Meet the folks (a post in several parts!)

[empress_without_a_throne]

[1]

[Mizuki's going about her business recently exclusively wearing her Abyss Empress clothing... and anyone in the Sakihama Base's hangar will notice the DuskBird's got several Solaris mechanics working on it virtually around the clock.  But more importantly-]

Ow.

Ow.

Ow.

[Even if she's just walking down the hall, the Abyssian is frequently wincing or reacting to unseen sources of pain.  And then-]

[Video]



Hello, everyone!  As you may remember, when the Unity Group began combat operations, I introduced to you an unlikely ally: the Abyss Empress herself.  And now... I give you her very followers!  The Grand Vizier Zangango and General Salanshiel!

[The video screen shifts to show the two other Abyssians, who actually are wearing normal clothing and just sort of sheepishly wave at the camera before they start to speak to each other.]

I hope Mizuki doesn't get too embarassed about this.

Well it's a special occasion, hopefully she'll understand.

[What's to understand?  It's just Sara pulling another melodramatic prank... and that's reason enough to storm down the halls!]

[2]



[And after THAT's all been sorted out, Mizuki's still happy about her parents paying a visit.]

So... yeah.  These are my parents... legally "Ichi Onodera" and "Haru Onodera".



A pleasure to meet all of you.  And thank you so much for helping take care of our daughter.



We apologize for the short notice of the visit, we would've let Mizuki know in advance but Sara thought to make it more of a surprise.  That said.... we also didn't come empty handed.

[Indeed they didn't.  In fact, they're carrying several hand-bags filled with sealed containers labeled 'Safe' or 'Sol only'.]

We were hoping to have a meal together with Mizuki, like a family... but we brought along extras just in case anyone wanted to join us.

Comments

Re: 2

[empress_without_a_throne]

We're actually not related by blood, but we somehow managed to pull off a functioning family unit after some practice.

Mom? Dad? This is Setsuko. She's one of the members who's only recently gotten into piloting.



Always nice to meet one of Mizuki's new friends. We were both worried so much when she first left with Sara and-

[He seems to pause, sheepishly looking left and right before leaning in a little closer.]

I'm sorry, but my eye's not bothering you, is it? I thought wearing an eyepatch would be too menacing but now I'm not so-



Dad, nobody cares about that... Sorry Setsuko, they're just a little self-conscious.

[star_of_sad]

No, no! Of course it doesn't bother me. Please don't worry about it.

[Quick, change the topic!]

Mizuki is doing very well in Unity Group. Why were you worried about her?

[empress_without_a_throne]

We know, but seeing her, knowing she'd be around so many other people...

[Haru's already starting to tear up even as she tries to keep up her smiling.]


There was so much anxiety in wondering if we'd raised her right!



They really tried to take their parenting duties as seriously as they could. And it was a really long road for all of us, considering the roles we were meant to fill.

[star_of_sad]

I did not even know Mizuki was something else than a normal human, until I saw her abilities during a mission.

So I'd say you did a very good job.

[empress_without_a_throne]

They watched and read so many guides on parenting. And they had to hammer into me that I wasn't going to be leading any conquests to take over the world either.



But it's all been worth it in the end, to see Mizuki fit in with people so many people.

... My only regret is no baby pictures.



At any rate, would you like to join us for dinner? I'm sure there's something we can cook to your liking.

[star_of_sad]

[The atmosphere is getting a little big embarassing. But not in a bad way.]

Ah, yes, dinner. You have two kinds of bags, I noticed.

[empress_without_a_throne]

Technically they're all the same to for everyone except the Onoderas. After one rather... infamous cook-out incident they made it a habit to keep food connected with the Sun separate from things they can safely eat.

But it's always been a great way to expand your tastes. You ever had dumbo octopus takoyaki? Best I've ever had!



Yes, and you also requested we bring three serving's worth of it.



So other people could try it! Come on, Setsuko... willing to give it a sample?

[star_of_sad]

Ah, I had takoyaki, yes. I am Japanese after all.

I don't know what a dumbo octopus is, though.

[empress_without_a_throne]

(Aren't they the cutest?)

They're a really small, weird-looking octopus. Tiny little tentacles and fins that look like an elephant's trunk. Pretty cute actually...

But if I ever had one as a pet I'd also probably wind up classifying it an emergency food supply.

[star_of_sad]

Oh. Now... I want to see one actually.

Well, let's eat first. I hope the takoyaki won't stare at me looking cute.