Aberrant: Children of Quantum Fire - [Interlude] NHC - New Hope City [Dawn OOC AST] [FIN]

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Date: July 27, 2027

Planet: New Hope

Location: New Hope City (NHC)

The 'city' was actually a brand new settlement, nestled in protected sea port, just inside the northern tropical zone. It was a city built by contract ... everyone dealing with GNS transit out of the Sol system was bound by a set of covenant that protected and nurtured the development of this settlement. Twenty percent of what anyone brought into the star system had to end up as a contribution for NHC. Half of that, or ten percent, was allowed to be 'reused' material. Cargo modules that were designed to serve as housing or expedition equipment certified by GNS as having a reasonable life span for city use. Another ten percent of the total transit contract had to be "functional assets" that the clients could either contribute - or they could retain ownership and use towards building a city property.

The net result of this scheme was a wild west / Dawson City style 'land rush' that had started the core of a settlement inside of a month. NHC had vast grids of city blocks laid out with a very basic infrastructure - surveyed property lines and a basic low-power feed coupled with an op-net style city-net. In the view of Japanese, Congolese, and Terran International law that essentially gave a form of ownership of the land to GNS - something a few steps above squatters rights and no so different from flying a ship's flag in international waters. The NHC contract clauses also formalized this set of 'city limits' and gave people confidence that any land granted or purchased had strong property rights. As in any market based economic system, strong property rights are the foundation of ownership, and ownership the foundation of the market and all its forces.

Those market forces, along with the GNS 'land grants' had spurred the erection of Mitsubishi Plaza. A slick looking set of recycled cargo containers with a facade of high-quality prefab window dressing. From the street of vitrified earth - a sturdy two foot thick layer of rough glass and gravel that made excellent pavement - one might think that a little piece of suburban two story Tokyo strip-mall had sprung up out of nowhere. The nine story GNS flat-top 'pyramids' were visible in the background, and with the communication towers it was the beginning of a skyline.

The day had gone well, and with twenty two gate transits between New Hope and Earth today between Star and Murat, plus a little tour for their friends it was time for a late dinner, and some drinks. As a frontier settlement, NHC already had three resaraunts and two corporate cafeterias. Three hundred people had already moved here in five weeks,and that didn't count expedition crews in town. The group had a reservation at the "Blue Water Lounge" ... a Japanese KTV style joint that had already made a splash with identify three kinds of local seafood that could safely be prepared to make tasty Japanese food. Two kinds of local Tempura, three kinds of sashimi, a nice udon dish, and even a few dishes that used a bland flour made from fern-hearts to make otherwise delicious treats like gyoza.

A promise to the ASTs

This thread is her first a foremost to give Murat face time with a whole bunch of the other PCs. GNS is only the context for it, since Murat is the number one guy for New Hope warp transits.

People are welcome to participate, but I promised both Dawn and Mala that we wouldn't drag with this one out - due to Krul's interlude deadline. So lets keep the posting rate up and respect that deadline.

Bringing kids on the tour and to dinner is fine - the Blue Water Lounge is family friendly, unlike "The Asteroid Central Saloon" which is ... a saloon, in a frontier town ... and not family safe.

[Sailor OOC]

Tokyo Bay to New Hope Bay, 7am Tokyo Time

July 27th, 2027

Kamiko took a deep breath, mediating on the bow of the Kyoko, a boat that will make the most incredible journey of it's life. the other seven boats around her, large, 5m wide and fully capable cargo boats stayed in a line formation behind her. they were commanded on auto-pilot from the Kyoko's bridge. Onboard the Kyoko was her family and friends, Dan, Mary, Sonja, and the strange traveller from another universe, Sarah. Also onboard were two of Star's clones, now in permanent service to Kamiko as hired help. of course the manifest of the 7 ships was quite a haul.

With all the fulfilled orders and the proper transactions, combined with Kamiko's connections and sudden wealth of her own, she was able requisition the needed supplies.

The Scobee, Smith, Onizuka, Resnik, McNair, Jarvis, and McAuliffe, all named after the Challenger Seven, each beared everything requested.

Most carried supplies like seed, extra deployable shelters, tools, farming tools, batteries, solar panels, and creature comforts like toiletries and some snacks from home. But the McAuliffe had a more special cargo. Textbooks, bolts of fabric, and design specifications for a school and library. Including designs for a school uniform as time progressed.

On the Kyoko, with it's passengers, was two hydrogen extractors, designed to extract hydrogen from water to use as fuel for each of the ships.

Kamiko looked up and smiled. Her warp was a success. The city of New Hope was on the other side, and Kamiko's fleet was on the move. They would cross the threshold and hold 200m from the gate and wait for Kamiko and her ship to make the crossing.

She adjusted her uniform as each of her boats crossed over.

"All hands this is your captain, prepare for transit."

Kamiko stood on the bow as it was her turn to make the crossing. She crossed her arms confidently as the paper gate glowed as well as her anima banner. She seemed... almost epic in stature as her boat crossed the threshold and reached the other side.

Suddenly she floated on the waters of a new world. Behind her fleet she was never prouder of. Her black and white uniform definitely suggested her nautical mindedness. She even managed to spring for a hat for herself.

She lets the ships pull into harbor first before she pulled up with her boat. Each cargo boat was 50m in legnth, except the Kyoko which was 25.

The larger boats were definately taken from their original purpose as yachts, converted to carry cargo. Each were emblazoned with GNS logos on the side. The Kyoko though only had a Japanese flag flying from the mast of the boat, and was all white where the converted yachts were a darker grey.

Once the Kyoko was secure, she walked to the disembarking point on the ship and lowered the gantry.

"Okay! We've arrived everyone! Grab your stuff and come on out!"

She smiled even bigger.

She managed all this on her own. And she had more where that came from. She also had the diagrams on a datapad she was going to submit with plans for a fusion reactor. And... strangely enough her resignation papers from GNS. She was enlisting into Nippontai after this journey, and this would be her last free time for a while. So this was... actually a proud moment for her.

"Welcome to New Hope City Harbor."

[Murat]

Murat focused his mind on that point in space in front of him that only truly exists in his mind. As he focuses he feels his quantum energies begin to flow into that point. He feels the point waver and though nothing actually moves it begins to fall away from him. As the point falls away the quantum swirls along the path it leaves behind. He senses the point begin to separate and space around it rolls away revealing the harbor at NHC.

Murat relaxes with the opening of the warp. Then lifting off from the deck of the ship he flies through the warp leading the string of vessels to New Hope. He waits hovering at the entrance till the last ship of the day is through then heads to the dock to welcome the crews to New Hope City.

“Welcome to New Hope City gentlemen,” Murat addresses crews. “Please have your manifests ready as the wharf master’s people come by. If you needs assistance or have questions I will be at the dock house.” With that he heads to the dock house to review today’s ship registry. After an hour reviewing the logs and answering the current crew’s questions he heads home.

Murat enters his room and as he cleans up he reflects on today’s accomplishment. Today was the busiest and most successful day to date. As he dresses he dictates his daily report. Finishing he stands before the mirror. I hate suits, he thinks looking at himself. The blue suit though somewhat stylish, at least the tailor assured him of such, was in no way the relaxed comfort of the jumpsuit he normally wore. But tonight’s dinner was not a casual event so appearances must be kept. With that he heads out to the Blue Water Lounge.

[The Mariner]

Mary steps unto deck from being out in the open on the flying bridge. She has a black back over her shoulders, and wearing a hawaiian shirt and khaki cargo pants with chuck taylors with knee-high socks on. She looked every bit the tourist, except for the life jacket. In fact she looked relieved to be out in the open air.

"Thank you, Kamiko. I'm sure the stevedores or what not will get here soon enough to start unloading and... OOF-DA! this isn't a colony, Kami-chan! This is a full small city being built!"

Kamiko scratches her head in agreement.

"Oh well. I'll hang out out of everyone's way."

She tosses the life vest to Kamiko. She's never liked being in enclosed spaces on the water. That nagging feeling of being trapped underwater still bothers her to this day. The sooner she got out in the open and on the docks the better. When she spots Kamiko putting the vest on, she smiles. "And... thanks for covering me on that. I don't want Dan making fun of me about my... little phobia. We're good right?" Mary says with a nervous laugh.

[Dan Hawkins]

"As were all colonies within a short time, Mary." Dan had worn a suit, as this was a semi official function for him as Chief of Security for GNS and Sonja one of the sundresses She'd picked out and Dan had bought her. He looked at Mary, his eyes saying it all, that while for now the ribbing would be put off. before things were said and done though, she would catch it from him.

Sonja held his hand quietly, looking in Awe at the world she'd secretly already been to several times. Dan smiled to Sarah. "Welcome to New Hope Sarah, a world a hundred and eighty plus lightyears from earth."

[The Mariner]

Mary turns to Kamiko and whispers. "You sailor-suited little... One of these days I'm gonna take a pin to your collection."

Mary walks past everyone and heads to the docks, storming ahead to the bar everyone was meeting at.

"Goddamn little girlscout. She has all her problems and everyone forgive it but I have one little, minor hangup and pow! God forbid I got an issue..."

She was honestly pissed. And it was encouraging her non-productive passive-aggressive streak.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko sighs, as she escorts Sonja ahead. "So... whatcha think?"

"Wow... so this is the planet with those mushroom whales?"

Kamiko laughs. "Oh yes. They're Fungal, Sonja. Beautiful things too. So fascinating seeing how they actually have a entire organ structure and everything and nothing like a true fungus."

Sonja giggles as Kamiko helps her carry her bookbag to the dock. "Now, what did I tell you to do while you're here?"

"Stay close to Daddy and no wandering off."

Kamiko nods. "Good. Now I have to see to the ship and getting it set for unloading. And... I'm gonna have to calm Mary down beofre she carrys out her threat."

"What was that?"

Kamiko stops and blushes. "Umm... nothing you should worry about. Just... stay right here okay."

"Kay."

Kamiko walks back up the gantry to see what Dan and Sarah were up to without losing sight of Sonja.

She crosses her arms to let Dan and Sarah ahead first. The two Star clones. Ones she's codenamed Red and Blue were busy setting the mooring lines in place and getting everything stable.

"Good work. You know, you both would be excellent seaman someday."

[Karren Gaunt]

*Sarah Hawkins*

Sarah still wasn't sure she wanted to be here today. It had been a long, hard week of adjustment so far, alot of reading, a lot of sleep occupied by tumbling dreams of the world and responsibilities she had left behind clashing with the wonder and shadow wars she had found. She had taken solace on the underground firing range, aquainting herself with the small arms this world had to offer, punching holes in small paper targets. She knew where she stood with firearms, just as she did with her blade, running through two- and one-handed drills with the enormous blade to focus her heart and mind. Nothing like the almost religious excercises she had seen Dan doing, but knowing how to swing her blade and get it where she wanted it to go was control enough for her needs.

It was nice to start getting some control again, after months of feeling everything crashing down on her at once. Not a lot, but some.

"It's very nice, Dan. Clean," she responded softly, taking a deep breath of the ocean air, smoothing out the new, *new* by god, blue evening gown she was wearing. Perfectly fitted for her natural stature and scaled down with her thanks to her powers, it looked good on her, better than anything she had had made for herself in years. Still... She was nervous about mingling at a public dinner. Supernaturally charming though she was, Sarah hadn't been in this world, no, ha, *universe* two weeks even. "How many people are we expecting for this again? Anyone particularly important?"

Sizemorph (shrink) on

[Dan Hawkins]

"This will just be an affair for friends and coworkers, and at that I imagine just those of the nova variety." He disembarked with her and with Sonja. While he nominally held rank enough for a fancy uniform, Dan eschewed this unless it was for a truly formal occassion. He found the uniform restricted his movement more than he liked, and as such He'd always been given some leeway in his own dress. While not on the level of some nova geniuses he was far beyond baseline in intelligence and had helped with many engineering issues that had cropped up as well.

Sarah didn't look wholly comfortable, which he did expect. Still meeting novas other than his family would do her well, Even if Star was nominally considered family. MUrat was an old friend someone who knew this world's Sarah, and of course there was Cora, his newest pupil. The group she led on the side made Dan smile, and he wondered if she'd be bringing anyone else.

His own contribution to the site was a simple one, and waited in the cargo hold of one of the ships.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko brushes herself off once. "One last time, huh Kamiko?" she whispered.

"Okay, you two." Kamiko says to her Star Clones. "You know you guys are real workaholics."

Once Kamiko steps off of the Kyoko, she pulls out a little remote and what sounds like a car-alarm alert activates. "There, bridge controls secure."

"Okay Dan, I'm going to try to find Mary and talk to her so we can all regroup. I think she took it personal regarding cluing you in."

She adjusts her uniform again in frustration and starts to walk off. "Go on ahead with Sarah. Shouldn't take me too long."

[The Mariner]

Kamiko hears a sigh from the crates near the dock. Mary was having a cigarette. "Dammit Kamiko, don't you realize that when someone tells something in confidence to someone it's intended to stay a secret until that person says it's okay?"

She steps back out after putting her cigarette out and flicking it into the water. She never liked smoking around kids. Not like it did anything for her nerves lately. She's had a lot on her mind.

"Dammit though, you are right none the less... Sorry."

She pokes Kamiko. "Nippontai is gonna be drove up the wall by you, I swear, Miss Shakespeare."

"That's Heiwa, Mary."

Mary nods. "Yep... Peace sounds like a cool codename... if you were Pax." She jokingly pokes Kamiko again. "And here I thought I'd be getting the sidekick!"

She adjusts her shirt, seeing the one real mistake Kamiko is making, she making mental wagers as to how long it takes before someone mentions Kamiko is still wearing the life jacket. "Bit disappointed you didn't consider joining the maritime defense force."

[Sailor OOC]

"Actually, I think they can use my talents, Mary. You just see. I think you'll like me in their uniform."

Kamiko smiles. "So... are you calmed down?"

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik waited in the Blue Water Lounge, clad in a simple but stunning semi-tuxedo of black. Already, despite the family-friendly atmosphere, men and women were eying him, and just as obviously trying to hide it for the sake of the children and any significant others or spouses. The effect on people was something he was utterly used to by now. His job as the Social Director of GNS had kept him around the city for some time, convincing potential colonists to set out and leading minor tours on occasion.

It looked like the first of many places that could spread out humanity, and alleviate the potential of nova-baseline infighting causing a catastrophe for all. Good foresight on Star's part.

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star Prime was waiting in a very nice private room, deep below the Blue Water Lounge. She - or rather her other selves - had carved it and a few others out by hand in exchange for cover contractual consideration from Ryu, the proprietor. They were his rooms, and he did use them discretely but without Star's technical help and literal muscle he would never have been able to afford such things.

This particular chamber was done up in classic Japanese Edo period splendor. That meant elegant simplicity with carefully placed items of incredible quality - a chamber fit for many purposes, fitted with the latest in non-networked security measures and materials ... one hundred meters down from the restaurant. No one would know it though, as behind the shoji there was a system of lighting, audio gear, and atmospheric controls that was currently set to 'mountain retreat' at the 'evening' setting. One could smell the bamboo forest, correct even to Nova noses, and hear the birds and other wildlife ... again, correct. The breeze even rattled the shoji a tiny little bit once in a while as it would in that period.

This was not frippery, however, as GNS had been researching long duration space flight. The idea for this sort of environment had been around for a while in many forms ... but now, whether underground or in space, it was possible to bring a genuine sense of being in a natural environment into a sealed one.

Today, the splendid chamber and it various vestibules and antechambers were set up for dinner and some live music. Her aunt, Violet Arachnia, was skilled in traditional Japanese culture. She with her various limbs would be performing an interesting set of classical arrangements.

Of the guests only Dan and Murat knew of these secure rooms. Once they got everyone to the restaurant, they and maybe a few of herself that were about, would bring the party down here through one of the false private rooms that led to one of the elevators.

[Dan Hawkins]

With his party in Tow, Dan led them to the Lounge, Just as everyone knew the Admiral and Star, so too was he known to everyone. Ryu knew him well, and that Kamiko was the adopted daughter of the prestiegous Hideyoshi family of Tokyo, well that was well known as well. The walk to the Lounge was quiet, most everyone hadn't seen anything more than the video.

Once pleasantries were exchanged, They were shown to a lavishly appointed private meeting room, one without Star Prime. Dan smiled, went to one of the far wall panels, and pressed the concealed switch that revealed the hidden elevator. "I trust no one will speak of what they see."

With everyone inside, he smiled, and sent them downward. The doors opened to reveal a series of underdground rooms and antechambers set to evoke some of the finiest Japanese culutural aspects, and Dan smiled as he led them to Star. He bowed politely to Star, "I see things have worked out quite well here. Thank you for inviting us all."

[Murat]

Murat opens a warp and, as space falls away from him, he steps from the sitting room in his residence into the private room Star has waiting. Upon arriving he moves to stand by Star and greets her, “Admiral.” He then moves to greet the rest of the guests and pauses looking at Sarah, feeling a disorientation that cuts clean through him.

The moment passes and he recovers slightly from shock and moves to Dan. He leans to him asking confusedly, “I thought Sarah was… Well to say, I thought she was gone Dan?” He looks again at Sarah as his expression fades back to the calm look he normally presents.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko adjusts her glasses, looking at the newcomer.

But she holds her tongue since this new person knows Dan and Dan would be the best to explain the situation.

She simply nods to Murat and keeps to her seating arrangement.

[The Mariner]

Mary respectfully takes her seat and observes Murat.

Something about him seemed familiar.

"Do I... know you, sir?" She asks, scratching her head.

[Dan Hawkins]

"She is. This is also Sarah though, just not the same one you knew." It was a more cryptic response than he usually gave, and he'd been careful to instruct everyone to not speak of certain realities on Sarah's homeworld. It was simply best not to alarm anyone."

[Murat]

"A pleasure to meet you then Sarah. Hopefully we can speak more on this in the future."

Murat turns to look at Mary. "Yes Miss Masters we have met before. I was with DeVries when you were signed on. I was one of the instructors at Windhoek when you were training with Dan.”

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star let everyone get settled a bit, it was only a semi-formal atmosphere. True to form, this was a good sushi joint ... and along the walls the little carved bamboo half-pipes filled with water. This made waterfalls on some of the installed potted plants and bonsai arrangements. What had seemed to be a decorative element was in fact functional: Sushi boats, packed with more than sushi ... even little individual tea pots and cold cocktails ... started circulating along the canals.

This was already quite fashionable in Tokyo, but actually a revival of the early 2000s style in fine dining for executives. No servers were needed, and no servers could listen in.

"Thank you all for coming. It has been a good month, and I have been missing seeing friends together. I see you all individually, but I figured that it was time for all GNS types and some friends got together. There are also a couple of surprises ... at least to surprises to some ... that I have planned for tonight. First though, start looking for what you like. There is all sorts of stuff on the menu, just take the plates from the boats if you like what you see."

"Kami-chan, how is that sign up to Nippontai going?"

Star looked ... different ... to those who had not seen her for a few weeks.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko looks at her watch.

"I'll see in a while. I've had a lot of thinking to do. weighing the pros and cons of this."

She sighs as she looks at the food.

"I don't know if I'm really hungry right now."

[Karren Gaunt]

*Sarah Hawkins*

Sarah nodded her head up at the taller man, cracking a private smile at the fact she'd tower over him as much as he towered over her if she relaxed. "I hope so. I am an... accidental traveler, newly arrived and getting a rapid crash course in what life is like here," she volunteered in honeyed words, eyeing the refreshments and resisting the counter-productive reflection of how long it been since she'd seen some of it. It'd just make her feel guilty.

"And you are..? You know my name, but I don't know yours," she finished, tone gently teasing.

[Murat]

Murat turns back to Sarah and bows slightly. "You are correct, please forgive the oversight. My name is Murat I worked with Dan and knew a different Sarah. I am the lead warper for New Hope, heading the transport and movement between here and Earth."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

Star says to Kami with a smile "Kami-chan, if this is about those resignation papers ... don't worry. They are processed and you will have no legal problems with the Japanese government. They are fine with it, and when they asked me I put in a good word for you. All true too. You will always be part of our family here. In fact, hold your horses for just a few minutes and enjoy some food. There is a pleasant surprise in store for you tonight."

...

Overhearing Sarah's comment "Oh? Accidental traveller? .... Please, do tell. Starseed by the way ... no need for anyone here to call me Admiral tonight. Nice to meet you."

[Sailor OOC]

Where there once was acceptance there was now a lot of doubt. And anger.

She could have had a ship, a crew, a starring part in everything the GNS accomplished on her adopted family's name and her nation. All she wanted was just one little victory. All she wanted was to be a success. Then there was everything else. All the drama, all the anger and hate. All the pain she's been through and she feels she's just thrown away something she could have salvaged to become something great, and that was what was grinding her molars.

She just sat there, silently. considering the permanence of her actions.

She didn't want to say it, not there, but everything that has transpired... particularly in the last few days... has her seriously considering leaving it all behind and hiding on her station.

"I just have a question. Just one. What made you keep me on with GNS, after Mars?"

She felt here and now in this environment, she could ask this.

[The Mariner]

Mary sighed. "Dammit, Kamiko. Still obsessed about that command?"

She stared her down for a moment, giving her that look that Dan made famous. "If you are going to keep behaving like that I don't think I can trust you around my colleagues."

"You want to throw away an opportunity before you even know it's there, Kamiko?"

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko sighs. "Sorry, Star... the answers should be apparent to me already."

"Consider the question dropped."

She adjusts herself in her seat, feeling more uncomfortable by the minute.

[The Mariner]

"Dammit this kid is rude... if this wasn't around Dan and at a dinner setting I would have paintbrushed the little shit right here and now." She thinks as she starts loading her plate. She always gets hungry when annoyed. More than normal.

She could see Kamiko has a problem with grudges, even after she's supposedly more "enlightened" than what she was before her apotheosis. She's always been a creature of emotion. Which didn't sound like her mother, or Dan. she begins to wonder if it is the fact that Kamiko has chosen to isolate herself?

"Good." She ways, starting to eat. "By the way, after all this, Kamiko, I want you to focus on Nippontai. Make the right choice. Actually stick with it. You got a problem like a crow has. You go after every shiny you find. This has got to stop, kid. Find your purpose."

[Karren Gaunt]

Kamiko's uncertainties weren't Sarah's concerns, much as she had a stock speech or two on the topic that she'd given over the years. The blonde sizeshifter was having trouble enough keeping herself together all the time. "Yes, I'm not from around here. Wanted to escape my problems and developed the 'quantum' power to do so literally. Wasn't my intention to do so, but despite how complicated everything is compared to back home, I can't say I'm unhappy about the fact I came here," she offered in reply to their hostess, noddign thanks to murat, "Everything GNS is doing... I'm still having trouble thinking about it as something real and not something out of science fiction."

"Having my sandals on the ground here, certainly helped though," she confessed with a laugh, loading up a plate with one of everything, sushi something she hadn't had in five years.

[Dan Hawkins]

Dan smiled. "For most it was science fiction until Starseed decided to make it reality." He smiled. "Where novas lead, the world generally likes to follow. Especially in Japan."

He chuckled, ordering for himself and Sonja. Kamiko and Mary's issues needed working out, and when they got home, he was already making plans to see it done.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko's stomach starts to growl and she starts to get her food.

"Sorry, everyone... Star is a good friend, all of her. Just that what I've been through with GNS has been a total roller-coaster. There's... Regrets."

She sighs as she organizes her plate.

"I could have been a far better crew member for her... at least with Nippontai I can start to grow more than I have before. I still have a lot I need to learn and they can provide it. They were actually exited to hear of what I wanted out of Nippontai and how I can make it happen."

"To be honest Star... we might be working with each other anyways."

[Doctor Varroxxian]

"Alright then, the time for regrets is over. Time for a toast and a speech" says Star.

She stands and raises her cup "To friends who are as my family, and to new friends."... continuing,

"It was inevitable, that humanity in all its forms spread out from Earth. I am hoping that by pushing it along a few decades earlier than it might have come on its own .... some of the social pressures the Nova age has brought to Terran culture will be relieved."

"One thing that you may have noticed from our website, Sarah, is that GNS is only the first to do this sort of thing for the public ... in the public eye. There are individuals, covert private and governmental efforts, even secretive cabals that have been out to the Stars even before I was born. While the is absolutely nothing wrong with looking for private bolt holes ... doing so doesn't provide the sort of pressure release valve for society that I am nurturing. Naturally, people are coming out here for money, for adventure, and to follow an old dream ... as individuals they probably don't care in the same way that all of us at GNS care. That said, they are channeling their personal energies, their hopes and dreams, for exploration and colonization. As Aristotle noted, the virtuous only become so by acting with virtue. By coming out here, or mining in the asteroid belts, or living the life of a spacer ... ordinary people are becoming extraordinary. People who might have sided in the ongoing racial conflict between baseline and Nova will instead live dreams of hope."

"Of course, we never explain the psychology of the matter to the public in that way. It ends up ruining the magic, dampening the excitement. That is just marketing ... but I mention it explicitly because Terran culture ... our culture ... has problems. No doubt you have read about the hatred that lives on either side of the divide between baseline and Nova. Note I only use baseline in its proper medical context, as an average human is still capable of remarkable feats. We at GNS are doing out part to bridge that divide, and keep hope for a better tomorrow alive and well."

"That brings me to my friend Kamiko, and my first friend on returning to earth. My best friend has been going through some growing pains. That said, she has grown in more ways that I have the opportunity to mention here - we'd be all night."

Star paused, her tremendous charisma rolling off her ...

"With her upcoming entry into Nippontai she resigned her commission of Lieutenant Commander. According to Nippontai regulations I am not allowed to give her an active commission or enlist her for a period of ten years. We are working closely with the Japanese government, and with an international legal body created by that government for purposes of cooperation with other governments - they may be Terran, like the Congo - or they may be extra-terrestrial. So despite the resignation, Kami-chan, have no regrets. You will always be close to the heart of this family."

"Under that legal arrangement I am also empowered to award you ... Kamiko Hideyoshi ... the honorary rank of Captain. Provided that you remain a member of Nippontai in good standing. Furthermore, it should be noted that you have put in long hours during a critical stage of GNS development. As a reward for your loyalty and service I am proud to award you the title, under Japanese law, to the Hikari Maru A. As a member of Nippontai, you are legally permitted to be the Captain of a Japanese Space Ship. Thanks to the GNS volunteer legal teams who have been hammering out space law for six weeks."

Kami was clearly getting excited, Star held up a hand so she could add one last thing.

"Your ship is still at space dock, fresh from refit. Though she will still function as before, compatible with all of my powers ... the refit has expanded her capabilities. She can operate without me, fitted with six month life support and a class seven lithium ion drive system courtesy of Mitsubishi. I understand you do have the funds to operate such a vehicle - and upkeep of the new systems isn't cheap - but she even has enough thrust to manage orbital maneuvers or landing on planetoids. This is REAL technology, so it has hard limits unlike quantum powers. Speaking of powers, I have designed a paper extrusion system that spins a ring of paper into a warp aperture for you. This rather straightforward system will allow you to use your own warps to explore the galaxy in style. She will take you where you want to go."

Star took a set of crys-steel flight keys out of her pocket, and via her magneto-kenisis they silently glided through the air to Kami's seat at the table.

Click here for a pic

The Hikari Maru A - Hayabusa Class

https://sites.google.../hayabusa-class

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko rises and catches the keys.

"Money is of no object, Star. Through running a few old calculations my mother had in a old diary of hers with some tweaks for the current economic climate, some strategic application of micro transactions, and a swiss bank account, although I am uncomfortable with the amount... My current net worth is larger than most countries on the planet. But I could not have done it without the original seed the GNS planted for me, and one of the last gifts my Mother gave me. That is why the Yacht that will be permanently stationed on Lake Aino within the Bibliotheca Sacra is named for her."

"But, with all great power comes responsibility. I am indeed going to be serving my country among the ranks of Nippontai. The N.S.S Hikari Maru A will be Nippontai's first space-worthy vehicle.

With the resources I have I must focus on making the world a better place. I believe the term Metahumanity is not just some catchphrase I made for a movie. It can be a movement, an ideal all of us can strive for. Someday, when historians look upon our era, they will see it as a turning point. Where a few brave souls decided the best way to unite Metahumanity was through the noble endeavor of space exploration."

She lifts her glass. "To Metahumanity, To Country, To Family, and to Star. Admiral of the first fleet of Terra, Chief of all Stellar Naval operations."

"Just one question... will she be compatible with the MMU drive system? I thought that to be a brilliant idea."

[Karren Gaunt]

*Sarah Hawkins*

Through much effort, the blonde sizeshifter managed to keep the overt feelings of jealousy that she had been wrestling with from affecting her expression. This world was far from perfect, a powder keg waiting for a spark with than enough people running around with torches to make the idea not only possible, but likely. She had given up asking about who was doing what, because every new story brought up another conspiracy and competing factions within that conspiracy. And if this Starseed girl, another of these wonder children, could reduce that pressure somehow, Sarah could only wish her the best.

She nibbled on her sushi, savoring the experience and absorbing the conversations around her until she could get Dan to explain it more to her. He really was the same in all the best ways, much as that familarity sometimes caused as much pain as comfort. "May your efforts be blessed with both oppurtunity and the common sense needed to exploit it," she offered to the gathering after swallowing, repeating an odd saying from a now-lost ally of hers, raising a glass of something with bubbles in her own addition to the toast.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko nods.

"Anyone wish to add to our reverie?"

She looks to Dan. "I think my Father might wish to add something... or perhaps our new face?" Kamiko says, looking to Murat.

"What about you, Darrik? You are the social director of the GNS after all."

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik shrugged and raised a glass. "To good days ahead." The shortest toasts were often the best.

[Dan Hawkins]

"To family and friends, those here with us, and those who are not." He smiled raising his glass.

"To a bright and shining future for everyone." Sonja raised her glass of apple juice, joining in the festivities.

[Sailor OOC]

Kamiko nods, realizing her glass was empty she has a laugh that no one noticed it.

"Oh dear here I am thinking about my future and I'm not noticing the simple things."

Kamiko blushes. Out of reflex she adjusts her clothes and finally notices her other oversight.

"Aaaaand.... oh dear."

She glances to Mary. "You could have reminded me I was still wearing the life jacket."

Mary just grins.

"Oh well..."

Kamiko fills her glass with Sake and lifts it back up. "Also... to having good humor in awkward times."

[Murat]

Murat finally raises his glass. "May your tomorrow always be a better day."