Road Trip (Departure Thread)

The Saiyaness arrived. Good, thought Jie Shan, it was about time. He was eager to get a move on, make for the blue marble that was Earth. He gave the Saiyaness a nod of greeting, and he smirked. The woman was back in that same outfit that they had met her in. He was not going to complain about it, though.

She asked him why they were headed for Earth. Jie Shan pursed his lips and considered it a moment. There were a few reasons, really. "Well," he began, "There's not any one reason. First of all, the Saiyan Alliance promised to provide that odd Earthling with transportation. I'm making good on that promise."

Jie Shan considered it more for a moment. Yes, he thought, it was important to keep promises. "And, secondly, I've my own business on Earth. Or, well, rather my own lack of business on Earth, if that makes sense. I see this trip as an opportunity to get away from the hustle of Councilor business for a time, perhaps enjoy myself."

Or, he thought, do some recruiting for his own little project. Earth was a gathering point for many people, it seemed, and it was the perfect place to go looking for warriors of note. He was still building his own squad, making sure each member had real potential. And Earth was just one place he intended to stop.

Jie Shan looked at the Saiyaness and gave her a small smile. "If you'd rather stay behind, you're more than welcome, too. I'm sure the arena crowds will miss their champion." He laughed, but he meant it. He'd rather she do as she pleased in this regard. Though he was technically her superior in this regard, he was loathe to give her commands, especially on a matter such as this. Even Melonia was free to stay behind if she so chose. This was not official Alliance business, and Jie Shan did not want to make it into such business.

"Of course," he continued, "If you do come, I'm sure you'll have a great time. From what I've heard, Earth can be rather... exciting. Provided that you don't get yourself killed or the like along the way. Though I don't think that our arena champion here has to worry about that, does she?"

Jie Shan shrugged. "Perhaps vacation isn't the best way to describe it," he admitted, "I simply want off of Natto for a time. I assure you, I'm not completely shriking off my duties, no, I doubt I could. I'll still be dealing with Alliance business, just remotely is all. And I do have a special project I'm working on."

No, he could never get away from the duties of the Councillor. Even now, he knew that the ship's computer was uplinked to the Alliance database. He might be spending his days on Earth, but at nights, it would be as if he never left his office.

"If I'm being honest," he groaned, "I just want a change of pace. Yes, I said the hustle of being a Councillor, but if you sat in the same office, staring at the same screen, waiting for the same people each day, you'd want a small break from the norm as well. Hell, I've got all my work on the ship computer. It won't be a vacation at all, really."

"Damn it, I'll probably spend the entire trip filling out forms and writing messages, but it will still be well worth it," he exclaimed, "Natto is suffocating me and I need a break from it. I was not meant to be tied down for so long. The past few years of my life, I've been living in a cage. And it's time I opened the door."

He sighed once again. "Sorry. I did not mean to vent. Rest assured, I'm putting the Alliance and her people first in this matter. I just need to take care of my own mind before it cracks." He gave the Saiyaness a pained grin and a small, strained laughed.

"And I'm sure the Overseer won't mind us making for Earth," said Jie Shan, "Hell, maybe I can even convince him to spar with me, really get some practice in. I could use it."

Jie Shan looked around. Where was the Hero indeed? While it did not seem strange for the odd duck Earthling to be running late, Jie Shan had to admit that he was getting impatient. He'd organized this trip for the Hero's benefit, at least partially. He had better show up. Jie Shan could not, in good faith, leave without him.

"While that wouldn't be so bad, Kinoko, if it were just the two of than maybe it really would be a vacation," he laughed, "With you around, I might not get anything done at all."

Kinoko couldn't help but chuckle as she listened to the councillor defend himself against her accusations. She was so afraid of getting in trouble, of getting caught that she almost forgot just how laid back Jie Shan was, of course a job like that would drive him insane, hell, just being stuck within the Tuffle base had drove her insane until she was finally allowed to leave it.

"Don't worry Jie... hehehe I was only joking around~ Everyone deserves a break! And maybe I can even help you with the not so important stuff if you need me too~"
She would say with a light smile, listening to him vent and only chuckling more. It truly was maddening, looking at the same thing day in and day out. A trip away from Natto would do him some good, though she wasn't sure just how good it would be for her~ Well, she was just going to have to wait and see? She could be worrying over absolutely nothing! She was going to get to see Earth for the first time!

That was when she could finally sense Hero's energy signature approaching, and Kinoko turned to look at the approaching human, waving her hand lightly in welcome. For some reason, this man creeped her out... maybe it was just his expression, or maybe it was that bald head... Whatever it was, it was unsettling, but she would still do her best to be as pleasant and... normal as she could.

"Hello mr. Hero~ Long time no see~"
she would say with a smirk, tail wagging from one side to the other gently.

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WC: 271
TWC: 1,026

The Saiyan beauty Melonia was away on yet more training when the runners were dispatched. Far in the outlands of the Soy Capital where she could beat peace and train her body and soul at once. Amongst the calm of the forest, where only stillness met her as she meditated. Dressed in only the purple underlayer of her battle armor the warrioress had sat rigid since before the sun had crested the horizon. Today was a day of calm and collection. Of self reflection and ruthless discipline, no food, water, or rest until her body could not stand it. She was not merely meditating, but rather honing her Ki.

And so the Saiyan warrior had sat motionless for over twelve long and grueling hours. Her Ki raging around her in a brilliant violet aura as it flared with every once if her strength. A whirling maelstrom of power, a god like entity compared to the other creatures of the forest. She could sense them all. Every bird fluttering overhead, wings beating as it darted for prey. Every fish in the streams not far from where she had made her hastily constructed camp. Going about their minuscule lives blissfully unaware until it was cruelly snuffed out by a hawk.

Melonia was doing more than honing her keen senses though. Her primary goal was improving her endurance. Stamina was something she felt she sorely lacked. Gravity training left her weak and exhausted. Keeping her body at maximum power for as long as possible would surely improve her ability. And so she had sat, floated no more than two feet from the ground. All loose gravel and rubble has been blown away by the roaring energies of Melonia’s body, leaving the ground smooth and bare. The grass around her was whipped and blown as if by strong winds, and the animals dared not tread near her clearing.

The Saiyan beauty closed her eyes, she could feel something coming. Not a forest creature, not a fearsome predator, not a civilian or a weakling. Someone with power. The woman leapt up to alertness in a flash of movement, taking a defensive stance and preparing to fight. A bright burning comet of Ki flew overhead, arcing down through the air on a direct course for Melonia. She relaxed her stance after seeing the potential foe, resting one hand on a prominent hip. The soldier touched down and it was quite clear he was one of the Lan Dian household guards.

The soldier snapped into a rigid salute, hand pressed to attention as he gave the female warrior the militaristic greeting. “Lady Melonia, Jie Shan has sent for you. He has need to leave Natto to depart for Earth, and has requested you attend this journey.” Melonia paused to listen as the man spoke his master's words. “Earth.” She muttered aloud, musing to herself why on earth Jie Shan would need to leave Natto, especially for the human homeworld? She looked back to the runner and opened her mouth to speak. “Did Jie Shan inform you as to the nature of this departure? Military, political, espionage… recreational maybe?” The buxom Saiyan waited patiently for the junior Warrior's reply.

“No Melonia, unfortunately he did not. But he's called for several others, including an Earthling. Jie Shan tends to keep his cards close to the chest.” His last words were punctuated by the fact his eyes had wandered to Melonia's more than ample chest. Enormous round bosoms bobbing slightly in the tight confines of her violet kinetic impact cloth underlayer. “Yes…” She replied slowly, waiting until the runner caught her drift. "Ahem, anyways. If Jie Shan requests my presence, then as my superior officer I must obey. Give me a moment to pack my things and I'll be off. Are we returning to the Lan Dian compound or has he run off elsewhere in my absence?”

Melonia turned to gather up what few possessions she'd brought with herself to the outlands. The woman slipped on the ceramic breastplate and guards of her battle armor, much to the runner's chagrin. She quickly stowed away the several day's worth of rations and water purification kit she'd packed as well. Last were her extra outfits and change of clothes, carefully folded and stored in her travel pack. Once finished she confirmed she wasn't leaving anything behind and turned back to her escort. “Jie Shan is still at his compound, as are the space craft you'll be taking. You'll also have time to pack before we depart.”

“Fair enough.” Melonia replied curtly, “Let's be off then. I've wasted enough time as is.” With that Melonia dashed off at high speed, the runner following in tow. She suspected he lagged behind on purpose, just to watch her ass as they traveled. Whatever the reason, they made good time.

Touching down at the Lan Dian compound an hour or so later, Melonia made haste for her bedchambers. She grabbed for several large suitcases and smaller travel cases. Packing all manner of clothing, from civilian attires for hot or cold weather, to several suits of her Saiyan battle armor. The beauteous Saiyan woman, naturally quite prideful of her appearance, also saw fit in include most of her ponytail bracelets, several pairs of earrings, her toiletries, hair care products, combs, brushes, straighteners, shampoo and conditioner, make up kits, and nail polish. Still not done packing she also brought ample reading material and a small personal computer for watching videos along the way.

Once fully packed Melonia had her runner help carry only her things, making her way to the two vessels moored at the rear of the compound. She quickly spotted Jie Shan, rushing up to greet him. “Counselor, I came immediately after your runner found me. In addition I am packed and ready to travel, I didn't know how long the trip intends to be, so I prepared thoroughly. So in case I needed something.” Melonia gave a short bow as she finished her statement. “So Jie Shan, where do you have need of me?”

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WC: 1012

Melonia's attention shifted to the people in her company. One addressed her with a pleasant greeting and she turned to face him. He was no Saiyan, that much was sure. The man had no tail, and even had he lost it, he did not smell like one either. Melonia's nose twitched slightly as she picked at his scent. "Well..." She thought to herself. "At least he's some kind of primate." The unknown warrior stood dressed in a goldenrod outfit with a pearl white cape fastened at his shoulders. Clasped in place by two black buttons that gleamed with their inherent smoothness. A far cry from Melonia's own uniform, her Saiyan battle armor. With it's violet under layer and bright pink shoulder and hip guards it stood in stark contrast to the man's own choice in color scheme. Melonia couldn't help but to cock an eyebrow most at the man's gleaming bald head. She prized her own head of hair, spending upwards of an hour every morning readying it for the day, and being overprotective of it's impressive length. But this... foreigner, seemed to forgo that notion entirely with his smoothed out dome of a head. 

The Saiyaness blinked twice when he spoke, She had actually been so transfixed on his skull that Melonia almost forgot he was looking at her. "Hello." She replied back frankly, sable eyes lowering to match the taller warrior's gaze. Despite the fact he was a man, he lacked as notable a height advantage on Melonia as most others, though in truth her hair made her appear significantly taller than him. "A pleasure to meet you, though I must say..." Melonia folded her arms across her generous chest. "... I wasn't informed we'd be traveling with others, only that I was requested. Tell me stranger, who are you exactly? I can already tell you aren't Saiyan, or at least, not a pure blood." She paused to consider her words, before curtsying briefly. The woman did not actually know what station this warrior held, he could be royalty, some high ranking diplomat or military officer, perhaps even the ruler of some distant planet. "Forgive my manners, I grow too used to the Saiyan military. I am Melonia, and to what do I call you my new acquaintance?"

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WC: 384
TWC: 1,396

Finally, Jie Shan felt the approach of the familiar energy of Melonia approach. About time, he thought, he was starting to get worried that his runner had... well, run off on him. But thankfully, the Saiyaness had arrived. She came before them, prepared to leave. Good, thought Jie Shan, he'd not want to waste any more time.

"Ah, Melonia," said Jie Shan, "Finally, I was beginning to worry."

He managed a small grin and a nod of the head, before looking at each of them in turn. "Alright, folks, this is how it's going to work," he began, "There's two ships here. One is my ship, the other is Lieutenant Colonel Komatsu's ship. I'm doing him a favor by bringing his ship to Earth for him."

He paused for a moment, breaking his speech. "Now," he continued, "I'm sure you have noticed that there are four of us. Three Saiyans- Well, two and half Saiyans- and an Earthling. Now, I'm not the best at math, but if I divided right, that's two people per ship."

He stopped once again, to let his point sink in. "I'm sure you guys can see where I'm going with this," he said, "But we're splitting up for the trip, to make sure that each ship is adequately crewed for the duration of the trip. I thought about the best way to split us up, and I reached what I think is the most logical conclusion: the Hero and I will take my ship, and Melonia and Kinoko will take Komatsu's."

Partly, he thought, because he did not trust anyone else with his ship. He'd paid a premium for this, more than he wanted, and damn him, he was going to do what he needed to do to ensure that his ship stayed in once piece.

"Now," he continued, "You might be wondering why I chose these particular arrangements. It's based on the simple fact that I've chosen to make good on the Alliance's promise to return our human friend here to Earth. As such, I should be the one to take responsibility for him during the trip."

He looked around the group, trying to gauge their faces for reaction. "So," he said, "Let's get this show on the road."

And with that, Jie Shan made for his ship. He boarded it quickly, preferring not to waste any time here on Natto any longer. Earth awaited them, and Jie Shan would welcome the big blue marble with open arms. He needed the change of pace. Jie Shan sat himself in front of the center console and signaled the launch crew, making sure they were ready to go the moment that the rest of the part boarder their respective ships.

As Jie Shan gave the final order, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. Finally, he thought, he was leaving Natto for the first time in years. A lot had changed since he last left the planet, his entire life had changed. And now, maybe it would change once again.

Now, he thought, where was his work? He needed to get ahead...

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Thread exit! Jie Shan will take zeni!

Exit at your leisure, folks and as soon as everyone is good to go, I'll post our departure in the travel log and T2G!