November 27, 2021 | Yamato RP

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A few days pass. There was an apparent series of incidents aboard the Yamato. There is a rumor that someone from the Brisbane attempted to kill Yuki, Susumu or both. The ship suddenly went to Condition Zebra—no light other than battle lanterns, inside or outside the skin of the ship. It was hot, dark and quiet, and somewhere in that darkness, Captain Tetsuya Kitano got the drop on the would-be assassin.

He strangled the man to death.

Susumu saw the mess himself; understood that Kitano had to take the necessary action, but thought to himself it was a little extreme. Yuki came out, cleaned up the urine mess from the spy's rather sudden death, and got to work doing an autopsy on the body since Dr. Kayu was involved with other matters. Doing the autopsy under emergency lights in Sickbay was not easy, but she soon had a report. Cause of death; strangulation, with shattered hyoid bone and many petachiae in the man's eyes, which looked red.

Kitano? Acting like it never happened, slid back into his work and brought the lighting back.

"Aboard the Yamato, Condition Zebra now secured. Commence normal operations." His smooth voice over the 1MC was as calm and pleasant as ever.

Sebastian was in the temple, praying silently to whoever and whatever would listen, for the safety of his loved ones back in the United Americas. He was, as ever, the non-action guy, though he had tried to keep abreast of the rumors and keep track of who was who, what was going on, and other such essential information. Having no physical training aside from having learned to shoot a pistol in his youth, he always thought it was best to stay out of the way; when he did leave his designated space, it was usually to pray, eat, or service the odd (always male) crew member.

Susumu Kodai combed his messy hair (to the best of his ability-was it any wonder his wife called him 'mophead'?) and he was back at his post at Gunnery. "Captain. Do we have any idea who was directing that guy? I smell Serizawa all over this, sir."

"We're not going to discuss that, especially not on the bridge, Ensign." Kitano smiled and went back to directing a routine diagnostic. "Perhaps in strict private, but we do need to slow down the rumor mill."

"Of course, sir," Kodai said, as calm as ever as he went back to running his own diagnostics.

Sky looked up from where they were sitting but would turn their attention back to their current task figuring it was not their place to say anything.

Down below, Yuki was finished autopsying the spy, and she said, "Doctor Kayu, My report is ready per protocol. Like to review it before we forward it to the Captain?"

At knock-off, Kitano opted to hit the beach. Although he said nothing, the quick glance he gave to Sky was significant. He smiled at them just a little, brushing the unruly raven forelock back from one eye.

Sky fights hard not to blush. They would finish their work before going to their quarters in board and change. "Sir." They say as they approach him, smiling a bit.

“Yeah.” Kayu gives the report a once over before returning it to Yuki. “quite the nasty way to go but I’m not that surprised after seeing the captain kill that animal so easily. The report looks good, send it up to the captain, I’ll clean up.”

"Roger that," Yuki said. She e-mailed the autopsy report to the Captain. "Need me in here for anything else, Doctor, or can I knock off for the night?"

"There are some people from Twin Star Bay here tonight," he said. "It looks like there might be a bit of fun starting up. Do you feel social?"

Sky nibbles their lip. "It would be good to meet new people."

Kitano also went up and changed, returning in a shirt that was cut somewhat like a nehru jacket would be, with its Mandarin collar and clasps at the side. It was, however, sleeveless. With this, he wore close-fitting black trousers and boots that came to the knee.

“Your all good for the night ensign.” Kayu waved good bye and started to clean the room after the autopsy as well as preparing for any possible injuries that might happen.

After having dozed off in child's pose, Sebastian decided to hit the beach as well. He dressed himself in some linen shorts that would allow him freedom of movement; however, due to the fact that they were a very light color... everything would also be fairly visible if one looked hard enough, once he came out of the water, anyway

Paying that no mind, he walked across the soft sand and dived fluidly into the waves, then broke the surface with a soft sigh. He hadn't been swimming in years, not since his love had almost drowned when they were children. He had been so focused, so intent on protecting him, that he had not indulged in one of the few athletic endeavors he truly enjoyed and was good at. He was out of practice, but still reasonably talented, and he flipped onto his back and let the waves carry him back to shore before diving in again, a peaceful smile on his face. He thought about writing back home when he got out... could he do that? Would a letter be deliverable from here?

Sky was wearing their tunic but decided not to wear their binder. It was good to take a break from time to time from wearing it.

Kitano led the way down the gangway, and once off the ship, caught Sky's hand in his own. Touching sand, some PDA was to be accepted.

"You look wonderful," he purred in their ear. "And I have something for you." He came out with a bracelet of jade green silk cord, interwoven around itself in a familiar pattern. He slipped it onto Sky's wrist and then adjusted it. It allowed for it to move around and not be uncomfortable, but they would not be able to slide it over their hand. "This remains on you at all times, save for a dire emergency. You are not to remove it. Do you understand, Nezumi?"

Yuki returned to the Kodai treehouse, found Susumu there, not in much of a mood to talk about what had happened aboard ship. Yuki had picked up Miyuki from Goran and Msiba, and the child was asleep.

The couple had a few moments (well, more than a few) of stolen romance and then they changed into beachwear; a bikini top and bottom and sarong for Yuki, swimtrunks for Susumu. Miyuki woke up, saying she was hungry. Both Kodais looked at each other, sighed, and Yuki made up some gyoza in their little kitchenette.

With a fed Miyuki, they got her into a swimsuit and decided to let her stay up. They walked out onto the beach to see what the hell was goiing on.

As the waves carried him to shore again, Sebastian saw some others approaching. He grinned and waved at them.

"Water's great!" he called out cheerfully.

"I understand Sir." Sky was smiling, their fingers on their other hand touching the bracelet. "It is lovely."

He leaned in and murmured something to Sky, smiling.

Sky blushes some, nodding in understanding about what he just said. "It suits me quite nicely. I will be sure to cherish it dearly." They understood completely what the bracelet means and that was all that mattered.

Across at the lanai, there was a sound of drumming. Uh-uh... drum circle around the fire! Things were promised to get weird. There was also a tall hookah at one of the tables with multiple mouthpieces on it.

Lily would be there, swaying to the music with a smile on her lips. She had insisted on going seeing this as a chance to meet some of the others.

Hearing the faint sound of drumming brought another, more serene, smile to Sebastian's delicate face. He loved music. He stood upright, as well as he could with the waves cresting round his waist, and did a sort of little dance, oblivious to anything other than the beauty of the music and the peacefulness being in the water brought him.

The Kodais were drawn to the drum circle like moths to a flame. The three of them took their places, with Yuki praying she didn't have to explain to Miyuki what the hookah was for. Yet.

Kharzon spotted Lily—beeline. "And you here too, pretty thing? My night is made!"

Kitano led Sky to one of the comfortable seats near the fire. "The drums get people fired up. Oh, look... the Emperors are here."

Susumu and Yuki exchanged glances. The thought was simultaneous: uh-ohh...should we leave?

Miyuki made up their minds for them, by saying, "I wanna see the Royals! Uncle Desslar is funny! Even Uncle Zworder makes me laugh!"

"Okay...dear," Susumu said.

"Keep calm, dear," Yuki said. "Your blood pressure..."

"Right."

Lily smiles brightly. "And tonight just got better!" She hugs him, not realizing he would be there.

Angelle was with Zworder, their daughter in her arms. She would not say anything about the Kodais being there.

Meanwhile Sky stiffened up some suddenly wishing they had their binder on for the comfort it brought them.

Susumu chuckled to himself, Oh, Miyuki...Uncle Zworder? Kiddo, you're a trip.

No sooner had Ati's ass hit one of the chairs than she uncased her guitar and began to play. However it was clear that she had eyes only for Abelt Dessler. The song she played was for him.

Kitano, however, drew Sky close. "Are you alright?" he murmured. He had caught the worry on their face.

At the sound of the guitar, Sebastian opened his eyes once more and headed towards the chairs. He smiled at Atirangi and sat, enjoying the music she played, glad to be in a social situation for once.

The song seemed to hit Dessler hard. He had one hand resting on the body of the guitar, turned to his woman and allowing the music to cascade. Come here, I think you're beautiful/I think you're beautiful, beautiful... Tears slid from beneath his closed eyelids.

And Kitano leaned close to Sky, whispering that refrain softly to them.

Miyuki heard the music and came over, pretty much dragging her parents with her. Oh, the irrepressible child, now developed to the equivalent age of five! She made her Mom and Dad sit down, and she sat in her father's lap, swinging her legs while her mother played with her hair and gave her kisses. The perfect image of a happy family, their calm belying all of the hell they had been through in the past few months.

As the song played, Susumu whispered the same thing in Yuki's ear...the same refrain. Miyuki whispered, "you two gonna get mushy again?"

"Shh....yes, dear, just cuddle up," Yuki whispered.

"I wish I had worn my binder. I wasn't expecting either Emperor to be here." They say softly.

"Neither one is likely to see you in any way that would be outside what you wish. But if you want to go back aboard to get it, I will come with you." He brushed their cheek with the backs of his fingers. "No one here is going to do what the idiots at your previous command did, mouse."

They seemed a bit hesitant. "No...I'm going to be brave." Sky decided, leaning slightly against him as if seeking reassurance.

8:00 PM

Sebastian's ears had perked slightly at the mention of a binder. He didn't wear one, himself, having no need of it, but he had had associates back home who had. The thought that this person wore one was endearing; Sebastian felt an odd affinity to them in that moment. He gave a small smile of understanding, a fluid person to a nonbinary one.

"You are brave. We shared the kinoga-poko's heart. And you survived me after that... you know what the adrenaline did to me." A dark chuckle and he traced lazy circles on the inside of their knee.

Which was a thing that the captain knew. He smiled. "You should come over, Sebastian."

Sebastian went over and slid into the captain's lap.

"Good evening~" he said flirtatiously.

Sky blinks, absolutely surprised when Sebastian sat on Kitano's lap. "H...hi...." They managed to get out feeling painfully shy all of a sudden.

In the meantime, Yuki had worn a small improvised sporran with her sarong. She gave Miyuki a gummy or two; normal candy. They were red. The green ones were a different shape; small pointed leaves. They were edibles, which she and Susumu shared, one each, being careful not to give any to Miyuki.

"Sorry, is this seat taken?" asked Sebastian.

As the song ended, Dessler pulled Atirangi close. He was shaking with tears—something about that song had really hit him. "It started with me wanting the ship and this system. When I met you, my love, my goddess, I didn't have honorable intentions. It's different now. It's not just the baby; it's you. And I realize now that it's been you from the beginning, There's no magic, no life, no light without you, Atirangi... "

Atirangi's answer was to just draw her man close. She was in tears as well. "Babe, I knew all of that. And I also know that you were the one who was there the night Étienne died. You were all that kept me together than night, that horrible night. It was always you for me, too, Abelt."

It was as though the last threads of something deceptive and dark fell away.

Lily simply smiled, her hand on Kharzon having allowed her to see what just happened.

"Wow," Kharzon murmured. "Music really does tame the savage beast. He's a kinoga-poko himself."

Sebastian softened his smartass demeanor somewhat as he looked at Kitano's partner.

"Hi," he said, gently. "I know who Kitano is, but I can't remember if we've met. I'm Sebastian. Sometimes I'm Serena. And you?"

"There's magic here, Mommy?" Miyuki said as she saw what had happened.

"Yes, it is magic," Yuki said. "It's love. It's where you came from..."

"Utter joy and love," Susumu said, mussing his daughter's hair.

"Love," Miyuki said.

"Like we have for you," Yuki said. "And what I feel for your Daddy." Yuki kissed Susumu on the nose, then Miyuki, so she wouldn't feel left out.

"Commander Sky Thorne. I'm the navigation specialist aboard the Yamato. My transfer was rather sudden." They explain while fidgeting with their bracelet.

Across the fire, as far away from them as he could sit and still be near the Nightfire, Zworder had little Malié in his arms. He had this way of holding the baby close to his mighty chest and curving around her protectively. He was sitting there, just staring into the eyes of his daughter and smiling. The baby was smiling back.

Angelle was slightly leaning against him, a smile on her lips seeing their sweet little one smiling so happily for her father. "Such a happy little one." She coos.

Sebastian nodded. "Pleasure to meet you, Commander," he said with a respectful salute, sliding off Kitano's lap and sitting in an empty chair instead. "Don't mind me, I just like the odd tease every so often," he said airily. He leaned forward. "If you ever need spare garments, I'm a dab hand with a sewing machine and a knitting loom," he said quietly. "I'll be happy to supply you, free of charge."

"Thank you. I actually....well....." They blush and speak so that only Kitano and Sebastian would hear. "I've been debating about trying to wear a packer from time to time...for the days I'm feeling more masculine.... Do you think you could make one?"

"She is. She seems to only cry if she's wet or hungry." And that might be because as often as he could, Zworder would hold the little Princess Royal. The baby was the right sort of spoiled: she would never have a single doubt that her parents loved her.

"They can replicate an actual silicone packer aboard the Mariah. I'm cleared to go up there. If you ever want to do it, we can," Kitano said.

Sebastian thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I could probably knit one," he said, "if you can provide me with specs. Should I make it adjustable to account for weight loss or gain?"

"I think a knit one would be good to try it out first. Doesn't need to be anything fancy." Sky seemed near tears of happiness thanks to the support they were getting at the moment.

"Do you have a color preference?" Sebastian asked. His own favorite color was pink, but he didn't think that would be appreciated.

"And yes, it's approved for you to wear one any time you choose. If anyone says a word about it, they will need to have a talk with me."

"I am fond of the color green." They smile, feeling so relieved. "This really means a lot to me."

Yuki overheard, and she said, quietly, "Would you mind if I knitted one for you, as well, Sky?"

Sebastian nodded. He had green yarn, for sure. "Hey, it's no problem," he said. "Any particular shade of green? My default is winter."

Susumu had nothing to say, since Yuki had  told him a little about Sky's situation, but he kissed Yuki on the nose in support.

"I want you to be you, mouse." He threaded his fingers with theirs. "This doesn't have a bearing on your work save for one: making you feel more self assured, stronger within yourself—that's going to lead you to making faster, better decisions and not being afraid to implement them. Not to mention... fluid and nonbinary are valid and beautiful. Diversity has always been the way of things aboard the Yamato."

"Not to mention, we should stick together. Or at least, that's my habit," Sebastian said with a wink.

Sky shakes their head. "Thanks for the offer. But I think starting with one for now is the best." They squeeze Kitano's hand. "Honestly, the Yamato is the first place I have truly felt where I belong. And a large part of that is thanks to you Sir."

"Okay," Yuki said. "All the best to you...the Captain is so good to you."

"A good captain knows how to make his crew feel comfortable and welcome. I'm starting to like it aboard the Yamato, myself," Sebastian affirmed. "It's hell being away from loved ones, but making new friends, belonging and not having to hide... ehh. Maybe it'll be worth it after all."

Their expression softens a bit. "It's just...it is a very intimate item. Knowing that Sebastian is fluid makes it less awkward. Your intentions are kind and well placed but I don't know you well enough to accept such offers." It was hard, asserting themselves in such a manner. Especially since they don't want to hurt her feelings!

Miyuki yawned. "Whatcha talkin' about?"

"Something we'll tell you about later," Yuki said softly.

Susumu agreed. "Maybe we'd better head back to the treehouse?"

"Agreed. Someone seems sleepy," Yuki said.

Susumu helped Yuki up and the family vanished off to the treehouse, not to be seen again until the next day, saying a few quiet goodbyes to their friends, such as Cody, Msiba, Goran, and Raymond and Sandi, who had been sitting near them.

Raymond chuckled, eating an edible. "Well, now that the kids are away, we grownups can play."

"Play what?" Sandi said.

"Stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Stuff not suitable for the family hour," chuckled Raymond.

"I knew you were right for my ship from the start. And I also knew you were right for me." Those eyes were intense. "And then the way things were when we found that kinoga-poko..."

"Speaking of that," Atirangi said, "guess what I have in the Gargoyle. I'll be right back." She gave Abelt a kiss and laughed, swatting his hand, as he pawed at her breast. She ran to the crouching menace of the shuttle, entered it, and came back with the black and silver beauty of the hide. There was also a small basket of woven leaves. "There you go."

Kitano set the rolled upon his knees and opened the basket. Inside it were two necklaces and a wristlet. They were made from sinew dyed teal, blue and deep green. One necklace held most of the teeth and claws of the great predator. The other simply had two claws and one of the teeth, and the wristlet had two teeth and a single claw. They were mounted on a soft, brain-tanned leather of deep green.

Kitano captured Sky's other hand, pressing a kiss to their temple. And he tied on the tooth wristlet to that wrist. He then graced their neck with the pendant. "The spoils of the hunt... " Did he mean the kinoga-poko or Sky themselves?

"Gosh, those are beautiful," Sebastian breathed, leaning forward to get a better look.

"Wow!" Sandi whispered on her way to the hookah. She had on a black bikini. "Those are gorgeous!"

Sky did burst into tears this time. "They are so beautiful!" In a way they didn't feel they deserve such things. And yet....it felt amazing being accepted, no, being embraced for who they are.

Kitano drew them close. And then draped the hide about their shoulders. "Also for you. And I would face an army of them for you."

"And drop them, one by one," Zworder said. "The only question would be... chain or blade."

"Chain. Blade. Teeth or my bare hands." That smile was back. The one that chilled people to the core.

Watching them made Sebastian wistful and slightly misty-eyed. Thinking of loved ones....

"Hey-- Kitano," he said, "not to ruin the mood or anything, but if I wanted to get a letter to someone back home... how would I go about that? He's an American. Institutionalized, which was why we-- we weren't drafted together...."

Sky shivers seeing him smile like that. They pull the fur close about themselves, embracing how it felt about them.

"I can probably push something through. We have comms capability to reach Terra thanks to Atirangi and Dessler giving us the tech. And I can be persuasive."

No, Kitano, what you actually are is intimidating.

Sebastian smiled angelically at Kitano's use of the word 'persuasive'; he hadn't missed that sharkish smile of the captain's a moment ago, either.

"That would be so wonderful, thank you," he enthused. Then he sighed. "You're all so lucky to have found each other. It's heartwarming, but also.... Well, anyway, thank you."

Sky squeezed his leg. "If you ever want somebody to talk to, I'm happy to listen."

"All of this emotion and sweetness, ridiculous amounts of love. It's rather appalling," Zworder said. He had a way of scowling ferociously while the amber eyes danced with mirth. As he spoke, he snuggled Angel closer and cuddled a little Malié... who actually let out her first baby giggle! "Did she laugh? I think she laughed!"

"Her first laugh!" Angelle was all smiles.

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate that, thank you," he said. He put on another winsome smile and said, "I guess it's lucky for me he's not the jealous type, what with some of my other proclivities. Anyway, though, you're all real good people. I'm proud to be part of the crew."

Yeah... that was when Zworder settled the baby into Angelle's arms and then scooped her into his lap, baby and all, and just sat there holding them.

Sandi overheard the baby giggle, and she came over and shyly said, "Your Majesties...she is so beautiful!"

Angelle sighs happily. "Baby cuddles are the best." She breathes in Malié's scent.

Sandi smiled at her and the Emperor, bowed slightly in respect, and then took off to be at Raymond's side.

9:00 PM

That hookah had been set up at one side. A few people moved over there to enjoy a bit of the devil's lettuce—there was no alcohol onworld, so this was the recreational of choice. After watching them a bit, Kitano got the most dastardly smile. He lifted a hand.

"Never have I ever... eaten crayons." And he laughed as Kharzon went 'Arrgh' and had to take a hit!

Sebastian was among those who went to enjoy the hookah, but he froze at the game opening. "I don't remember if I have," he said, "but I was a dumbass as a kid, so let's say yes just to be safe." And he took a hit too!

Lily bursts out laughing at that. "Really, of all people....you ate crayons?"

Sandi laughed. "I ate glue when I was little!"

"I did. I remember my father asking me 'Why do you have pink teeth?!"

"I would have lied and said it was that weird gum they give out that tells if you brush your teeth correctly," said Sebastian, forgetting for the moment that he'd been a "dumbass kid" at the time.

Raymond slapped the sand and laughed.

Lily giggle snorts at that. "Oh! I have one! Never have I ever seen a penis!" Oh, she sure as fuck was going to use being blind to her advantage!

Sebastian laughed and took a mighty hit. "That's unfair," he chided between chokes

And Dessler lifted one hand. "Never have I ever... puked when drunk!"

"I am not going over there or getting high while I take care of my princess, but guilty..." Zworder said, laughing. Kitano also had to take a hit!

"That was the first and last time, and I felt so horrendous that I never drank again."

"Oh, luckily not that! I hold my liquor well, if I say so myself."

"I never puked while drinking liquor. I know someone who DID," Raymond said, "But I can't say much without said person being here."

Angelle and Sky both had to take a hit due to Lily. And Angelle took a hit for Dessler's, a chagrined expression on her face.

"It was a really sweet sparkling... well, I think you would call it a wine. I have never been so sick."

Yeah, everyone's taking a hit..

"Sounds delicious," said Sebastian. "Do you remember what it was called?"

Raymond ran over and took a hit. A BIG one.

When he sat down, his eyes crossed. Sandi saw and laughed uproariously.

Angelle was laughing rather hard from Lily's. "I can't believe that popped out of your mouth!"

Ati grinned. "Never have I ever... streaked the beach!"

Holy shit. Dessler had to take a hit!

"Makes me wonder if what she mentioned has also popped out of her mouth," Sebastian muttered, playfully and yet spitefully.

"Oh god DAMN it, Atirangi," he grumbled, taking a hit. He had been ten, and it had been a dare, but still.

Angelle blinks then laughs even harder!

"What in Arishna's name... you did what?" Zworder looked to his colleague, actually laughing.

"Truth or Dare. Thunderclap. Need I say more?"

"Goran is why half of us are more stoned. Dammit." Kharzon snickered. "He just randomly drops trou!"

"Actually, I was meaning to ask-- does it count if it's your own?" Sebastian quipped. "Penis, I mean."

Angelle has a twinkle in her eyes. "Never have I ever seen Goran's dick!"

Lily thinks for a moment. "Yep. Totally counts!"

"Goran... Goran... have I slept with him?" Sebastian muttered to himself. "I don't remember... hmm... I don't think so?"

"Oh, for the love of... I hope someone brought enough weed!" Zworder laughed.

Yeah, pretty much all of mine need to smoke...

"You'd remember," Ati said. "Huge Gatlantean with one eye and scars, loud as hell."

"Hey, Kharzon gave me the idea!" Angelle snickers

Raymond and Sandi took off and had two hits each. Both them had eyes that crossed as they smoked. They looked at each other and began to laugh their heads off. Then, they turned to Angelle.

Sebastian shrugged. "Guess not, then. But he sounds interesting." He winked salaciously.

"He's now very, very married. He just likes randomly showing off the wedding tackle."

Raymond said, "Never, have I ever, been so stoned in my life!"

And shockingly....Sky takes a hit at that one.

Sebastian tilted his head. "Is there a difference between being very married and sort of married?" he asked, just to be a smartass.

Then he had to take a hit. "Dammit. I got so high on acid just before I took the Bar-- never mind." He grinned.

"Did you pass?" said Raymond. "I had a friend of mine who drank lots of coffee before he took the Bar once. Failed by five points."

Dessler had to take a hit there. "I've actually been so stoned that it scared me. My beautiful one grounded me, though."

"I passed. Barely. But the first time Trent and I were separated-- when he dropped out of grad school to chase some pipe dream of his-- I got off my face every single day. Everything in the book and some things that weren't. Golly, I miss those days... but I had to get clean when we reconnected, and then the draft...." Sebastian grimaced. "So this is the highest I've gotten in a good long while."

Sky thinks for a moment. "Never have I ever played a musical instrument."

Sebastian threw up his hands and took another hit. "If a baby piano counts."

Lily had Kharzon help her take a hit, her first one actually.

"I haven't been so stoned since the night my first wife Cara died," Raymond said. "Might as well let out how I feel...it sucked. One guy had the chutzpah to ask if I was okay at his own wedding. I was drunk. Didn't appreciate the fuckin' question. Kicked his butt before the bride pulled me off him."

Man, there is a snatch-grab for that pipe by so many hands...

"Another one where I'd have to smoke if I didn't have the baby," Zworder said.

"Seriously?" Kharzon looked surprised. "What do you play?"

"Only Angelle is ever going to hear it or know what it is," Zworder said.

"That's valid," Sebastian said to Raymond with a respectful nod.

"Worst thing is, I serve with the kid," he said as he nodded towards a certain treehouse. "Capische?"

"Sure you only want to take one hit?"

"I might as well take some more," Raymond said. And he did.

"Oh. That one." This scowl was the real deal. "He always was a fool."

"A fool, married to a loon," Raymond said after he took another hit.

"If you didn't have actually competent people to clean up the mess, you would have lost that ship. He was enabled, cosseted and spoiled, and then broke under pressure and took the coward's way out. Suicide because the enemy is approaching and that death would be worse, fine. Terminal and intractable illness, understandable. But... because you said or did something stupid? Pardon the language, but get the fuck out with that."

Sebastian was completely lost as to who they might be talking about, but he ventured instead, "Never have I ever... gone down on a woman."

"Yeah...he needs to learn to live with his shit, and I agree with you, Majesty," Raymond said. "At least he's keeping his nose clean. For now."

"I would have to smoke so much that I would be completely impaired for days, because I will do that until I sprain my tongue." Zworder got a drrty ol grin.

"That's far, far more than I ever wanted to know." Bud Dessler had to take a smoke as well.

Kitano had to take three. "I'm with His Majesty. I will do that until I can't."

"Same!" Kharzon was at the 'laugh at everything' stage!

Sandi came over and took another hit, and she began to dance around Raymond, her main squeeze. "Am I silly, or what?"

"You're having fun; it's allowed," he said.

Sebastian facepalmed. "I brought that on myself," he admitted.

"Anyone want to play Truth or Dare?" said Sandi.

"I'm up for anything," Sebastian replied.

"Sebastian" she said, up on tiptoe in the sand. "Truth or dare?"

"Hmm... let's say truth at first."

"Okay...truth...who is the first person ya...(yawn) kissed...?" As she said that, she fell asleep.

Raymond picked her up and said, "I think milady has overindulged somewhat. She needs to sleep it off. G'night!"

Sebastian chuckled. It was just as well. There was only one person he had ever truly kissed, and he'd said more than enough about that for one night. He shrugged and went back to the water to play.