Nakahama

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 5:45 pm

Hitomi raises her glass in a silent, placating, toast. "Ehh, never a good look to berate underlings out in public. And can you imagine the feeds full of her doing it in that outfit? Taking it outside to save face for all is sensible."

"Wonder what the fine actually is up here for violations of the noise codes?" she chuckles.

As the music picks back up, she taps her foot and says, "but before all that political theater, we were talking rumors. I don't know that I'm feeling any better about them, seeing that kind of political game being played at the top and in public."

"Governor busts loose in more ways than one, film at 11, parental supervision advised." she suggested.

She sipped on her drink.

"Not to mention whoever yelled out 'Forever Night' when she made her appearance. She looked more concerned about that than it just ruining her entrance." she wondered.

She considered the possibilities.

"I assume you're talking about the band of costumed figures not in attendance tonight." she offered, keeping this at least a little quiet. "It's true that it could practically anything from bored teens to let's say people who are more unsavory than needs be spoken of in public. I do have faith in the guard, but as has been pointed out, they need everyone to do their part. If you see something suspicious, you call them. Vigilance has always been a cornerstone of the Crab, you can't let the warm island weather and cold drinks make you think that's changed."

Hiruma Akito wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 2:30 pm Akito followed Suh-Hyun's gaze (and her ears) whistling softly as he recognized the players involved.

"That'll be a bit of a scandal. If they start interrogating people..." He flashed her a quick grin. "-maybe we swim for shore. Alas, that's probably a bit toowild, even for General Horse and Fancy Formalwear.

His smile turned less playful, more honest, as she gave her name. "Hiruma Akito. And I will look you up." His lips quirked again. "Chocolate fountain's just not as fun with a Magistrate supervising."

"Your magistrate here is...quite something," Suh-Hyun remarked after they left, "I mean I fully believe a Mantis would violate a few minor laws to throw a party. Probably a requirement for them, but to speak to the Governor in such a manner." She shook her head, "Glad we didn't have to go with your plan. I like this costume to much to ruin it with a dip. And swimming unclothed with a bundle above my head would be awkward in multiple ways."

Her eyes turn back to him and she shrugs, "Well...seems our mystery is over, and I fear the party might be shortly as well. A pleasure to meet you Hiruma Akito."

Yasuki Taraka wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 6:46 pm "Governor busts loose in more ways than one, film at 11, parental supervision advised." she suggested.

She sipped on her drink.

"Not to mention whoever yelled out 'Forever Night' when she made her appearance. She looked more concerned about that than it just ruining her entrance." she wondered.

She considered the possibilities.

"I assume you're talking about the band of costumed figures not in attendance tonight." she offered, keeping this at least a little quiet. "It's true that it could practically anything from bored teens to let's say people who are more unsavory than needs be spoken of in public. I do have faith in the guard, but as has been pointed out, they need everyone to do their part. If you see something suspicious, you call them. Vigilance has always been a cornerstone of the Crab, you can't let the warm island weather and cold drinks make you think that's changed."

Nodding as she sips and ignores another piece of costume coming loose as she taps her foot to the, rather catchy, music, Hitomi considers the Crab's reputation. "I've felt comfortable here in a way that makes it easy to forget how the Crab clan's past, and some of their present worlds, shape them. Nobody reminding me to show some jade or wary that I'm something to hunt."

"I did wonder about that Forever Night thing. Is that some other local lore, like the Spirit of Misfortune?" she asks while looking around the room at things picking back up for the final burst of partying for the night.

Shinjo Suh-Hyun wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 7:33 pm "Your magistrate here is...quite something," Suh-Hyun remarked after they left, "I mean I fully believe a Mantis would violate a few minor laws to throw a party. Probably a requirement for them, but to speak to the Governor in such a manner." She shook her head, "Glad we didn't have to go with your plan. I like this costume to much to ruin it with a dip. And swimming unclothed with a bundle above my head would be awkward in multiple ways."

Her eyes turn back to him and she shrugs, "Well...seems our mystery is over, and I fear the party might be shortly as well. A pleasure to meet you Hiruma Akito."

"Yeah..." Akito's lips were definitely frowning. "Seems like trouble. Above my rank, no doubt." Still, his troubled gaze did linger a few moments longer on the magistrate.

But only a few. He turned back to Suh-Hyun. "I think you're right." Akito smiled again, somehow both playful and genuine. "It really has been a pleasure, Shinjo Suh-Hyun. I really should like to have that drink with you another time. I expect we both have a few more mysteries to uncover." His pale eyes seemed to glint in the dim light. "I'd like to find out."

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 7:42 pm

Nodding as she sips and ignores another piece of costume coming loose as she taps her foot to the, rather catchy, music, Hitomi considers the Crab's reputation. "I've felt comfortable here in a way that makes it easy to forget how the Crab clan's past, and some of their present worlds, shape them. Nobody reminding me to show some jade or wary that I'm something to hunt."

"I did wonder about that Forever Night thing. Is that some other local lore, like the Spirit of Misfortune?" she asks while looking around the room at things picking back up for the final burst of partying for the night.

Taraka snapped her fingers, at least she could with the one hand after setting down her drink.

"Ah did we forget that part of the Crab experience, Suzume-san? I can have Hida Genta-kun swing by and loom ominously behind you if it would help...though not around meal time. There's no pulling the man from Muri Donburi then. Only person who their signature dish is not a waste of food." she mused.

She looked over the sea of party goers thoughtfully.

"The hardest part of security is security of mind. One cannot be at the highest state of alertness at all times. Your mind would burn out like a candle in a furnace. Many gave their lives to tame this world. There are still dangers about, but kept as far away from the population as is feasibly possible. And so because of the sacrifices of others, we can live in this happy city, where there is food and laughter. But the longer the mind is at peace, the harder it becomes to rouse it back to the highest state of alertness. Peace begets inattentiveness begets tragedy."

She sighed a bit.

"As for Forever Night, my first thought was stealth marketing campaign for a new perfume. Perhaps I need to be a bit more attentive myself." she mused.

Hiruma Akito wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 8:34 pm "Yeah..." Akito's lips were definitely frowning. "Seems like trouble. Above my rank, no doubt." Still, his troubled gaze did linger a few moments longer on the magistrate.

But only a few. He turned back to Suh-Hyun. "I think you're right." Akito smiled again, somehow both playful and genuine. "It really has been a pleasure, Shinjo Suh-Hyun. I really should like to have that drink with you another time. I expect we both have a few more mysteries to uncover." His pale eyes seemed to glint in the dim light. "I'd like to find out."

The Unicorn didn't notice her compatriot's lingering stare on the magistrate. "Oh? Well you can leave a message at the embassy if you want to investigate further."

Her mischievous grin returned, "Now run along little poodle, back to your precious Crusaders." Her tone was haughty, seemed the General had decided to make one last appearance, "Your work here is done. And I have foolish fooled fool mortals to torment."

The haughty attitude dropped for a second, "Take care of yourself for the rest of the night, Hiruma-san." Horse sighed and shrugged, "I had hoped to make an equally grandiose exit, but that dreadful Constabulary killed the mood." And then she was waving him off with a gloved hand, had the night been different the dread oujou-sama laugh would have been deployed.

Ochiba very loudly announces the winners of the party contest.

viewtopic.php?p=5363#p5363

Shinjo Suh-Hyun wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 8:54 pm

Hiruma Akito wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 8:34 pm "Yeah..." Akito's lips were definitely frowning. "Seems like trouble. Above my rank, no doubt." Still, his troubled gaze did linger a few moments longer on the magistrate.

But only a few. He turned back to Suh-Hyun. "I think you're right." Akito smiled again, somehow both playful and genuine. "It really has been a pleasure, Shinjo Suh-Hyun. I really should like to have that drink with you another time. I expect we both have a few more mysteries to uncover." His pale eyes seemed to glint in the dim light. "I'd like to find out."

The Unicorn didn't notice her compatriot's lingering stare on the magistrate. "Oh? Well you can leave a message at the embassy if you want to investigate further."

Her mischievous grin returned, "Now run along little poodle, back to your precious Crusaders." Her tone was haughty, seemed the General had decided to make one last appearance, "Your work here is done. And I have foolish fooled fool mortals to torment."

The haughty attitude dropped for a second, "Take care of yourself for the rest of the night, Hiruma-san." Horse sighed and shrugged, "I had hoped to make an equally grandiose exit, but that dreadful Constabulary killed the mood." And then she was waving him off with a gloved hand, had the night been different the dread oujou-sama laugh would have been deployed.

That got a laugh out of the Hiruma, rich and deep. "Very well, General. You may have won this day." He flashed a quick grin. "But we'll see who ends up on top." His grin softened. "I look forward to seeing your next grand entrance."

With that, he stepped away. "My work here is done." He declared.

And then, with a twirl of his cape, he was gone!

/exit

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 9:53 pm Ochiba very loudly announces the winners of the party contest.

viewtopic.php?p=5363#p5363

Ichitaiyo walks over to the stage, making sure to greet her suplicants as she rose to claim her rightful claim. "Thank you, thank you all."

With magnificence, she took the crown and took it to herself, giving a bow to the crowd. As she stepped out of the stage, she sent some words to the Mantis.

"A minute of your time sooner than later? Out of sight and views."

What an unfortunate turn of events. First the appearance of the magistrate and now the sexy sniper is nowhere around. At least the winner of the contest is a surprise that really makes Senshu smile broadly. The Kitsuki seemed to need a bit of happiness and social success. The Bayushi claps her hands excitedly at the announcement.

Then she orders a cocktail and stays at the bar drinking. Who knows perhaps the sniper will return. In either case the night is still young.

"YAY! CONGRATULATIONS, TAIYO-CHAN!!!" Shouted a somewhat intoxicated angler-fish.

Kitsuki Ichitaiyo wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 10:15 pm
With magnificence, she took the crown and took it to herself, giving a bow to the crowd. As she stepped out of the stage, she sent some words to the Mantis.

"A minute of your time sooner than later? Out of sight and views."

"Oh?" Eyebrows raise. "But of course, for my Party Shogun, anything."

Ochiba sweeps into a bow and will make sure a quiet corner of the penthouse is available when Ichitaiyo wants to talk.

Yasuki Taraka wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 8:54 pm Taraka snapped her fingers, at least she could with the one hand after setting down her drink.

"Ah did we forget that part of the Crab experience, Suzume-san? I can have Hida Genta-kun swing by and loom ominously behind you if it would help...though not around meal time. There's no pulling the man from Muri Donburi then. Only person who their signature dish is not a waste of food." she mused.

She looked over the sea of party goers thoughtfully.

"The hardest part of security is security of mind. One cannot be at the highest state of alertness at all times. Your mind would burn out like a candle in a furnace. Many gave their lives to tame this world. There are still dangers about, but kept as far away from the population as is feasibly possible. And so because of the sacrifices of others, we can live in this happy city, where there is food and laughter. But the longer the mind is at peace, the harder it becomes to rouse it back to the highest state of alertness. Peace begets inattentiveness begets tragedy."

She sighed a bit.

"As for Forever Night, my first thought was stealth marketing campaign for a new perfume. Perhaps I need to be a bit more attentive myself." she mused.

She laughs at the thought of poor Hida Genta sent over to make sure she got the full Crab experience. "No-no...I wouldn't want poor Genta-kun inconvenienced. I'll do without that part of the Crab experience."

Sipping her drink as she listens, she considers that having a few extra Looming Crab around might help iwth that alertness problem though. "So...hard to know what's up with the rumors...but hey, they're spiking alertness, so that's not a bad outcome? If I read you right. Since I like to think I'm pretty tapped into the cosmetics and perfume cycles, I don't think it's a stealth marketing campaign there." She lifts the glass, "here's to vigilance then."

And pauses for the crowning of a costumed Shogun (the outfit *was* really good). That also kept her attention away from the fireworks, which might have ended the party for her on a less pleasant note.

Yoritomo Ochiba wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 9:53 pm Ochiba very loudly announces the winners of the party contest.

viewtopic.php?p=5363#p5363

Kitsuki Ichitaiyo wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 10:15 pm Ichitaiyo walks over to the stage, making sure to greet her suplicants as she rose to claim her rightful claim. "Thank you, thank you all."

With magnificence, she took the crown and took it to herself, giving a bow to the crowd.

Haruhi cheered for each person, and particularly for Kitsuki-san who had won! A most successful shopping venture, indeed!

At some point (or 'somewhen', in line with her name...), Itsuka actually shows up as well.

As a Firefly.



She'd fought the decision for a while before going, thought her mind might keep going to uncomfortable places... but in the end, she decided - why not? She'd laugh at me. I owe it to her... and to myself.

Her non-official rolls suggest the clothes, even if amateur, worked fine, and didn't malfunction. She didn't try to make things too flashy - perhaps hard when your behind flashes with each step.... but somehow she did it.

She also managed to hold back both her liquor *and* her tendency to keep taking conversations towards racing, flying, or going places around the island. For a good while, at least. That she would eventually talk about these topics was inevitable, but at least she wasn't unpleasant while doing so.

She'd definitely not be the life of the party today.... but she felt alive, at least in part. As she felt her behind twinkle with her steps as the party drew to a close, she looked up at the stars, and, somehow, it seemed to hurt a bit less than it usually did.

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 11:17 pm

She laughs at the thought of poor Hida Genta sent over to make sure she got the full Crab experience. "No-no...I wouldn't want poor Genta-kun inconvenienced. I'll do without that part of the Crab experience."

Sipping her drink as she listens, she considers that having a few extra Looming Crab around might help iwth that alertness problem though. "So...hard to know what's up with the rumors...but hey, they're spiking alertness, so that's not a bad outcome? If I read you right. Since I like to think I'm pretty tapped into the cosmetics and perfume cycles, I don't think it's a stealth marketing campaign there." She lifts the glass, "here's to vigilance then."

And pauses for the crowning of a costumed Shogun (the outfit *was* really good). That also kept her attention away from the fireworks, which might have ended the party for her on a less pleasant note.

"To vigilance!" she returned. "And on that note, with the crowning of the Shogun, can I at least walk you to your vehicle, Suzume-san?"

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 6:03 pm Kazushi emerges from a side room, entourage in tow as usual. Looking around, he notices the subdued atmosphere and notable absences.

"Did I miss something?"

The small Crane . . . . errr dangerous, all singing, all dancing, Spooder close by answered without clarifying anything.

"I have no idea . . . I swear I was only occupied for a few seconds and came back to . . . . this."

Yasuki Taraka wrote: Thu Nov 13, 2025 1:02 am
"To vigilance!" she returned. "And on that note, with the crowning of the Shogun, can I at least walk you to your vehicle, Suzume-san?"

She sets the empty glass down, surveys her level of inebriation (not bad), vs the distance to drive (middling). "I'd appreciate it. More to help check if Kuni-sama left a bunch of magistrates around hoping to hand out citations for drunken disorderly sorts of infractions as a consolation prize for the office after that scene."

After a moment to properly thank the host on their way way out, she continues chattering as they go, "How are the drone fights going with all the new folks in town?"

/exit to gossip in the elevator? And on to D4!

Suzume Hitomi wrote: Thu Nov 13, 2025 2:51 am

She sets the empty glass down, surveys her level of inebriation (not bad), vs the distance to drive (middling). "I'd appreciate it. More to help check if Kuni-sama left a bunch of magistrates around hoping to hand out citations for drunken disorderly sorts of infractions as a consolation prize for the office after that scene."

After a moment to properly thank the host on their way way out, she continues chattering as they go, "How are the drone fights going with all the new folks in town?"

/exit to gossip in the elevator? And on to D4!

Likewise, Taraka bowed to the hostess, stumbling a bit to the elevator before finally kicking off the troublesome one brown show and cast.

"It took a little longer than I hoped to get off the ground but it's starting to take off....."

/exit!

Kakita Hiroki wrote: Thu Nov 13, 2025 2:28 am The small Crane . . . . errr dangerous, all singing, all dancing, Spooder close by answered without clarifying anything.

"I have no idea . . . I swear I was only occupied for a few seconds and came back to . . . . this."

"Typical," Kazushi replies harshly. "The moment I step away, everything interesting happens."