," Roux says with a modest sweep of her hand, "Really, I had help, it's not a big deal. I did blacken all the fish myself."

Her eyes turn towards the whatever-it-is that Yurika is unloading. It looks fancy. It looks high tech. It looks trendy. Deep within Roux Louka's soul, the part of her soul that does not go beyond the Time but rather to the Mall, she is allured by this object. She wants to buy one. She does not yet fully understand what it is.

"... What?" Roux says as the revelation is finally made.

"Oh hey! I don't think we have. I'm Roux, I'm -- hm, it's complex to explain," Roux continues, "but I guess I'm part of the extended family now. As for the fish-- Yeah," Roux tells Shinji, then. "It's actually really simple. You just melt some butter in a pan, right? Like enough to get a lining. You use the hottest pan you can - and you take the fish fillet and you put your spices on it. See if you can tell me what's in the spices." (The blend has salt and cayenne pepper, but also includes ground black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, onion, thyme... it tastes like maybe some wine is in there too? a little basil maybe?)

"After that, you slap it on the pan," Roux continues. "You season the other side while it's cooking and turn it over with a spatula after it's ready for that. You can get fancier with an egg wash or even a little breading, though not like full cutlet breading, but I thought I'd keep it plain here."

After this, Roux serves herself. She just has a little of the miscellaneous pickle, putting a fish fillet on a bed of rice and breaking it up idly with a fork as she turns her attention out to the presentation. "... Oh wow, a baby Haro, huh," Roux says, with a thoughtful look, before sidling over to get some punch as Banagher approaches Shinji.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


"Right?" Eight says, hugging Rena tightly. "My due date's a month out... though I'm told they'll probably come sooner. Or maybe later! Who knows?" A laugh. It's a slightly stressed laugh but still mostly happy. Annie gets her hug, too, and Lavnadim smiles at both of them, shaking hands. "It is good that you are here."

"I just have a lot to do," Eight answers, rolling her eyes at Lavhi. It's not really serious though. But she does look back to Shinji and, "Please tell him we missed him, then. I'm glad you could make it at least!"

Lavhi and Eight both watch Banagher. "It has been," Eight says. "Very." There is food. It is delicious. Eight tries everything, as it happens. "Pickles... I've never had so many pickles before," Eight laughs, "As I have the past few months." She beams. "That's really thoughtful, Roux. Thank you so much. And it's delicious!"

Eight notices Rena and Anita waiting... It makes her more curious. She tilts her head again. But so it is for now! Eight looks to Leina, as she approaches, and laughs. "I don't think that's boring, i think that's practical!" Then she looks down at it and--that's a lot of diapers. "Wow. Thanks, Leina. I bet this'll help a lot." She shows it to Lavhi before she puts it away.

"I have been to few!" Lavhi says to Ruri, nodding along. "They are rather different on the Fleets..."

The pop-up!! Party is true and--

And tiny Eights!!! Eight is delighted by this. "Oh!!" She exclaims, and Lavhi beams. "Omoikane..."

PICKLES ARE GOOD, RURI.

"Oh!" Eight smiles widely, and Lavhi's eyes actually light up as Ruri explains what it is. A new skill--what a Ruri way to put it. "Oh this is very good," Lavhi says, "There is so much I have been unable to effectively research using only the data entries we have--it is a military ship, you see.."

Eight smiles warmly at Ruri. "Thank you. I'll read the whole thing."

Yurika happens, and Lavhi watches with fascination. It's... a thing! With parts! "Electric..." He watches as she gets the battery, nodding along thoughtfully. "Yes, such a battery would be quite dangerous next to heating elements!"

"The treads... they look quite sturdy."

A lock on the center--Eight sweatdrops again. "R-right," she says of irresponsibilikty, but Lavhi lights up. "It is wonderful! I will make so many things on this that are food!"

Eight'll notice those diapers later, Shinji!! Along with the various other presents from people who aren't presenting them actively; the crew got her stuff, too!!

But Banagher's Haro takes her attention for now. It's wrapped, but they know what it is. "This is perfect," Eight says to Banagher as she takes it, and Lavhi nods along. "A Haro means happiness," he intones gravely. They will have to name it...

Well, they're already doing well on names, so one more is fine!

Hikaru's is next, and Eight unwraps it carefully given its shape. And when she does, her eyes widen a moment as she sees it. "...This is absolutely lovely," she says, and Lavhi peers over to also look. "...You very much captured her eyes," Lavhi comments approvingly. He smiles. And so does Eight. "...We've tried to be good to our friends--and you are our friends, with the Nadesico. I'd be honored if you drew our children."

Lavhi pays attention to Roux's recipe, in the meantime.

"Well!" Eight sits on the couch still--everyone's moved things for her--as a few more presents get introduced. There's baby clothes, and little shoes, and bigger shoes because Eight has not been shy about talking about her feet hurting, and all sorts of things, including a number on the table from shyer people that'll be opened later. Shinji's not alone there.

"Thank you, everyone, really." Eight says, "I appreciate you all coming. I guess I might as well give you some updates!"

"As you know, I'm having twins. I'm supposedly due next month on the 24th, but they tell me twins like to come earlier. I know I've been busy with all these negotiations and business, but I really am going to be taking a rest break after the birth."

"...This is something I've wanted for a long time. I'm really happy that it can be such a nice occasion for everyone, too."

Lavhi then, "All three crews have been very helpful to us in this time. We nare humbly grateful for your assistance, and hope to show you our appreciation soon. We also..."

"Well, we had to cancel the wedding," Eight explains, "On account of... everything. So we're going to do something small, just us and a couple of witnesses. But after everything calms down, we really want to have another party."

"But we have this one, now!" Lavhi continues. "So... when we are finished with Miss Louka's delicious offerings... Who would enjoy cake??"

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


"Not one bit," Rena says. "But be careful, if you are covering my plane tickets, I may start finding ways to use that to my advantage."

She winks at Leina, then.

Then, she looks at Omoikane's screen -- and Rena's eyes light up, before she laughs. "Aah, that's amazing!" she says. "I love it, Ruri."

She even applauds. Then, winces, because there's still some soft tissue damage in her chest and it didn't miraculously heal overnight. So the applause gets more muted, after that.

Rena clasps Banagher's hand, too, and then she smiles. "I'd never," she says. "You saved all of us. And... you're here now. We both are. Maybe that's what matters."

She smiles, then she nods. "I wouldn't forget. Now that we're on our feet, we should make that happen."

She scooches back over towards Anita -- but she gives Leina a grin that says 'seeeeee?' when Banagher calls her 'love.'

"It's perfect!" Rena says, as she lifts her plate up -- and then starts chowing down on it. There's a couple of appreciative 'mm's when she does.

When the presents come out, Rena begins watch. She even pulls her phone out, tapping at it. And then Annie nudges Rena in the ribs.

And Rena blinks once, looking sideways at her -- then lowers her phone. Which is full, if Annie glances at it, of notes. Has Rena been taking notes on all the gifts given so far?

Is she scoring them?

"...Y-Yes. Not at all."

She looks at the happy couple, then, and nods her head cheerfully. She claps happily. "We'll be there for the party!" she says. And she'll be there for the wedding, of course. "And--let's show them, Annie!"

Rena tugs off the wrapping paper. Maybe it is showmanship -- but Eight's also her partner, and she feels entitled to a little. She may need help from Anita. But the wrapping paper comes off to show a large box; it has writing in English, French, Mandarin, Japanese, and Zentradi. And it is dubbed...

A 'MACRO-BEAR.'

For it is a box with a picture of a plastic container, which is a macronizer; Lahvi would be familiar. And, in addition, there is a teddy bear.

"It's the latest scientific breakthrough from the Frontier Fleet!" Rena says, throwing her arms out wide. "It can macronize a teddy bear! Uh, only the teddy bear that comes with it, for the record."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

As Rena winks at her, "Oh no, occasionally being taken advantage of by my friends-!" Leina puts a hand dramatically to her forehead, "The worst outcome!"

Leina rolls her eyes and laughs at Roux's statement, "'Ancient lore'? The ancient lore of helpful electrolytes?" She teases on that.

Yet she does present her gift, "Gotta think practical considerations first~" As she replies to Eight. "You're welcome!"

And Ruri? "Oh my gosh, that's so cute!"

Leina pecks a kiss on Banagher's cheek when she gets back from delivering her gift as she whispers, "Dummy. You think I'm not gonna stick around to spend time with you and Audrey after?"

And as Rena scoots back to Annie, she only looks lightly embarrassed as she mouths back 'Oh stop', but then also, 'Soon~'

She listens as he presents the Nanny Haro, and Leina notes with a wink, "I did very little. Banagher's the technical minded one, I just listed functions for him for practical consideration."

Still, he heads off to Shinji, and Leina gives the younger boy a curious look, "Hmmm." She wonders? No, she decides to let Banagher handle it.

As Hikaru presents her gift, Leina's eyes light up, "Whoa! You've got a great style." And very Shoujo in this frame?

Whereas Yurika's presentation, Leina's brow furrows, as she looks around the room to be sure that - everyone else is just as confused as she is, and when she finishes 'Oh!' "On treads. That's- unique!" Suddenly Leina wonders if she shouldn't be shoving Yurika over to Roux for those cooking lessons!? There's something about the vibe here that...

And then Rena reveals the MACRO-BEAR, and Leina blinks several times then grins, "Okay, don't keep us in suspense Rena. How big?"


<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Shinji's smile turns a little bittersweet when Eight asks him to tell Kaworu they missed him. He misses him too, really. All the same, he nods and retreats, and of course Roux happens.
        
        And though it isn't him she's talking to, Shinji listens to Roux's explanation to Rena of the food she brought. "Wow... you really put a lot of thought into it," he says, voice low but impressed. When she does turn to him to say she at least did the blackening herself, he offers her a small smile. "It smells good! And really fresh." The extended family...? Is she an in-law or something? Shinji glances over at Eight and Lavhi. Roux doesn't look like she's related to either of them, but... well, it's not his place to pry. The recipe details are more interesting to him, anyway.
        
        So he listens to her explanation of the process. "Oh, like in a cast iron pan? I've never used one but I've read about them and watched videos with them," he remarks. When bidden to guess the spices, he leans over to give the fish a good sniff and then, grabbing a plate and fork, a good taste, still listening as he thinks. Eventually Roux finishes her recipe, or at least the instructions part of it, and takes a taste of her own. Shinji swallows and says, "Salt and pepper definitely, and some kind of chili pepper... garlic powder, onion... oregano... A couple other things, but I'm not sure--maybe some kind of alcohol? I think I taste some basil, too..."
        
        He's very much still a minor and doesn't use it in his own cooking, but, well. He lives with Misato Katsuragi, after all.
        
        He looks again at the others as they present their own gifts. The MACRO-BEAR looks really impressive (they can macronize a teddy bear these days??), but what stands out the most to Shinji is that babysitter Haro. Shinji's never had a Haro of his own, but he's always thought they seem nice. Like a little robot friend who'll never leave you. Of course, then the gift-giver (and apparently maker??) comes over to him and--
        
        "Oh--n-no, I'm fine," Shinji tells Banagher, the red of his face deepening. "It's nothing special, really. It's just not worth it to make a big fuss."
        
        Considering it's a big pack of disposable diapers, he'd REALLY embarrass himself. Why did he have to just grab the first thing that caught his eye at the baby store??
        
        At least Eight's announcement gives him something else to concentrate on. Shinji's smile returns, and he joins in on the applause with another, "Congratulations!" (It's just the correct thing to say.) It's a shame that their wedding had to be canceled, but... there's a lot to be uneasy about in the world right now.
        
        Hopefully Kaworu will be able to join him for the next celebration.

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Hey, Hikaru." Anita greets, then grins and chuckles. "Hey, don't mention it. We're all friends, right? We weren't gonna just stand around."

Anita, too, is happy to see that Omoikane is having a good time. It makes their actions feel all the more important.

The presents so far are pretty impressive, she has to say. From machines to personalized paintings... Even a gift certificate is nothing to balk at. Eight and Lavhi seem to appreciate them, too. And then, announcements!

"Woo!" Anita cheers as Eight announces the twins' expected due date. Next month on the 24th... that's not long at all, especially when one considers that they might arrive early. And naturally, Anita nods when Eight says she'll be taking a rest after that. She better!!

And the wedding's been cancelled... that makes sense. Everything's been so hectic, and it's only going to get moreso once the kids are actually here... She nods in understanding.

"Uh-huh." Anita replies with a grin and a nod as Rena continues to insist. She does indeed catch a glance... and she just shakes her head. ...Honestly, she wouldn't be the Rena she loves if she wasn't taking notes like this.

"Yeah, absolutely." Anita agrees on being there for the party. And now... to reveal the gift! Anita approaches as well, carefully shifting her box off the top as she moves to help Rena with the parts that are harder for her to reach.

And... the Macro-Bear is revealed!! Anita grins.

And then, Anita opens her gift. Inside is a set of sheets and a matching pair of pillows - each hand-made out of incredibly soft material, perfect for the babies, and color-coordinated to the Macro-Bear, decorated with various bear decorations.

"I was gonna build you a crib to go along with it, but then I thought... 'wait a sec, I dunno how big these kiddos are gonna get', and figured maaaybe I oughta hold off a bit until I know what I'm in for." Anita comments with a grin and a shrug. "So consider this an IOU!"

<Pose Tracker> Yurika Misumaru has posed.

        Yurika's eyes practically sparkle at Lahvi understands the power of her gift! "Hehe, it was a risk, but I figured a portable kitchen was a really one of a kind and practical sort of present that nobody else was liable to get! I'm a genius for this one!~" Well, if she's happy, and Lahvi's happy, then it's mission success, even if everyone looks wary at the strange vibes of the Ovenmobile. (this cannot possibly be the strangest appliance in the Universal Century, can it?!)

        ...though Yurika can't deny that the MACRO-BEAR is an absolutely insane prospect! "...N-no way that works as advertised. Right?! There's gotta be a trick to it. Like the device thingy is hiding a second teddy bear in some secret compartment..." Whether she's spoiling the magic or just wildly underestimating the power of technology is up for debate.

        HIKARU'S DRAWING though makes Yurika unreasonably amazed! Hands at her cheeks! Looking back and forth between the subject and the depiction. It's a 1 to 1 match but in the Ideal Artstyle! "That's really amazing work-! I know you're an artist and everything, but I'm still super impressed! Sometimes I wonder how you're so multitalented since we also rely on you so much out in the field, and all without ever losing your cool...L-Lahvi-san, definitely don't come to me for tips on how to use my present, since I'm still...getting kinda yelled at by Howmei over the basics whenever I try. But I'll get there! I've gotta find some sort of secondary talent once the world's saved and the Nadesico can take a nap!"

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

A Haro means happiness.

Banagher can't help but think back to the day he met his own Haro. Happiness indeed. "Please let me know if anything goes wrong, I'll fix it right up. And let me know what you name it! Working on it for so long, I've gotten a little attached. I hope it'll be a good companion for the children -- and maybe help cut down on the workload. I can't imagine how busy you'll be with twins."

As he receives a kiss from Leina in return, Banagher blushes soft pink. Even after all this time, he still can't believe how lucky he is to be by her side.

"I didn't want to assume..." He murmurs, unable to disguise the pleased smile Leina's words brings to his face. "I'm so thankful, though. I can't wait!"

Something happens between Leina and Rena, but Banagher only looks between the two women with a slightly confused expression. Oh well, it's going to be fine, right? ...hopefully?

"Whenever you're ready, Rena. My schedule's pretty open these days." Banagher half-shrugs. "It's been so sudden, I'm not sure what to do with myself. I've already given Haroics a total overhaul."

All the other gifts are spectacular -- Banagher seems particularly interested in Yurika's... grill? Whatever it is, it looks like a wonder of engineering. And a Macronizable teddy bear? How does that even work? He scoots a little closer, curiously looking at the plushie. Maybe something on the interior? But how does it grow without destroying the outer fabric..?

Eight's speaking again. Banagher drags his attention back, seriously listening to how she had to cancel the wedding. His face falls, and he looks to the ground. It isn't his fault, he knows that, but it's tough to not feel responsible.

"Leina kept me company during the long hours of programming. Normally I lean on Micott for this stuff, but I wanted to make the whole thing myself." Banagher works up a smile again. "I couldn't have done it without her -- or Alto, Chris, and a lot of folks on the Haroics forum."

Kaworu's name is mentioned, seemingly in conjuction with Shinji. "Do you know Kaworu?" Banagher asks the other young man. "Please give him my best. He's a pretty cool guy, I owe him a lot."

Shinji doesn't want to show off his gift, and Banagher nods in acceptance. It's tough talking in front of people, especially people you don't really know. "No worries, dude. Just bringing a gift is enough." He offers a hand to Shinji, smiling. "My name's Banagher. Can I ask yours?"

It's okay if Shinji can't answer. Sometimes things are secret, after all.

Banagher joins in the applause, turning to face Roux. "I spent months working on it. Getting the hands to apply the right amount of pressure was killer. I'm lucky I'd worked on it before with my own Haro... I'm actually working on another Haro for the Ra Mari. I was thinking kids who live on a ship should have one of their own. And then, of course, Magallanica's kids need some... Probably a few dozen, with how big the place is. I'm going to be soldering for ages!"

He doesn't seem upset by the prospect. Banagher returns to Leina, taking her hand in his own and pressing a kiss to it. "So many weddings lately... I bet your binder is getting a lot of use, huh?" 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


As Banagher mentions THE BINDER.

"Shhh." Leina puts a finger to her lip, not looking upset or anything, just, there's a smile, as she lowers her voice into a whisper, "I'm working up to the binder with Roux."

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Omoikane flashes up a window with a big heart for Eight, naturally. He's appreciated!! And he's perfectly willing to embrace the cuteness, even if Ruri is embarrassed. (Sorry, Leina.)

        Ruri's advice to Eight, when she considers the encyclopedia, is: "Don't read it all at once. There's a lot." Yurika... is also a lot. "As opposed to things that aren't food?" She asks Lahvi, dry. "Fool..."

        (She does enjoy Hikaru's portrait, though. Quietly.)

        And as she admires Banagher's gift, she says, to herself, but still loud enough to hear: "Nanny Haro... nanno..." She makes a note to introduce Archimedes, sometime.

        And Harro.

        Oh no, Harro gets to meet the babies.

        Minato leans over to Shinji, and points out, cheerfully: "Ahhh, people go all out for this, don't they? But have a look at how she loves those baby shoes and things, too... babies sure are a lot of work." With a wink, she adds: "I bet whatever you brought, she'll be glad for it, cutie."

        She, of course, is a VERY enthusiastic applauder, even if Ruri's applause is far more modest. "You know we're going to plan the wedding to end all weddings, later!" She adds, either threat or promise.

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

Hikaru watches eagerly as the parents-to-be receive each and every gift! Hikaru smiles warmly as the thanks she gets. "Awww... I'm so glad you like it!" She replies. "And yeah... I thought your eyes were super striking, enough to work a whole composition around. I'm happy that worked out!" As for drawing the twins... "Yeah. I'll definitely be around!" She answers, optimistically.

Leina also comes around and compliments her, which is appreciated. "Hey, thanks!" She grins. "My usual style's a little different, but I really wanted to draw something that would make Captain Eight and Mr. Lavhi happy. It was a lot of fun!" Studying the artstyle of the stuff Yurika reads almost certainly helps, too.

Which definitely shows in the way Yurika reacts so impressed by it. "Ehehe... all I do is try my very best! And y'know, hearing your praise makes it pretty worth it." She adds, smooth as ever. "But the ability to touch hearts with your own hands... isn't that what makes drawing so rewarding in the first place?" It makes her just as happy to see the happiness her work brings.

And Lavhi's reaction totally helps Hikaru see the merit in Yurika's gift, too. "Food... now that makes so much more sense! Gosh, it's so high tech I almost didn't even recognize the thing." She laughs, scratching her cheek. It's perfect, those kids are almost definitely gonna be big eaters. As for the idea of Yurika developing a secondary talent.. "The Nadesico's definitely gonna need a long nap one day." She agrees. "Hard to imagine what life will be without it. But I feel like Yurika-chan's Ramen Shop has its own niche, maybe? Don't give up!" Are there connoiseurs of utterly terrible food out there?

Both the Nanny Haro, and the macronized Teddy Bear also catch Hikaru's attention. "Woah... so cool!" She exclaims, at the wonders of modern technology. "I kinda wanna see the teddy bear get big..." If it can even fit in the room. 

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


Eight brings up how busy she's been. Roux's eyes turn downwards for a moment. It HAS been pretty busy, hasn't it? (Roux's contribution was a substantial generic gift card to anaheim.com, your source for all sorts of general goods and products, as well as the feast you see before you.)

"They're already planning the next party," Roux stage-whispers to Leina. "Can you believe these party hounds?"

She does not deny the request about elctrolytes, although she seems obscurely alarmed at the MACRO BEAR. She shouldn't be; she should understand the elementary space-war tactics that the MACRO BEAR will teach Eight's children, preparing them to conquer new systems for the Pr--

Maybe not.

"Yup," Roux says. "I soaked the thyme in red wine and dried it in the dehydrator for pounding. Good catch!" She eats a bite of fish/rice while smiling with her eyes. Chew, chew. Banagher is talking to Shinji, and they're nearer to each other in age, anyway. (Roux, of course, is almost exactly Misato's age, somehow.)

"Oh... so did you have a baby volunteer for your testing?" Roux asks Banagher, thoughtfully. She seems interested, if somehow cautious. "I think it's a great kind of thing... you'd feel less anxious, and you could easily load in the zero-gravity stuff if you're on a ship or whatever. You should work out an OS fork and sell it, Banagher! Then you can have a money fight with Leina." BOOM.

Roux takes several bites out of her fish before -- pausing. She could have sworn she just heard some kind of a tingling... She looks around, for a moment, as if troubled, but it fades away and doesn't linger or jab at her, so it's not a premonition of doom.

Roux counts to ten backwards in her head, and the Ra Mari II is not exploded.

She shakes her head, heedless of the word 'binder' coming up. "Oh, is Ms. Misumaru going to open up a noodle shop? Don't boast too much about your retirement dreams, you know~. And the food service industry is brutal," Roux continues to Hikaru. "She might try to draft you guys for inexpensive labor during the rush!"

                        ROUXTHLESS LABOR TACTICS

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


Eight sees the bittersweet smile, and she's going to remember that. They must be close, she thinks, Shinji and Kaworu.

"Very, very busy," Eight says with humor and trepidation, when Banagher mentions that. But, "We will definitely let you know of trouble," Lavhi continues. "And of not-trouble! We will tell you of good things too."

Ruri gives Eight some advice. Eight looks at the tablet, and then at Ruri, "..I'll keep that in mind." Then Lavhi laughs merrily at being called a fool. "It is important to be specific!"

Hikaru calls Eight's eyes striking, and she answers, "Oh, thanks. ...Well, it definitely worked!" And she will be around! They all hope for things like that... Just like Eight looks so genuinely happy when Roux jokes about the next party.

Eight does not know about Rena's secret scoring criteria. But she'd definitely think it was Like Rena to do. ...she might get curious later. For now, Eight beams when Rena says they'll be there. "You'd better!" she asks--after all, Rena is her partner, too.

"Thank you," Eight says to the congratulations, and her smile as she looks around includes looking at Shinji, too. The fact that he was willing to come even though she doesn't know him that well is something she will remember.

But suddenly the large box is open and it's... Eight's mouth opens. Lavhi's eyes shine. The... MACRO-BEAR. "You--" Eight marvels. "A teddy bear!" She's curious how big it gets, too. "Oh, that's perfect! It'll help them get used to the idea, too..." Since, after all--unlike Eight, her children can probably Macronize.

How big though?? Leina is right!!

"It must be such fascinating technology!" Lavhi says. "Yes, and it means that..." T he implications make him talk to himself a little. It's fine.

But the sheets and pillowcases next--"Oh, these are beautiful," Eight says to Annie. "And--oh!! That's pretty smart of you. We'd love a crib, but we're not sure how big they are yet..." Pause. "Other than big enough that they're definitely moving around in there," she jokes.

Lavhi is very happy with the Ovenmobile. Eight will come to appreciate it for snacks. But Yurika's caution, "You have many talents, Yurika! You are an inspiring Captain and I am sure that your boundless energy will serve you well in peace as well as war."

"He's right," Eight points out.

Then, she smiles over at Banagher. "Thinking of the kids on the ship... I appreciate it. We're getting a few more, I hear."

She smiles over at Minato. "I bet!" she says. "I wouldn't dream of doing it without you." Then Lavhi assures Hikaru, "I will photograph many angles, and there is definitely room on our ship for seeing this macronized bear!!"

"Oh no," Eight says then of Roux's warning. "She's going to steal my babysitter draft tactics..." 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Rena just grins at Leina when she says 'Soon.' But she doesn't say anything more. And, maybe, all of the Newtype senses in the world can't explain that.

She looks at Banagher, then cracks a smile. "Sure," she says. "And if you need something to do... there's maybe a couple of things around the ship I could get your help with. Just give me a poke!"

"I'm glad you like it, Octo!" Rena says, cheerfully, hands clasped together in front of her. "I thought it'd be a hit with both of you." She grins in Lahvi's direction. "There's papers describing how it works inside. Let me know if it's confusing, okay?"

Rena grins when Anita's gift is opened. She looks proud -- both of the sheets and the IOU. Besides, she might get to help with the crib construction. Depending on where she is at in the healing process.

"About a meter and a half," Rena says, looking sideways at Leina. "The exact calculation is a little complicated."

Because it's Rena, she can do it in her head. She looks at Yurika, then she grins. "It's, um. It sounds chemically complex. They found organic compounds that work in the macronizer -- like how... a Zentradi's hair grows with them, kind of?"

The science is a bit beyond her.

She looks sideways at Hikaru. Then, she smiles at her. "The painting was great!" she says. "They look amazing."

She opens her mouth -- then closes it -- about Roux's labor tactics. Even if...

...now she kind of wants noodles.

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        "You know Kaworu-kun, too?" Shinji asks Banagher, though--all considered--with no real surprise, and actually a wry little smile. This would be the second time this month he's randomly run into someone Kaworu apparently knows really well. "Yeah, he's my best friend, and my co-pilot." He says that with a distinct note of pride. He nods when Banagher introduces himself, and replies, "Yeah. Mine's Shinji."
        
        It's only his family name that might get him recognized, after all. His first name stayed out of the media after all that ruckus about the Eleventh Angel's defeat, and he's honestly grateful for it.
        
        Roux's confirmation and praise gets Shinji to perk. "Thank you," he says, pleased with himself. And, because it's put him in a good mood, he continues, "I cook as a hobby. No one else I live with has ever been any good with it, so it started out as something I had to do, but after a long while I've actually gotten halfway good at it." He's being modest--he's been good at it for quite some time--but leave it to Shinji to not think much of himself.
        
        He does duck his head, blushing again (why is this happening so much here??) when Minato leans in and (he assumes) teases him. She's got kind of a Misato-like vibe... Maybe because of that, he's comfortable enough to peek up over at Eight and quietly admit, "...She does. I wouldn't know about babies myself, but..." He smiles, a little distantly. "It's nice to see someone be so excited to have them." He looks around a little more, from Rena to Banagher to Yurika. They all brought such involved gifts, all for the future of these children. "It's kind of weird to see everyone excited about it, really. But that's probably just me."
        
        He's started to let go of his resentment of his father, but... it's not like he can just forget the neglect, either. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita meets Rena's grin with one of her own, before looking back toward Eight.

"Thanks! I haven't worked this hard on a project that wasn't mechanical in a while, but it was fun." She nods, then - with a small laugh at Eight's joke. "Yeah, I figured it was too soon. Still! It'll be a good one."

And, naturally, Rena will be one of the first ones Anita will reach out to when it comes time to put the next project underway.

"Oh, so that's how it works..." Anita considers, as Rena explains to Yurika. ...It's possible that they'd gone over this already, but it went over her head the first time.

For the time being, she's satisfied with sipping at her drink and watching everything mingle. ...It's nice, seeing everyone come together to support the future like this. 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"You won't have to wait long." She promises Banagher right there.

Leina's face splits into a grin at Roux's stage whisper, "Oh let 'em!" She says, as if giving permission, "After everything that's happened, can hardly say no to people wanting to you know." It becomes a more subdued smile, "Live it up a little."

Whereas Hikaru saying it's not her usual style? That this was something just for the party, "Oh hey! Well if you have link to a portfolio or something I'd love to see it!"

And she does mean that, as a fellow manga/anime fan - that style was pretty spot on.

Roux does bring up a good point about the Nanno and Leina- gives Roux a look, before she half-scowls half laughs, "We do not have money fights."

But there's a sly smile, "We do empty the pool every third Tuesday of the month and fill it full of gilla though, you keep missing it."

Rena answers how big, and suddenly Leina with her hands starts imagining Lavhi, starts imagining a Macronized child, and starts imagining the bear in larger dimensions, "Huh-!" With a tilt of her head.

"Well it'll definitely be hard for them to lose in Macro form."

She does listen to Banagher interacting with Shinji, and... what he has to say, there's something briefly sorrowful that flashes over her eyes, sympathetic.

She waits a little while, before then walking up to him, "Hey there. My name's Leina." As she offers him a hand to shake, "I heard you mention Kaworu to my boyfriend earlier? Banagher I mean."

She smiles his way, "Real nice guy, he's got a good head on his shoulders for his age, I met him at a mock school day I ran once for a family friend."

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"Ah--" Banagher ducks his head at Leina's shooshing gesture. "You have to walk before you run. Of course. I'm still mad I missed the proposal."

Judau and Roux proposing to one another at the same time, in the middle of a battle? Nothing could be more like those two. Banagher only has blurry memories of his Ascended visions at the time.

Did Banagher have a baby to use? He laughs a little. "No way, I couldn't risk it in the early stages. I used pillows at first, then when I was sure of what Haro could do, I got a human-like doll thing. It's a little creepy, but it was better than accidentally squashing someone's kid."

As he explains his methods, Roux brings up a business proposition. Banagher looks surprised -- he's never thought about monetizing his work with Haros. "You think it'd sell that well, Roux..? I'd kinda rather just offer it for free, if it'd help people. Maybe I could offer it really cheaply?"

"I have no idea how that stuff works. If you've got advice..." Banagher trails off helplessly. "I don't think I could ever compete with Leina for something like money, though!"

It'd be hard to compete with wealth like Sayla's, and Banagher can't really imagine what he'd do with that kind of money, anyway... He snorts with laughter at the thought of the Villa's pool being filled with gilla.

"Thanks, Lavhi." Banagher smiles at the large man. Over his time aboard the Ra Mari II, Lavhi has become a mentor figure to Banagher, someone the young man looks up to quite a bit. "I can't wait to hear all of it. And sure thing, Eight! Haro did so much for me as a kid, I want to give that to others, if I can."

"I'll take you up on that, Rena." Banagher lets this mysterious Soon pass by. Despite his prowess as a Newtype, the bonds between women are on a whole different level. It's best to accept things as they come, at least here.

Shinji speaks up, and Banagher nods. "Yeah, Kaworu -- he helped me save everyone here. I couldn't have done it without him. And we've talked about music and stuff before. It's so cool you're co-pilots. Getting to spend that much time with your best friend is awesome. My own best friend was my engineer for the longest time, and he's sticking around to help with Magallanica. I'm pretty lucky."

"Shinji." Banagher repeats, smiling. "It's great to meet you. If you're interested in Haros, just talk to me. I'll help you find a robot friend almost as good as Kaworu." 

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

"Yep! Even if there won't be a wedding, there's always the future... and the present, too!" She's down to have fun for however long this lasts, as she takes another big drink of fruit punch, and some snacks with it.

"Thank you, Rena! Although... they look pretty amazing in real life, also." Definitely a power couple if she's ever seen one!

Although she appreciates Ruri's quiet enjoyment of her painting... she does hear her make that pun. "Nanno... it's almost like Izumi was able to make it all along." She remarks, then considers the complications of Ruri's Haros meeting the babies.

Roux's advice, though, gets Hikaru to wave her hands in protest. Having to help out at a ramen shop part-time... "Oh no! I committed way too hard, there huh? I mean, I totally think you can do it, Yurika-chan, but pleeeeeease don't subject me to the fate of every other aspiring comic artist!!" She clings to her cool autumn jacket, kind of pathetically.

More seriously, she looks at Shinji when he voices his concerns. "Yeah, that's how it goes, huh?" She didn't experience neglect like Shinji did, but she was orphaned really young. "Well, I'm not Eight or Lavhi, but I think the fact you cared enough to show up on your own is its own thing!" Especially since he didn't even get to bring his boyfriend. Wait what?

Leina's request to see her portfolio does get her to open up her phone - despite the wifi here kinda sucking - and open up VERTEX and To-witter. "You can find me anywhere online at @missnanakochan!" Which being an anime fan, Leina should instantly recognize as Gekiganger, for better or worse. "I mostly draw and write doujinshi about Gekiganger III, so if that's your thing check it out! Or feel free to add me, I follow back~" 

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        Ruri contemplates MACRO-BEAR. Ruri does some calculations in her head. Ruri nods, firmly, once.

        "I'm glad that the babies will have a soft friend."

        Beat.

        "I think you should put a padded mat under him so that they don't fall off when they're climbing him."

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.



Roux looks towards Shinji after she eats another bite of rice and fish. "My dad's a chef," Roux tells him. "I kind of grew up upstairs of one, this is just kind of the lunch special recipe... If you like it I can write it down for you! It can get pretty smoky if you do it in a pan, though, so be sure to open a window."

It WILL leave a pleasant aroma, but it's not beer or penguin.

Or memories...

"Oh man," Roux says to Hikaru, leaning forwards slightly as she crouches a little. "You're a comic artist? That's awesome," Roux says, if with some passing concern, as if she has heard things about comic artists. Perhaps things about... what they have to do to achieve.

As for Banagher: "You could do it open-source," Roux muses. "I mean, there's nothing wrong with making your money back, you know? But even if you just sell at cost, you're opening a lot of doors." She raises her fork: "Do you know how to set up a joint stock company?"

(LATER: "By billing to Shooting Star Enterprises, I keep more of my gilla out of Jimmy Federation's hands, though I guess I could have probably just not paid taxes ever, huh?" Roux says to Banagher, possibly after the prototyping phase.)

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


"I do!!" Eight answers enthusiastically, and then Lavhi, "I will read it!" to Rena, and neither will stop Rena from helping with the crib if she's recovered by then.

Otherwise, the spectre of Enba Rezza may rise over the project to ensure certain people don't hurt themselves...

Eight doesn't hear what Shinji has to say, but it's true that she's so excited for this. For all her worries, that hasn't changed at all.

For Annie though, "I'm looking forward to it," Eight answers her. "It makes me wish I will have time to help," Lavhi says, "But I think I will not. Not with two." He likes to work with his hands, obviously.

Eight and Lavhi nod to Banagher together. "Then we will," Eight assures Banagher. And Lavhi, "I have also had many a good time with a Haro. It will be something I am glad to pass on."

"And I very much believe in appreciating the present," Eight says to Hikaru, a little formally but--she's so used to speaking formally these days that it just slips out sometimes. "I mean, it's important to remember what we're working for in the first place. Not just some far-off day."

Ruri has advice. Lavhi considers it thoughtfully. "Yes. It will be some time before we can allow such a thing, but it is good to be prepared."

...Eight, for her part, then says, "Lavhi, can you get me some more of Roux's pickles?"

There is much party yet to be had. And more people to see! 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        'He helped me save everyone here'--despite this being absolutely a Kaworu thing to do, Shinji boggles at this news. It's yet another thing Kaworu never mentioned to him. "Really?" he thus utters before he can stop himself. His free hand settles on the SDAT clipped to his jeans; after much internal debate, he'd taken off his earbuds before he arrived (they'd absolutely been in on the trip over though), but learning this makes him want to put them on again.
        
        He shakes off the feeling. It's bitter and ugly and most of all unfair, and anyway, he'll have a chance to talk to Kaworu about his tendency to not talk about himself too on the 29th. He decides instead to accept the compliments as they're intended--especially when Banagher makes a joke he can actually laugh at, if a little. "It would have to be pretty amazing to even be almost as good as him!" He settles into a smile. "It's nice meeting you too, Banagher. I don't know a lot about Haros, but I'd like to learn more, so I'll take you up on that sometime."
        
        He nods too to Leina when she comes up and introduces herself. He hesitates to shake her hand, but then he sets down his plate of food and accepts. "Yeah, he is really nice. It's just like him to have friends all over--sometimes I feel like he knows everybody." A mock school day sounds really involved, too. What's that about?
        
        Before he can ask, though, Hikaru weighs in on what he was saying to Minato, startling Shinji. "Oh," he utters, and for a moment is too embarrased--but in a good way, he's pleasantly surprised to realize--to say anything more or do anything besides rub the back of his head. He looks towards Eight again, considering Hikaru and Minato's words both. Maybe, if there's time for it, it'd be nice to talk to her a little more before he goes.
        
        For right now, Roux offers him the proper recipe, and Shinji picks his plate up again, hand falling away from the SDAT once more. "The lunch special, huh... Most of what I cook is lunches for my friends, so I'd really appreciate that."
        
        He'll use that opportunity to have more dinner and, eventually, cake. It's nice to chat with a fellow cook. Really, everyone here has been so nice and welcoming. Even if he doesn't get to talk to Eight directly--and given that this is a party being thrown for her, he figures he probably won't--he's glad he came. 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Leina looks at Hikaru's handle. Leina stares at the handle for a time.

Later:

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: hey like maybe you know

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: whats the deal with ZAFT women being super into both gekiganger iii AND domestic princess miri-miri???

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: its u know just a little concerning when they say thats the only magical girl anime theyve ever heard of

Leina's not gonna SAY she's worried about post war propaganda movements towards a return to traditional femininity because of coordinator infertility rates...

... but she's absolutely super concerned.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        About halfway through the party, a lasercomm arrived from Tsutsujidai. Near the end, it makes its way to Captain York, labeled 'not emergency, time-sensitive, personal'. And in fact, aren't there... two people who are conspicuously absent?

        "Captain, this is Liam. I'm sorry, but we're not going to be able to make it. Our flight to Magellanica got canceled and I still don't know why. Please tell everyone Lucine and I send their best, and we'll try and make it out before the Division Train leaves. Thank you so much for helping me, and I'm glad you were able to work out that deal, so we can be friends again. And if we don't make it out before the Train leaves, well... I know you and Lahvi will be good parents. Thanks."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

         There is, in fact, two Lucine and Liam-shaped outlines of where they should be. Liam uses the better route, being someone more trained in how to handle messages with proper labelling and tagging. Lucine.... tries.

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: sorry!!!

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: liam and i got stuck :(

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: *photo of a frowning Lucine and a Liam in a station, likely in the middle of properly tagging his posts*

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: flight got canceled, technical issues, trying to get another shuttle over but it'll be too late

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: we need to get you the presents >:(

         [VERTEX] lucinthesky: wait, am i doing this right 

<Pose Tracker> Hikaru Amano has posed.

Roux's enthusiasm at Hikaru's comic drawing definitely gets a smile - but her concerns might just be very real if it wasn't for her being employed by the Superest of all battleships. Alas, it means she's at the whims of Nergal...

She does notice Shinji's embarassment, too, having jumped into a conversation between him and Minato. But jumping into conversations like that, interrupting communications, and everything in between? It's all too common and every day on the Nadesico. Regardless, she can't know what her words really meant to the young man.

As the party winds down, she finds that curious VERTEX message... and decides to shoot a reply back.

[VERTEX] missnanakochan: i have no idea why it is but i definitely picked up on what ur putting down!

[VERTEX] missnanakochan: like when the nadesico engaged zaft one time we fought a bunch of gekiganger fangirls!! and they called me a fake fan and everything DAMN

[VERTEX] after the war we met again and they were real cool but i was so surprised because it was a way niche thing when i got in the fanbase

[VERTEX} missnanakochan: domestic princess miri-miri though? yeah, since when does that got unironic fans that's crazy

[VERTEX] missnanakochan: there's def a lot of classic mahou shoujo out there but im always looking for recs all the time!! 

<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.

        The party goes on, and Minato makes a special note of making sure Shinji is included. For... some... reason. She just has a sense for these things, and Ruri, after all, has plenty of people willing to tell her she's the cutest little button here.

        Meanwhile, Ruri... EVENTUALLY... tries one of Roux's pickles. Her verdict: "I guess these pickles are okay."

        (Eight would know that this is high praise, coming from the pickle-hating Ruri.)

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: well on that one i do know someone earthside who was unironically a fan

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: look she was going through some stuff

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