2023-10-15: Preparing to Jump
- Log: 2023-10-15: Preparing to Jump
- Cast: Himeyuri Oono, Shiho Hahnenfuss
- Where: The Asteroid Belt
- OOC - IC Date: 15 October 0097
- Summary: Himeyuri finally lets Shiho in on the Socrates secret mission- to chase the Nadesico and the Gallia Expedition! At the same time, Shiho maybe finds out more than she wants to about Jovian society- and perhaps about her own relationship goals.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
There was an air of unease aboard the Socrates, as it continued it's long trip to the Asteroid Belt.
The Nazca-class had left in secret, with significant changes to the crew- it was now overwhelmingly male, with only a few trusted members of the original crew left. Michiru's squad of pilots were kept, but there were new additions. The ship was loaded with supplies and cargo for a long trip- but resupply vessels had met them along the way.
There was also a new addition to the bridge, Kieran Abreo- an aide de camp hand picked from the PLANTS for Captain Oono. His main role seemed to be repeating or relaying orders from Himeyuri, for some reason.
Officially, this was a shakedown for the new crew- get them used to working together and operating. But like most things with the Socrates- the official story was a lie.
There was a ding from Himeyuri's datapad. Coordinates. She quickly ran the numbers in her head. "Helm, use Asteroid Epsilon 303 for reference, Right ascension 86, declination 92, along the Median Axis."
The helmsman, one of the holdovers from ZAFT, responds with an affirmative even as Kieran starts to repeat. Himeyuri nods. "We should reach our destination within two hours. Standby in ninety minutes, all non-essential crew are off duty until then."
"Crew, standby in ninety minutes!" comes the authoratative voice of the aide de camp, and it's only then that some of the new crew respond.
For now, though, Himeyuri stood and moved to leave the bridge- before one of the bridge crew- a woman in her early 20s- spoke up. "Ma'am, this is pirate territory. Can we really-"
Himeyuri simply smiles. "Don't worry, we've ensured this area is secure. We don't have to worry about anyone getting close!"
The Battas that had come through had already taken care of that problem, she'd been assured.
With that, Himeyuri continued walking for the exit.
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
Shiho remains aboard the Socrates; even if the war has officially ended and the PLANTs have now fully capitulated to the Federation... Shiho's still here. She believes in their cause -- and in the Captain. She makes herself easy to believe in.
When Himeyuri reaches the exit, Shiho is right there to meet her. She's noticed the shift in crew toward an overwhelmingly male force, and the new provisions. She can't say she minds -- it's good to know that their benefactors can keep them well-stocked...
... it's still a little odd, though. "Captain," she says, greeting Himeyuri crisply. "It's good to see you. ... I do have some questions, though." She doesn't mind going anywhere Himeyuri suggests -- but at this point she does sort of want to know where they're actually going, because this doesn't feel like a simple milk run at all.
She forms up readily with the Captain, eager to know more.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
Hime smiles brightly as Shiho comes to meet her at the door. "Shiho-chan!" She has the decorum not to go for a hug in front of the crew, at least, but now that she's off the bridge, her normal bubbly nature seems to have returned to her.
When Shiho says that she has questions, though, Himeyuri nods. "Oh, of course, ask away!" She does start moving, pushing off the ground and grabbing a wall handle- but not starting off before she's sure Shiho's following. "I can talk openly to you, Shiho-chan, and everyone else will no soon enough."
Still, another of Hime's instincts kick in quickly. "Have you eaten? Do you want to head to the mess? Or are these the sort of quetions you'd rather ask in private?"
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
It's probably best that Hime doesn't go for the hug; Shiho's never been that expressive. She's given permission to ask questions as she follows along -- but more importantly, she's invited for food. She weighs that for a moment.
... she doesn't need that much privacy, and she does really, really need to eat. "Okay," she affirms. "Let's go eat." She keeps pace with Hime, thinking about how to phrase her first question.
She settles for the direct option rather than beating around the bush; the situation is such that she definitely would rather just go for it. "Where are we really going, and why? I don't need to know every detail, but I'm a little lost with the current situation." There are more specifics from there -- but starting with the basics seems best.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"Food it is!" Hime says, cheerily. It's not a long trip to the mess, but Hime sees no reason to hold off answering the questions straight away.
"..It's that obvious, is it?" She answers, a little embarrassed looking. "I should have figured you'd notice, Shiho-chan." Hime takes in a deep breath.
"...Two weeks ago, an expedition left the Earthsphere via fold space. It included a vessel that has been hampering our operations. The Nadesico." A serious expression crosses Himeyuri's face. "We've been ordered to follow them, and find out what they're after. So our real destination is some place called 'Gallia-IV'." There's a brief smile on her face.
"But we can't follow them through the means ZAFT has available to them, and we don't have a fold drive, so right now... we're rendezvousing with our means of catching up."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
"This would be excessive provisioning for anything but a long journey where we're expecting combat," Shiho points out. Her brow furrows just a bit, in parallel with Himeyuri's expression turning more serious.
Himeyuri explains, and Shiho nods along. Pursuit of an enemy craft... that makes sense. "I see. So our allies have access to that kind of technology, too." She doesn't see the need to question it or even particularly interrogate it; it's a capacity that's known to her now, that previously wouldn't have been.
"I'm somewhat familiar with the Nadesico, but not in any detail. What do you most need from me, Captain?" If this is what they're doing, this is what they're doing -- all that she really needs to focus on is how to make it happen.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"You're correct of course," Hime responds. She's a little happy that Shiho noticed- it's a little comforting to have a friend who can understand what command is doing.
"Something like it!" Hime confirms, as they make it to the mess hall. There's a little bit of a line- given they just announced an off duty call, that's not surprising. Hime doesn't try to cut the line at all, settling in at the back.
Shiho asks what she needs, though. "You're one of the best pilots I have, Shiho-chan, even if I'd like you focusing on R&D. The Nadesico is dangerous... and we might run into that traitor Sheder." That's... unusually severe, for Hime. "We don't know what we'll encounter that far out, either. We may come across new technologies that we have to assess, or enemies we don't know how to fight."
Hime smiles, but there's a sadness to it. "I'm going to need your skill and your knowledge, Shiho-chan. We're going into unknown territory. I'm going to need you, Michi and Mrs Zelinn to stand by me."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
Settling into the line with Himeyuri, Shiho nods as she's told that she's potentially needed for... just about everything that's in her remit. Her eyes narrow a little at the mention of Riika Sheder, and she agrees, "So, 'be ready for anything.' I understand, Captain."
She glances off, up through the line, for a few moments. It gives her some time to collect her thoughts, and let Himeyuri speak a little more. Skill and knowledge both -- everything she has needs to be on offer, in unknown territory.
... It's nice to be relied on.
"Of course. I'm... wherever you need me, I can be there. I think you're right that I ought to keep my focus on R&D for the moment, though. We have more pilots now." She cants her head to the side a bit, thinking about that. "... It feels as though the makeup of the crew is different, though. Outside of the most experienced pilots, it seems as though it's mostly men, now. Is this a side effect of PLANT accession to the Federation, or something else?"
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"Unfortunately, yes. I wish I could give you a narrower answer." She sighs. Is it a failure as a captain to not be able to keep Shiho off the battlefield, and in the lab where she's happy?
Or is it the corruption and malign influence that the Earthlings have held over the Spacenoids?
Possibly a mix of both.
"Oh, yes, well..." Hime smiles again, as if she's more at ease with the change. "We're... going to be using one of our greatest war assets on this mission. The Admiral wanted people they could trust so... The crew are either people that could be trusted with this secret, or... who already knew. Some of the crew decided to go back to civilian life after the war, it's true... and with the PLANTS going back to the Federation it was risky, so... we have a lot of replenishments from back home."
The line shifts forward, and Hime advances with it, craning up to see what's on offer today, before turning back to Shiho. "I understand some commanders from the SJMF may be rendezvousing with us when we get there- but the details are still in flux. Communicating across that distance is difficult even with our technology and things have been difficult ever since that... Invisible Burst? I haven't been reliably able to message back home since."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
The fact that the 'replenishments from back home' are mostly men isn't lost on Shiho; she mulls that over as Himeyuri continues. They're going to rendezvous with the 'SJMF' -- that's a new noun for Shiho. She knows about a lot of things, granted -- Himeyuri did tell her about Jupiter...
"So either the J or the M means 'Jupiter,' I understand that much," Shiho answers Himeyuri, weighing. The Invisible Burst making messages difficult makes sense -- they'll have to play it by ear. It sounds like they're getting more reinforcements, but the chances of being on their own aren't zero at all...
Her head tilts to one side a bit, then the other, as she thinks about it. "... Beyond that, though, what is the SJMF?" Her expression turns down just a little. "And what is it they're risking on this trip?"
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
Hime blinks, as Shiho catches on. "Oh, right, I never told you!" She leans in close to Shiho's ear, before the line moves forward. "It's the Superior Jovian Male Forces," she whispers with a smile, before leaning back out of Shiho's personal space, rocking back on her heels a little. "It's our armed forces, essentially."
Still, she doesn't seem to think anything odd of what she just said, as she moves on to the next question. "Well... okay." She takes a deep breath, and lowers her voice. "You know about the Chulips, right? They're like... tunnels through space. One Chulip links to others, and we send our automated weapons through. That's called 'Boson Jumping'."
Himeyuri looks embarrassed for a moment. "It's one of the few weapons in our arsenal I don't fully understand, honestly. We've experimented with drop Chulips, but the main method gave us an edge over the Earthlings."
Hime crosses her arms across her stomach. "Anyway, it seems like... that ship worked it out. The Nadesico. But the Admirals are still a bit cautious about letting non-Jovians use it. So, trusted personnel only! I had to vouch for you and Mrs Zelinn and everyone else."
Hime pauses. "Though... I hear there have been advances while I've been away. I think *that's* the thing we have to be careful with."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
The Superior Jovian Male Forces? Shiho stares at Himeyuri for a few moments, as the full extent of what she just said sinks in. It's the fact that she doesn't act like it's strange, though, that seems to really settle on her; her expression stays serious as she tries to figure out what to say...
... but she's back to practicals before she can fully form an opinion, and in the end, that's a lot easier. "Oh -- so that's how the..." She nods. It seems like the Jovians have a significant technological advantage -- more than Shiho had really been able to realize. Sure, Earth has its own miracles, but...
"... We'll have to stay cautious if that ship has already figured things out," she says. "We'll definitely need to rely on the... Superior Jovian Male Forces." The words are really alien on her tongue, but... "I didn't realize the Jovians sex-segregated their military..."
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"Mhm!" Shiho responds brightly, as the line moves forward again. "We don't have the population Earth does, so... we kind of had to find ways to compensate for that without wasting lives. Being able to avoid unnecessary battles and automated weapons like the Batta do that for us."
For something that was secret, Hime seems to have no concerns about being overheard now. Shiho's one of them now, at least in Hime's mind. So is everyone else chosen for the mission.
"Well, they're the valiant soldiers of our military, heroes every one. Maybe you'll find a guy you like for when you settle back to research once we've won!" She seems to flit on to the next topic before Shiho has a chance to overthink that suggestion.
"Uh, well, actually... Michi's the first female pilot we've had. Most women who enlist are in R&D like me, or the home forces." She pauses. "Though, I guess I'm the first female captain, too." She doesn't seem... as enthused about this. "But it'll be over soon. We'll win for sure."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
Shiho's parents are already organizing things for her -- though with Ezalia Joule's arrest, who knows if that's still on? She seems to accept the pitch without too much examination; she gets a little ways into thinking about it, but again, too many complicators and it's a little inappropriate and messy to discuss with her commander.
"... I see," is what Shiho has to say, at first; she knows that the history of women in modern warfare is a little bit all-over-the-place, with Zeon and the Federation both having had WAVES programs during the One Year War. Still -- the Jovians wouldn't have had the pressures of the Zentradi War or Operation Stardust to contend with... it's a little strange that they'd have so few female pilots and commanders -- isn't it?
The line keeps moving, and Shiho looks uneasy, suddenly. "Captain, what do you plan to do after all of this?" she asks, instead. It's -- easier if she doesn't go into her own thoughts out loud. Besides... it'd be rude.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
Himeyuri doesn't seem to take notice of Shiho's initial concerns. She's been in ZAFT space for long enough that it's not totally bizarre to see the way Shiho fought. But it had been something of a surprise for her...
"Hm? Oh, well..." She blushes a little shyly. "I mean, I'll probably keep working R&D for a year or two, then get married. I mean, I've been contributing designs for a few years now, so I have a head start!"
She smiles earnestly, as she continues. "I mean, my husband has to be decided, with my position, but I'm sure it will be someone I can love." There it is again, that certainty, that unwavering belief that not so long ago Shiho found comforting. "And then, you know... Honeymoon, retirement, " She seems to be getting even redder, as she talks about it, her hands coming up to cover her cheeks. "K-kids..." Her eyes close tightly. "You know all the... that! The happily ever after!"
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
As they continue to advance through the line, Shiho keeps listening. It's... there's something admittedly seductive about that. The certainty in it -- it's still compelling. More than it should be, perhaps. "A head start... toward retiring from active duty, or on finding a husband?" Shiho asks -- though she's quickly informed that that's likely to be decided for her, which.
... Well, is that really any different from how ZAFT does it?
Happily ever after, though. That's... Shiho does want that. A chance at work she finds meaningful, without the looming threat of the Federation. Without the feeling that it'll be exploited.
She nods, eventually. "I hope you find the fulfillment you're looking for, Captain," she answers her. "It seems like everything's on the right track for you..."
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"Oh, retiring! I've been a researcher since I was eight, after all!" 9 years of experience and a degree at 17, the ideal entry level employee. "Things are a little special for me, because of that." She sighs, a little wistfully. "But, well, I'm hoping for a nice war hero. A real Ken type, you know? I'll never have the meet cute but... that's okay!"
She smiles again, with that unending earnestness. "Thank you, Shiho. I hope that for you too. You'll find it too, and I'll help however I can! You deserve your own happiness!"
There's a brief pause, as she considers. "So, what's your type? A Joe, right? Tall, long hair, cool energy?" She taps her chin, thoughtfully. "Or maybe an Akira? A steadfast type would be good for you, maybe..." She starts looking around the men of the mess hall. Could she be... assessing prospects?
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
Even Shiho -- unusually experienced for her age by Coordinator standards -- is a little taken aback by 'eight.' She keeps moving, but... "I might already have something arranged," she answers -- it's best to be honest, if Himeyuri is considering playing matchmaker. "I want to see if that's still happening before I make any long-term decisions."
... still, she's been asked a question. Her type... "I like the hair a little shorter, but... I want someone a little more intense than I am." She can't bring herself to lie about it. "Someone who'll push me to even greater heights..."
... She thinks a little too long about that, and something seems to click about what it is she wants; she lets out a sigh, shaking her head. "... We'll see," is all she can muster, ultimately.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"...Something arranged, huh?" Hime uncrosses her arms. "Have you met him? Have I met him?" She's been around the PLANTS for a while. "...Is he a good fit? He'd have to be pretty great to be a good match for you, Shiho-chan." A pause. "...You want me to scope him out for you if he is?" The thought of being able to meddle in this appeals to some part of Himeyuri.
"Hmmm... shorter hair and intense, huh..." Shiho's a Ken-liker too, huh? Interesting... "Yeah, I can see it... Someone who can help you reach the very top of your potential, and you do the same for him, right?"
But she does notice that sigh, that dejected 'We'll see' and Himeyuri looks... a little worried. But she's not completely indelicate. "...I bet you must be getting really hungry, right? We're almost at the front of the line- do you know what you want?" She tries to give Shiho an encouraging look. "The Captain says you pick whatever you want, we've got some fresh supplies today."
<Pose Tracker> Shiho Hahnenfuss has posed.
"That's right. It's common in the PLANTs, where genetic issues make fertility difficult... people's potential dating pools often end up very small, especially for third-generation Coordinators. You can marry someone much older, or get into an arranged marriage..." She doesn't seem to entirely mind this -- but there's a bit of wistfulness in her tone.
"His name is Yzak Joule... he's the son of a PLANT Supreme Council member, and part of the former Le Creuset Team." Known by notoriety, if nothing else -- an exceptional pilot from an excellent family."
"Exactly," Shiho says, and she doesn't notice that Himeyuri's shifted the framing slightly underneath her. She's hungry at this point, after all -- there are better things to focus on.
They're imminently getting better supplies and they're headed out of the Earth Sphere for a while... it's hard to know what'll come next, with food. Shiho eats, perhaps, a little too much, in anticipation of tomorrow.