annexedlogs | Opportunity is For the Taking

Entry tags:

Opportunity is For the Taking

Who: Tech and others, mostly open if anyone fancies working with clone boy?
What: Mini-Missions!
When: Here and there...
Where: Various
Content Warnings: N/A

I. OPERATION: RELIEF
A. The Road Less Traveled
Operating the vehicle in question isn't too difficult. The controls are rather straight-forward and Tech is quite confident he's got a handle on things after getting some quick instruction on important features to note. Given his experience has put him in various sorts of vehicles to pilot, this is hardly the worst of them.

The road however is something to be desired, even with the route memorized, although he can certainly understand the intent. He grips the controls tightly, his focus on the narrow path- if it can even be called such- ahead.

"I'm going to have my hands full here, so you'll have to keep an eye out for anything or anyone that may try to get the drop on us," he informs his passenger. At least for the moment they don't have to worry about speed...

Night Raid
The first spatters of gunfire jolt Tech to attention from his light sleep, a hand reaching for his gun even as he begins to register the shouts of alarm. By the time he's ducking out of the tent, he's fully on alert, eyes narrowed behind his goggles as he moves for the nearest cover.

It's still dark out, hours yet before dawn, but he's not about to go stumbling blindly around the camp. He pulls out his tablet, activating the scanner to get a readout of where people are, head lifting as someone else emerges from the guest 'quarters.'

"Ambush," he explains with a frown, gesturing at the dots of red amassed in one section of the screen. "I can't be too sure just by this, but it looks like they might be trying to flank us while the majority heads to the eastern side of the camp to deal with the attack there. I suggest we make sure this group-" he points at several dots making way around the camp's edge, "-does not succeed."

II. THE NEW ARRIVALS
Given the number of unknowns surrounding this newly identified facility, Tech feels it's best to take care in the approach. He's gone on missions with little to no information before, but that's not to say that it's a situation he likes. Soldiers liked to be prepared, liked to know what they were getting themselves into- but then he assumes that goes for anyone, really.

The sewers may not be the most appealing ingress, but it's out of sight and gives them a little more leeway to work things out. Tech has a flashlight in one hand, his tablet actively scanning in the other. "The readings I'm getting are faint, but I believe we should at least be well beneath the outpost." He beams the light along the walls until it skims across a ladder. "We're going in blind, so I can't be sure where this will lead out to. I can only confirm that at the moment, I do not pick up anyone above this given area."

III. SABOTAGING SENSORS
This sounds like the most ideal chance to have a look at the corresponding technology to this chip fiasco. Not that Tech has any objections to destroying these new tower setups as he understands the risks, but he has other things in mind as well.

"Please don't blow anything up immediately," he's quick to make clear. "I need to see if there's anything I can scavenge and download from these sensors. I'll try to be quick about it, but in the meantime, I'll have to leave it to you to be on watch. But if things get too heated..." Well, he won't complain if it's in their best option to destroy the thing before he can finish. Doesn't mean he won't try again on the next one.

((OOC: Toying with the idea of capture here huhuhu))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The old woman clucks her tongue, pulling out a board of roughly-hewn wooden charms for their appraisal. "This is my more rustic collection, for those who wish to show they are taken without too much fuss... and those who do not expect to be tethered long-term." A low chuckle, shaking her head. Whether she intends to play directly to the insecurities of her potential customers, she is doing an excellent job. Rokuro's cheeks are burning, and he's refusing to meet Tech's eyes-- or the old woman's for that matter.

"I see. Thank you." Although Rokuro has always had an appreciation for what is finely made and pleasing to the eye, he has never considered himself to be materialistic. He asked for little in his (previous) day to day life, often criticizing others for their lack of frugality and frivolous desires. It wasn't so long ago that he was working himself to the bone to pay for his master's depressive sake habit.

Is he doing the same thing? Attempting to fill the hole in his heart with objects and ceremony, rather than strengthening his will? Regardless, Rokuro is trying to look past the 'fanciful' aspect of the ceremony, and focus on what their tether means, in the wake of the old woman's sentimental story and Tech's misgivings in regards to the mental and material costs of the ceremony, but the thought of representing their relationship with cheap, thoughtless chunks of wood makes his stomach turn.

Glancing over the options, it's difficult to find anything that feels indicative of Tech, other than a modest wooden wrench. "I suppose this would do."

Owning very little himself, Tech's never been in a position where he had need nor opportunity to make purchases for his squad that weren't necessary supplies, and even then that in itself has been a learning process. Here it's been a focus of essentials.

Charms really aren't something he'd count as essential, but it's not in the object so much as the representation. Wearing a memory not unlike how soldiers customized their armor to represent their battalion or honor a lost brother. But they aren't memories, they're here now. They're supposed to be there for each other.

Tech's watching Rokuro closely. He may not be an expert at discerning expressions but he can tell that resorting to this bothers him. Reaching out, he sets a hand on the man's forearm, but his eyes are turned towards the old woman.

"Thank you for reminding us of the significance of tethering, and for this fresh look upon this aspect. It is much appreciated." He looks at Rokuro then. "This is not something we need to hurry on, and there is still much to look at. We can still consider things, but we needn't feel pressured in our options so long as we don't lose sight in what it is for."

The unexpected physical contacts snaps Rokuro out of his rumination. He looks up at Tech, startled at first, and then quickly defensive before averting his gaze. Because he is suddenly very uncertain in regards to his desires and their sentimental value, versus how much they are actually worth to Tech and the world at large.

Life was easier when someone set Rokuro's standards for him. How is he supposed to know when his wants and needs are valid? Rokuro has always had someone else to put before himself, which made it easy to avoid such uncomfortable questions. "Yes. My partner is correct. Thank you for your time." A polite bow, wanting quickly away from the old woman and her trays of wood, precious metals, and shattered expectations.

"What do you wish to see next?" With unusual deference. Trying not to think of the clumsily made wrench, and how inadequate the charm felt to express his emotions-- how inadequate the entire ceremony might feel, and how little importance it bears in the scheme of things.

Rokuro has only ever cared for someone with all of himself. He must learn to temper his heart, so it isn't so easily stirred or wounded.

Withdrawing his hand slowly, he studies Rokuro as the other moves away from the vendor before offering a nod himself and stepping away.

Rokuro's hardly the only one thinking that things had been easier with someone else setting the standards. Those standards that they'd upheld and fought for were so suddenly thrown out and replaced by something foreign, but at least Tech had not had to deal with it alone. Making decisions like this, let alone thinking of such things outside of a completely tactical setting is far beyond the usual capacity of his thinking, or even being.

"I'm not really sure," he says, the words leaving his lips before he can really think them through. For all the things he knows he wants to get to, he draws a complete blank. It isn't long, however, and his brain kicks itself back into gear in quick review of things. They've already been looking mostly at things that pique his interest, and Rokuro's always been content to go along.

"...how about you? Is there anything that's caught your interest, or that you're looking for?" Tech asks, turning the question back with a slight tilt of his head.

"No." That isn't entirely (or anywhere near) true, but they barely have enough money to pay for the bare necessities of the ceremony, never mind personal frivolities. To look at all the beautiful things Rokuro may want for the occasion, or even more selfishly, for himself, knowing he cannot or should not have them seems painful and pointless.

What is he interested in? What is he looking for? What does he want? Even though Rokuro had come to this market with a list he doesn't know anymore, and even if he did know, would it matter? Sometimes the roaring between his ears gets so loud it's difficult to think. As if someone other than himself with a similar power to move and shift blood is trying to dumb and deafen him.

"We should get tethered. I have heard there is a booth in the market that will do so. If we get it over with now we will no longer have reason to fret or disagree."

That is decidedly not a suggestion Tech had anticipated. He almost looks startled at it, wondering then that he'd heard correctly. It's such a sudden about-face after everything they've spoken about, but then he can see how that all could have negated such plans as well.

"Making such decisions under stress is hardly a wise thing to do," he points out. "'Getting it over with now' won't solve anything except for establishing a tether. Tactically that would be a sound course of action, but it is still the forming of a bond that cannot be considered so casually."

He sighs, drawing them over to the side and out of immediate traffic and hopefully out of earshot of any more opportunity-seeking vendors. "I know you want to have something special to mark the occasion. These are not things I have experience in. Even when my squad was to be honored on various occasions, we never thought too much on the recognition as we were merely doing our job. We've never had much place for ceremony in our lives, no reason for accolades.

"But this is different. We're not trying to impress others. We're doing this for ourselves, and...that's the difficult thing, for me. I've never really thought much about things like that, what I would want, or why I should want it. But you've been very focused on what you wanted from the moment we made the decision, and I just...couldn't process it at all, the reasons, the necessity. But it's clear enough to me that not doing something is not going to make you happy." It's not something he often admits. He can absorb information, no problem. Application to living, breathing people is not something that factors into that.

"It does not matter if I am happy." And isn't the pursuit of happiness only adding tension to their relationship and making their partnership unhappier? Rokuro has always served someone whose needs and wants were far more important than his own. At the end of the day, Rokuro has always been most happy when his master was happy-- hasn't he?

That he's even questioning as much is a problem. All of this freedom and opportunity is having a negative effect on his training and challenging his self-discipline. A month or so away from his master, and he has reverted to a spoiled child who believes he should have his way. Next he will be playing with dolls.

"And it is not so simple for me, either!" Anger. Mostly at himself. Rokuro's fingers clench into fists, back against the wall. Literally and figuratively.

"It is... not easy to want. Wanting is for other people. Not for us." A flinch, because that's the truth, isn't it? All this time Rokuro has been reaching for something he isn't entitled to, in the name of gods and whoever else might be watching, in hopes they will justify his selfish desires. "If we are doing this for ourselves, then... there is no real reason, or necessity, to any of my demands. I was behaving in an impertinent fashion." He lowers his head with a soft exhale. "Forgive me."

Edited 2022-09-24 18:35 (UTC)

Not matter? That's even more of a surprise. It seemed to contradict anything that Rokuro had been conveying that day once they'd come to an understanding. Emotions are so complicated. Tech looks uncomprehendingly at him. The anger that follows is an easier thing to read. Frustration that boils up and past whatever limiters Tech possesses.

It's the quieter observation that follows that really strikes a chord in him.

"...no, it isn't," he agrees softly, resigned. "Our wants have blurred with conditional needs, and there's nothing to change that, not here." To want to be an ideal, model servant. The need to be a good, effective soldier. There were no alternatives, no real choices in the matter. Failure meant you were worthless.

Tech shakes his head. "I forgive you. And please forgive me for seeming indifferent to what draws your interest."

"What I am interested in is not so interesting. Or relevant." Tech's focus is on technology-- weapons, computers, and gadgets that can be utilized in a thousand different ways. Rokuro can only function half as well as he does in this place because Tech has been patient enough to explain it to him.

What can he teach Tech about in turn, flower language? Tea ceremony? Fan dance? Rokuro looks down at his sandaled feet (and painted toenails) in comparison to Tech's combat boots. Even the way he dresses and presents himself is inadequate.

"I am irrelevant. Everything I know is useless here. The tethering ceremony is the singular activity in which I have skill or experience outside of the battlefield." Rokuro used to think he was so important. Raised from birth to a higher purpose, with a grand, albeit tragic, destiny to fulfill. If only Nanakuma could see him now.

"Not everything needs to be relevant," Tech disagrees. "I should think you lucky to not have to deal with warfare as a livelihood. It is not your fault nor mine that we find ourselves in a place that is steeped in circumstances that focus on battle. But there is still life being lived here, day to day, outside of war," he says, nodding towards those wandering the market.

"You protect and make other lives better in your way, and I was created to protect those who cannot otherwise do so themselves. You are better versed in a life I am trying to understand, outside of fighting and tactics, and still you know how to do those things when needed. I cannot compare."

He doesn't sound bad about it but accepting, but then that's because that's who he is, and what he is.

"We will plan a simple ceremony. One that will mean something to us and no one else. If you wish to borrow from some of the traditions of this world, we can do so, but this binding is not for the planet, but for ourselves."

"You compare." More than compare, in his opinion, but a contest of who can feel most sorry for themselves has no winner. "And I... appreciate your strength in the moments I am weak, although I wish I did not so often need it." Rokuro sighs, slumping back against the building. An uncharacteristic break of refined poise and perfect posture.

"Simple and elegant--" The addition leaves his mouth before he can stop himself, and for a moment Rokuro is embarrassed, but then he laughs. And for once the expression isn't concealed behind his hand.

Tech isn't necessarily feeling sorry for himself, but maybe that's just as bad, being resigned to such a mindset. His head lifts slightly at being told he compares. Does he really? If he could not offer support in some way, then what actual use was he?

At least Rokuro seems to latch onto the proposal well enough, and his addendum has the clone smile crookedly. He watches Rokuro laugh, the sound loosening the tension that had built around them. This is how it should be, unguarded and trusting.

Rokuro looks back up Tech, this time with the barest hint of a smile. That they have weathered so many of these emotional storms does speak to their bond, and hopefully their future compatibility. If potential partners don't fight and make up before they are made official, how do they know they are capable of doing so?

The tension has eased, but there is still some hesitation behind Rokuro's eyes. An obvious holding of words unsaid. This time, it is Tech's smile, perfect in its imperfection, that gives him the courage to say them.

"If there is one thing I may ask, it is that you pick something, anything, to represent your participation in the ceremony, if only so it does not feel so... one-sided." While Tech might think leaving everything up to Rokuro is the kind thing to do, given his previous experience with such matters and 'particular' tastes, it does have the effect of making it look and feel like he simply doesn't care enough to bother.

It's a vulnerable demand, because there is a chance that their relationship skews more in one direction than the other, and it's entirely possible Tech doesn't actually care. Rokuro is so intent on the clone's answer, that when he hears a tapping against the surface behind his back he nearly jumps out of his sandals and into Tech's arms.

Whipping around, it is then he notices that he was leaning against a window of a shop, and it is simply the elderly storekeeper asking for them to move away so customers might see their wares. Ironically, it appears they specialize in formal tethering garb.

"My apologies!" Rokuro bows sheepishly, and for a moment Tech might get a picture of how he looked an acted like a scolded child. All that's missing is the bobbing ponytail.

Edited 2022-09-25 21:34 (UTC)

It is by far an absolutely reasonable request. Tech blinks as Rokuro asks such of him, something that personally represents the clone's participation in the tethering ceremony, a thoughtful look that already suggests he's starting to try working out the matter. He should have anticipated it, but Rokuro at the start had seemed so eager to take on the entire matter himself. He wouldn't have minded, so long as things weren't so full-blown like a certain former general and Doctor's own ceremony.

"Very well-" he says, nodding in acceptance of this ask, his eyes flicking just past Rokuro then at some glimpse of movement just before Rokuro is startled. Arms go up out of reflex, making sure the man doesn't go sprawling. To the shopkeep he offers his own nod of apology, though not without that tiny look of amusement at Rokuro's own.

The shopkeeper smiles and shakes her head. Tether partners bickering outside of her shop is clearly nothing new. Rokuro is turning to face Tech when he catches a glimpse of something in the window, and stops mid-movement.

A flowing kimono-like garment in purple, blue, and sakura-pink, as sheer and shimmering as the wings of a dragonfly drapes off the shoulders of an automaton mannequin, who changes its position with a whir of gears every few minutes. Beside it is another mannequin wearing a similarly shaped garment, this one in a frothy misty blue material, with luminescent flowers that appear to grow up and out of the sleeves and hem.

Rokuro can't conceal his instant admiration, eye wide and lips parted slightly. Utterly transfixed.

While similar to the fashion from back home, he has never seen anything quite like it. Tech might recognize the digitally printed motif of the first, but the near translucent flowers of the second reflects light in an unusually prismatic fashion. As if they are woven from crystal rather than silk. Likely the product of both technology and magic.

"Feather-cloth. Like the goddesses wear to dance." Rokuro isn't rude enough to stand directly against the window on purpose, but he does lean in as close as is possible without touching his nose or hands to the glass, utterly transfixed by the flutter of fabric as the mannequins move in a clockwork pattern.

It's a fascinating material, even to Tech's eyes. He's read about similar kinds of things, shimmersilk being the foremost thing that comes to mind, but even that doesn't cover quite the properties displayed with these garments. Naturally he can't help but wonder the costs as well, expecting the creation of such material to be no cheap feat.

Still, there's no mistaking the enraptured look on Rokuro's face. The style also seems to be something familiar to him. That's rare enough around here.

Tech looks at Rokuro. "You can see them better from inside," he suggests, gesturing past the window and around the corner. "Shall we have a look?"

"I... do not know. It looks expensive." In spite of the fact he can't tear his eye away, Rokuro isn't certain he should be looking at anything outside of their budget. He's already embarrassed himself once today, and to make a scene in a well-to-do boutique would be far worse than a tiff in the street.

Still, if Rokuro goes in with the intention of just looking (and maybe touching) there's no real harm, is there? To gaze upon the robe of a tennyo is a once in a lifetime experience.

Finally, he looks back at Tech, making a valiant attempt to look neutral in his interest. "I suppose it would not hurt to look. As you observe art that belongs to another. One does not need to possess beauty to appreciate it." And the shop itself looks more or less empty, a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the busy market. Surely they wouldn't be inconveniencing anyone by taking a peek.

As if by magic, the door to the shop swings open.

Edited 2022-09-26 03:38 (UTC)

Oh, he has no doubt of that. Part of him might rather Rokuro decline the offer, but Tech knows better. He nods once Rokuro gathers himself, letting him lead the way in as the doors practically beckon them inside.

"The pieces in the window do look like something of an art display," he agrees. "I wonder how they are constructed."

Tech has never been in a clothing shop. He looks around as they enter, equal parts curious and uncertain.

The boutique is simply decorated on the inside, likely to highlight the beauty of their clothing. The elderly shopkeeper sits behind a desk, stitching a hem with a laser-threaded needle. "Welcome. Feel free to look around. Everything in this store was created with equal parts magic and technology, designed with the partnership of Heba and Tian in mind."

Rokuro glances to Tech with barely hidden amusement. "I believe we have found a store that suits both our interests." Tech can ponder the engineering of the materials, and Rokuro their creativity. Although there are many beautiful garments inside, each on their own mechanical mannequin, Rokuro is still drawn to the two kimono in the window.

"Is it possible to get a closer look at those?" Politely, and with a bow. Rokuro can be extremely agreeable when he wishes to be. If anything, most people see the 'polite' side of him, while only close friends and comrades and privy to his tempestuous emotions. How lucky for Tech.

The shopkeeper raises her brow, setting her sewing aside. "Those are one of a kind designs, however I may be willing to part with them for the right price-- and partnership." She leaves her desk to disrobe the mannequins before Tech or Rokuro can protest, and brings the garments over to a table in the centre of the room. Oddly, it looks more like a mechanic's bench than a fashion designer's drawing table.

"What you are looking at is cutting-edge magitech. While the fabric feels soft to the touch, the thread is ionically self-charging crystal. It cannot be cut without special tools. While the stitching looks delicate, it is near indestructible. The shimmer you see is due to conduction." While Rokuro does not benefit from the in-depth explanation, he is content to carefully stroke the material, and is surprised when it shifts colour beneath his touch from a baby blue to a more icy hue.

"It is also heat and PH reactive, which ensures the colour is unique to every wearer."

That sort of lead in is already a warning in itself, not that Tech isn't anticipating those robes will cost some small fortune. He can't help but step over for a closer look.

Magitech garments make sense. For some reason he hadn't considered the possibility of its application being put into clothing. "Fascinating," he marvels, adjusting his goggles as he studies the fabric. He tentatively runs a hand along the edge of it, the tint warming beneath his touch.

"I had no idea that magitech had such applications," he marvels, studying the stitches the way one would study the intricate wiring of some kind of device. The shopkeeper smiles knowingly as she glances between the pair.

"Did you wish to try them on?" she asks.

Swallowing around the knot in his throat, Rokuro does not answer immediately. Glancing from the shopkeeper to Tech in order to gauge his partner's feelings on the matter, while trying to decipher his own. Of course Rokuro wants to try the garments on, but should he? Is there anything to be gained by becoming attached to something some well beyond his reach?

Without thinking, Rokuro places his hand upon the kimono beside Tech's. Their combined heat and chemistry creates an entirely different blue, with a hint of purple. The shopkeeper arches a brow, smiling. "It seems you are compatible, at least chemically and magically. You must try it on. I insist-- and we do offer payment plans."

Rokuro looks back at Tech, clearly hoping for some kind of permission. After promising to plan the ceremony together, he does not want to disrespect his Heba-to-be's wishes, and... is honestly somewhat nervous to try on anything so beautiful and complex.

"...Perhaps?" And maybe, without entirely trying, there is a bit of a convincingly doeish lash-fluttering in Tech's direction.

Edited 2022-09-26 06:30 (UTC)

Payment plans...for a garment. That alone makes Tech wary of asking just how much a piece like this costs. He watches the color unfurl beneath their hands. For the properties it displays and the technical aspect alone he supposes the cost would be justified...if it weren't just clothes. But then he has a feeling that opinion would not go over very well. At least the shopkeeper mentioned it was indestructible. Perhaps Rokuro could wear it as armor.

...but that seems hardly practical.

He catches the look from Rokuro, and while the strange spasm that's plagued his eye then is a loss to him, Tech gives him a nod.

Tech should be able to comprehend the very soft, sincere smile that follows, even if it's just a different kind of facial spasm. It's rare that Rokuro is so openly expressive with his emotions, which means he's not only pleased with Tech's approval, but feels comfortable in showing it.

They do function so much better when they are honest with each other, even when it's difficult, and often vulnerable to do so. Given they will feel and experience so much more of each other when bonded, it's best they get a taste for each other's true feelings in advance.

"Yes, please." The shopkeeper stands with the garment, gesturing for Rokuro to follow her to the change room. Leaving Tech alone with a table with a table of strange technologically/magically advanced tailoring instruments and fabric scraps to amuse himself. ~~How will he survive?~~

Roughly ten minutes later, Rokuro emerges from the change room in the first magitech kimono, of shimmering blue and purple, pinned and tied in a traditional Japanese fashion (collar high in the chest and low at the nape), looking as close to 'authentic' in essence as Tech has ever seen him. There's no question Rokuro's figure suits this style of garment best, and its obvious he feels comfortable in it.

"What do you think?" Rokuro lifts a trailing sleeve, holding it as he turns like the subject of an ukiyo-e painting. The colours of the fabric shift as he moves, creating the illusion of butterflies fluttering upon a celestial wind. The shopkeeper pins a mechanical butterfly to his bangs, pushing them back out of his face.

"O-oh. Thank you." Rokuro's emotions appear mixed on that front, because the butterfly hairpin in itself is beautiful, but to wear it as such clearly shows the bandaged right side of his face. Even more revealing is the way the kimono's fabric shifts in colour with the obvious increase nervous change in his body-heat, flushing a far deeper blue.

Left to his own devices, Tech at least has no problems with being allowed more time to have a look at the tools and other fabric samples. It's certainly more interesting than he might have thought a clothier would be. He wonders how difficult reproducing such material would be, although he anticipates that the instrumentation used is highly specialized.

Hearing their return, Tech looks up from where he'd been studying one of the sewing implements. His brows lift as Rokuro steps into view in the new garment, giving a much different impression than the mechanical mannequins. There's no denying that the man looks much at home in such a fashion, and the butterfly addition seems somehow fitting.

"I think it does suit you," Tech says, watching as the colors shift before their eyes.

Tech's approval does matter to Rokuro, clearly, as the kimono is shifting to a brighter shade of blue in firework-esque bursts. The shopkeeper moves Rokuro in front of a mirror so he can see the look for himself, and his surprise is obvious-- in the expression on his face, and the continual shift of colour from blue to purple.

While Rokuro has slowly become accustomed to the crystal-clear mirrors of this world, he has only observed himself in unfamiliar, modern clothing. To see himself as others back home may have seen him, and get a true sense of his own physical identity, is strange.

"Will your injury be healed by the time of the ceremony?" The shopkeeper arranges the train of the kimono behind him, and places a bouquet of Tian-styled faux flowers in his hands. The petals must be made of the same fabric of the kimono, as they too change in colour with touch, and reflect light in a prismatic fashion.

"My injury?" It takes a moment for Rokuro to realize she is speaking of his bandaged eye. "No... it will not." The shopkeeper shakes her head, clucking her tongue in a matronly fashion, "That is a shame." Rokuro's kimono flickers red in places, and the shopkeeper takes it as a clear hint she should probably shut her mouth.

Looking at his reflection, Rokuro twists so he might look back over his shoulder at Tech. "It is perhaps too revealing." Emotionally, he means. This is the most fully covered Tech has ever seen him.

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