From Employer to Friend (Collab with Kezika)
30 Sep 2019KazukoHimura
Having gotten quite a few jobs under her belt, Kazuko was now the main go-to for any inventory management tasks in the job program. She was to help retrieve cargo for another Cutter-the ship Arcus. Getting there was easy enough, and so was the trip to retrieve the cargo-but the people that were supposed to load the cargo on were delayed for reasons unspecified. Annoyed, Kazuko found a spot to rest in the cargo bay, opting to wait out the delay. Glancing upwards, she could see a woman with short hair holding a datapad standing in front of her.“Are you Kazuko Himura?” The woman asked, tapping away at the datapad.
“I am.” Kazuko stated. “Are the dock workers here? Is there anything I can do while I wait for them if they’re not?”
“Pleasure to meet you, I’m CMDR Kezika, care to come up to the CMDR quarters for some Fujin Tea and charcuterie, while we wait?” Kezika offered, which was met with an odd glance from Kazuko at first. Why such a friendly offer? She’s just temporary inventory management. She initially wanted to turn down the offer, since she didn’t exactly feel deserving of such a thing, but politeness-and hunger-won out.
“Y-yeah, sure. Lead the way.”
Kezika led Kazuko up through the interior of the ship, swiftly reaching the CMDR quarters. Opening the door revealed a sprawling expanse of pure, distilled luxury. It looked more like a room from a mansion rather than simple quarters! Kazuko hesitantly followed after Kezika, taking a seat at a small table opposite her.
Shortly after, Kezika’s butler brought both the aforementioned tea and charcuterie, and it took a ton of restraint for her to not just take the whole platter for herself. She sipped a bit from her cup of tea, at least once it was poured. An audible growl from her stomach prompted her to, in a hasty attempt to not seem like she’s deliberately not eating for some reason, fill her personal plate up with various cured meats.
“Feel free to eat as much as you would like.” Kezika stated, having heard the grumbling. “I had my chef prepare it just for you since we’ll be here for a while waiting for this starport’s cargo loaders to get to us. In the meantime, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?” Kezika’s butler then set a small plate of charcuterie in front of her-inviting Kazuko to gently pull the rest of the tray towards herself.
“Me?” She asked, between mouthfuls of food. “I play a lot of games, I guess. Been taking a liking to the ones set up in the facility’s entertainment rooms. Not to mention the puzzle box I’ve had for quite some time.”
“Ah, yes, the Jaradharre Puzzle Box, exquisite programming on those.” Kezika mused. “Any specific games in the entertainment system you’re interested in?”
“Anything that allows me to explore. Lately I’ve been playing a space flight simulator!” Kaz exclaimed, her eyes having lit up with excitement remembering the hours she spent engrossed in that particular game.
“Ah, so you find piloting ships enjoyable? Have you given any consideration into it as a profession when complete with the reintegration program?” Kezika’s question made Kazuko nearly jump for joy.
“I have! I’ve always wanted to see what was out there. I’ve spent so long in just one place, I want to travel, I want to fly to new places! On my own terms, too! It’s like the ultimate form of freedom!”
“Nice, well I can see about potentially getting you set up to attend the Pilot’s Federation Academy in Matet after you are discharged from your current program.” Kezika offered. Kazuko nearly cried tears of joy, but managed to stifle them back easily.
“Thank you so much!” She exclaimed, barely able to say anything further, so she promptly opts to finish off the rest of her share of the food. Kezika waited to ask her next question until Kazuko had calmed down, and finished eating.
“Sorry about that…” Kazuko trailed off once calming down. “Got a bit too excited there.” Her face was slightly tinted red with embarrassment.
“Oh, excitement is wonderful! Any other games you enjoy? I personally enjoy some of the vintage World War Interim Era games.” Kezika added. Kazuko sighed in relief upon hearing the first part.
“I think the other games I enjoy are from that era? A lot of old role-playing games that allowed you to connect with other people using something called The Internet.” She remarked.
---
After a bit of conversation for a while-and more food in Kazuko’s case, both Kazuko and Kezika were alerted to the fact that the dock workers have finally arrived, meaning this small meeting has to come to an end, marked by the arrival of Kezika’s butler.
“Ma’am, the cargo loaders have reported loading completion” He stated, speaking to Kezika.
“Guess that means I have to head back.” She stated, turning to Kezika. “It was nice meeting you.”
“Ah yes indeed, and I must get the ship ready to launch and head back to Keltim, here is my contact card for you to keep in touch with,” Kezika stated, holding out said card, which Kazuko gently took.
“Thanks-I’ll keep in touch!” She exclaimed, slowly getting up from her chair and leaving the quarters, ready to begin her job for real this time.
(See Kezika's POV here!)