| Logs |
2001 July 05
| Tamashii |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Tamashii Logs |
First Meeting
- BioDyne Meeting Room
This large, neutrally colored room has excellent ventilation, so the air stays fresh. Recessed lighting panels provide soft illumination, and wide, comfortable couches run around two of the room's walls. The third wall is blank white, and probably hides sophisticated communications equipment. From the utter quiet in the room when the doors are closed, it's a good bet the walls are soundproofed. The room has an efficient, but also curiously cozy feel.
Njozi'joshi is seated comfortably on the far couch, arms laid easily along the back. She's looking around in idle curiosity. Her ears flick towards entering people, and she sniffs new scents interestedly.
Njozi'joshi is a lioness, powerfully muscled and sturdily built, with a calm and thoughtfully observant demeanor. She stands about 7', including her round, furred ears; her lithe, graceful humanoid body is thickly furred a rich, velvety tawny-gold. Slitted topaz eyes study the world with perceptive vigilance, while her black-tufted tail sways occasionally behind her. Her dexterous fingers and strong feet are tipped with gleaming pale claws, razor sharp and neatly retracted. Sensible and pragmatic, her khaki clothing is replete with pockets and useful equipment -- as matter-of-factly utilitarian as she.
Kamui pads in quietly, eyes flicking quickly from side to side. He takes in the surroundings impassively, then proceeds toward the lioness, nodding once in greeting. His tail flicks out behind him, rhythmically keeping time to his step.
Standing tall for a ferret at five feet, five inches, Mizuho Kamui carries himself with none of the uncontrolled energy or random curiosity his kind are known for. His bearing is silent and still, careful not to waste any movement. Lacking a thick layer of fat, his frame is mostly spare, smooth musculature under plain white fur, broken by a sharp spray of black fur -- an angular mask around black eyes. His clothing is simple and unrestrictive: a plain white tank top and oversize baggy black shorts trimmed with red. Black suede sneakers cover his feet, and black-and-yellow gloves his hands. A simple silver charm, an X or cross, dangles from a small chain at the left wristband, and a chain of tiny ball-bearings loops around his neck, suspending a small laminate card or tag.
Njozi'joshi tilts her head to regard the ferret thoughtfully... then leans forward, her elbows on her knees, so she's a little closer to looking at him eye to eye. She turns one large hand up, showing the vestigial pads, and rumbles softly, "You are new. I am Njozi'joshi, Security. You are... ?"
Kamui bows then, now that he knows where he stands; he bends fluidly down to almost forty-five degrees. Straightening, he nods, "I am Mizuho Kamui. Combat Unit One. You have been briefed?"
Njozi'joshi smiles slowly, politely keeping most of her fangs covered, "At least as much as you have, I suspect." She offers her hand to the ferret, still palm up, claws neatly sheathed.
Kamui looks at the hand for several moments, then ahs! Almost inaudibly, with recognition. He takes her hand and bows again. "Then I will endeavor to show my ability to the best of- umph!!" Njozi'joshi gently pulls Kamui forward, her fingers closing carefully around the tiny ferret hand. She leans forward, and unless Kamui pulls away she'll touch her nose tip lightly to his. She inhales the ferret's scent... then sighs softly and leans back again. She nods once, her grasp loose enough that he can pull away if he wishes. "Kamui. Welcome. I will know you now."
Kamui holds quite still for several long moments, his head tipped back to keep in eye contact with the lioness. He remains quite tense until her nose touches his; his tail stands out bottle-brushy. He takes a step back when she releases him, and shakes himself, a process that takes several seconds to travel down the length of his body. He bows again, more deeply this time. "Hai. Wakarimasu. I will serve as best I am able."
Njozi'joshi grins quietly at the ripple of fur down the ferret, then nods politely, "As shall I."
Kamui nods. "I would expect nothing less." He glances back toward the entrance. "Are we the only ones to arrive yet... ?"
Njozi'joshi rumbles, "I believe so... from the scents I'd guess there are more, however."
Kamui says, "I wish that we had been better briefed. It is... uncomfortable to be pulled from one's dormitory so suddenly with no notice." Njozi'joshi sighs and nods once. The slight twitching of her black-tipped tail is the only sign of her displeasure, however, as she stretches back out on the couch.
Chet opens the door and steps in, looking at the other two. "Oh, my... so this is why they insisted I study mammalian physiology in addition to medicine." He bows. "I am Chet. You are... ?"
The medic is a small, wiry sort, only a little over five feet tall and extremely thin by human standards. Dark brownish-gray fur covers a head like a sharp-nosed cat, with white flashes at his eyes and at the base of his muzzle. His hands, pink skin bare on the palms though furred on the back, are precise in their movements, with long thin fingers tipped by claws. The fur along his neck and chest is white as far down as can be seen. He's dressed in a simple gray tunic and trousers, his feet bare to keep his long-toed, clawed feet free for climbing. The pockets of his clothing are mostly empty, but two full fanny-packs ride on his narrow hips. His long tail is banded in black and light gray, and twitches in synch with his mood.
Njozi'joshi glances up interestedly, her ears swiveling towards the cacomistle and her tail going still. Kamui turns, an operation that only requires his torso to swivel, twisting him toward the doorway. He appraises the newcomer without comment. Njozi'joshi leans forward again, elbows on her knees, to regard Chet. She's still looking down slightly at the newcomer, however, despite her effort to seem smaller. She turns her right hand up again, offering it to the cacomistle, "I am Njozi'joshi, Security. This is Kamui, Combat One. Your role is... ?" Kamui turns the rest of himself around to face the new arrival, and gives a shallow bow when he is introduced.
Chet bursts into motion again, moving away from the entrance to the room and letting the door close, his banded tail carefully staying clear of it. He lays his hand on top of the lioness'. "I believe I am the team medic, ma'am."
Njozi'joshi is more careful this time -- her hand stays open, so that if Chet wishes he can step away from being drawn towards the lion. She gently touches her nose tip to Chet's, and once again inhales the new scent. She nods once, "Chet, Medic. Welcome. I will know you now." Then she tilts her head, studying the cacomistle thoughtfully, "May I ask what species you come from? You smell... feline... ?" Kamui folds his arms, and eyes the cacomistle for some seconds, while his tail describes a complicated pattern in the air behind him.
The door opens and Fiona saunters through it. She pauses at the interesting sight before her and her tail flicks a few times as she puts her hands on her hips. "Well... hello."
Fiona is a humanoid leopard that stands about 5'10" and maybe weighs about 140 lbs. Her fur is a tawny-gold transitioning to a cream or white color on her cheeks, under her chin, and on the fur of her neck showing above her jumpsuit. Many black rosettes pattern her fur -- smaller on her face, feet, hands, and forearms, and growing larger on the back of her head and biceps. Wispy fur on the edges of her triangular, articulated ears, and whiskers on her muzzle and cheeks, help add to her sense of movement in the space around her. Her eyes are a deep hazel, with feline pupils. They watch alertly, though not glancing about. Her hands are well suited for grasping, though the rounded fingertips do have rather sharp-looking claws that can extend out of protective cuticle-sheaths.
She wears a utilitarian olive-drab jumpsuit with pockets and hangers for clips and weapons and other important combat supplies. Around her waist is a web belt for holding yet more of these types of implements. The jumpsuit has no sleeves, allowing her muscular arms freedom to move without getting caught on any of her clips and guns. There is a slot cut in the back of the jumpsuit below the belt to allow for her tail, which flicks about occasionally with her mood and provides some balance as necessary. A single rosette sits at the end of her tail, making the very tip black.
Chet is a little startled, but realizes what Njozi'joshi is doing and grins as he does the same. He inhales and exhales twice to the larger cat's once, and smiles as the introduction is completed. "Cacomistle, also called a ringtail cat. The baseline species is a small nocturnal feline. You are obvious, of course. And you are, I believe, based on a ferret?" He turns toward Kamui, his hand out in an offer to repeat the lioness' greeting ritual.
Kamui reaches out with one hand, leaving the other still crossed over his chest. He shakes hands, but does not pull the cacomistle in. He gives another small half-bow. "I am."
Chet turns to the newest arrival. "And now we are four." He bows. Fiona's ears flick in amusement. She bows back. Kamui folds his arms again, and again appraises the new arrival.
Njozi'joshi watches the ferret and the cacomistle, then turns her big head towards the newcomer. She's still leaning forward, so she once again offers her hand, "I am Njozi'joshi, Security. You are... ?"
From down the hall from the door, an audible voice calls, "I'm going, OK?"
Fiona looks at Njozi'joshi as she speaks, and looks up. She steps forward and lays her hand on the other's. "Fiona."
Njozi'joshi gently draws her hand closer, so the leopard can step towards her if she wishes, "Your role is... ?"
Fiona steps a little closer, tail flicking. "Combat... specifically firearms... all firearms." Her ears flick.
Njozi'joshi leans to touch her nose tip to Fiona's, catching the leopard's unique scent also, then nods once again, "Fiona, Combat Two. Welcome. I will know you now."
Pushing through the door, the rat steps inside, idly picking his teeth with a screwdriver. He looks rather distracted with this task, ah'ing as the offensive piece is unlodged, before glancing around the room, and... staring. Cat, bigger cat... Big cat. "This is... different..."
It appears that this rat is... well, not entirely a pure rat. Standing upon two human-like legs at a height of 4'8", he's not entirely your common rodent. Black eyes peer back and about, as paws often run across the open lab coat upon his person. Many pockets are stuffed with various tools, items, or (by the smell and the crinkle of a bag or two) food. Beneath the coat resides a simple, thin shirt, and upon his hips a pair of urban camo fatigues, a size or two too large. Finishing off the ensemble is a simple pair of ankle boots. His cloths do well to hide the slight plumpness to his physique; not fat, but not as thin as a rail.
Njozi'joshi releases the leopard's hand and glances at the rat. She can't help a small smile at the staring. She turns her palm up once again towards the rat, "I am Njozi'joshi, Security. You are... ?" Fiona looks over her shoulder at the rat and steps aside from Njozi. Kamui simply eyes the incoming rat as he did the other new arrivals, either ignoring or missing the staring.
He ahems, "... slightly caught off guard." He approaches the lioness and the rest of the group, returning the screwdriver to a pocket in his coat. He makes note of Kamui and is relieved; good, this isn't some test to see how fast he can run. After a moment's hesitation, whiskers twitching, the rat lays his paw into the lioness' much larger one, his pads slightly stiff with dried chocolate.
Njozi'joshi gently draws the rat towards her, if he will. "You must be... Intel, yes?" Fiona glances up and down at Hazmat and comes to the same conclusion as Njozi.
Hazmat tries to resist the pull for a moment, before pausing. What's the worst that could happen? The handlers wouldn't send me in as food. "Actually," he offers to the cat, stepping forward, "-I'm your driver... er, Tech."
A voice from the doorway says, "I'm Intel," while everyone is focused on the rat next to Njozi.
Njozi'joshi leans forward and down to touch her nose tip lightly to the rat's, and breathes his scent... she flicks an ear towards the door, but nods to the rat, "And your name is... ?" Fiona flicks an ear. She glances over at Kamui and approaches him, stopping as someone speaks from the door. Kamui eyes the source of the voice. He doesn't move, though his tail drops a bit, still describing whatever semaphore it's occupied with. He turns back to the leopard expectantly.
Hazmat's whiskers twitch and his ears lay back a moment before he gets the drift of what the lioness is up to. "Hazmat," the rodent offers.
Njozi'joshi nods again, gently releasing the tiny rat paw and leaning back so she's not looming quite so much, "Hazmat, Tech. Welcome. I will know you now." She looks up at the door quietly, "I am Njozi'joshi, Security. You are... ?"
Dirk looks around at the gathered animals, seeming unperturbed by the number of cats. He eyes each in turn., a small smile decorating his features. He suddenly reaches down to his waist and... pulls out a candy bar with nuts. He gingerly takes a bite, and then replaces the bar. "Oh brave new world." he murmurs audibly. In response to Njozi's comment he slowly brings a hand up to salute, surely though not smartly. "Dirk. IntelliOps."
Dirk is a morphic squirrel, standing approximately 4'10" tall. His fur, what you can see of it, is a dull red, and neatly groomed. His eyes are an intense gray... in fact his whole face, despite the animal features such as a small muzzle and oversized incisors, seems set in a mask of quiet thought. His large ears jut above his head, twitching actively as they adjust to the ambient sounds. Behind him his tail twitches as well, the furry appendage both bushy and sleek. His five fingered hands end in small claws, not impressive enough for attack, but suited for climbing.
He is currently dressed in a black jumpsuit with several Velcro pouches here and there on his person. Many of them seem to be occupied, the one on his left breast pocket open with one end of a candy bar jutting out of it. On his right shoulder a symbol is emblazoned: a circle set with a small black dagger on a blood-red background. He wears nothing on his feet, seemingly more comfortable to pad around barefoot. His toes also have those small hooked claws for climbing, but he nonetheless makes no noise when he walks, even on metal or tile.
Hazmat nods to the lioness. "You're Chief," he announces, quite matter-of-factly, before stepping to the side and turning, peering curiously toward the intelligence specialist.
Chet waits for the lioness to finish her ritual before offering the rat a hand to shake. "Chet, team medic." He looks up at the new voice. "One omnivore, one herbivore. And that should be a full team, if my own briefings weren't totally divorced from reality."
Fiona glances back to Njozi'joshi and Hazmat as the lioness' ritual finishes again and then back to Kamui. "Hello."
Kamui nods, bowing slightly to the leopard. "Good evening."
Fiona looks the ferret over quietly as she offers her hand. "I'm Fiona... I must've missed your name?"
Kamui shakes the offered hand quickly and firmly before folding his arms again. "My name is Mizuho Kamui."
Fiona adds up the introductions she's heard in her head and the comments she's heard from Chet. She lifts a brow. "Close Combat?"
Kamui nods once. "That is my function, yes. I see I was not the only one that was not briefed. You are Fire Support, ne?"
Fiona nods and smiles. "It would appear. We'll be working together quite a bit, I'd imagine."
Kamui nods, but doesn't smile. "It would seem so; this is the basic operations complement. I would imagine that we will have the opportunity very soon."
Hazmat notes the ferret, and offers him simply a nod in greeting. His eyes do focus on the squirrel's candy bar, a grin forming. Njozi'joshi turns her palm up, then gives Hazmat a small, amused smile. She offers her palm to the squirrel. Dirk wipes his palm clean and then strides over to the lioness, placing it in hers. "Commander," he acknowledges. Njozi'joshi draws her hand closer to her, leading the squirrel nearer if he'll do so.
Dirk continues to offer that half smile, allowing the lioness to guide him without question. Njozi'joshi leans forward and down again, to touch her nose tip to Dirk's and inhale one last time. When she releases his small hand and sits back she murmurs, "Dirk, Intel. Welcome. I will know you now."
Dirk's tail twitches for the first time during that meeting as Njozi's nose touches his and she inhales. "Fascinating," he remarks as he rises.
Njozi'joshi sits back, resting her arms on the back of the couch again. Her lips quirk slightly at Dirk's comment, and she rumbles calmly, "Thank you."
Chet pulls out a chair and sits down -- well, more curls up in it -- after a glance to Njozi'joshi. "I gather we're supposed to introduce ourselves and see if we can work together. As I said, I'm Chet and I'm the medic." He turns back to the lioness. "May I ask where you learned that introduction ritual?"
Njozi'joshi says, "Learned? I was simply gathering information, Chet. I am Security. I must know you all well, by scent, sound, and sight at the very least, if I am to protect you... and if we become pride members." Fiona glances over at Njozi'joshi and the others.
Chet nods. "I see. It just felt... traditional. Your name is Swahili?"
Njozi'joshi smiles slowly, "No, it is Njozi'joshi." She pronounces it 'ndyoh-zee-DYOH-shee'... then grins, her big fangs gleaming slightly in the dim light. "Your pardon. Yes, it is. It means Ghost Wind." Kamui takes a deep breath and releases it, shaking himself out slightly. He hangs back slightly, near to the arm of the lioness' couch, and just watches for the nonce.
Chet sighs. "Your design crew was imaginative, Njozi'joshi. Mine wasn't. I found out about a year ago that Chet was just the project acronym..."
Hazmat eyes Dirk's jumpsuit. "Velcro? Going for non-stealth and ear-piercing?"
Dirk's smile widens. "I don't plan to eat and sneak at the same time, rat." He doesn't offer the appellation as a derogatory statement; he just says it. He then pulls the candy bar from his left pocket. He doesn't say anything, he just holds it out at eye level, watching for his reaction.
Hazmat's nose twitches. "You know," he offers with a slight grin, "-it's good to see someone who doesn't tower over me... might you have any more?" Hands drift over his pockets, "I'm sure I have something in here to trade. And you may not be eating, but if you have your tools in those pockets, the Velcro is quite loud, ne?"
Fiona's ears flick at Hazmat. "We're in a dorm."
Kamui says, "I believe he is referring to an ops situation, Fiona-san."
Hazmat nods to the ferret. "Correct."
Njozi'joshi rumbles softly, "I suspect the various projects were given rather free rein in our naming." She tilts her head at the cacomistle, then politely asks, "You are not happy with your name?"
Dirk shrugs, and puts the bar away... and pulls a fresh one out of a second pocket. This one has peanuts instead if almonds. "This is just for walking around in, Hazmat. Not my work-suit."
Fiona grins. "I'm sure our den mother will make sure that he's attired appropriately for the field."
Njozi'joshi glances at Fiona... then turns her attention back to Chet, curious as to his reply. Kamui leans back against the wall, and makes a small gesture as if he were brushing something away from the end of his nose. He gives Fiona a look; he says nothing, but his expression says, That was not appropriate.
Chet grins. "Oh, it's not a bad name, and I'm used to it. I was just disappointed. I was hoping it would be someone's favorite uncle or something." Njozi'joshi chuckles quietly at Chet, and nods once... then goes back to looking quietly around the room, thoughtfully observing everyone.
Hazmat nods. "Of course." His fingers brush over the lab coat. "Though this is quite handy; 'nough room for my essentials." Eyeing that bar in particular, "What does that have in it?"
Dirk says, "Peanuts, chocolate... nougat. All a growing boy needs." He glances over at the others. "If we're discussing etymology, I'm sure no one needs to ask what my name means," he offers dryly.
Hazmat grins. "Peanuts? The damned things always get stuck in my teeth, but they're worth gnawing on, if nothing else is there." Turning to Chet, the rat tips his head. "Tell y'what -- from now on you're Doc."
Chet nods to the squirrel. "But did you get it from being aggressive, from being sharp, or from a Douglas Adams fan in your design team?"
Njozi'joshi nods thoughtfully to the squirrel, "It is curious, yes, that Intel would be named after a weapon, rather than something sneaky."
Fiona grins at Njozi. "Yes... but isn't it a sneaky weapon?"
Njozi'joshi considers for a moment, then rumbles, "Depends on its user. Good point."
Hazmat says, "I'd have thought a stiletto would be more 'sneaky,' as the case may be."
Fiona nods. "Yes... but they make that 'snick' noise..."
Chet says, "Too many sibilants for a covert operative. You don't want to be hissing at each other while you're being stealthy. Humans are programmed to hear hissing -- snake phobia or something."
Njozi'joshi looks around the group consideringly... her gaze ends up resting on the ferret. "What does your name mean, if we may ask, Kamui?"
Kamui raises his head slightly. He offers the lioness a small smile. "The Power of God," he says quietly. Perhaps his smile grows just a bit.
Njozi'joshi studies the ferret silently for several minutes... then grins, slow and wide. "Good choice."
Kamui smiles, earnestly this time, and offers the lioness another small half-bow. "Arigatou."
Dirk suddenly looks around suspiciously. "All right, who told you. The handlers swore they'd never tell anyone I was named after an Adams..." he then stops, realizing what he was saying. He then grumbles, "I preferred the standard definition."
Fiona glances at Dirk. "Adams?"
Chet says, "It's a book. 'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency'."
Fiona says, "Oh... and the main character was a detective? I can see why they might name you that, then."
Dirk sighs. "It was an Intel joke. They couldn't figure out what to name me, and then they looked around for ideas and spotted that book. It could be worse, I suppose. I could be named Palmolive."
Fiona says, "Naw... takes too long to write."
Chet says, "Sounds feminine, somehow..."
Dirk glances back at the rat. "What would you prefer? I've probably got it somewhere on me..." He pats the numerous filled pockets in his suit.
Hazmat hms? "Well, if you're so caught up on a name and all that 'rose' business, then would Ace be better for you, mm?"
Hazmat ohs. "You mean candy, er... well, Snickers is fine," He names off a newer brand, "Whatever works. I have something in here to offer; I always keep things to chew."
Chet nods to himself, watching the interplay among the others. I suspected there were other enhancement projects running, but I had no idea there'd be this many. I wonder how many others there are, considering how many species they had me study... ? Fiona glances around and spies a comfy looking easy chair. She pads over to it and drops into it, her tail slipping naturally to the side. "Well... I wonder what sort of mission they'll send us on first..."
Njozi'joshi watches the others talking... then turns her head to grin at Kamui again. She rumbles quietly, "I can see I'm going to have to chip Japanese, neh?"
Kamui turns slightly toward the lioness and smiles a bit. "Only if you feel it necessary, shousei. I can speak fluent English... though I do tend to fall back to Japanese, as it is my handlers' native tongue. If you wish, I can endeavor not to do so."
Njozi'joshi shakes her head, "No, it is an interesting variant, Kamui. I wish my handlers had thought it worthwhile to teach me Swahili." She smiles quietly, "So, may I ask what 'shousei' means?"
Kamui says, "Of course. It means Commander. Again... force of habit, please, forgive me."
Njozi'joshi smiles and nods politely to the ferret, "Of course. No offense taken." Kamui bows lightly.
Hazmat tips his head in Kamui's direction. "Hm... that's interesting; I was taught in several languages; coding and manual interpretation mostly, but I have to wonder how many of us know such?"
Chet nods to the rat. "Nihongo, Russki, and English, plus sign language. How about the rest of you?"
Njozi'joshi murmurs in reply to Chet, "Combat sign, English. They decided they didn't have time for anything else, and I was getting filled up, chip-wise."
Fiona hooks one leg over the other and idly bobs her foot back and forth, showing the black pads on the bottom. She looks over at the rat and hmms for a moment. "Okay... Hazmat... how did you come by your name?"
The rat eyes Chet a moment, before giving the thumbs up sign to him. "Same here." He turns back to the leopard, hmm'ing? "Oh, well, I really wasn't named for a while; I had some bland project number until they seen personality quarks. My eating habits, my organization and tidiness skills, my cooking preferences; it's all toxic." Fiona chuckles lightly.
Dirk shakes his head. "I have trail mix too... some crackers..." he peeks in another pocket. "Are those rice crispie squares?" Njozi'joshi wrinkles her nose slightly as the wild variety of scents, stale and otherwise, drift from the squirrel's pockets.
Hazmat hms, his attention pulled back to Dirk. "Eh? Oh, yes!" He digs one out of a pocket. "Really leaves your pads sticky, but it's worth gnawing on; lasts longer." Fiona blinks and glances at Njozi'joshi's hand and at her own and quietly thanks her handler for getting her here just that much sooner.
Dirk spots Njozi's expression out of the corner of one eye. "My apologies, Commander... it's a genetic trait they couldn't quite train out of me. Thankfully, it's not as uncontrollable as kleptomania."
Chet just twitches his ears at that. "Kleptomania?" Njozi'joshi raises an eyebrow, trying not to smile.
Hazmat's attention drifts over to the white wall. The rat begins to walk over himself, inspecting the wall for communications equipment, tail swaying. Dirk grimaces at the rat. "Yes, well, I think these are a little squished." He takes it out gingerly, trying to get as little of it on him as possible, and tosses it in a wastebasket.
Hazmat hehs faintly at the squirrel. "Sorry, Ace," the rat calls over his shoulder, as fingers move over the wall. Hrm... "So, has anyone been briefed on what mission they plan on sending us on?"
Kamui stretches himself a bit, drawing himself up to quite a height before rocking back onto his heels. "I had hoped we would be shown to our new dormitory soon. They have kept us waiting for some time."
Fiona's foot dips back and forth like she's conducting a silent orchestra. Her tail tip along the floor has lain still for a while, but starts to pick up the rhythm too, directing the brass section... Dirk wipes off his paws. "I think that would be the Commander's story to tell us." He inclines his head at the lioness. "Is there a mission briefing to distribute, sir?"
Njozi'joshi nods quietly to Kamui, then murmurs to Hazmat, "Not to my knowledge. I have gotten the impression none of us were even briefed about the existence of the others. It is my impression that some hasty emergency op must be in the wind, considering how... unplanned this meeting has been."
Dirk mms in response to Njozi's reply. "Astute reasoning."
Chet says, "Either that, or this is a final test. To see if they can throw us together without our reverting to instincts and trying each other for dinner..."
Kamui makes a soft spitting noise at the cacomistle's remark. "I would hope that engineers would have greater confidence in their craft. I, for one, am not so crudely forged." Njozi'joshi smiles quietly at Kamui's comment.
Hazmat turns from the wall, having found no switches, "Yes, delightful test," he snips dryly.
Njozi'joshi sighs softly, adding, "It is a great relief to know I am not utterly alone. It is unpleasant to have no pride."
Fiona says, "Well... it seems we're not all afflicted with a lack of pride..." Njozi'joshi eyes Fiona... then doesn't bother replying.
Kamui gives the leopard a look, then shrugs. "I am simply conscious of my ability."
Chet turns and stares at the lioness for a split second before her intended meaning gets through. His mouth opens, then shuts again. "Ah. Of course... I'm sure we'll make a unique pride for you, milady Ghost."
Dirk arches an eyebrow, his ears twitching with interest at the Security officer's final comment. He has no immediate response. He does smile, however, at Kamui's own reply. "I would hope not. I don't care to be eaten tonight."
Kamui says, "And I doubt that anyone here wishes to eat you."
WIth a snicker, Haz nods to that. "Agreed." Glancing at Njozi, he gives a faint salute. "Well, I'll do what I can, Chief. You're bigger than I am; I'm keeping on your good side."
Njozi'joshi rumbles quietly to the cacomistle, "Being part of a pride is not automatic for any of us... but yes, I hope we shall be able to trust each other and work together smoothly." Her ears tilt back a little unhappily.
Kamui says, "We are, after all, professionals, are we not?"
Njozi'joshi tilts her head at Kamui's comment... then nods once, firmly, "Indeed. I shall not forget that."
Kamui nods. "Neither will I, Commander. You have my word on that." Fiona glances between Kamui and Njozi'joshi and sighs. I should just concentrating on shooting things and keep my mouth shut.
Njozi'joshi gives Hazmat a dry glance, "I do not eat sapients," then nods quietly to Kamui, "Thank you." Kamui nods once.
Chet hmms, thinking about that. "I don't know. Are they paying us?"
Kamui says, "They are feeding you, ne?"
Dirk's tail twitches. "What does pay have to do with being a professional?"
Hazmat says, "Eating wasn't just meant in that statement."
Chet clears his throat as the tension levels start to rise. "At any rate. If we're working together, I suppose I should get a baseline for everyone. I assume you've all got biomonitor chips?" Njozi'joshi nods quietly to Chet. Chet stands up and walks over to Njozi'joshi, holding his hand out for hers, "If I may?"
Hazmat mmhms to Chet. "Along with all sorts of other mechanical items stuffed in various areas."
Kamui yawns softly. "How... descriptive." Fiona glances over at Kamui and appraises him quietly, trying to figure out if she tries to patch things up now or would that just make him more uncomfortable.
Njozi'joshi nods once to the cacomistle, taking his outstretched hand in one of hers, and easily wrapping her free arm around his waist. A second later he's been boosted up and is standing on the couch next to the seated lioness. She releases his hand, tilts her head forward, and brushes her hair to the side so he can reach the chip slot easily.
Chet plugs the medical monitor in and downloads the standard readings, then takes the lioness's hand for a moment. He brings up his other hand, his fingers dancing across her wrist, her neck, her scalp... Njozi'joshi is utterly relaxed as the medic checks her over. Unless he shifts away, she keeps her arm about his waist for his balance.
Dirk watches curiously, his tail twitching. Fiona looks back to the doc and Njozi, watching quietly. Chet seems quite content to let the lioness hold him in place, though she soon realizes that he is not leaning on her at all. After a few minutes, he nods. "That should do it. Now I know what you look like healthy." The cacomistle looks around at the others. "Who's next?"
Kamui says, "I will go."
Njozi'joshi smiles faintly and nods once, "Excellent." She raises an inquiring eyebrow at the watching leopard, "Would you like to be after Kamui?" then carefully sets Chet back down on the ground, without apparent effort.
Fiona blinks and then nods. "Sure." Njozi'joshi nods and smiles faintly again to the leopard... then turns to watch the ferret's check-up.
Kamui pushes off from the wall and pads to the center of the room before kneeling methodically; left knee, then the right, then settling back on his heels, sitting with back very, very straight. He rests his hands on his thighs and bows his head for the doctor. Njozi'joshi tilts her head, watching the ferret with an attentive, curious tilt to her ears. Kamui's body is quite relaxed, his pulse rate slow; well, relatively speaking for a ferret at least. He waits patiently, breathing slowly and deeply, eyes closed.
Dirk arches an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that 'healthy' was something easily determined from the outside."
Chet grins at the lioness, then at the squirrel. "I'm talking about things like baseline pulse rate and blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar levels, all that kind of thing." He runs through the same routine with the ferret, the chip downloading its baseline readings while the cacomistle's sensitive fingers hunt for the best spots for pulse and normal body temperature.
Hazmat flicks his tail absently, and smirks at a thought. "As long as I don't have to turn my head and cough, I'll go after the leopard."
Fiona looks curiously at the rat. "What a silly thing to make you do. Why would he?"
Hazmat makes an off gesture to Fiona. "Eh, never mind."
Chet finishes up and moves around the table. "Fiona? I believe you're next?" He repeats the procedure again, fingers dancing over the leopard's fur while the computer does its download. "That's part of the full male physical, ma'am. You don't want to know."
Njozi'joshi eyes the ferret as he bounces to his feet again, still with a rather thoughtful expression. Should he happen to glance her way, she'll pause... then, with an inquiringly raised eyebrow, she'll lightly pat the couch once, next to her -- then put her arm back along the back.
Kamui stands quickly, just the reverse of the first movement; right knee up, then the left. He brushes his knees off absently. Meeting the lioness' eyes, he gives her a brief, quizzical look, but pads to the couch and seats himself regardless. Njozi'joshi remains quietly relaxed, watching Fiona and Chet.
Fiona ducks her head a little and turns to look at Chet's hands. "Oh... claws... that's different."
Dirk says, "Compared to what, Fiona?"
Fiona says, "Compared to the short nails that my normal doctor has."
Chet says, "Hmmm? Oh. Yes... I think it's standard for us, though. Almost as if the humans know that nails are a useless idea." A moment later Chet nods. "Okay, you're fine. Hazmat?" Fiona nods, an ear flicking at Chet.
Dirk finally decides to sit, steepling his fingers as the group undergoes yet another 'ritual.' Hazmat smirks. "Well, it's none-too-comfortable a situation to begin with but... claws, ya." Noting Fiona's nearly finished, the rat makes his way over to Chet and bends slightly forward, pushing the collar of his coat down enough, and offering the spot.
Njozi'joshi curiously asks Hazmat, "You find claws uncomfortable?"
Hazmat eyes the lioness. "Not particularly familiar with what I was referring to, eh?"
Njozi'joshi rumbles quietly, "That is not particularly an answer either, I'm afraid. Would you like to explain a bit more, please?"
Chet starts the procedure again, then looks at his fingertips in mild disgust as he gets chocolate on them. "Ah... you wouldn't have a napkin in one of those pockets, would you?" Njozi'joshi opens her mouth to reply to Chet -- then pauses and says nothing. Dirk hands Chet some napkins from a pocket wordlessly. Kamui folds his arms and leans back a bit into the couch, relaxing slowly. He makes another absent movement, as if brushing something away from his nose.
Hazmat ers, "I think so... they're likely old... oh," he spots Dirk. "Never mind. Ooh, that hookup tingles."
Chet murmurs, "Spasebo," as he finishes the calibration check and then carefully cleans his fingers. "Does it? It's not supposed to. Are you sure you're not imagining it?" Fiona licks the back of her hand and runs it back over one ear.
Hazmat shrugs to Chet as he pulls away. "It feels different, I'll admit." His gaze lifts to Njozi, before simply shrugging and glancing back at the white wall, obviously dodging the question.
Dirk abruptly pulls out a bag of nuts and samples from it, like he was watching a movie. Chet finishes the download and turns to Dirk. "You're the last one, then."
Njozi'joshi raises a thoughtful eyebrow as Hazmat doesn't reply to her question. She smiles faintly, nods once to herself, and then turns her head, her muzzle brushing gently against the furred ear of the ferret seated next to her. Her quiet whisper is pitched so that only Kamui can hear it, "Why uncomfortable before? Position, or doc?"
Kamui sits up a bit straighter as he feels the touch on his ear. He turns his head very slightly and lowers his head, murmuring back, "Both. To be stood over such... it reminds me of an unpleasant ritual I had read about -- seppuku. It is a small thing... I am probably simply growing restless from the wait. You need not worry yourself." Njozi'joshi tilts her head down to listen to the ferret, then simply nods quietly when he's finished.
Dirk grins. "Darn. Show's over." He goes and takes the place of Hazmat. "Just a trim around the ears, barber," he quips.
Fiona glances over at Dirk. "Why do I get the impression that you spend a lot of time watching old television commercials?"
Dirk swivels his head and winks at Fiona. "A-hey, got to do something with my free time."
Hazmat mutters to Chet, but loud enough for the squirrel to hear, "Shave 'Kick Me' in the back of his head, if you would."
Chet snorts. "I'm not that primitive a doctor." He plugs in the monitor and takes the squirrel's hand, moving his arm into the desired position before the dancing fingers take stock of his pulse and body temperature.
Dirk mock-glares at Hazmat. "Just because I'm not carnivorous by nature doesn't mean I wouldn't mind trying filet rat."
Hazmat grins back. "Sorry, not too tasty. And I think I'm the only one here who could prepare it." His tail flicks, shooting Dirk an expression that easily reads as, 'So there.'
Chet nods and unplugs the monitor again. "Looks good. You're all fairly close to human norms, but far enough off that it's good to have a background reading so I know what you all should look like. Call it insurance..." Njozi'joshi nods once politely to Chet.
Kamui rests his hands in his lap, watching them while he flexes his fingers. He raises his left hand enough for the charm at his wrist to dangle, and fidgets with it absently. Njozi'joshi sighs softly as she watches the group, her tail tip switching back and forth. It bothers her that there's been so little briefing for them all.
Dirk sighs. "It's always something..."
Kamui says, "A safe course of action, Doctor."
Dirk says, "Any specifics we should know about, Herr Doctor?"
Chet nods. "The less you leave to chance, the less Murphy can do to strip the gears." He shrugs. "In general? Not really. If you've had human-style first aid courses, the basic procedures are unchanged. The differences are either superficial or buried deep."
Njozi'joshi rumbles quietly, "We should all have first aid... and combat sign, I hope."
Kamui says, "I was given that training, yes."
Fiona nods. "I, as well."
Chet leans back. "I believe so. It was part of my initial training before I was channeled into more advanced medical." Njozi'joshi nods to Chet, Fiona, and Kamui, looking relieved... then glances at the rat and the squirrel.
Dirk says, "I can do it. Hope I won't have to. The idea of being a sneak is not to get hit."
Hazmat gives Dirk a tap on the shoulder. "Might I see that bag a moment?"
Dirk gives the bag o' nuts to the rat. "Try not to hog all the cashews."
Hazmat nods his head. "Don't worry." Taking it up, he walks over to the couch, tail flicking behind him. Pausing before the lioness, "Can I see your hand?" Njozi'joshi's ears flick curiously forward as she looks down at the rat... then she turns over one hand, letting it rest palm up on her thigh in front of him.
Njozi'joshi glances up at Dirk, "Knowing first aid can mean the difference between life and death to one of your teammates. I am glad you were also trained." She turns her attention back to Hazmat, watching curiously.
Hazmat nods absently to Njozi's words. "Similar training was given, yes, but I'm better at putting machinery back together, not organics." He nods and reaches down, tapping her open palm. "Extend your claws, if you could?" Njozi'joshi's hand flexes slightly as she carefully straightens her fingers. Pale, curved, very sharp claws protrude.
Chet says, "However... cyberware might have an effect on things. I've got most of my chips in my head... sensory boosters and implants. I do have enhancements to the touch-sensitive nerves, as well. How about the rest of you?"
Kamui leans back into the couch, folding his arms again. "I have been... augmented."
Fiona nods at Kamui's words to Chet. "I imagine most of us have."
Kamui says, "Yes. It would seem obvious that we are specifically purposed. And yet... no briefings were given. I must suspect some emergency."
Dirk tilts his head towards Chet. "Actually, there is one thing that has me mildly worried. I was equipped with... toxins. For both cybernetic claws and my incisors. Should I be concerned that they might affect me if hit in a sensitive area?"
Hazmat brings his other hand down, letting the bag of nuts graze over those claws, and nearly tearing it in the process. Leaning closer to the lioness, he offers quietly, "There are just some places where you don't want sharp, dangerous things."
Njozi'joshi is still curiously watching the rat, but she murmurs quietly to Dirk, "Do you know where your toxin reservoirs are?"
Dirk nods. "I have one... here." He opens his mouth, pointing not at his front two incisors, but to one that it just to the side. "Hollow tooth. The others, I am unsure of. Somewhere in the hands or wrists, I believe."
Kamui doesn't look up, but offers, "I would guess the wrists. The hands lack internal area, and are easily compromised."
Chet says, "Slightly further back, actually. They're grafted to the bones of your lower arm."
Dirk ahhs. "So you are familiar with the technology."
Chet grins at Kamui and Fiona. "I just did the download. The cyberware is part of that... you don't want to do surgery without knowing such things."
Njozi'joshi smiles faintly at Hazmat, her clawed hand turning over in a flash to close over both the little bag of nuts and his own small hand. She rumbles softly, "Does it matter... when there is trust?" Just as rapidly she opens her hand, the claws receding smoothly out of sight.
Hazmat squeaks absently. He pulls back his hand. "Still, it's just uncomfortable; the act in itself isn't too dignified or comfy. Add sharp implements to the process? Yeesh." He shakes, then turns to Dirk. "So, do you have to refill them?" Njozi'joshi studies the rat thoughtfully... then just smiles faintly and shakes her head once, a little regretfully, after he's turned away.
Dirk looks slightly ruffled. "I assume so, though I was not told how. It may be that we are not allowed to do so ourselves, but instead the technicians do such things. I was informed of the addition... rather recently, as well."
Hazmat nods, tosses the bag of nuts to the squirrel, careful not to send them spilling out in the process. "Here, Ace."
Kamui doesn't raise his head. "I know the technology that is inside me. I would guess that the techniques in others are similar." He drums his fingers on the arm of the couch; definitely fidgeting. Njozi'joshi smiles at the restless Kamui, "Perhaps you could go see if there are dormitory rooms here for us?"
Kamui nods and stands quickly, "Yes, shousei." He pads off without hesitation. His expression says nothing; his body language says relief.
Njozi'joshi covers a small grin at the relieved ferret's departure, then looks at Chet, "Could you tell if they were organic or synthetic toxins?"
Chet says, "That information was not in the download... merely the presence and location of the reservoirs."
Njozi'joshi nods to the doctor, then glances at the squirrel, "Perhaps, if they are organic, you have the means to produce the toxins yourself implanted within?"
Chet says, "I would assume they were organic in nature, though... that way, the reservoirs could replenish themselves using body fluids as raw material."
Njozi'joshi nods again, "Exactly." She eyes the leopard thoughtfully, wondering if she'll follow the ferret. Fiona watches Kamui leave, looking thoughtful.
Hazmat says, "Also, wouldn't it be possible that if you can replenish them yourself, you may be immune?"
Njozi'joshi smiles at Hazmat, "One would hope so."
Hazmat shrugs. "Well, Chief, if he's immune then there's no danger if they're hit."
Chet says, "It's certainly possible... but it's not certain, I'm afraid."
Fiona glances at the others and stands up, doing a quick stretch. "I'm curious about the rooms myself." She follows Kamui quietly, trying not to appear too eager to catch up to him.
Njozi'joshi returns her gaze to the cacomistle, "Perhaps that might be something wise to discover as soon as possible, yes?"
Chet nods. "I quite agree. It would be useful to know the antidotes for our own reference."
Hazmat says, "Do you have an idea what the toxins do specifically, Ace?"
Once the leopard and ferret both have left the room, the lion stretches her full length slowly out along the couch, clawed toes pointing for a second and her tail quivering -- then she relaxes, settling her large head on her folded arms, her tail dangling idly off the edge of the couch. Njozi'joshi rumbles relaxedly, "So, aside from toxins, what other interesting cyberware do you have, Dirk?"
Hazmat shifts his attention to the path the departed combatants left by. "I wonder what equipment they were hooked up with."
Chet clears his throat. "Fiona has bionically enhanced muscles, skeletal structures, cybernetic backup on vital organs, and an implanted weapon. Kamui has implanted blade-claws and an enhanced neural network. And yes, we all have the cellular link."
Njozi'joshi nods to the doctor, "Excellent... I was hoping we'd all have good communications equipment."
Dirk appears to have been considering Njozi's first comment, and takes a moment to respond. "Ah... bionic eyes and ears... which I would assume are standard equipment... an internal clock... and a rather distasteful addition called a 'flesh pocket,' for starters." He opens the bag of nuts Haz threw back at him, and starts snacking daintily. He does not appear to be interested in gorging himself.
Njozi'joshi hms thoughtfully, then rumbles, "Like a marsupial's pouch, but smaller? Sounds rather useful, actually."
Dirk shakes his head. "No, actually. It is essentially a hollowed out orifice. I dislike such a notion... my insides removed for 'storage space,' no matter what the utility."
Njozi'joshi nods slowly again, "Very well... we'll try not to use it then, if it makes you that uncomfortable." She ponders for a moment, then adds, "For starters? There's more?" She adds quietly, "I do not think bionic ears and eyes are standard, actually, Dirk. I do not have the cybered eyes myself -- just ears."
Dirk smiles. "Commander, I will use all my abilities to my fullest advantage... discomfort is ephemeral and not of import to the success of the mission."
Njozi'joshi nods again to Dirk, looking a bit pleased, "I am glad to hear it."
Dirk mmms at the lioness' afterthought. "The eyes are impressive, actually. My favorite ability is that to be able to scan and store the retina prints of others. It should help to keep me from dragging bodies or body parts around to attain access to sensitive areas."
Njozi'joshi nods to Dirk, "That does sound useful, yes."
Hazmat snickers at Dirk. "Damn, and here I was looking forward to having a cooler ready..."
Njozi'joshi eyes the rat... then rumbles, "What cybernetics do you have, Hazmat?"
Hazmat smirks. "Enough to screw me majorly if I'm hit by an EMP, that's for sure." Njozi'joshi looks back at the rat, waiting.
Dirk rolls his eyes at Hazmat. "I am trained to kill, and I will kill if necessary. But I take pride in my work. I don't care to carry body parts around as so much dead meat." Njozi'joshi nods quietly... then continues waiting for the rat's reply.
Hazmat, seeing as he must go on, "Heavy duty work on the eyes and ears; thermal and night vision as well as the ability to pick up television or radio waves; broadcast on a radio wave... let's see -- the internal computer, which if I can get ahold of a number the modem's quite useful with the cellular link... the remote access is useful for getting into a computer from a distance, but they'd have to have a transmitter." He glances at the squirrel, "Which, if you could hook one on, would be much safer than trying to sneak us both into classified areas."
Njozi'joshi raises a thoughtful eyebrow, considering that. "Interesting. We have quite a bit of potential as a team. For not letting us know about each other, they've certainly designed us extremely well to work together."
Hazmat mmhms. "Yep, but as I said, if an EMP hits me, I'm blind, deaf, and pretty much out of commission."
Chet says, "We'll have to avoid that, then."
Njozi'joshi says, "I suspect it would be bad for all of us. We'll simply have to be careful, yes."
Dirk considers Hazmat's words. "I have an interface jack. Would that suffice?"
Hazmat ers, "Well, I have that too; that's just for plugging yourself into some machinery, like a computer. I mean if you place a transmitter on a computer I could 'hook up' to it from a distance. No need for me to even touch the keyboard, or it even to have a keyboard."
Dirk nods. "But could you use your remote access through me, using the interface jack?"
Hazmat considers. "Unless you have a transmitter plugged into you... but," gesturing to Chet's fanny pack, "-like how he plugged that hand held computer into you, you or I could plug into a computer. Now with the remote link I could do the same thing from a distance. But it needs a particular piece of equipment ON it. A transmitter... I don't know what plugging into you would really do."
Dirk considers. "I am equipped to receive signals, but not to transmit, I believe. I would have to inquire further."
Njozi'joshi murmurs to the conversing rodents, "I don't think we want Dirk physically in the loop when you're trying to hack a hostile computer, Hazmat." She turns her eyes towards Chet, without moving her head, curious as to what cybernetics he has also. Then her ears perk slightly as she remembers Chet already said what he had implanted. She smiles thoughtfully at the cacomistle, "Is it pleasant, having an enhanced tactile sense? -or distracting?"
Chet grins. "Depends what I'm doing... but it's very handy for doing medical checks and surgery. Most of it is in the hands, plus some temperature and pressure sensors."
Dirk glances at Njozi. "If it were the only way to accomplish the mission, commander, I would not shy from it. But... you do make a point."
Hazmat nods to Njozi. "I know. I'm not particular sure it's possible..."
Njozi'joshi nods thoughtfully to the medic, then smiles in lazy rue, "Touch is so important... but it's just not the same, being around furless humans." Her gaze tracks over to the squirrel and she nods slightly, "You are not currently expendable. As far as I know none of us are."
Chet says, "I certainly don't consider myself expendable. Experimental, perhaps, but not expendable."
Njozi'joshi hms quietly, then glances at Chet in rueful agreement. A moment later she adds, "Let me see... I have muscle reconstruction, the same cellular link as everyone else, a larynx implant, bionic ears, some chips, and the biomonitor."
Hazmat grins. "If I were expendable, then they wouldn't have spent so much money replacing things I've gnawed into."
Dirk chuckles. "I am in no hurry to die, commander. I am just... speculating... on what I might do for the sake of the mission."
Kamui has found his way back to some sort of commons area; smooth walls in light colors, a largish round table near a small kitchenette of sorts off to one side; to the other, a large open area with several markings on the floor. Several doors open off of this area; sleeping quarters, it would appear. The ferret notices that among all the markings in the open area, he recognizes several patterns as being floor demarcations for various sports. Finding no one around, he stands near one starting line in what he believes is the center of a ring, and takes an experimental swing, then a long, sweeping kick. He sighs audibly, happy just to be up and moving after all that waiting.
Fiona walks quietly in after Kamui and watches him a moment. Her tail flicks nervously for several long seconds before she speaks up, "Uh... Kamui?"
Kamui pauses, halting midway through a kick; he curls his knee back, then sets his foot back down. He doesn't bother turning, "Yes?"
Fiona sighs and has to keep her ears from turning back. "I... guess I haven't made that great an impression."
Kamui turns halfway toward the leopard. "My opinion matters little. But if you're concerned, I do not allow such things to affect my performance. You do not need to fear reservation from me. I will protect you as I would any of the others."
Fiona glances around the room for an awkward moment and back to Kamui. "Maybe... but maybe it matters a lot, especially as we'll be working as a team..." She pauses as he continues. She sighs. "Second to being alive... it'd be nice to have friends."
Kamui says, "I don't have any friends. I'm curious why you chose to approach me about this... given your choice of four others."
Fiona says, "Because... my quick tongue and not-so-quick wit chose you and Njozi'joshi to offend. I was... hoping to convince you that I didn't intend it personally."
Kamui shakes his head. "I don't speak for the commander. But I am not offended. Perhaps you were not yet completely aware of the situation... I will not grudge you that, provided that you have your bearings now." Fiona opens her mouth to speak and then just shuts it again, nodding curtly and turning back towards the other room. Kamui calls quietly after her. "If you have something you wish to say to me... I suggest you say it now, before it becomes an issue."
Fiona stops a moment and looks back, then turns. "You really don't have any friends?"
Kamui glances away a moment. "I have the task I am given... that's all."
Fiona can't imagine how he was treated to achieve such a cold aloofness. She looks at him a moment thoughtfully. "Well... I hope we will be. When you're ready." She turns and walks out before she has to hear the answer.
Kamui watches the leopard until she's rounded the corner and left his sight. He eyes the charm hanging from his wrist, then frowns and tucks it into his glove. "Hmph."