Public Reintegration

[Masayu Kimura]

Img Credit: Davison Carvalho
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Location: Dosuun, Reintegration Facility
​

It felt fake. Faded. As if it were little more than a facsimile of the past. Seated on the edge of her bunk the woman's feet dangled above the floor, a soft pair of slippers waiting below - they would wait a little longer. Gently she ran the high thread count fabric of the robe she held between her fingers. The threads felt lightweight, a far cry away from the course leather and fabrics she'd grown accustomed to wearing during her struggle to find the remnant that was the First Order. That past year and change had been a challenge for the First Order Officer and though she had been well equipped to handle it, it was far from easy. With a quiet sigh Masayu lifted the robe, slipping into it and cinching the thin belt around her waist. With luck, today would be her last day of "Voluntary" leave. Masayu wasn't fooled by the way it had been proposed. It was just as much a means for the First Order to test her loyalty and monitor her as it was a chance for her to get some R&R. That was the Order way after all, wasn't it? She supposed that wasn't fair. It had been unbridled chaos before the fall of Dosuun. The state of the Order had been questionable at best and with the death of Sieger and Natasi Fortan, much had changed. This time a more audible sigh escaped the woman's lips. "I suppose I should enjoy this while I can." she aired to her empty quarters. The truth was, Maz had no idea what kind of fire she was stepping into. What was the idiom? Out of the frying pan, into the fire?

With a wry smile, Maz slipped her toes into the comfortable slippers and rose. Her schedule had been nearly the same every day, a workout followed by a brief respite in the cafeteria. After that, it was an Order mandated counseling session - no doubt a way to gauge her ability to return to duty. The rest of the day was filled with the usual briefings, classes, administrative paperwork. It was today however that Maz hoped she'd finally get orders, or at least a temporary assignment. Anything to feel useful again she thought to herself.

-
​

The steady thump of her footfalls echoed in the fitness room, its cadence matching the beat of the music blasting in her ears. It felt good. The subtle burn in her legs, the cool air breathed into her lungs, the satisfaction knowing she was back into the swing of things. As the loud tones faded the quiet chirp signaled that the run was over, the treadmill winding down and Maz's pace slowing to a walk. Two minutes of cooldown and she'd be moving on to the next part of her workout. Popping the small headphones from her ears, Maz focused on her breathing, slowing down her pace to match that of the cooldown program. It had been surprisingly quiet in the fitness room compared to other days, a few occupants had been leaving as she'd arrived and even now there were only a handful of people scattered about the large room - none of which she recognized. A slight frown twitched at the corner of her lips. There was like to be a lot of that. Who knew how many people had come and gone, moved on or perished over the last year or so.

As the cooldown came to a close Maz nimbly stepped off the track and took a moment to catch her breath. Reaching for her nearby towel she quickly ran it across her face before draping it around her neck. Time to grab some water. she thought. Navigating her way between several machines she made her way towards a water fountain mounted in the bulkhead. Wall she reminded herself. Old habits die hard. Taking a few small sips of the cool water, she took a look around the room once more. Maybe she'd get lucky and recognize someone - if not, now was as good a time as any to start getting to know people.

Spoiler

Open to anyone, just a repurposed resort meant as an R&R location/Reintegration facility for lost/recently found/returning First Order soldiers etc. Open to meeting anyone who might be there on vacation, leave, or whatever! If you have any questions let me know! No pressure either, I can solo this one out without a problem too!

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

Commander Tae Sun-Shin didn't often get to set foot on solid ground, and so she typically enjoyed being able to get out, take a walk that didn't involve seeing the same set of durasteel walls over and over again. Today was a little different, the reintegration facility was out near the Avalonian Medical Center and had been working to help former soldiers, crewmen, and what have you of the old First Order get back into the new First Order. The facility felt cold and out of place, it was inside a non-descript building for starters and just seemed to go on for miles underground. Thankfully, those who were here wouldn't be there forever, and it helped that Tae was the current commanding officer of the Concordia.

Which for now, stood as the largest ship in the fleet. Not that, there was much of a fleet to speak of right at the moment. Much of it was still being built, the First Order paid good sovs for scrap. Which meant local salvagers could squeak out a living bringing any old space boat in, Tae sighed, one day it wouldn't be necessary. One day the First Order would be back to prominence, today, however; was not that day. She rounded a corner at the facility as she headed for the administrative office.

"Commander Sun-Shin, you're early," commented one of the clerks.

Sun-Shin gave the man a tight smile but didn't reply, instead, she told him, "looks like we have a naval officer ready to go, can I get the card for her?"

"Sure."

The clerk slid Tae a small holocard with some brief information on the officer. "Kimura," Tae whispered aloud as she scanned over the information. "Thanks," she replied half a step away from the man's desk and disappeared back out of administration. Tae walked with purpose as the facility doors hissed open, the gleaming white walls and unfathomably cold air caused a chill to go down her spine. The place might as well have been the hospital because that's what it felt like. The holocard only gave brief information and Tae would have to check-in with a medical officer before being able to locate Officer Kimura.

All in all, her hope was to get Kimura discharged out of the facility, today.

Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

After her brief respite, Masayu moved on to the second part of her routine. Having retrieved a worn pair of handwraps from her gym bag she tightly wound the elastic around her wrist and palm. After checking the fit by wiggling her fingers and making a fist, she smiled with a hint of satisfaction. Let's get it. she thought to herself. On the other side of the fitness center were several large bags suspended from the ceiling, a few smaller ones to one side. Opting for the smaller bags she wove her way again through various pieces of equipment, quickly adjusting the small devices resting in her ears. This calls for something a little more... modern. The music in Maz's ears picked back up, this time with something more aggressive. As the tones picked up she could feel her heartbeat rise, adrenaline beginning to course through her veins. She started out with a few light jabs, her closed fists contacting the bag little more than a touch. When she felt comfortable with the range her feet began to move, nimbly shifting her angle of attack which each combo of jabs - with each one a deliberate exhale of breath. Right. Left. Right, Right. Another left. Then a duck and dodge. Gods it feels good to be back. she thought to herself.

The music changed several times, the First Order officer working up a sheen of perspiration as she jabbed and hooked and dodged and weaved. The sounds of her fists hitting the bag echoed in the room, the bag transformed into a myriad of various enemies Maz's mind could cook up. Another short chirp interrupted the music, a signal that the second part of her routine had been completed. Straightening her posture and resting her hands on her hips the woman took in several deep breaths and allowed herself another moment of respite. This time it was her arms and lungs that felt a subtle burn. Giving herself a few minutes to cool down Maz retrieved some cleaning equipment, carefully wiping down the equipment she'd used and then set her eyes towards the locker room. Stopping off at the fountain one more time she took a few sips of the cool water before proceeding.

-
​

Still conditioned to be quick about preparation, Masayu didn't take long to clean up and put on the generic uniform the center had given her. It wasn't a proper uniform but it was what everyone received when they arrived and was devoid of anything other than a simple name tape over the right pocket of the uniform shirt. Fatigue had begun to set in as Maz buttoned the top button of her blouse, she could feel it in her fingers. She might not be young but she was determined to stay in tip top shape - that was after all a part of being an officer wasn't it? Setting the example. Collecting her things and stowing them in her locker, Maz left the locker room and headed towards where the cafeteria was. Time to refill the tank.

Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

The further Tae walked into the facility the less it felt like a hospital and the more it felt like a military base. The institutional feeling of it all would never be completely gone but she supposed that was the point. Down the corridor to the medical check-in she couldn't help but glance at her surroundings as she passed them by. The occassional smile to the men and women who worked here, an adjustment to her uniform when it felt just a bit too tight or that it was for some reason moving around just a bit too much. She rounded the corner and found a more open area and a small placard that indicated the check-in desk she was looking for.

Quietly, Tae approached and looked at the nurse who manned the station, "excuse me."

"One moment," the Echani nurse stated and continued to click-clack along the keys of her station. After a minute or two, and the shuffling of tablets and charts the nurse looked up at Tae and beamed, "how may I help you?"

"I am looking for Officer Masayu Kimura," she set the holocard down on the counter.

The nurse rose to her feet and collected the holocard, Tae watched as the woman took the holocard and approached a scanning device. The device brought what had been a blank screen to life. "She just finished her workout, we'll have her directed to one of the conference rooms." The nurse handed the holocard back to Tae and instructed her on where to go.

It didn't take the Commander too much longer to find where she was going, between the signs and the lost look on her face. Tae was directed to a hallway with light grey carpet and wooden doors that seem to line either side of it. Room 142 was their assigned conference room, the Seoularian slid the holocard into a small slot beside the door and watched as it flipped from vacant to occupied and provided the officer's name. Inside the room a small terminal would allow Tae to pull up whatever files were available to her regarding Officer Kimura.

So while she waited for the officer to be brought up to the conference room, Tae took the opportunity to familiarize herself with Officer Kimura's files.

Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The morning was still young, the pickings at the cafeteria breakfast oriented. Eggs, pancakes, bacon, pastries - it was well stocked all things considered. Contemplating for a moment what she wanted, Maz settled on a couple of eggs and a rather red looking apple. Oh, and a coffee. Black. Uncrowded, it was easy for the woman to find a seat near the edge of the cafeteria. The smell of the coffee was strong but the taste left something to be desired, Masayu wasn't one to complain though. It was heaps and loads better than what they'd been living off of before her return to the Order's home world. Left to enjoy her break fast in relative peace she managed to wolf down over half the food on her tray before a chirp emanated from the small comm device at her belt. A quick glance revealed a priority message. "Oh!" she exclaimed softly, setting down her utensils and retrieving the comm. Scanning the message quickly she replaced the comm at her waist and gathered her tray and clutter. She'd been summoned.

-
​

Standing just outside conference room 142, Maz made a final adjustment to the button at her collar before running her hands down the length of the quasi-uniform she wore. She hadn't been told who it was that had done the summoning but it must have been someone important. Setting her jaw and taking a deep breath, she knocked gently but firmly at the door, announcing herself as she crossed the threshold. "Masayu Kimura, reporting as requested!" As she stepped into the room her eyes searched, a few empty chairs settled up next to a long table but it wasn't those that had caught her eye - it had been the one occupied chair. Or rather, it was the woman seated in it. Maz came to a stop beside the table, unsure whether to salute or offer a hand. "Ma'am?" she questioned.

Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

Tae floated from the Officer's file to a message that had popped for her. The room was quiet and she focused on what was in front of her, and the information that was presented to her. Victoria had completed construction on the new military training center, which meant that they would be looking for seasoned officers - if any were still around. It also meant a new curriculum would be developed files from the old academy that were recovered during the Reclamation Campaign and would take time to piece together. Another message from Central Command, new boats would be on the way - star destroyers.

They were getting closer to completing the Cyrus Tregessar Imperial Shipworks. Seoul had been tasked to complete at least one shipyard, same as Gilaria - everyone had to do their part if the First Order was going to get back on its feet. Tae must have been engrossed in what she was reading, she scarcely registered the sound of the door. It wasn't until the questioned 'ma'am' that hung in the air for a second longer than Tae would have liked that she looked up. "My apologies," she stood up and saluted the woman cross from her, "please have a seat."

She gestured toward the chair across from her, "you are being reinstated into the First Order Navy, at the rank of... Commander." Tae typed it into the form just as she spoke it. "There's not a lot to choose from as far as commands go, but you have your choice, you can opt to teach at the Victoria City Military Training and Education Center starting in the Fall. Train recruits in one of the advanced learning centers at Gratia Sound Naval Base, or at Joint Base Korrado here in Avalonia. Or, finally, you have the option of ship command."

Tae downloaded the information onto a blank tablet that had been in one of the desk drawers. "Here you go, so you can have a look through that, and before you ask. I don't know which ship Central Command will assign you, but I do know that with the way TRIS has been producing ships it could be just about anything." A moment as she exhaled, "questions? I know that was a lot of information just thrown at you, so please feel free to ask.

Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata had been at the resort for some time now, though her route there had been circuitous. First, she had been debriefed by the First Order's team, then spent some time in hospital to be inoculated, tested, examined, prodded, and subjected to a battery of physical and psychological challenges. She'd been examined as a candidate for a prosthetic eye and sent on her way, unclear of whether she would receive the surgery with instructions that the FIMS people would "be in touch." It was still not quite clear to Renata whether she was a prisoner, a guest, or a valued member of the First Order, even after spending weeks at the facility.

It was not unpleasant, though. The food was -- well, food, which was a nice change from the slop she had endured living in the tunnels. She had a private room with climate control, clean running water, and an exceptionally comfortable bed. It was miles better than she had experienced for a long time, but it only did so much to dull the ache of everything she had lost. Her parents -- dead in a plague that ravaged their refugee camp at Pa'desh. Her fiance -- killed in the fighting in Victoria. Her brother -- killed during the siege of Dosuun. Even her compatriots with whom she had sheltered in the underground tunnels had been separated from her -- sent to other processing and reintegration centers. There was a general air that Renata was privileged to be in such a pleasant center, but she couldn't help but wonder whether that was something to celebrate.

She finished her run and returned to her room for a shower, then stepped onto the balcony and picked up the pack of cigarettes she had left there before. It seemed fairly counter-intuitive to exercise and then pollute her body, but she didn't particularly care. Until she had something to do with her life, what difference did it make? She lit up and took a deep drag, luxuriating in the sensation before slowly exhaling.

"Another day in paradise," she murmured to herself, her gravelly voice filling the space briefly before she took another drag.

 

[Masayu Kimura]

Waiting - as it was - had always been a staple of the military life. In fact, in some cases it could be argued that the act of waiting was military life. It was then no surprise or inconvenience to Masayu when the woman who was seated took a moment to notice her presence. When she had been noticed, a crisp salute was rendered and returned. Thoughts careened through Maz's mind, an amalgamation of anxiety, excitement, cautious optimism. All which she suppressed as she took the offered seat. "Thank you ma'am." she added, adjusting her posture. What came next threatened to stir the whirlwind in the back of her mind again.

"You are being reinstated into the First Order Navy, at the rank of... Commander."
​

Those words and the following data input by the woman before her brought a thin lipped smile to Maz's face and a welling in her chest. She was home. Commander Kimura she silently sounded off in her head. It had a nice ring to it. Maz listened carefully as she was presented with options. Choices. Unexpected she thought. The first few options sounded like decent jobs, off the front line. It would be something she was familiar with having come from an academy setting, theory wasn't foreign to the Commander... but that wasn't what she wanted. Was it? Taking the offered datapad, the final word rang in her ears. Command. It had been some time since she'd walked the bridge of a vessel in command capacity but the moment the word was voiced she knew it in her heart. That was her desire. Out of politeness she glanced at the datapad for a moment before gently setting it back on the table. "If I may.." she spoke. "I would like a command posting, if available." Her eyes wandered towards the woman's across from her. "I'm sure you know my history - the Academy life is a worthy posting but I believe my skills are better suited on the bridge of a ship." Maz didn't want to press too hard, to show too much eagerness. The woman had practically said it herself, the First Order would need officers to crew the ships they were producing. After considering for a moment Masayu found she had no real questions. Again, such was the military life. Her orders would be written up, presented, and from there on out she would just have to see. "No questions ma'am, save one - no offense intended. You know who I am, but I know nothing about you."

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

Tae was busy inputting the information into the system, "you got it, Commander Kimura." She replied without sparing the newly reinstated a glance, she scoured the listings and waited for the system to pull an assignment. Silence rose between the two women while waited for information to spring up. Tae couldn't blame the commander for leaving the Academy assignment. Honestly, Tae didn't like the idea of teaching but knew it was important, ah, maybe when she was an old lady she could consider it. "There are commands available, I'm just waiting for the system and Central Command to give me your new assignment." She gave the woman a warm, reassuring smile.

It was while they were waiting for the aforementioned assignment that Commander Kimura spoke up. An audible gasp escaped Tae's lips, "wow my manners have gone down the tube, pardon the expression. I'm Commander Tae Sun-Shin." She beamed with pride the family's name was certainly a thing of pride. The Sun-Shins had been a noble house in Seoul for quite some time. "Of the FIV Concordia-A at least for the moment, until Moff Yvarro pulls me to go somewhere else." Tae wasn't sure if she liked the idea of being some government officer's personal driver but it was the Concordia. The Flagship of the Fleet, so she couldn't exactly complain, "currently I am on temporary assignment to help reintegrate officers such as yourself."

"Ah, here we are, the FIV Redoubtable... Oh, nice, a Marauder-class Cruiser," Tae sent the information to the tablet, "information should be on that datapad. Redoubtable looks solid, she's resting at the Herevan Docks adjacent Fortan Station."

​

Meanwhile, at another part of the facility, Armand Nathael Branneth walked down the rather ominous white halls. Mr. Branneth realized that he looked rather out of place here. Part of him enjoyed the idea of it though, here he was walking down the halls of what was called a reintegration center. A rather sour name he thought, but he was here at the behest of his cousins to help with the family business so to speak. Not that running empires was a family business or so he wondered now if it was. Either way, here he was, and honestly as he looked down at the holocard, "Renata Westaway." He mouthed the name aloud, "Renata Westaway." Mr. Branneth hoped it came across rather neutral.

He had some rather interesting news for the woman and given the trials she had endured - he wondered if he'd just put the poor woman into shock. Mr. Branneth checked into the medical desk and was directed on where to go for these so-called conferences. "Do I have to take her there? Can I perhaps take her to lunch? Not to be so intrusive, but the news I have to share with her is something to be celebrated, I think."

"You mus-"

"I understand that this is a government facility, and I am here on behalf of the government," he gave her one of his casual smiles - the kind that was likened to disarm most women that he came across. He showed the nurse his credentials, "please, don't you think the woman has been through enough?"

She sighed and handed him a file or three, "you'll have to check h-"

"Listen, put together her discharge paperwork and send it to Moff Ariel Yvarro, alright? Don't worry, if there's any trouble you can blame me. I'm Nathael Branneth," he abhorred his first name. Again his smile, the kind to disarm a woman.

She sighed again and went away at her console the click and clack of the keys until she finally told him that he could wait for Renata Westaway right there in the medical check-in area. "Oh that's fantastic, thank you."

Masayu Kimura | Renata Westaway ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata was lighting up her third cigarette -- the ashes of the second rapidly cooling in the hours-old remnants of the yolk of her poached egg breakfast that had been slightly underdone for her taste -- when the communicator across the room at the desk chimed. She looked at it askance for a moment, her lips forming a delicate frown, then stood and folded the newspaper she had been reading, laying it next to her breakfast tray. Cigarette dangling from her lip, she walked across the room and picked up the handset. "Westaway."

She listened intently, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she did, and nodded along as if the person on the other end of the line could see her. Occasionally, she paused to take a deep drag from her cigarette, then exhaled it through her nostrils, the room filling with the sweet scent of the t'bacc. After a few moments of back-and-forth, during which the person on the other end of the call didn't seem quite sure of herself, Renata finally agreed to meet a Mr. Branneth at the medical check-in center. She took a moment to dress herself in something slightly more presentable than the leisurewear she had worn after her shower and strapped on her eyepatch before leaving the room.

She picked out Branneth instantly; he was the only one who looked like he didn't belong in this bizarre setting. Still she allowed herself to be introduced by the same clerk with which he had tussled minutes earlier. She extended a firm handshake. "Renata Westaway," she said, pumping his hand firmly. "Formerly, Director of the First Order Urban-Ecological Division. I was told you needed to see me. How can I help?"

 

[Masayu Kimura]

With bated breath, Commander Kimura waited. A command. It had been that easy. Easy was a relative term though, she mused. It had taken the fall of the Order for things to shake out the way they had. Certainly not an ideal situation but she was simultaneously thankful and saddened by the opportunity presenting itself to her.

"...I'm Commander Tae Sun-Shin."
​

Sun-Shin. It sounded familiar, no doubt the answer lurking just beyond her conscious attempt to recall. "Ah, well thank you Commander. The Concordia is a beautiful ship. I never had the privilege of serving aboard her but I did get a tour of her predecessor during an Academy visit. It feels like yesterday.." she trailed off. A moment later Commander Sun-Shin spoke again. The FIV Redoubtable. Must be a newer ship. she mused, reaching out and retrieving the datapad she'd placed on the table earlier. As her eyes traced down the screen and inspected the specifications of the class they widened. This was a gunboat. Not an older vessel designed for support operations or fluff runs but an honest to goodness tip of the spear. Farther on down the page the crew allocations were mostly complete, a few vacancies here and there but no doubt in line to be filled by other enlisted and officers yet to be reintegrated. "You weren't kidding. Solid might be an understatement." she mused out loud. It looked like an impressive ship. Maz made a note to look into it's history later - if there were any major damages or events in its past she wanted to know. There would be plenty of time for that though. Now that she had an assignment there would be numerous lists she'd have to check off mentally. Knock the rust off. she thought silently.

"When am I to report for duty?" the new Commander inquired.

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

The Redoubtable was most certainly a solid vessel, and as the First Order continued to rebuild there would be more solid vessels like it. From the Victory-class heavy cruisers, right down to the Guardian-class corvettes. The Navy was starting to resemble its old self again, Tae busied herself with gathering information for Commander Kimura. "You have seventy-two hours to report in, you can take a shuttle from Armitage Intergalactic. Central Command practically owns one of the terminals there."

"Looks like she hasn't even had a shakedown cruise yet, so you'll be her first commanding officer," a rare privilege Tae thought one she had yet have the honors to have. The Concordia brought its own weight to command, but vessels like the Redoubtable were able to set their own legacies. The Seoularian finished up paperwork on her end, and offered, "why don't I get you all set to leave this place." Her eyes widened, once more the reminder that she was in some quarantine-like institution that screamed all the things her parents warned her about when it came to government work. Tae rose from her seat and pushed her chair in, "and I can meet you at the check-in area, because the sooner we get out of here the better."

Tae would have to come back later in the day to help with another officer. Still, a moment to be away from a cold place like this would be worth it.

​

Mr. Branneth hadn't waited long as Renata Westaway approached he brandished a warmer smile for her benefit. "Names Nathael Branneth, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance Director Westaway." He was pleasantly surprised by her firm handshake, "wow that's uh, that's quite the grip." Branneth chuckled and proceeded move quickly with what he had to say as to not let his words sink or swim. "Yes, I definitely needed to see you. I am here on behalf of the Moff Council."

He took a moment, a pause to think on that - there's only two of them what kind of council- Mr. Branneth pushed the thoughts aside, "and there is some rather important news to share, however; rather than have you be briefed." He disliked the word and the idea, "in a rather small, cold conference room. Why don't I take you out of this place and I can give you the news somewhere uh, warmer, and less... clinical." Mr. Branneth cleared his throat and gave a one-over glance toward the nurse behind the desk.

Masayu Kimura | Renata Westaway
​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata raised an eyebrow at Branneth's proposal. If he knew how closely their thoughts aligned on the Moff Council, he might be surprised. A duo of Moffs, appointed on dubious authority and by God-knew-who, did not in Renata's mind constitute a council, but at least Ariel Yvarro and Arador Terrix were doing something to get the First Order back on its feet. Things were different from how they used to be; it annoyed Renata how this came as an unwelcome surprise each of the dozens of times she had had to realize it.

"If Nurse Ratched will sign me out," Renata said in a confidential whisper, before following Branneth's gaze towards the nurse. "It sounds urgent, Nurse Lindel," Renata said earnestly. "And you know, Dr. Farrant did sign off on my furlough privileges, provided I wear my eyepatch at all times and don't overstimulate my good eye."

Nurse Lindel scowled at her computer and then sighed. "Very well," she said, tapping her keys. A moment later she produced a plastic badge on a lanyard. "Keep your identification on you at all times." She picked up a clipboard and thrust it at Branneth, indicating with her other hand holding a pen on various pages, flipping as necessary, as she instructed: "Mr. Branneth, sign here, here, here, here, and initial here, here and here, assuming liability for Director Westaway's safety while she is out of the facility in your care. Sign and date here."

"I'm a grown up," Renata protested incredulously.

Lindel smiled condescendingly; Renata wanted to strangle her. "Of course you are, dear, but more importantly you are an asset to the First Order and we need to ensure your safety." She collected the paperwork and then said. "Remember curfew is at 2100 hours."

 

[Masayu Kimura]

It was fortuitous. Her reassignment. Her posting. The stars had aligned for the Commander and she wasn't going to question them further. "Understood Ma'am. That sounds like an excellent plan." Rising in turn with the Commander across from her she performed a half bow, an old habit of hers. "I will retrieve my belongings and meet you there Commander. Thank you." Pausing a second so as not to give the impression of impatience, Commander Kimura exited the conference room and proceeded down the hall. As she rounded a corner a wide grin stretched across her lips. The excitement of her new posting, her assigned rank, and the future ahead was almost too much to contain.

Maz didn't have too many personal belongings, a life of affluence hadn't suited her before the fall of the Order and certainly not after. Once she'd been brought in to the integration facility she'd shed most of her belongings - if she really needed something it would be issued or she could find it once she'd made it to her duty posting. It would take her several minutes of navigating the corridors to reach her quarters. On a whim, she decided to take a scenic route, instead heading towards one of the gardens - it would be the last time she'd probably see it and Maz had appreciated several silent moments she'd enjoyed there in meditation over the last few weeks.

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway
​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

Tae returned Commander Kimura's bow, a gesture that Tae normally didn't see beyond the borders of Seoul. She waited a moment or two until Kimura was out of view and looked back at the conference room. Then proceeded to head out, the door closed behind her the Commander made her way toward the check-in area. It felt good knowing that she in some regard played a small role in helping another officer. As the First Order grew and looked to the stars that they once called their own. They would need every person that they could get, the idea of being a presence in the galaxy again brought a smile to Tae's face.

By the time she reached the medical check-in the woman at the counter seemed less than happy. The Commander hadn't realized that Mr. Branneth and Director Westaway were already well on their way out the doors. "Excuse me," Tae approached the woman with caution and slid the holocard across the countertop. "I'm here to get Commander Kimura discharged."

"Oh, yes, right here you are." Stated Nurse Lindel who handed Tae the documents necessary. It took Tae about three minutes to get through it all, "here you go, and I'll be back later this afternoon." Tae was just happy to get out of that place even if only for a brief respite returning to help another officer of the Navy.

When Commander Kimura arrived at the check-in, Tae offered the woman a warm smile. "After you, Commander Kimura." She beamed, yeah that's not gonna get old, ever.

​

Mr. Branneth ever the charismatic go-between complied with his usual charm, although in the back of his mind the woman could use a bit of etiquette or at least a glass of Merlow. "I promise to have Director Westaway back before bedtime." He added a wink, and slid the clipboard gently toward Nurse Lindel. Nurse Ratchet indeed. He thought to himself, "my, my, my look at you, all dressed up and somewhere to go." Mr. Branneth said with a smile, this one more genuine than the one he had previously given the Nurse.

"Right, let's be on our way," remarked the Galidraani just as soon as he could and extended his arm for Director Westaway to take if she so chose.

He was more than pleased to be out of the reintegration center. Outside, he took a moment to relish being among the 'living' as he quipped, "oh to be out in the real Avalonia and not under the thumb of white walls and an overbearing medical staff." Mr. Branneth dusted himself off and adjusted his suit. "Now then, I have found a lovely little place that serves some of the best pie and mash this side of the Fortuna, or if you like I can take you to somewhere more elegant." Avalonia had a lot to offer in the way of dining options, he would leave that up to Director Westaway.

Masayu Kimura | Renata Westaway ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata watched as she was signed for like a parcel, then went to the door with her new minder. "Greasy spoon sounds fine," she said gruffly, lacing her hands behind her back as they wandered into the sunshine. The Avalonia skyline stood in the middle distance, a constant reminder from her windows that the First Order was roaring back to life -- a different First Order, a new First Order, but the First Order nonetheless.

And she was missing it.

"What now?" she asked Branneth. "Are we going to knock over a liquor store or something?"

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The entirety of her personal belongings fit into a medium size duffel slung over her shoulder. Even as she exited what had been her personal quarters for the last month and change the cleaner droids were already queued outside the door. I guess they need the space. Sheesh. It was nothing less than Maz expected however, the First Order had always been just that - order. Or at least, mostly. Efficiency was a core tenet. Punctuality was too - and so the woman picked up her pace, the steady sound of her feet against the deck echoing down the narrow corridors. She'd finally be leaving this place. It wasn't a prison exactly but in a way she felt confined, monitored, as if any second she was going to show some sign of devious intent. Suspicion was warranted Maz supposed but it didn't change the feeling of being little more than a rat in a cage. Her appointment to Commander however did much to alleviate that particular sensation. Checking her wrist chrono, she smiled.

A moment later she appeared in the reception area. Catching sight of Commander Sun-Shin she made her way over. "Ready to go. Shall we?" Where exactly they were going Maz wasn't sure but she was more than ready to get back to some resemblance of normalcy and to share space with those of her ilk again.

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

"Indeed we shall," Tae gestured toward the exit and walked alongside Kimura. "Herevan Docks isn't too far a ride from here, you get on at Armitage Intergalactic and they'll have you up there in what will feel like no time at all." She gave the Commander a warm smile, "so, since there's a little bit of time to kill. I'll leave it up to you if you wanna go anywhere first, you've got the whole of Avalonia." Avalonia's backdrop was the countryside where livestock grazed, and crops were grown. Minced pies, mash, bangers, and roast with Galidraani roasted potatoes and some vegetables were quite common around these parts. One could say that Avalonia was quite obsessed with meat-eating with all the variations it had to offer.

Tae took a moment to admire the Avalonian skyline, it had come a long, long way from what it had been reduced to in years past. The surprisingly quick reconstruction, the number of prefabricated buildings certainly had a lot to do with it. Air speeders having been restricted left the pair with some rather rudimentary forms of transportation. Walk to the nearest bus stop, take a cable car or hail a cab, or one of the new ride-share programs was certainly an option. "I'll always be amazed at the sight of this city."

​

"Please, I have just a touch more class. We'll grab a bite from one of the better if not the best in my humble opinion pie and mash shops in town." Mr. Branneth paused momentarily as he hailed a cab for them. "Then, if you're up for it have a stop at a pub, but up to you either way the news I have for you is definitely best served while sitting down." He held the door open for the Director and waited for her to climb in, before climbing in himself.

"Cooke's Pie and Mash, please," Mr. Branneth requested while sliding a crisp twenty to the driver.

Mr. Branneth settled into the cab and looked over at his guest, "so, while we're on our way why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself? For the record, I haven't actually looked at any of your files." He was only told to go fetch Renata and tell her the news - rather the decision made by the Moff Council. Which he felt she should have been consulted as to whether or not she actually wanted to be part of this whole deal, but that's not his place. He knew that and he knew that the First Order wasn't necessarily keen on asking when it came to certain matters.

Masayu Kimura | Renata Westaway​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata watched as Branneth hailed a cab, then followed him to the curb to slip into the back seat, scooting to the other side carefully. She turned to look at him as he spoke to her, her green eye narrowing slightly. "I have a file? I suppose I would, now that I think about it." She frowned and fingered her jaw carefully, trying to think of what was interesting enough to share. "I'm from Cloud City, on Bespin," she said first. "I lived there most of my life, including university. I got a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, a master's in urban planning and development, and a doctorate in ecological sciences."

The taxi eased away from the building, and Renata shifted to look out the window as the landscape shifted. "The First Order recruited me right out of the doctorate program. That was only six years ago. Despite how I look -- and sound -- I'm only thirty-two. So there's not so much to add. I worked in the Ministry of Science & Research, eventually made Director at the First Order Urban-Ecological Division. My work was dedicated to researching and implementing technologies that would allow First Order cities to run cleaner and more efficiently by recycling waste into usable byproducts that were safe to manufacture, handle, and use -- while also protecting the environments. We nearly perfected wastewater treatment, for instance -- 98% of the matter used in recycling waste was safely returned to the ecosystem, either in clean, potable water, fertilizer, or other material. The other 2% -- minerals and other materials that couldn't be safely returned to the ecosystem -- were captured and used for industrial purposes."

She had, by this point, adopted something of a faraway look. "Things were going so well," she said vaguely. "You know... before."

A moment of silence, and then: "That's all there is to know about me during the pre-tunnel years." She turned back to Branneth. "Tell me about you."

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The whole of Avalonia. she pondered. Despite feeling somewhat trapped within the confines of the reintegration facility, Maz inwardly recoiled at the thought of visiting the capitol city again. Much construction had been done and continued but evident still were some of the scars of the past - scars she wasn't quite ready to revisit. The occupation had been difficult, the collapse harder still. In time there was no doubt in her mind she could once again walk the streets of the city and feel something other than sadness or residual anxiety but today was a stretch. After mulling it over a few quick seconds she acquiesced. "Don't get me wrong Commander, the cafeteria beat field rations by a large margin but I could do for a taste of home. Do you have any recommendations?" She had eaten breakfast earlier but an early lunch before what promised to be a long day of paperwork, check-ins, and all the other things that came with assuming a new command.

"It is a sight." Maz mused. The Capitol city skyline had changed significantly but the core of its identity had remained the same. Many of the same buildings stood where they always had though now several new ones had cropped up. Others had been destroyed or damaged beyond repair and were either replaced with more modern construction or torn down completely. Beyond that, several appeared to have been restored to keep their antiquated look. All in all, it was still home. "Construction seems to be going well." Commander Kimura said. "The citizens of the First Order have always been resilient." Maz felt her chest swell with pride. Even though her people had been beat up and knocked down they still possessed that spirit of progress, the spirit to fight back against decay and moth and rust - and to rise up from the ashes of their former selves. At least, that's what they hoped to prove and she had no doubt they could do it.

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway​