annexedlogs | Opportunity is For the Taking

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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))

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Fashion is complicated. This is the short conclusion that Tech makes. Maybe that's why when it came down to blending in, he left it to Hunter. As Rokuro heads off to change again, Tech wanders to have a look at the other garments. Were these for single use? He supposes if you were to tether with someone else it would be worn again, but outside of something formal, he can't really understand the point to it.

Tech looks back towards the changing room as he hears the muffled conversation, shrugging to himself as he circles back to the sewing implements. When the two finally reemerge, the clone looks up. This second option is just as striking, but in a completely different way than the first. For all the movement of growing flowers and fluttering petals it still seems much more subtle in presentation than the array of colors that responded at a thought.

"That one," he says. "I think it compliments you much better."

"I...I believe I agree." Judging by the colour rising into his cheeks, and how quiet he's become, Rokuro is clearly feeling some type of way. Turning to face the mirror, he moves this way and that, observing the way the fabric floats and flows, until he is able to place what he feels. Nostalgia.

"There is a legend where I am from, my mother's favourite, of an unlucky fisherman who finds the robe of a beautiful bathing goddess, made of silk that was lighter than air, flowed more freely than water, and glowed like the moon."

Rokuro can remember his mother's face as she told the story with voice and dance, depicting the goddess through elegant, sweeping movement. His heart would ache as she pretended to cry behind her sleeve, and more often than not he and his brother would cry with her.

"When the goddess asks for the fisherman to return her robe, he refuses, believing it may end his bad luck. The goddess cries, as she cannot fly back to the heavens without her robe. Pearls fall from her eyes. The flowers in her hair wilt. Birds crying loudly with her."

Rokuro will never surpass his mother's grace, nor does he remember the exact ancient dance she used, but he recalls enough to offer Tech a taste of what her performance was like. The coy tilt of his head expressing the goddess, hands forming wind and clouds, as weaving steps create the sensation of being moved by waves.

"She promises the fisherman she will perform the Dance of the Moon Palace, which will bring his bloodline good fortune for the rest of their lives--however she requires the robe to dance. After much consideration, the man chooses to trust the goddess, and she keeps her word. Dancing from the ocean into the sky, her sleeves turn into clouds, and the fisherman is shown a rare glimpse of the heavens. From that day on, fish would leap directly into the fisherman's boat, every oyster he opened would reveal a pearl, and the ocean calmed whenever he was near."

He ends the performance in a kneel, and the kimono fanning out from his knees could be mistaken for the surface of the ocean, with glass petals floating upon its surface.

One would think that Tech has no interest in things unrelated to machinery or computers, but there is no doubt that he is giving Rokuro his rapt attention as the man relates this story, tugging on a memory, unfurling a performance.

To an untrained eye such movements may not mean much, but there is no denying the grace and poise of each, deliberate and symbolic. Tech's never see anything like it. The impromptu dance is brought to a striking finish with the added effect of the shimmering robes. The shopkeeper turns away to dab at her eyes.

"If we were not told that such a design was a creation of magic and technology I could possibly believe it was of otherworldly origin," Tech says. "You wear it well, and clearly it speaks to you far more than the previous one."

"It feels right." Simply, and without further explanation, because for the first time it feels as if Tech understands. The kimono speaks to Rokuro. Personally. Meaningful in ways that can't be described with flowery language, or attributed to the expectations of others. Rokuro wants the kimono, yes, but he wants it for himself. Not to appease any master or god.

He rises from the floor, and without assistance. Elegant fabric easily following elegant movement. Rokuro is comfortable, and it shows. The first kimono required him to take on a certain modest posture, and wrapped so closely around the legs, walk with small steps in a very reserved way. The short silk camisole and billowing pants may not be the traditional accompaniment, scandalizing the shopkeeper at first, but Tech is correct in that less is what he wears best.

At the end of the day, regardless of his highly trained behaviour and dedication to etiquette, Rokuro is a man who is free in his body, and moves in a distinctly sensual way. He is the Brave of Water, of all. The shopkeeper appears to have come around in her opinion, still dabbing at her eyes. "Ordinarily, I would not part with a prototype, however... in this case I may make an exception."

She walks over to wear Tech is sitting, and slides him a slip of paper across the table, and the number is high enough to make anyone but the most well-to-do of rebel sweat. "I would consider lowering the price, if you would agree to wear the garment in future research. It appears we may have additional design elements to consider."

The next paper she hands him is significantly lower. Expensive, but not impossibly so with a generous payment plan.

A prototype... Already that makes Tech cringe internally. Well, no, he supposes he's resigned himself to the matter more or less when he'd agreed that things could be tried on. It still seems worth it. Rokuro had said only some time ago that he didn't know what he wanted. This is clearly opposite the case.

Looking to the shopkeeper, he glances hesitantly at the paper there before reaching over to pick it up. His expression changes only slightly, eyes widening at the number. That would probably cover for a down-payment on a ship or maybe a good portion of some kind of vehicle. Having never bought either before he can't really say.

"I don't think it would be a problem to aid for further research," he replies, nodding. "And it would give more cause for it to be worn." He looks over at Rokuro before glancing at the next piece of paper, managing not to sigh. "I think that is more to our capability at the moment," he informs the woman.

"There is one more option, should you like to reduce the cost further and also secure attire for yourself. You can't go to the ceremony with your partner dressed like that wearing this now, can you?"

Rokuro chooses this moment to join them, and attempts to get a look at the slip of paper, only for the shopkeeper to snatch it away. He looks at Tech, brow arched questioningly, curious about both the price of his ceremonial garb, as well as the deal Tech has been offered.

"Are you certain we can afford this?" To his partner, hesitantly. The shopkeeper answers in Tech's stead, hurrying towards the back room. "You cannot afford to not accept this deal, darlings." Rokuro takes a seat on the stool next to Tech, hands folded primly upon his lap. The glass flower kanzashi perched over Rokuro's ear makes a delicate chiming sound when he turns his head to look at him.

"Thank you, for this."

Attention to his own clothing does make him look a little sheepish. "Well, no," he admits, he reluctantly admits. He straightens in his seat as Rokuro comes to join him, perhaps thankful that the cost has been kept from him.

His mouth opens and shuts when the shopkeeper responds for him, perhaps for the best. Tech glances at Rokuro and then after the woman with the vaguest of nods. What she says, because he really doesn't want to know what separate costs for anything would go for. Probably considerably less were prototypes not involved. Still, there is a part of him that is curious about what the woman might have to pair with Rokuro's outfit. Curious and on edge.

Rokuro's soft thanks draws his attention, and while there's no blooms of color to betray it, Tech can tell that he's pleased with how things are going. This outfit might as well have more or less been made for him. He nods. "Opportunity must be seized when presented. I don't think we'd find another like this."

"I think you are right, in all that we need is ourselves and an officiant." A pause, looking down at his kimono. The glass blossoms are in full bloom, swaying gently. "...and flowers." That's a lot less than Rokuro's original list, which was almost longer than the sleeve of his kimono.

It seems Obi-Wan and The Doctor will retain their title of 'most extravagant newcomer tethering ceremony'. Lucky them. Obi-Wan must be so proud.

The shopkeeper returns with a dark garment bag looking extremely pleased with herself. Judging by the dust, this particular prototype hasn't been tested in some time. "Come with me. Judging by your current wardrobe... this may require some explanation." When Rokuro rises to go with them, the shopkeeper pins him with a look so sharp he immediately sits back down.

"Excuse-me young man! You have had your time to shine, and now it is your turn to wait. We must also allow your partner some drama and mystery." Rokuro bows immediately, and this time he definitely looks like a scolded child. It appears he has a weakness for women in positions of authority. Or maybe it's just authority.

"Yes, my lady. I will not move until I am told." Sorry Tech, you're on your own.

Poor Obi-Wan.

Tech nods as he notes the considerably truncated list. Well, if they took into consideration the cost for these outfits, it might about even out the expenditures for everything Rokuro had originally desired. They may be rivaling Obi-Wan and the Doctor's ceremony yet, just by much subtler means.

The garment bag is given a dubious look when the shopkeeper returns. Tech starts to get up, thoroughly startled when the woman heads off Rokuro from joining them. He glances between the two before following after the shopkeeper, albeit not without a helpless look in Rokuro's direction.

Once the two get to the changing room, the woman gestures at Tech before hanging up the garment bag to remove its contents. "You'll have to undress," she says all too casually. "Are you just in from a mission? -no, of course not," she promptly cuts off an explanation. "Now, there are layers to this, and that may be overwhelming for someone unaccustomed to such attire so I'll lay it out as best I can. Why are you standing there staring? Go on, you act like I haven't seen it all before."

Considering the variety of people brought to the Broken World, the shopkeeper has likely seen it all and then some. Rokuro waits patiently for Tech to return, feeling strangely nervous. After how intimate and special his own moment had felt, he does hope the clone experiences something similar-- or at least isn't entirely miserable.

At least Tech won't be too startled by the clothing he is given. The shapes and fastenings aren't so different, and the overall design is quite practical when compared to the soft, dreamy aesthetic of Rokuro's kimono.

"I can tell who is Tian and who is Heba. Not because of any special ability-- I simply have experience. You have an angular face, and way of thinking. Sharp edges where your partner is soft. That is why you compliment one another. As should these designs." She smooths out the shoulders of the haori-style jacket, which is in a deep autumnal orange, to compliment the burnt umbers and rusty reds of the tunic and pants beneath.

"This material is also reactive, and charges via the heat of your body, so you will feel a cooling effect. If you sweat at the ceremonial altar, no one will see it." A smirk up at him, adjusting the folds of his collar. "If you are the type of man I assume you to be, I think you will like the way it responds to complimentary technology. You are ready now." She slides open the curtain, and Tech can reveal himself at his leisure.

He might be pleasantly surprised at the color choice if he wasn't threatening to be overwhelmed by trying on some foreign garb. He's certainly not used to having someone help him dress.

"It's...much more loose compared to what I am used to," Tech admits as the shopkeeper makes adjustments with a tug here and there. He not quite makes a face at the insinuation that he would sweat at the ceremony but he's already flustered about merely trying on something new that he can't be sure. Collar adjusted and the curtain brushed back, Tech has one more look at himself before taking a deep breath, stepping out.

It's perhaps silly to feel so vulnerable in clothing that isn't for work or battle and yet it's very much what Tech can identify right now. He isn't used to being a focus. His brothers were basically a set. But they aren't here; it's just him.

Well, maybe not just him. Rokuro identified with someone else as well, and now was in the same position. This would just be for them. There's something lonely but reassuring in that.

Compared to Rokuro's garment, Tech's is understated, but no less elegant in its own way. He straightens up from his usual slouch at the shopkeeper's touch, a smile encouraging him forward. Walking towards Rokuro, Tech holds his arms out in a faint shrug.

"What do you think..?"

Rokuro looks up at the sound of his voice, eye widening upon taking in the sight of his Heba-to-be.

"Oh my." He has never seen Tech clothed in any way but monotonously utilitarian. As if he is always in factory uniform. In the long, sharp lines of this suit, he looks less like a mechanic, and more like a commander. The Heba and Tian colour schemes are oppositional, but the essence of subtle elegance is the same. Tech's simply leans stronger than soft.

All in all, it's a very successful look, and even more impressively? It also suits Tech on a practical level. Easy enough to move in, and there are pockets.

"I have never seen you stand so tall." And the clone is tall. When Tech chooses to, he cuts quite the striking figure. Rokuro smiles, giving an acknowledging bow of his head. As if he were greeting a man worthy of his respect. Because Tech is.

"You look very handsome."

The whole thing is actually very comfortable despite all the layers. The heat reactivity at work, he assumes. He does rather like that the design includes copious pockets.

He does not know what to think of being seen so, and the awkwardness shows on his face at Rokuro's words. Praise at his brilliance, his technical prowess, those are expected because that's what he's been 'built' to do. True enough his appearance deviates in quite a few ways from normal clones, but to be singled out and complimented? He doesn't much know what to do with those either.

"Ah..." is all he manages to get out at first, the heat reaction doing nothing for the warmth he feels across his face. He looks down at the ground as though it's suddenly the most interesting thing. "Thank...you?"

"I would be proud to stand by your side at the altar." Finally, Rokuro is satisfied with some part of their planning. After the low of the charms, finding this boutique has been the highest of highs. "And I look forward to it."

The shopkeeper cannot contain herself. "Well come up here then!" Rokuro gathers the train of his kimono in one hand and hurries to Tech's side. Even in a flustered rush, the fabric flows beautifully. "Now stand together. Yes, facing each other. Properly."

At first, Rokuro assumed she wanted them to admire their outfits as a unit, but almost immediately the 'reaction' of Tech's suit starts. As if by magic (likely by magic) the petals floating across Rokuro's kimono begin to drift onto Tech's, carried by an invisible breeze. Silvery and glass-like at first, as they appear on Rokuro, then shifting into a richer, metallic gold that better harmonizes with the earthen reds and brows of Tech's colour palette.

"A celestial wind." Rokuro can't tear his eyes away from Tech's coat, which is now covered in a rich, swirling golden pattern.

"Interesting. I have never seen them worn together at once. I thought there might be a strong visual reaction, but only if the chemistry was correct. Too much of one partner or the other and the effect would cancel itself, or become muddied." The shopkeeper stands back, hand upon her chin. "Would one of you touch the other? Pretend as if you're in the midst of the handfasting."

Right, this isn't even the actual ceremony. And yet with the shopkeeper's sudden insistence Tech wonders that they aren't going to suddenly be launched into it. He stands across from Rokuro once Rokuro gathers his robes and takes his own place. His thoughts are along the same now that they stand face to face, but then comes the movement.

The shift is nothing short of amazing, and magical would indeed be an apt word for it if it wasn't somewhat redundant. "Incredible," Tech marvels, looking at the dramatic yet tasteful change of colors. He looks from Rokuro, just as captivated as he is, to the shopkeeper as she observes. Her points do make sense, and Tech is glad that it confirms that they are a good balance for each other. He blinks at her request, looking then to Rokuro before he holds out a hand towards him. "Like this..?"

"Yes, like that. Well go on then. Don't just stare at him prettily." Chided again, Rokuro quickly takes Tech's hand. Thankfully this is just a 'rehearsal' of sorts, because he would hate to do any part of the ceremony so sloppily.

Still, when Rokuro sheepishly looks up at Tech, pale hand closing around the clone's callused fingers, he definitely feels something he wasn't expecting to feel, and their garments react in turn. The flowers dancing on Rokuro's kimono turning a dazzling gold, fabric shifting to red as the petal's upon Tech's turn silver, his suit jacket deepening to a navy blue.

"It is almost as if we do not have to speak." Softly, still looking into Tech's eyes through his goggles. Silently wishing he would remove them. They aren't mentally linked yet, but it's possible Tech might see the want in his eye.

An idea of what to expect for the real thing, maybe. Tech might appreciate the preview if it didn't feel like he was walking some narrow precipice that didn't allow much to be seen ahead of each step. Looking to an unknown third party for guidance made it more difficult.

It's clear he's hardly the only one feeling this way as he looks to Rokuro, and as their hands touch, he blinks at the sensation that comes with it. It's...he's not sure how he'd describe it, save that it feels... Right. It's entrancing to watch as the material of their clothing responds, but Rokuro's soft words bring his attention back to the person he's to tether with.

"A more visual display of actions speaking louder than words," he nods. His expression softens in a faint smile as he can guess as much for what Rokuro is thinking then. "I'll try to remember for the real thing."

They could have gone to the night-market's outdoor tethering booth, wearing what they always wear, in the less than positive moods they were in, read generic vows, signed the documents with a group of strangers as their witnesses, and been officially tethered in under an hour for a fraction of the cost.

Quick, cheap, and with none of what they're feeling now. None of the laughter. None of the compromise. None of the trust. No experience of seeing their partner present themselves in a way nobody else has ever seen, and learning just how compatible they are in a variety of different, equally valuable ways.

Rokuro squeezes Tech's hand lightly, tilting his head with a chime of glass flowers.

"Do you understand now?"

Edited 2022-09-27 19:50 (UTC)

"I think I do..." Tech says. It's still difficult to really grasp the ephemeral, but it's a monumental step in the right direction for someone who's relied much on physical data and logistics.

Experience is always the best teacher, and in cases such as this, he can think of no better alternative.

His hand squeezes Rokuro's back. They'll do this then. Any possible regrets he may have had in coming in here have dissipated. It might still be an expensive venture but what they've learned is virtually priceless.

"Such a healthy, beautiful partnership deserves such beautiful garments. Are you both satisfied?" The shopkeeper looks extremely pleased with herself, and maybe a little emotional, dabbing at her eyes with a new tissue.

"I believe there could be one improvement." Rokuro stays looking at Tech, and with his free hand, plucks the glass flower kanzashi from behind his left ear and tucks it into the breast pocket of Tech's jacket. "What do you think-- will this do, or would you prefer real flowers?"

Yes, Tech, he is asking you what your preference is. Honouring the fact this is Tech's ceremony, and Tech's experience, as much as it is his own.

The redirection doesn't catch him off-guard as everything else has, his mental gymnastics finally breaking through the distraction of colors and patterns though leaving those to be appreciated as they are rather than try to disassemble every strand and filament of the process. Maybe later. It would take away from things otherwise, and Tech feels that this whole experience has been rather eye-opening, something he wants to preserve while he can.

He tenses just slightly as Rokuro suggests there could still be an improvement. What else could they possibly need?

...of course.

Tech looks down at the glass flowers that are tucked into his pocket, head tilting in consideration. "...real, I think would be more beneficial. There's enough here to display magic and technology, but...perhaps something of a more natural element to offset it?"

"I agree." Rokuro looks up from the flowers and back up at Tech with a smirk, smoothing the pocket over the glass stems with his hand. "For a man who says he does not think or care about such things, you seem to have an eye for fine details."

The shopkeeper looks somewhere between amused and exasperated by her newest clients, and appears to be writing the payment-plan, and agreement for R&D. "So, are we satisfied?" Rokuro nods, still holding onto his partner's hand.

If the actual day feels half as important as this one, he will be happy. "Yes, we are."

That sort of a compliment seems easier accepted than those regarding his looks. Tech smiles, like he'd made some great accomplishment, and perhaps in a way, he has. It would have been too easy to settle for artificial, but it wouldn't have felt right.

He looks back at the shopkeeper, nodding along with Rokuro.

The outcome had certainly turned out differently than what they might have intended, but it's definitely been for the better.

"Yes."

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Opportunity is For the Taking

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