I appreciate that. No, really. The ability to keep one's secrets is a rare trait nowadays.
Until that moment - Yuyu felt tense, Nicole's reaction was predictable only to a certain degree - no authorities would ever get to know the darkest secret of the young Chrysanthemum, but what was much more important is that Nicole did not blame her for what Yuyu have done in the past.
The moment Nicole took her explanation so easy, and, in the same moment - serious - all the tense was gone as if it never existed, Taisen smiled in relief.
Thank you, Nicole.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
Nicole leaned back on her armchair smiling back. With that matter settled it was time to talk business.
She took again the saucer in her hands, sipping some of the tea. "Perhaps you might want to know that I took care of your little problem with the Deep Space Engineers. It took some effort but in the end the captain was convinced not to pursue the matter any further."
Her eyes briefly wandered outside of the window on the VIP shuttle slowly docking with Trenton, unconsciously trying to recognize to which Executive this shuttle belonged to.
You know... it feels awkward. You barely know me, and yet you have done so much - just out of the pure sympathy to the movement and what it stands for.
Yuyu followed Nicole's line of sight, watching the same shuttle slowly disappearing into the hangar. The mere view of it, however, meant little to nothing to her, unfamiliar with specifics - a workhorse of a hard-working man, doing his best to earn his living. Granted luxury, measured in the thickness of the shuttle's plating and the beauty of interiors is just a well deserved addition.
However, i know very little of you. Please, give me an insight on what kind of person you are!
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
"Oh I have done nothing important yet." Nicole said flashing a smile to Yoyo.
She was surprised and intrigued by Yoyo's follow-up question even though she hid her emotions by sipping some of her tea.
"Well, let's see.. Firstly I am a person who has barely any free time for herself.." adding "and I get bored by most people even though I avoid telling them directly." Nicole thought for a few more moments before continuing.
"I am a person who has aspirations.. which I guess it is obvious since I wouldn't be here if that weren't the case. I also like to believe that I am considerate of others." she then spread her legs without breaking eye contact with Yoyo, assuming a less conventional posture.
"I am also a very easy-going person, I like tea and music and despite my job I hate formalities."
Well, i can't say i'm unfamiliar with the feeling. I've happened to see a lot of people when i've been younger, in the father's office mostly: i happened to spend quite some time there.
An endless stream of office clerks, assorted business partners and a lot other kinds of people happened to come and go. Everything they talked about was that - boring. Their matters with which they've approached my parents did not interest me even for a slightest second. So i've been often finding myself reading some books on the Neural Net, or distracting myself in some other way...
... Both mom and dad were too busy through the days, but kept me around out of some necessity, i think.
Yuyu then smiled.
It's great that you are like this. I feel much more comfortable around easygoing Nicole Burton rather than around strict one.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
"I spend so much time on my job, that sometimes I catch myself being strict even outside of it." Nicole said softly, more likely to herself.
"Anyway let's get back on topic. I am very perplexed about the actions of the official body of the Golden Chrysanthemums the past year. It feels like they were rewarded positions and money in the now restored Imperial regime and they forsook their cause of advancing women's rights. Not too long ago I read a scathing analysis from a popular blogger who explained how GC leadership backtracked and doesn't support any longer a number of causes surrounding women's rights." Nicole sipped some of her tea before continuing.
"Since you belong in a different cell, I was wondering what's your cell's opinion about these developments. And willingness to confront them about it."
Well, it was more or less a common cell. I have only noticed the difference later, when i have been excluded from Gen'an.
Concerning rumors are circulating about their recent achievements.
Impatient, or annoyed, Yuyu have tapped the tabletop with her fingers, grabbing the cup and pouring all the tea in one sip. Associating herself with such entities, that seemed to lack decency and have unveiled their nature only now - naturely irritated her. Even if for the short period of time...
Gen'an have shared the views of other Sisters: equality for women in the Kusarian society. But, it seems they have stepped on a wrong path.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
Nicole was surprised. "Oh dear. I thought you were still part of the Gen'an. What happened?"
"They have never given me any real reason for such... exaltation. And my access to their frequencies have been revoked, so i can not afford any evaluation."
Yuyu shrugged, looking at her katana she left by the door. "All things considered - now it is for the best, but i would still like to have something to backup my existence. Would you happen to have something for me to do?"
Nicole stood up with the cup of tea still in her hands, and moved next to the windows, staring outside. ""Damn it" she only managed to mumble as she needed Yuyu in her plans to support the female cause in Kusari.
"Infighting within the Sisterhood had always been the movement's greatest weakness. To throw you out of their group means that Gen'an is just as hopeless as the main cell." The woman said while she kept staring outside. She was clearly angry and perplexed in her own thoughts.
"Hopeless? Seems like it. If they truly aim to change something - they need to learn the meaning of unity." Yuyu couldn't tell for sure what was it that irritated Nicole, but what she felt is... a degree of empathy. Strict, but honest and easygoing, that's what this mature business lady awaken in the young rebellous swordsman. Taisen approached Nicole from behind, softly grabbing her hand. "Hey, Nicole. Can't we just let it all go?"
Nicole finally relented, feeling the situation was hopeless. She lowered her eyes and sighed. She then slowly turned towards Yuyu. "It doesn't matter now indeed. I am sorry. I know that the Sisterhood has meant a lot for you." she placed her second hand on top of Yuyu's. "If there is something I can do for you, tell me."
"I... i know you have been going to do a lot for the Sisterhood as a whole and for me particularly. So i really should not ask for more and juat leave, that would be the best way to end this story..." The girl tilted her head. "... But i would not be honest with myself like this. Just leaving, disappearing without a trace? No, that's not how i want this to end. I have no reason to return to Kusari and the Sisterhood...but i could just stay by your side – if you are willing to let me do that."
Nicole nodded. "It is probably not safe for you to return to Kusari. Wanted by the authorities, exiled by the Sisterhood. No, it's better if you stay here." she said and smiled. "Your offer is too generous, I can't really say 'no' to that."
Yuyu stepped back a bit, she seemed hesitant how to react to this: simply holding Nicole's hand just wasn't enough, but getting more personal could just be too much. "Nicole, to your kindness i will respond in full courtesy. I will be protecting you - as long as you would want to have me around."
The Chief of Staff firm and serious replied. "I accept your vow, Yuyu Taisen."
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