View source for 1883/Shark Tooth Handshakes

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/03/26
|Location=Boston-666
|Synopsis=Ri, Wo, and Darwin go to Boston-666 to have a social outing. Psyber, Reiji, Kuma, and Shigure greet them at the docks. It's a bit overwhelming for one of the Abyssals.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=253, 494, 582, 685, 705, 710
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wo knows the deal by now, so it's not too hard to set up a bother-free entrance into the city. Assuming the epicly-hatted girl phoned (telegraphed) ahead, there is no resistance and the Abyssal visitors are directed through with an easy path to the harbor docks. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the docks have a waiting party at them, of course! Well, a greeting party. Psyber's here, along with whoever else wanted to come along to welcome the latest envoy of Abyssal visitors to the city. After Wo had signed off on everything being in order with her first visit, things were pretty smooth to process. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that leads us to where we are now! A group of people hanging out near the docks to greet another group of people. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The weather is moderate, fifty degrees out with a very light drizzle that comes and goes as it sees fit. Because of this, the city has a lower-than-usual amount of foot traffic, and boats are getting secured by their owners around the harbor and docks to prepare for a weekend of storms.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There had indeed been a call ahead, in that same unencrypted burst traffic as before. Knowing what to expect, it would be easy to intercept. This time, in addition to the usual pieces of red tape sign-off, there had actually been included a brief description of some additional visitors: a Ri-class Heavy Cruiser, and a rare treat (except at barbecues) -- a hime-class presence of unspecified designation, due to a misfortunate unrecoverable error in that part of the transmission. Chances are that it won't be one causing trouble with impromptu food contests, probably.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right on schedule, contact is made by the local Coast Guard's deep sensors. One profile they would know well by now, proving itself out as the Wo-class aircraft carrier that has been making this a habit, lately. Sonar gives way to visual, as she emerges bulbous hat-first, leaving it with the brief impression that just the hat were powering itself through the water, before her full frame comes into view. They're speedy demons, these abyssal ships - and she's not bothering with hanging around with the local green-water navy vessels, making full steam towards the docks, as far as the tolerances of not seeming threatening about it allow for. ..as much as someone that looks a bit like a corpse wearing a monster on their head can.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With this visit, her fleet of adorable Destroyer escorts have been left behind, perhaps even for real this time. With the firepower afforded by the ones she'll have following her, and Psyber's arrangements, there is no need for any additional security, this time. This leaves her alone, at the head and acting as the envoy, to emerge onto the pier first, doing her by now - to some - familiar, hovering disembark, before setting her heeled booted feet down, as well as resting her gloved hands on the shank of metal she seems to use as a baton. She glances between those gathered, but this time, makes no undue effort to appear friendly. A repeating of her designator is given, then she introduces herself and her sisters, for any 'new faces', as Kongou might say: "The special en-voy.. Wo-class. Dar-win, and..Ri-class, also arriving." Sea water noticably pools around her, as a piece of errant sea weed also rolls off the slick-looking material that forms her cape.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you - for your..hos-pitality."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:494|Samar (494)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, rather than the overly energetic Savo, Boston and Psyber are visited once more by perhaps the single calmest Abyssal among the fleet. Of course, looking at her, one probably wouldn't think that at first. Especially not since she enters the dock by suddenly slamming one massive claw of razor-sharp metal out of the water and digging it into the docks to pull herself out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least Darwin is at a normal size right now, but normal for her is still just shy of eight feet tall. The massive woman's egress from the water isn't terribly graceful, either, as she scrambles over the dock's edge with a few huffs and strains until she's finally found her footing and looms up to her full height beside Wo. A worried glance is cast down to her clothing, which she takes a moment to straighten out with strangely precise tugs and pushes of her huge claws, and then she's folding her hands in front of her and turning her attention back to her companions.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Psyber," Darwin greets, a low but polite murmur. "Good to see you again. Sorry for...Savo's disruption the other day. I hope she didn't cause too much trouble."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma and Shigure are here too. Resting over from a patrol that swung close to the city. The pair stand off to one side, their fitouts still on though the guns sporting covers and gripping locks so they can't traverse or fire. Kuma's arms are folded over her chest, as she watches the Abyssals emerge. Shigure, however, steps forwards and offers a salute. "Welcome to Boston Harbour. Shiratsuyu-class Destroyer, Shigure of the Fleet Daughters... it is nice to meet you without cannonfire." she offers, before swallowing and seeming to faulter a little as a blush spreads across her cheeks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma nods. "Yeah, it's nice to not have to fight all the time, kuma." to Darwin she turns her brown gaze. "You're a lot nicer than that other Princess, kuma. She was loud and rude, kuma~."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:710|Ri (710)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ri seeks answers. Answers she isn't finding by hanging around in the crushing, frigid depths of the ocean, lost in her own thoughts and the same repetitions of memory that don't quite seem complete. Thinking isn't encouraged among Abyssals anyway. It's better to simply be told what to do. Thus, the Ri-class heavy cruiser has been reluctant to act without orders - even if it seemed like she was supposed to seek out answers for herself. But, ultimately, she made the decision on her own. Maybe being more than a near-mindless bio-mechanical monstrosity also involves taking charge sometimes, rather than simply being a more intelligent version of her former self.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Wo and Darwin have arrived on the docks, Ri comes shortly thereafter. She usually reverts to Leviathan mode when pressured, because she feels safer. Even when it's less effective against her enemies, it doesn't matter. Being that size somehow feels 'right', or 'normal'. More so than being what she is now. But while she is definitely somewhat tense about this meeting, she has exerted self-control and kept herself to the same scale as the others.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Short black hair, slicked down by sea water, begins to rise up out of the ocean, with a pair of glowing blue eyes visible like the twin lamps of some awful drowned phantom visible below the surface before their owner even shows her face. When that face finally emerges, the corpse-hued flesh and emotionless face are no less indicative of undeath, but at least the ghostly glow is diminished in the somewhat brighter lighting above-water.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the rest of Ri emerges, it seems she is equipped with her typical bio-mechanical shark gauntlets. Not that she plans to use them, but having the CAPACITY to fight is far more comforting for her than showing up here unarmed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When one of the first people she sees upon stepping off of the churning sea water beneath her feet, and onto the docks, is Psyber... She has to consciously halt the motion to raise one of her arms and start shooting. He's the one who took away one of their sisters, after all! ...Or that's what she's been told. And why would she ever disbelieve anything Samar told her? Her arm lurched upwards minutely, but stopped. It could have easily just been part of her getting her balance as she switches from ocean to land. It's not like she's on land that often after all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you... For having... Us." Ri says in a very dead voice. When she sees two Fleet Daughters, including the specific one she wanted to see, she stares fixedly at Kuma. The last encounter they had was less than friendly. Kuma almost sank due to Ri. Just like Ri almost sank due to Psyber. There's plenty of room for animosity here. Ri came here not necessarily to make amends, but to learn and interact peacefully. To understand some of the things she so clearly doesn't.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But how can she set aside her grudge when she's faced with the evidence of the 'crime'?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her arm raises again, once she stands alongside her sisters, and has taken her gaze off of Kuma. Ri will try. She wanted to come with others for a reason. To help her focus and keep her calm. Maybe tolerating situations like this when it calls for it is also part of being a loyal Abyssal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ri extends her steel-encased appendage towards their 'host' as though to shake hands. "Surface-dweller... Custom... Yes?" Ri asks of Psyber.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salt water sluices off the gleaming teeth around the gauntlet's mouth.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wo, nice of you to drop by. Thank you for phoning ahead, it makes these easier to coordinate. I hope the waters were smooth as you came in and there wasn't too much chop. We have some weather coming in off the ocean that will make for a wet couple weeks," Psyber greets to the envoy, nodding his head as his hands bury themselves inside his coat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber pauses, letting Kuma and the other girls get their introductions done. The half-angel takes this time to light a cigarette and hold it in his left hand, idly smoking as the younger girls all make their greetings. Then Psyber resumes talking, exhaling a plume of smoke a moment later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Darwin. It was no problem. She and Kongou seemed to reach an impasse at an eating contest, so I expect them to renew their confrontation at some future endeavor. I, therefore, apologize for any food Savo brings home that might be overly spicy as a form of training," He informs to Darwin, basically giving her warning that Savo may start coming up with jalapenos and other nasty peppers. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And finally Ri. Psyber looks relatively indifferent towards her. It's less an act of rudeness and more a defining characteristic of him as a literal punchclock hero. Fierce on the battlefield, pretty laid back in his downtime, "Greetings, Ri-Class. I hope the city will prove fruitful for your visit." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks at the gauntlet she extends to him and pauses a few moments before reaching out to kind of grab the side jawline of it and make a handshake happen that way. It just seemed simplest. And then he repeats the original greeting he gave Wo when she first visited: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nearby, in drydock, is the USS Constitution. Boston is also an hour north of Fall River, Massachusetts, resting port of the USS Massachusetts, better known as 'Big Mamie', as well as Battleship Cove's other museum ships.."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though ostensibly uninvolved (read: terrible) with direct combat at sea, Reiji Arisu seems to be around a lot whenever the Fleet Daughters or their Abyssal counterparts are up to something. Today, he actually has pretty good reason to be around: professional interest. It's not everyday you get to meet vengeful ship-spirits outside of a life-or-death situation, after all. The exorcist leans on a lamp-post a few feet behind Psyber and the others. The warm glow of a half-gone cigarette flickers near his lips as he waits, and watches.<br /><br />It's not that he's being unfriendly, or anything- he's just never actually seen an Abyssal in person before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It seems that being around wrathful sea spirits takes some getting used to when you're a trained exorcist. Sort of like how you need to sit around in a cold pool until your body gets to a comfortable temperature. Except this acclimatization is less about heat and more about compartmentalizing and suppressing any overt signs of suspicion.<br /><br />Signs such as bullets.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, it seems like things are getting off to a pretty decent start. The ship-girls aren't shooting at each other (just yet), anyway. Still, Reiji waits until Psyber reacts before pushing off the docklamp and making his approach. He flicks his cigarette to the ground, and casually treads over its dwindling cinders. "Hey," he lifts a hand in greeting. It seems he's left most of his gear... elsewhere, today. He's certainly not covered in body-armor and carting around a briefcase full of weapons today. "Welcome to Boston," Reiji says with... sufficient good cheer, he supposes.<br /><br />It still kind of comes off as deadpan.<br /><br />Reiji is just... Kind of like that, it seems.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He pauses as Psyber goes on, then nods. "Besides the ships, I'm told that Boston is home to some pretty impressive clam chowder," he gives a bit of a shrug, "Never had it, myself. But I hear things."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Things aren't forgiven in a day, and chances are, understanding won't come that simply, either. Part of why Wo was scanning the ones that had come to greet them was to see if that number included Kongou and her merry band. To an odd relief that would not make itself obvious to most of the surface folk, but can be felt instinctively by both Darwin and Ri, the Wo-class carrier is actually..a bit glad, she won't have to face them today. She doesn't need the distraction of the stunt they had pulled on Lute keeping her from her duties. With that, while she can't as easily disarm as can Kuma and Shigure, she does at least lift off her hat and tuck it under her arm, in an attempt to appear more relaxed and at ease. Psyber is given her first bout of full attention, mutedly glowing eyes blue-green for the moment. "It was..no-thing, to worry about. Thank you..Psyber." That a lot of their cruising is done below the surface helps mitigate weather, somewhat. She again looks just behind him, however, almost as if expecting someone or something back there, but once more finding nothing.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma and Shigure, on the other hand, will prove a bit easier to tolerate for today. To their suggestion that it is nice to be able to meet without exchanging gunfire, or even worse given their classes apparent, torpedoes, Wo seems to mull it over with a slight tilt of her head, before repeating her designation in an apparently affirmative tone. She's not shy at all about stepping on up to the two of them, though will stop short of patting them on the head, even if Kuma's hair spring is as tempting as always. Shigure gets an extra slice of scrutiny, as she's one she hasn't seen in action, just yet..but despite the cold stare, it doesn't feel like there's any malice in it. For the time being. "Yes.. ..let's enjoy, this neutral-ity.."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A glance is given to Ri, then, to give a quick judgement of how she's faring in what must be a thoroughly unfamiliar environment and set of circumstances. The presence of Darwin should be enough to help, but she'll still keep an eye on the situation, as she takes her duties here very seriously, despite it often seeming to be in good fun. Something else distracts her, though, and she offers, "..Sa-vo..very competitive, spirit. I..also, apolo-gize. Surface manners, not her - strong suit." A slight understatement, perhaps.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji gets her final once over. Something about him makes some corner of her mind uneasy, but nothing that shows through to the surface, especially since she and her kind should have little to fear here in Boston. While he's a surface dweller, Psyber had demonstrated his trustworthiness, to not bring someone that would spring a sudden trap on them, presumably. "The ships," she echoes.. She once again gives a glance to Ri, and then manages a more purposeful look to Psyber, "..yes, we'll visit - them. Sometime.. May-be, they will..answer us."<br /> <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though being another world's ships, maybe they'll just tell them to fahk off like some of the other locals.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:494|Samar (494)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin looks down - pretty far down - when Kuma speaks, keeping the cruiser in her crimson gaze for a few moments before she responds. "...Savo is energetic. But she serves our Admiral well in planning, and knows when to be more...forceful." Ri is given a cautious glance; the Abyssal isn't looking aggressive just yet, but Darwin is always the careful one.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber, meanwhile, gets a slightly wary nod. Seems she's taking /that/ danger a little seriously. "...I hope not," she sighs, shoulders slumping slightly as she lifts her hands to her chest. "I'm not sure if our home could handle her training like that. I'll be sure to warn Samar in case we need to fortify everything. It's...good to hear she didn't cause too much trouble, though. At least she can compete now without violence."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's presence draws Darwin's wary stare next. She hasn't seen /this/ one before, and she's not quite sure what to make of him. At least he's not making a problem just yet, so the Seaport Princess offers a short nod before she introduces herself. "...Darwin. Seaport Princess of the Abyssal Fleet, Vice-Admiral under Samar. Thank you for welcoming us here."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin shuffles back a little, shifting away from the front of the Abyssal congregation. She's still not terribly comfortable with this kind of situation, especially not when their numbers are so uneven. At least Psyber's and Wo's conversation serves as a brief distraction. "...maybe, yes. They might be interesting to see sometime. Somewhere nice to take everyone for a little while..." A pause, then a slight frown. "...or maybe not /everyone/..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure faulters back, and scoots back from the Abyssals, especially the huge frame of Darwin. Wo's approach gets her to squeak softly and she darts back to hide behind Kuma.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma herself remains where she is, looking up at the taller Wo-class. She just nods, then turns her attention to the Ri-class, that same Ri-class that tried to sink her. Eyes narrow slightly, but she surppresses the fire building and moves over to offer a handshake as well. "We've had our differences... but I hope we can come to understand each other, kuma."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:710|Ri (710)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No unfortunate hand-teeth accidents occur. The handshake is completely successfully. Though Ri seems confused by her hand actually being shaken. Is that how it works? She thought they were supposed to hit their hands together or something. That's what she gets for observing land-dwellers instead of asking Wo or Darwin or Samar, the ultimate experts on the humans. She keeps her 'hand' extended even after it has been abandoned, until Kuma has come forward and shaken it as well. Ri just responds with a simple, if somewhat quiet, "...Yes... Understand..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Psyber starts describing the ships in the area like a tour guide.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;!?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;!!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is she supposed to be writing these things down!? She doesn't have anything to write on or with, and she can't write using shark hands! "Aah...!" Ri lets out in surprise when Reiji chimes in too. Clam chowder now!? Is this going to be on a test!?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who knew that socializing with the enemy was so much more complicated than just shooting at them! Truly, the intricacies of diplomacy are a challenge not to be underestimated!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't recognize Shigure or Reiji, giving them a brief inspection, before turning her gaze fully on Kuma. Why does she keep looking at that one specific Fleet Daughter? It's like she's expecting something to happen. Or expecting Kuma to do something. But what?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The suspicion is... perhaps not as palpable as he expected. Reiji inclines his head slightly at the Abyssals' greeting. At least everyone seems to be starting out on even footing today. Speaking of which. "Sorry," he coughs into a fist. "I forgot to introduce myself. I am Reiji Arisu," Reiji explains, "One of Psyber's associates."<br /><br />He doesn't introduce himself as an exorcist, monster hunter or otherwise.<br /><br />The reason should be pretty obvious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've been hearing quite a bit about you ladies from the radio," among other places. But the radio especially, as of late. "It's good to see that there can be an exception from the usual animosity," however brief any exception might be.<br /><br />He glances to Psyber, then. "So. Where were you planning on taking them first, anyway?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there it is! A big, beaming smile, and a happy exclamation of her name. "Ku~Ma~!" her eyes forming a little n.n face at the Abyssal Heavy Cruiser. "You're not so bad when you're not shooting at me!, kuma!" she says jovially. She's really hard to get mad, really, and is unlikely to hold a grudge... look at how she saved Wo from sinking that one time against the downed spaceship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure eeps a little when Kuma leaves her to socialize with Ri, rubbing her upper arms with her hands and looking around nervously... she might come off a little like Darwin, insecure in a new situation and kinda shy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:494|Samar (494)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin's attention shifts to Shigure when the other ship seems so...skittish. Her red-eyed stare remains fixed on the girl for a few lingering moments, moments which would be extremely unsettling if her gaze weren't so strangely gentle, and finally she steps forward to loom a few feet away from Shigure. She crouches down on the balls of her feet and brings her claws down to rest on her knees with a creaking rattle of metal joints, but even then she's a little above eye level with the other ship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin's probably not smiling behind that metal collar, but she tries to make her voice as gentle as she can as she watches Shigure. "...you don't need to be afraid, you know. We're...not here to attack you right now. It's just...some talking, and being friends for a little while. Like Kuma there," she adds, gesturing with her horn toward the cruiser.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah. I dunno, I was thinking of doing a walk along the docks and boardwalks," Psyber admits to Reiji, adding, "Maybe get some funnel cake or hot dogs or something, let them see the coastline of the city when it's not Ice Dragon'd to hell and back." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Darwin, Psyber shrugs a bit, "She and Kongou seem to have a bit of a rivalry going. This may extend into all things they do." He admits, hand falling into his pocket while the other smokes. He looks up at the talk Abyssal Princess, "I'm really sorry if it causes her to be troublesome in your area. Either of them. But maybe non-violent competition can be a good outlet for those two. They have so much energy." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He yawns slightly and winces his eyes shut, "Anyway, we can hang out here, or take a walk. Whatever works best for people." He adds, mostly content to stay passive and let the ships interact with eachother. His natural inclination is to hang out near Darwin, mostly to chit-chat with her about Savo and Kongou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He does notice that Ri is silent, though. He tilts his head at her, "You okay, Ri? Anything you want to do in particular?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It likely doesn't help that also staring down Shigure, from its sideways point of view, is Wo's hat, and its eyeless sockets. The carrier herself turns to give the destroyer a slightly quizzical look, if well buried beneath her typically blank expression. She might have tried to reach out to her, herself, but it seems that Darwin has the situation handled. Instead, she'll only add, "..yes. We will..all pro-tect, Boston." It's one of the few surface places, non-Confederate-aligned, that their kind can really go to look for the pieces of the puzzle they all seem to be missing. Certainly, their all-knowing leader Samar also knows this, and in her benevolence and wisdom, has agreed to allow them to come here to seek them on their own terms, free of expectations. Or so Wo thinks. Watching the interactions between Kuma and Ri, and Darwin and Shigure, somehow makes something inside herself feel..strange. Is this what the surface people could call happiness?<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before the briefest trace of an actual smile could cross her face, she refocuses on her place here, which is somewhat to help manage their itinerary. Psyber, in particular, helps with this, by giving a reasonable suggestion of what this unlikely gang can even do. "Yes..a walk.. By the sea. Might be, nice. ..every-one, can get..used, to each other's. Com-pany." Which is especially important for Ri, which with those purposeful looks to Kuma, finds it hard to read even with it being done by an Abyssal sister. Hopefully she isn't sizing her up for a snack, after all. To Reiji, she manages a hint of a frown, "Don't..get it wrong. We are - not friends. But.. Some-times, fighting achieves..nothing." She doesn't go into what her kind are really looking for in this arrangement, like she did relatively comfortably with Psyber. She'll have to come to trust this new associate of his, first.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:494|Samar (494)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin looks to Reiji with another wary stare, but offers a slight nod as if to reinforce Wo's statement. "It's...a change, but not permanent. I don't think it will be. But...now and then, as the Admiral knows, you need to approach things...differently." A pause, then, "...Psyber has interesting associates."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber's got her attention again as Kongou and Savo are brought up. She simply shakes her head in response to those apologies, though. "No...it's not your fault. If it weren't Kongou, Savo would be teasing Leyte, or prodding Wake. Rossel is the only one who really keeps up with her. Samar just...pushes her off to everyone else when she gets out of hand, mostly." Another soft sigh, then, as her hands fold over her chest. "It won't be a problem, though...I think. She can be tied down if it gets out of hand. And Ko-Cl...ah, Kongou...well, no one knows where we live yet, so she shouldn't be making trouble soon. I'm not sure...how you handle her, though. Especailly with everyone else..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:710|Ri (710)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ri is unable to respond to Shigure's shyness, for the simple fact that, upon seeing Kuma smile at her, the heavy cruiser feels stabbing pain in her head, and a sense of dizziness. She actually staggers as something overlays her perceptions. Not a city, not docks, but a blue ocean, with clear skies, and a different coast. And always the heat from behind, the smell of smoke, the sound of screams. And the source if she just turns around and -looks-.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber's voice snaps her out of it, though, and she blinks in confusion for several seconds. She glances from him, to Kuma, to Reiji, to Shigure, and then back to Psyber. Eventually, she asks, "...Do...?" She doesn't understand. Why did she come here again? To see someone. To find answers. To understand. But she is terribly lost, and an uneasy feeling is filling her. She looks to Wo for guidance, then to Darwin, somewhat more panickedly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is this feeling inside!?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do..." She mutters holding her shark gauntlets to the sides of her head, either in an attempt to help her think or to shield herself from all the input going on around her. She barely processed the visit to the beach with Lute, and Samar, and Wo. That was supposedly 'fun'. Lute was an ally, even if not an Abyssal. She could treat him neutrally or cooperate with him. Samar made sure to train her to recognize the Confederacy as allies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But these people? This Chi-class who is now calling herself Kuma? Admiral Psyber? They're enemies. Even the sisters who need to be rescued. Once they're safe again, they can once more experience familial love. But right now, they are targets to be destroyed. And here she is, standing here, talking. Being smiled at. Not fighting at all. She doesn't understand it. It feels wrong, but also feels like something else.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ri is so overwhelmed that she suddenly just...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barfs sea water, oil, and rusted scrap metal out on the docks at her feet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seems she couldn't quite handle this level of pressure for a first meeting.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure eeps again as Darwin walks over and crouches down, the little Destroyer taking a nervous step back from the looming figure. Blue eyes look back into those glowing red, and she swallows thickly. "I-I... um. I know... I'm just... not good with people..." she says looking away again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma, meanwhile, blinks at the reaction from the Ri-class, tilting her head curiously. "Hey, are you oka---" then suddenly resource dump right at her feet. The light cruiser hops back, casting a worried gaze at Ri. "I-I didn't do it, kuma!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Of course," Reiji says with a slight shrug. It can't ever be that easy, can it? "I'm not naive enough to think you all could drop this feud just like that. These kinds of things tend to be more complex," no matter how convenient it might be. "Still, a temporary lull is better than none." A cryptic smile curls at the corners of his lips, then. "Interesting, huh? Yeah," Reiji nods, "Maybe so."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He nods at Psyber, then. "Something easy to start with, eh? I can see the wisdom in that." These kinds of things demand a subtle touch- and a lot of patience. "Sounds like a good enough plan as a--"<br /><br />Ri.<br /><br />Ri, vomiting all over the docks.<br /><br />It smells vaguely like a bay-dredger, Reiji muses.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shit," he murmurs, shrugging his jacket from his shoulders, folding it over one arm. He begins to approach the beleaguered ship-girl- vomiting is never good. A vomiting spirit is even worse. "Come on," he says, reaching out a hand to nudge her toward a bench, "Let's get you sat down, huh?"<br /><br />'Reaching out a hand' may be a bad plan.<br /><br />She does kind of have shark-gauntlets.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, the first day Wo visited, we just took her to a diner and hung out. I figure it's best to do natural, slice-of-life-y stuff instead of grandiose events. Fits the purpose of the neutral ground better," He explains with a bit of a shrug. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sure come summer, there'll be festivals and clam bakes for the girls to all visi-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He cuts off. He doesn't even have the awareness to respond to poor Darwin as Ri horks up oil and wreckage. He follows after Reiji and says, "Yeah, woah. Sit down and just take a deep breath." Was she nervous? Was this a long-standing plan by Samar to destroy Psyber via tickets for littering and improper waste disposal? It's not clear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Uuuuuh," Oh right, Darwin. Psyber turns and then immediately looks upwards to make eye contact instead of staring in an untoward eye plane, "Kongou mostly does her own thing. I don't discipline her, that seems a more Nagato thing to do. I just let Kongou do her own thing and she mostly behaves."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even without looking in her direction, Wo can feel something wrong with the Ri-class. The unease, or maybe more appropriately, sensory overload of the situation. Of being among this group, ostensibly the enemy, and being expected to not do what has come naturally for most of her existence. A visible wince goes through Wo, as well, as it's almost as though she can feel it building up, before its..very unceremonious release. Stepping over unhurriedly to Ri, she gives her a somewhat analytical look, as though judging her willingness, or even ability, to continue. Even if well-intentioned, she won't put one of her sisters at risk, if she thinks she isn't able, though Reiji's careful management is silently chalked in the positive column of her mental chalkboard. "Ri-class," she calls, though her words are deeper than what's merely voiced, "Do you, need..to re-treat?" It's said in an understanding way, despite the monotone. She won't think any less of her - she doubts she could have done this when she was freshly 'sane', either.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of the heavy cruiser's answer, she flatly expresses gratitude to Reiji for his understanding. "Yes.. Our kinds, it is--difficult, to even..co-exist, to this level. As you, can see." Her eyes pivot to the raw materials, to be kind with the terminology, that Ri had expelled in her troubled state, as if to wordlessly prove her point. A gloved hand moves to pat Ri lightly on the shoulder, while she gives a dismissive headshake at Kuma's light panic. "Not - your fault. Ri-class.. She is, tough, in battle. But.. Surface world, still new."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To give Ri even less to worry about, and since it's his city in her mind, Wo turns to Psyber next, "Can..pay for, the mess. If it helps. Or, send sisters..to clean." Whether or not having an abyssal cleaning crew, whatever that entails - maybe some kind of demonic-looking scrubbing bubbles(tm)? - is worse than having this gunk on the docks, is left to his decision. She also thinks back, when he describes their first experience to Reiji, "..it is - more suit-able. Hard to get, to know some-one..when too formal."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently with Wo unaware of it, the hat tucked under her arm somehow wiggles to turn towards the mess she'd just been talking about. The oil slick, scrap metal elephant in the room. Perhaps to the horror of everyone else that isn't of their kind, it snakes out a misleadingly long tentacle, and grasps a large dose of the metal scraps in its sinewy grip, before withdrawing it and placing it into its cavernous mouth.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:494|Samar (494)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darwin's head tilts a little to one side at Shigure's response. It's hard to tell exactly what she feels about it until she offers another soft nod of understanding, and a low, private murmur. "...that's okay. Neither am I."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before she can say anything else, though, Ri experiences a loss of cargo. Darwin's attention immediately shifts to the heavy cruiser, and she rises to her full height again to walk over and bring a massive hand gently to Ri's back. Strange how careful she can be with those things when they look like they could tear through a tank as if it were made of tissue paper. "...it's okay, Ri. You're just...nervous, right? You can sit down for a little while, or..." Darwin pauses, then points up to her shoulders with her free hand. "...I can help, if you need it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't even take a second look at Wo's hat devouring the discarded materials; it's only natural to make use of wasted materials, after all. The Seaport Princess does shift her attention back to Psyber, though, giving a light nod again. "I see. Yes, Nagato...seems to have everyone in hand, fortunately. At least she knows how to organize people, even if..." Darwin trails off a little there, vaguely shrugging her shoulder as if that finishes her sentence enough. Another sigh falls from her, too. "...I'm...sorry about Ri, also. She hasn't experienced these things much yet. It might take a little time...or she just might not be the kind of person for it." Darwin could name a couple of people like that off the top of her head.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:710|Ri (710)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If not for Wo and Darwin being there, being approached while she's in such a disoriented state by Reiji and Psyber could have ended poorly - feeling like they're closing in on her. But she can feel Wo through the semi-telepathic link, and the combination of being patted on the shoulder and patted on the back has her retaining some level of self control. She also pays no mind to Wo's hat eating Ri's leftovers. Resources are important not to squander.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...N-nervous...?" Ri asks in confusion as she wipes her mouth with the back of one shark glove while eyeing the two strangers trying to get her to sit down. Maybe it would be better if she retreated. But she came here for a reason. And if she leaves now, she feels like it will be even harder the next time. And she might not have the support she needs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right now... These aren't people to fight with. They don't need to be allies, but they could be considered... ...Neutral suppliers. Yes, they're neutral. That works. They are providing a service, providing supplies in the form of clam chowder and tours, whatever those are. Further, they are providing vital intelligence, in the form of... Answers. Answers that can help her understand, and maybe cope with this kind of situation in the future.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, she can't retreat now!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...But she will accept a piggy-back ride until she feels less disoriented and nervous. She holds her arms up to the considerably taller Abyssal, like a little girl expecting to be picked up by a parent. A brutal combatant. A loving member of the Abyssal family. And still practically a newborn when it comes to the world and everything in it - learning or relearning all that she has yet to encounter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Apologies... For... Mess." Ri offers, and then looks towards Kuma once more, before this time being the one to turn her gaze away and focus elsewhere. Ri can't find answers when she can't even look at her. Maybe she'll take a moment to let her head clear and try communicating again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Spirits born in war-" Reiji replies to Wo, gently helping the Ri-class to the bench. He comes away with hands in-tact! "-Can often find it difficult to adapt to peace." he shakes his head, breathing a long sigh. This is a little less adapted than he had hoped, but at least it's not the worst possible scenario, he supposes. They can at least consider the possibility of such things- even if it may result in some rather spectacularly poor reactions. "But you're trying. That's still better than most of cases."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He decides not to bring up the many murderous swords, knives and other weapons that have cropped up over the course of Japanese history. Probably a touchy subject, and rude to make the comparison, besides.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, there's the sound of crunching metal. Reiji peers over his shoulder at the hat-thing devouring the oil and the rusted scrap. He sort of narrows his eyes a little bit. That hat just ain't right.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least Darwin is proving to be rather surprisingly motherly- to more than just the Abyssals, in fact. He wonders, idly, what she would be like if she were a Daughter rather than an Abyssal, but quietly dismisses the thought. It's unimportant for now. "She worries a lot," he says with regards to Nagato, "But she means well."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only after Ri is safely docked with seaport does Reiji extract himself from the bench. He slids his arms back through the sleeves of his jacket, and straightens it around his shoulders. "Well, for now," he says, eyes flickering toward Psyber before turning back towards the Abyssals, "I think if you're all feeling up to it, a walk down the harbor would do her good." <br /><br />"Don't worry about it," he notes to Ri, as Wo's Hat recycles yet another chunk of metal. "Looks like the mess is half-gone already, anyway."<br> <br>


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