crux_fleet | 002 - In which there is shopping!

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002 - In which there is shopping!

Who: Pinoko, Tron, Anzu, Tsumugi, and ~~The Great Thief Yatagarasu~~ Kay
Where: Sky Park to start with. And then the market for Shopping
When: After the second wave of new arrivals. Daytime.
Warnings: Pinoko is weaponized cute. More to be added as needed.

Pinoko had made calls to all of the people that she had made friends with the first few days at the fleet. She had promised everyone curry or shopping or both. And, well, in Mr. Tron's case, she had promised him food. She desperately needed new clothes, and the fabricator had yet to give her anything she liked. Or anything that fit properly for that matter. It was so frustrating!

So, she had asked all of her friends to meet her at the Sky Park. Partially because she wanted to look at it, and partially for practicality's sake. Tsumugi was really big after all.

For the moment, Pinoko was looking around, and avoiding the temptation to go on any of the slides. She would wait for her friends. She had already done a small circuit to see if there was any street vendors selling parfaits. (Or Swiss Rolls. She had mentioned there would be Swiss Rolls to Kay.) So far she hadn't had any luck. Hopefully they'd have more luck with sweets and clothes by the end of the day.

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As she often did when she was in a hurry to get somewhere, Tsumugi floated through Sky Park, heading in the general direction that Pinoko had mentioned while she looked out for familiar faces. And... aha!

She touched down neatly not far from where Pinoko was, placing both her hands at the front of her skirts. "Pinoko! Am I early?"

"Wow," Pinoko breathed. Seeing Tsumugi in video and seeing her in person were two very different experiences. "You're really tall."

Then she managed to regain her composure and smile.

"Not early, exactly. Just the first one to get here! It never hurts to be on time!"

Tron liked the park. It was great for climbing on when he got too restless. That meant he was able to get to Pinoko's meeting spot with no trouble, arriving just a little bit before the suggested time.

He waved to Tsumugi-- he wasn't exactly sure if she could see him clearly or what-- as he approached.

"Everyone else might be late."

"Hi Mr. Tron!" Pinoko said, smiling happily. She stopped just outside of his personal space, deciding that hugging him might not be the best idea.

For now.

"Apparently, Pinoko just has chronically early friends. Mr. Tron, do you know Tsumugi?"

"A Great Thief is NEVER late!"

Which means, she pretty much was. She's not on the ground, persay, but rather perched on top of some nearby benches, like some kind of weird frog. Thankfully, she recognized everyone on this endeavor, giving Tsumugi and Tron a wave, as well as a smile to Pinoko.

"Is this a meet and greet?"

"Sort of! I just wanted us all to get together. But it seems like everyone sort of knows each other already. At least so far. But Pinoko thought that once we all got here, we could maybe head over to the shopping districts?"

This was hopeful, and she looked around at Tron and Tsumugi, as well as Kay.

"I need new clothes. We can also look for delicious food like parfaits and Swiss Rolls, and at the end of the trip, Pinoko will cook everyone curry!"

Because clearly this was the best plan.

"Parfaits? Swiss Rolls? What are those? A shopping trip does sound nice, though..."

Tsumugi gave both Tron and Kay a little wave with one of her tentacles. "Hello, there! It's nice to see you two again!"

"Greetings, Kay," Tron said, though he rolled his eyes a bit at her silly pronouncement. It was a pretty good coincidence that they all apparently knew each other.. but then, it seemed that most of the people brought in by the accident were sticking together. Probably wise.

He peered down at Pinoko and frowned at the prospect of shopping. How was it supposed to take so long that they would need food in the middle? On the other hand... Pinoko's cooking was definitely better than the fabricator.

"How long is this supposed to take?" he still asked, a little suspiciously. Best to know what he was getting into.

"What a great turnout!" Her eyes cast up at Tsumugi, hands going to her hips. She's totally ignoring that eyeroll the computer murdercat is giving for the moment, flipping half of her scarf over her shoulder.

"So if three's a crowd...what does that make for four? A...squadron? Are we a shopping squadron? Cause that totally should be our name."

...

With a hop down off the bench, she immediately flocks to Tron. Probably just out of elimination. Tsumugi was the size of a building and Pinoko is Pinoko.

"We can totally be a shopping squadron!" Pinoko said, smiling. "Does everyone know each other? Pinoko can make introductions if not. I invited Mr. Anzu too, but he doesn't seem to be here yet. Would we still be a shopping squadron with five people?"

She looked around the park for Anzu, and shrugged. He could always catch up to them.

Then she looked at Tron. "Serious shopping always takes awhile! And if this is Tsumugi's first shopping trip ever then we have to be thorough! Pinoko needs new clothes, and more groceries! Also we're looking for dessert! What does everyone else want or need?"

She smiled at Tsumugi. "Parfaits and Swiss Rolls are desserts. Kay and I both like different ones, but they're both so good!"

"I see! 'Desserts'... supposedly, they're very tasty!" Not that Tsumugi had ever really had any, of course.

"Well, aside for shopping for curry ingredients, it would be nice to find Sigourney Whiskers a nice collar. Otherwise, I'm afraid she might get lost. Maybe a pink one with a cute nametag..."

Tron eyed Kay sideways. He was going shopping with a bunch of very flighty betas, wasn't he?

"I am not joining a shopping squadron."

He also wasn't sure exactly what it was he supposedly needed. Basic power was taken care of, even if actual cooking was better. The space he was assigned was generous and had all the essentials.. and while he missed his gridsuit and disks, there wasn't an analog to them here.

"I've met everyone here before. Our import was not that many people."

Kay looks up at Tsumugi, putting a finger to her cheek and giving a soft wink in reply. "You couldn't be more on the mark if you tried, Ms. Tsumugi! They're def. tasty! Even Mr. Tron can back me up on that--he tried a Swiss Roll."

A head turn to the program.

"Didn't you?"

Although his statement gets a pout, arms folding. "Now that's not a positive attitude, mister. Don't be a Grumpy Gus."

"...Supposedly?" Pinoko blinked. "We are definitely going to have to feed you dessert if you have never had it before! And we can help you find cat things!"

She just scowled at Tron.

"Mr. Tron, Kay is right! You need to learn how to have a little fun. You need to try to lighten up a little. Or a lot. Come on! What can the shopping squadron help you find?"

Sorry Tron, you were getting pulled along by the shopping squadron, like it or not.

"In that case, I'd love to sample one," said Tsumugi, looking rather pleased at the thought. She turned to Tron.

"Mr. Tron, I don't want to make you feel as though you have to come with us. But I think it would be fun, and it wouldn't be the same without you. Besides, we can try lots of new foods, too!"

"You can be the shopping squadron. I'll supervise," Tron said, snorting a bit. He was half-smiling, though. He might have a small weakness for flighty betas.

"I have sufficient materials.. though new food would be interesting."

Translation: he had three sets of basic black clothing, the default materials that came in the apartment, and not much else aside from a small stash of sweets because someone got him hooked on chocolate. Whoops.

"I do not think I will find replacement armor."

"So...that would make you the Shopping Commander, am I right?" Is that how armies worked? Probably not, but it sounded good enough to her.

But giving a glance back at Pinoko and Tsumugi, there's a subtle little wink.

"Nuh uh. I think you need something more...non-chalant, if you get my meaning."

Jumpsuits just ain't gonna cut it, Tron.

"All right Shopping Commander Tron! We will get you and Tsumugi food! We will also get you something that isn't black to wear! Maybe we'll even find you replacement armor. This is space and everything. They supposedly have everything here!"

Pinoko caught that wink. And nope, three black jumpsuits weren't enough, Tron. You needed something that didn't evoke images of scuba diving or a CSI technician. You know, something for everyday practical use.

However, then she blinked and considered something, before looking up at Tsumugi.

"Tsumugi, Pinoko wants you to come along, but how is this going to work? I don't think the market is big enough for you. Are you going to come along as you are, are you going to send your tentacles... how will this work?"

It was a very important question. Even more important: How did tentacles wear pretty dresses?

"I was planning on accompanying you with one of these," said Tsumugi, waving one of her tentacles. No worries! "The buildings are a bit tight, after all. I'm ready to go whenever everyone else is!"

Tsumugi was rather fond of jumpsuits herself, but the ones on the Cydonia were all white. A black one like Tron's was rather unusual... and certainly her friends all had less formal clothes as well. It was good to have something to relax in.

Tron was liking this idea less and less if his expression was anything to go by... but on the other hand, betas causing mayhem unsupervised... No, some cycles he didn't like his function one bit, but he also couldn't really leave them alone, could he? They might get in trouble trying to shop for something he'd like. Tron's tastes ran a bit more toward ordinance than was probably good for betas to be handling. Even the really tall one.

"I don't get your meaning," Tron said, frowning at Kay a bit. This had the air of a plot to it. "But we can try, I guess."

Tsumugi, at least, had the right idea. Faster they started, faster it was over. Hopefully.

"Are we waiting for anyone else? Otherwise Tsumugi is right and we should start."

As if on cue, Anzu, having spotted Pinoko and Tron (standing with someone he does not recognise in the slightest), rushes over, his heels clacking on the ground like dry peas hitting a tin roof. He stops just short of the gathering and bows, rather sloppily and far less stiffly than usual.

"Ahh, sorry, darlings," he chirps. "I ... I'm a very heavy sleeper, you see." It's not a lie, but it's not why he's late. He's late, because he managed to get lost and wasn't about to ask the locals for directions. He still distrusts them.

Edited 2014-02-26 21:08 (UTC)

Tron was looking like an increasingly disgruntled cat as they continued, but that's not an excuse in Kay's opinion. She gives Tron's arm a friendly pat, smiling as if to reassure him that it's totally going to be worth it.

"Just trust me, remember how you were unsure about the Swiss Roll? It's just like that."

But when Anzu arrives, her eyes widen at the sight of the newcomer. She certainly hadn't seen him around the ship just yet, but she's not going to be unwelcoming in the least.

"Hiya! I totally know the feeling. If I don't set my alarm you can just kiss any deadlines goodbye."

"Anzu! I was worried you weren't coming! Do you know everyone? Pinoko can make introductions if you don't?" she said, smiling brightly.

Then she looked around and smiled at everyone.

"Now everyone is here. Now the Shopping Squadron's mission can commence!"

And yes, that might have been a slight magical girl pose Pinoko struck. At the very least it was a peace sign. Hopefully everyone would manage to make it through this shopping experience in one piece.

Sadly, Tsumugi wasn't even sure what a magical girl pose was. But if Pinoko said the group was complete, then it had to be so, yes?

"Oh, so this is an official mission? I see... In that case, I shall have to try my best!"

"Greetings, Anzu," Tron said, twitching only a little as Kay chirped at him. He turned to her, frowning. "This does not sound like that at all."

He was going to regret the decision to come, wasn't he? Well.. all right, at least it sounded like these Users understood how the requisition system worked better than he did. Maybe he'd at least learn something...

No. He still didn't like it much. Tron sighed long-sufferingly, but the betas and Anzu were in the lead here. He was bound to follow.

Anzu smiles at Pinoko and then shook his head.

"No, darling, I only know you and ... well, ah." He gestures towards Tron. "Mr Program and I met, briefly." He looks at the others, smiling as warmly as he can manage. He does look a little nervous, however. His hands are shaking, very minutely.

He turns to Kay and adds, "really, punctuality can be difficult and sometimes I just don't leave myself enough time to prepare and ... end up being late. My sincerest apologies, everyone."

She smiles back at Anzu, nodding in agreement. "No worries, Mr. Anzu was it? Time waits for no one, but we sure do!"

Her glance turns back to Pinoko and the others, hands moving to her hips. With all of them here, and now psyched up (With the exception of Tron. Boy, you need tos mile more), she's all psyched up.

"SHOPPING SQUADRON MISSION 1 STARTS NOW!"

...

"Let's get Mr. Tron some real pants."

"Well... clearly introductions are in order. Anzu, this lady with the ponytail and the neat fashion sense is the Great Thief Yatagarasu! Also known as Kay," Pinoko said with a smile.

Then she gestured to Tsumugi. "And this lovely tall lady with the tentacles is Miss Shiraui Tsumugi. We need to find her stuff for her cat. She's also never been shopping before, so this is a big deal."

She smiled. "You know me and Mr. Tron. He's the Shopping Commander for this mission!" (No Tron, you were never going to live that down. Ever.)

At Tsumugi's declaration that she would try really hard, and Kay declaring that Shopping Squadron's Mission was Go, Pinoko started sparkling.

"All right! Let's go get Mr. Tron some real pants! That's a great idea Kay! Mr. Tron, you're Shopping Commander! That means you have to come!"

Tron, you had said you wanted to supervise. So you were going to get to supervise.

"Everyone! Let's go!"

W-well, she supposed pants wouldn't hurt. They'd certainly be roomier than what Mr. Tron was wearing now.

"Then shall we head to the pants store first?" You know. Assuming there was such a thing as a pants store. Tsumugi would float alongside the rest of the shopping squadron for as long as she was able, then continue using one of her tentacles as proxy.

"What is wrong with my template loadout?" Tron asked plaintively, though he was pretty easily swept up in the tide of excited betas.

He was doomed. Definitely doomed. And starting to really regret being lured out by the promise of dessert...

Anzu sighs, deeply, and pats Tron on the back, shaking his head.

"Darling," he says, like he's delivering practically grave news. "It's dreadfully dull. And they're called clothes, not a 'template loadout'."

"Thanks, Pinoko! When you're accessorizing, I always start with pants. Or, if I'm not feeling very pantsy, I throw a skirt on and move to step two!"

But there's a quick survey of Tron before turning her head to Tsumugi and Anzu.

"Definitely not a skirt guy, am I right?"

But since Tsumugi was wondering, she's just going to hop on a bench to get a good look around. A clothing store couldn't be very far. "How about we try....over there?"

And she picks where she was currently turned towards. It's like navigating a giant mall--just wander til you find something.

Pinoko smiled. She reached up to take Tron's hand. So he didn't get lost or anything.

"Come on, Mr. Tron! This way! You can help us figure out what kind of colors you like. Black isn't really an option, just so you know!"

Pinoko is still sparkling Tron. You're doomed.

She looked back at Tsumugi a little. "There aren't really pants stores, Tsumugi. Generally stores sell all sorts of stuff. Or they sell clothes in general!"

Tsumugi meandered her way into the entrance of the store, looking at all the clothes on display. There were a number of flowery-looking dresses in the front, but she wasn't so sure Mr. Tron would be interested in them if he wasn't a skirt fan.

"Wow, so many..." So this was what a clothing store was like! Of course, there were clothes designed for aliens, too.

Caught between Anzu and Pinoko, Tron sighed aggravatedly. There wasn't anything wrong with his template, even if it wasn't quite what he'd wanted when he tried to coax the fabricator into making him a gridsuit.

"A skirt is not practical for my function. There is nothing wrong with black. There is also nothing wrong with dull if it works."

That and colors were a little confusing... even glancing around, he felt equally pulled to reds and blues, like his alignment coding was stuck in some weird halfway place. Best to stick to colorless neutrals lest he send the wrong message... no need to risk it even if Users seemed cheerfully oblivious to the layers of meaning that colors normally held.

Anzu shrugged at Tron -- if he wanted to look like a barbarian, he could, Anzu reasoned. It's a free station, after all. But he did feel a little put out that Tron headed straight for the neutrals. He followed Tron right up to the racks and tutted as loudly as possible in his ear

"Darling, you'll blend in with the background. What are you, a stage hand?"

As they look at the clothes that Tsumugi has her eyes on, Kay's arms fold, huffing a little.

"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with it if you like being boring. You're a computer program! I'm pretty sure you've gotta be flashy or something like that!"

Allow her to dig into the clothes a moment, past the floral dresses and pulling out a pair of jeans.

"Say it with me now. Blue jeans."

"Jeans are practical Mr. Tron! And blue is a color! Compromise can be a good thing!" Pinoko said, smiling at the jeans that Kay had found. "At least Kay isn't trying to put you into neon plaid or anything. Like this gross shirt I found."

Pinoko held up said shirt. It looked like three different clashing shades of neon (purple, green, and orange to be precise) had gotten into a bar brawl and then thrown up afterwards. It was hideous. Pinoko put it back on the rack, because who would want a shirt like that anyway?

"Tsumugi, have you found anything you like?"

How did you dress tentacles up in pretty clothes anyway?

Pinoko started looking around at all the clothes. She did need new clothes as well. A new dress or two might be nice, as well as some new practical clothes.

"Oh... I don't really need clothes for myself. I'm sure I'd only lose them. It's, um. A little hard keeping the right shape for it." Actually, that wasn't quite true; Tsumugi could do some pretty remarkable impressions of human girls, only the last time she'd tried, well. It hadn't gone so great, and she'd gotten scolded by Tanikaze-san.

She pulled out a Hawaiian shirt with literally all the colors of the rainbow on it. "Mr. Tron, I really think you should consider some brighter colors for casual wear. Something that says, 'Boy, it sure is great to be here! How relaxing and wonderful!'

Blue jeans, huh? Sam wore those. Maybe they were a sort of generic User-template? Maybe they came in black, though.. he didn't like the way a corner of his processes hissed at the idea of so much blue.

"Nothing has circuits here," he said distractedly, looking through the display to find something that at least wasn't entirely offensive to the eyes. Like that shirt Pinoko found. Or the even more hideous shirt Tsumugi found. Really, he was going to end up with a pile of template-clothes in self-defense.

Of course, the indigo denim almost required a rust-red shirt to counter-balance it, long-sleeved because it was just plain uncomfortable to have too much of his shell exposed at once, both vulnerability and invitation for too much sensory feedback. He was careful of texture, too, avoiding anything that felt too rough... but that led to its own small sensory overload where the colors didn't.

Really, how did Users put up with all this?

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002 - In which there is shopping!

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