The Chrysanthemum

The pair moved over the wrought panels and twisted beams before coming into the broken remnants of the bridge, where before sat the Captain's command station overlooking the various consoles operating the ship, they were now splintered.

Shattered and bloodied steel riddled the snow blankets filled the windswept void between the scattered computing modules and dead holographic displays lit faint light of a dim white glow. Pierce let go of Ridge as he moved down to the trail of scrap metal, leaving Ridge in the broken bridge to try and revive any of the systems while he looked through the wreckage.

Pierce clutched at the straining pain burdening every breath.

"What are you doing just letting him head out after all that effort it took to find him...IDIOT" Rayce could be heard stumbling into the same room, yelling at the occupied Ridge with enough frustration to carry his voice through the screaming tundral winds embracing Pierce.

"Right now we have to call for help before we freeze to death. The Captain knows this...I hope." Avoiding a wrench coming from the disgruntled Rayce before he scoffed on his way to what would have been the Reactor Room.

Hearing that they were okay only fueled Pierce's search for the rest of his crew.

"Thella and V...they were near the consoles...so where are they?" Coming across a burning console and using the heat to motivate him forward.

He would see the orphan light reveal a section of the viewing port that was attached to the bridge lying against a glacial face, with the sound of the tensioned metal warning him to move as fast as he could.

Wading through deeper and deeper snow, Pierce forced himself to crawl where he needed and pulled apart freezing barriers before he could see the azure light of her Diagnostic Indicator.

Something he knew from all his time spent working alongside their Pygmy companion.

"V...we need to get out of here!"

Model: White Cradle Iteration. Galatea

Designation: Vronica 4HM-U02.

System Diagnostics: Substantial Chassis Destruction and System Failure.

Initialized Repair Cycle: 87% Complete.

"Th—that's good. We need to get you out of here, Thella is still missing" What little strength he had, he used to lumber his way to her before dragging her out of the heap of rubble.

Stopping near the burning console, only to witness the structure finally give way, slipping past the glacier and letting loose a chunk of ice that crashed down, the force knocking back the pair into the wreckage.

Forcing him awake, a wide-eyed Pierce cast away his blankets, drenched in a cold sweat with most of his sheets strewn across the metallic floor below. He looked down as he patted his body,uncomfortably reaching for his stomach, his torn gut a crescent scar.

"EJ?"

"Good morning, Captain."

"Yeah…Where are we right now?"

"When you began your rest we had passed the Kuiper Belt. Sergeant Essern decided to stop by Saturn to refuel"

"Hmm, there should be Monastery World nearby, right?"

"Titan, yes."

"Lieutenant Vaun has been looking for you as well. With regards to the battery replacement and the resilience armor plating upgrades for the ship. He is convinced that your refusal to settle on the ablative shielding was directly responsible for two instances wherein you needlessly risked their lives. To quote: "

'You don't choose resilience armor if you aren't willing to get the necessary cooling. You're going to end up cooking yourself before you can shed all that heat. Ablative is more expensive but if it's for the mission, you shouldn't be going the conservative route. His damn pursuit for efficiency almost fucking cooked us…TWICE' The recording of Rayce's rant ended.

"He must still be upset about our run through the Scorpius Star System. We had no time to retrofit the ship for new shielding and reach the Silver Council transport vessel that had sent out it's distress beacon"

"He has tried on several occasions to override your authority. This was his most vocal protest."

"I understand. While he is rash, Rayce will not risk mutiny" Grabbing his shirt and fixing his dark matted hair into the military's bun, something that he has been doing out of habit since he first became a Blade, though unconsciously bringing his bangs over his scarred brows, reminders of that fateful crash.

Leaving his quarters.

He got himself ready, grabbing his boots, and his coat and making sure to arm himself, sliding the metallic rods into a holster attached to his hip.

The young Captain would likely forget the tendency of repair and cleaning crews to help themselves to certain personal effects they believe will not be missed during their job, as such he quickly returned to his room to retrieve a peculiar pendant as he made his way to the cargo bay.

"Captain Gage, the crew is already in the Transfer Terminal. They were waiting for your arrival"

"Good work, V." Putting on the pendant, the dull gray metal was shaped into a pair of wings wrapped around a dark black core that shimmered with a silvery hexagonal pattern when touched by the glow of any light.

Pierce and Vronica opened the bay doors as they left the confined space before being greeted by a maintenance officer.

"This 'er is your repair plate. Don't lose it or your baby won't be leaving our docks. 'The Enduring Hope for Justice' seems like the kind of craft you don't go peddling to anyone."

"Understood, I will be leaving her in your care. She is as important to me as any other member of my crew" Shaking the large, furry and muscled paw of the maintenance officer.

"Captain, the repairs may take a few days, what will we do with the rest of the time?" V wondered.

"Let's meet with everyone to go over that" He answered, as they stepped onto the moving platform, carrying them towards the Transfer Terminal.

"Ahh. A few days? Now that isn't right. Titan's shipwrights wouldn't give you a finishing date with how meticulous they can get, knowing you it was probably that Mimicry bullshit" Ridge wondered before waving down a passing droid for a refill of his drink.

"We're not here to party it up, the ship may be undergoing repairs but we're still on a mission" Pierce answered as he passed a tray of fries to the eager Rayce.

"And you're the genius that thinks it's smart to speak of our work so loudly and in the open?" Rayce added before downing his drink with a few short gulps.

"Yes sir! Saturlite Lager has got nothing on this. Bring me a bottle of Sable Braü any day of the week." Almost slamming his empty bottle with Vronica managing to catch it and placing it on the tray of a passing waiter, startling them back to the bar.

"Lieutenant Vaun is right, Captain. Ozrickt will be doing his best to hide from any of the Silver Council's forces. But at least we know he'll be by the Fuel Fields." Vronica informed the group before putting away her data slate.

"Sure but that window will only open in three days. For now, we need to take it easy...and maybe set a trap..." Rayce leaned back before slumping onto Thella, who promptly shoved him away, only for him to land on a preoccupied Ridge.

"If that's the case, I'll go and gather information. The rest of you can find a place for us to sleep and let me know—maybe near the Hyperion Ice Showers. Or the monasteries of the North...hmm?" Pierce got up to leave but Vronica's strength sat him back down.

"An elevated heart rate and unusual blood pressure coupled with a lack of consistent sleep means such a task will not be fruitful"

"Hmm"

"Above all else, you need both food and proper rest."

"Sigh. Very well. I'll go and find a place for us." Pierce got up from his seat.

"And I shall accompany you" She waved to the group before she followed their Captain much to his dismay.

The pair took a shuttle to the City of Menrva before sending their location to the rest of the group while the craft braved the strong winds of the spurring storm formation around the TRC-Towers.

"The next shuttle will take off in six hours due to the oncoming formation. Please forgive us for the inconvenience." The announcer's voice sounded over the intercom as the shuttle perched on the growing wet works of the landing pad.

Riding the elevator into the shuttle station before switching to the city's light rails. Pierce sent out the weather alert to the rest of his crew who returned an image of a drunken Rayce and Thella at each other's throat with the caption:

"We're going to be here for a while, Captain- Ridge"

"They seem to be doing well..." Vronica mused after looking over at this data slate, while Pierce's gaze was drawn to the outside, looking out the shuttle window at the architecture that seemed to persist since the early days of the first settlers.

The prevalent Oriental culture stemmed from the first settlers who developed a monastic way of life after being cut off from the Inner-Rim Worlds during the wars of the Scattering.

Growing into quite the spectacle with the ancient castle-style skyscrapers furnished with various networks of piping and wiring all fitting in the structures as if they were a natural part of it, through intricate artistic designs.

The spaces between the immense temples crowned in shimmering jade ore and vibrant colors used to decorate them were surrounded by a thick haze obscuring their peaks, forcing any vehicles to travel at a distance. Far below the dense blanket of fog, the skyways were filled by the passages of airships carrying freight or for the more luxurious carriers, ferrying passengers.

Coming to a stop at the Zheng He station, the large red wooden gates welcomed them. Once they disembarked, Vronica using her understanding of where they came to, she led Pierce on their way.

Checking out of the station, the pair opted to walk the streets lined with luminescent botany that gave life to the inanimate displays of art that made up the City under the light mist of the evening showers.

On their way traveling through the express district built out of the roads that connect to the station, the pair would come across some Pygmys tending to their masters, whether it be carrying their luggage or managing their stubborn children with the distant parents exclaiming their disdain for the delayed shuttle service.

Her eyes followed them as they left the nearest store with a far more subdued expression about, she unconsciously slowed pace and lowered her head with the strangers passing by them. Pierce simply walked up beside her:

"V, have you settled on any adequate recommendations for us?" Looking at more of the interesting stores showcasing the ornate items put on display as he asked.

"Yes sir. The Chrysanthemum should be up ahead"

"Well, that's good." Holding her hand, he took the lead and continued to stay by her side, as he asked her more about the city. Something she felt almost charmed by, though not by the questions...

'Even now, even in front of everyone. He still chooses to stand beside me. He's always doing this' She smiled as they came up the street and left the express district.

"Oh, is everything all right?" He wondered after noting her smile, as they entered the hotel.

"Not at all, Captain Gage. I was simply reminded of a pleasant thought."

"I see," Said Pierce in an unbothered tone..

'No change. Could be due to the irregularities of his current condition' She scanned him discreetly.

Entering through the ornate wooden doors that slid open they were greeted by the vivid scent of pine and the sound of a gentle stream. Inside, the foyer was decorated with dark-stone tiles with lush fauna tended into gardens that divided the room in two allowing the guests an invigorating experience as they walked up to the help desk.

The attendant turned around behind their counter. Grabbing a data slate with the sleight of hand that years of mundane labor would breed into them, their gray hair was held back behind her ears with the aid of her glasses. Dressed in the red and robe, her soft features were lit by the calming light of the room.

"Good day, and welcome to the Chrysanthemum. At the moment we have several overnight rooms available..." Their eyes glazed over after meeting that of Pierce, almost stumbling over their words as they attempted to make sense of their muddying thoughts.

"Hmm. V. If you wouldn't mind?" Pierce stepped away before resting on one of the benches beside the flowing indoor stream, fed by the waters of the overhead fountain, running down the prevalent vines and roots of the gardens.

"I should have been in more control. I cannot allow myself to lose sense of that." He said before Vronica returned to his side.

"You have not had a proper bout of sleep in over a week. First, you lose your faculties and then, your control..."

"I can rest when I'm done working. The Silver Council has tasked us with this important mission"

"No, you must rest if it risks putting others around you in danger. Even you should know that is what matters. You may believe your own condition is a secondary priority, but if we are unable to rely on you Pierce…" She said before her eyes widened at the realization.

Getting up and grabbing one of the several keys the attendant was bringing over to them before making his way to the elevator.

"Be sure to greet the others once they arrive."

The attendant placed the remaining keys in her hand before heading deeper into the building in quite the huff. Leaving Vronica almost disheartened.

While her nature bound her to duty, she was aware of her own will...and said will had her make her way to their rooms after contacting the rest of the crew, all of whom were on their way.

Reading the numbers in the keys, she knew exactly which one was missing and stepped into said room, with little trouble disabling the security look.

Inside the sound of trickling drops and soaked steps alerted her to the movements of the occupant. But she simply entered the room, making her way to the small kitchenette where she stood for a moment, her eyes flickering with the familiar violet hue. She filled the kettle while looking through the cabinets.

The occupant soon finished up.

"If you're a thief, then you have chosen an unfortunate victim" He called from within the quiet bathroom.

Before entering the room, after drying his hair he wondered why Vronica was there.

"Captain, you need your rest" Setting down the teapot on the table nearby, she sat comfortably on the chair nearby, ignoring the fact her Captain was still half-naked.

"Understood. And I was just about to..." Getting to beside the bed, he sat on the balls of his feet with knees pressed against the ground.

"Not meditation, actual rest. Could this be due to the nightmares?" Offering him a steaming cup of tea.

"I doubt it, I'm simply unnerved. I would prefer working than wasting time in bed" Hesitantly taking up the cup with a firm gaze of him.

"Then come to bed, I'll watch while you sleep"

Knowing how stubborn she tends to be, Pierce would save himself a great amount of grief by heeding her request, so he finished his drink and got onto the covers, and finally relenting to his fatigue, he closed his eyes.

"If you intend on staying, you must at least stay some distance from me" She nodded before taking a chair to sit near the window.

"A Blank, how unfortunate"

"Captain-General, what do you mean by that? Why have I been kept from training with the others"

"From today on yours will be more intense, to ensure that you aren't a danger to others."

"This doesn't make any sense, it doesn't..." Fluttering eyelids sounded the end of his rest as they opened to Vronica sitting beside him with her hand on his chest.

"Your vitals had been irregular before, but then they suddenly became erratic. I was trying to stabilize it. It seems that I was successful in the attempt"

"I understand..." He let out, leaning back into his bed.

"Captain, if you wouldn't mind me asking, what had you shedding a tear? Were you in distress"

"Probably just fatigue, V."

"I cannot say that makes much sense, however you are certain that is the case I shall continue to watch over you. You seemed to have gained considerable strength over the past two hours." She got up to sit back by the window only for him to hold her hand.

"You don't have to leave, in case something happens you can act quickly"

"Understood. I would have preferred that you asked me earlier, Captain" She answered, feeling the rise of his breath and the change in his pulse.

'It changed. Was it what I said, or...' They locked eyes as she spoke

The city would turn bright as the lights of every building and every street turned on. Beneath the beige skies of the moon, the emerald and vermillion lights lit it up like a second morning had taken over from the night.

Finally waking up despite not remembering when exactly he fell into his sleep, Pierce turned over, his gaze scanning the room for his companion.

"I must still be asleep. Unless she went out to find the others"

"Hmm, is there someone you are looking for, Captain?" Peeking out of the covers, with her bright hair covering most of what was bare, Pierce gripped the sheets to prop himself up against the wall, putting some space between their bare torsos.

"V, what are you doing? where are your clothes, and why were you in my sheets?" He wondered as he kept his eyes firmly on her eyes, his gaze locked on the curious expression she had about her when he quickly realized that neither of them had anything on. Looking over the side of the bed, he found atop the mound of clothing nearby.

Grabbing his discarded briefs while the unbothered Vronica got off of him.

"Sleeping, Captain. Is something the matter? Your vitals have returned to their basic measure but there does seem to be an irregularity with our heart rate." She said crawling over the bed towards him.

Only halted as he moved around, sneakily grabbing the sheets and covering her before he answered her.

"What do you mean, I thought you didn't need to sleep. Also, where are your clothes?"

"Captain Gage. If I remember correctly you are the one that asked me to remain with you as you slept. And while I do not sleep in the conventional sense, I am able to perform processes akin to those you experience." Moving closer as she answered.

Intrigued by the change in his reaction, something that he hasn't shown before...

Knowing he couldn't escape her, he grabbed a hold of her. Unless he was hurting her, she wouldn't perceive his action as violent and wouldn't retaliate...only problem was he had never held someone that was bare before...well except for one person, he thought to himself.

"And as for my clothing. As you had nothing covering your torso, I did not want to do anything to make your rest period uncomfortable so I disrobed"

"Normally people don't just jump straight to take their clothes off. And if that was the case you could leave your undergarments on at the very least. Though I am concerned that what has happened may be considered as a malicious use of authority?" Now holding up the sheet between them as she got dressed.

"While I disrobed, you must have done the same. Since I was laying atop you, you must have done so for your own comfort. And Captain, while you may have asked me to stay, it was my choice to do so, not an order" Peeking over the sheet, only to detect the change still present with her most recent scan.

From outside the room, the sound of approaching footsteps meets the door.

"Ahhh. I'm never touching a bottle of booze while I'm in this city. Captain. C'mon, Rayce said he has something important to shaRRRREEE" His words trailed off as he watched Vronica fasten her garters in full view of their Captain.

"Oh, Sergeant Ridge... we'll be out in a moment"

"Don't worry Captain, you just....yeah"

'Holy crap. Was he...well if anyone could make some numb as him blush it would probably be a Pygmy'

"Well, that's going to be trouble."

"Would you like me to hold the sheet now Captain?"

"No. That's quite all right, V. Report to Rayce and the others while I get ready" She nodded before leaving without a minute to lose.