Spaceport, Ceres City
Capella
October 13, 3053
The trip from Vanra to Capella is uneventful. Atayde answered and addressed as many of the questions and concerns as he could before arrival. The Rangers depart the dropship to mild weather, bright sun, and clear skies. Kato’s delegation includes his family, the lance leaders, Major Amy Bray, Captain Andromeda Clark, Captain Marika Duncan, Captain Yennifer Ramage, as well as Lieutenants Kristin Crawford and Maria Marsala, each representing their own commands. On the tarmac an honor guard of battalion strength is arranged, dress uniforms crisp for the infantry which number two companies, plus a company of armor and a lance of ‘Mechs. The heavy mech lance is formidable consisting of a Highlander, two Marauders and an Ostroc, but they are also clearly older models without use of recovered technology. Waiting in a position of honor is an older Chinese gentleman, with silver hair and dressed in formal robes, an aide and personal guard standing behind him. As Kato leads the Ranger delegation forward, the old man’s stoic mask drops, and he smiles at his grandson. Kato offers his grandfather a formal and deeply respectful greeting, then adds in English, “Grandfather, I humbly present to you the officer corps of the Numenorean Rangers. They are men and women I have found worthy to stand at my side in battle and in friendship.”
He turns to address his companions. “Rangers, I have the honor of introducing my grandfather, Sheng Shonso of Llagarres and Sheng Mandrinn of Ceres City, Kasei Atayde.” His grandfather bows his head slightly in acknowledgement then addresses the assembled in English. “Kato, I welcome you home to Capella as a worthy warrior, upstanding citizen, honorable man, and my heir. You and your officers are to be my honored guests for your stay. Your safety is of great importance and so my men will see to it personally. Please, let us adjourn to my estates where you may be made comfortable.” All of the individuals departing with the Rangers including Kato’s wife Erin Mae and their two small children are led to a set of waiting limos. With the formalities complete, Kasei speaks to Kato and family in Mandarin, covering more mundane topics and welcomes in what is surely his preferred tongue. Watching the family walk off, it is clear to anyone looking that Erin Mae is pregnant again, late in her second trimester. The family joins Kato’s grandfather in one limo as the rest of the Rangers are escorted to others, the security details making themselves known with a respectful greeting in English, followed by a gesture and the appropriate “Sir?” or “Ma’am?”. In short order, the convoy is underway.
It takes less than an hour to reach the estate. The bustle of the spaceport, industrial center and city left behind shortly before arriving. The surrounding area and most of the estate grounds are wooded in rolling hills, a single tall peak stretching up behind it. The Manor House is Siheyuan in style, with a large central courtyard, with other connected buildings and corresponding courtyards. There are similarly styled structures that house the Atayde Guard, the number concealed by the terrain. At a quick guess at least a company, probably substantially more, but hard to determine from the road in. The front of the structure is impressive with a large front wooden gate and two impressive stone lions protecting it in traditional Chinese fashion. It appears there’s a gatekeeper’s room just off the gate, indicating the size and importance of the estate. Once through you pass the spirit screen and enter a large central outer courtyard through a smaller gate. The courtyard has gardens and walkways. Grandfather pauses and addresses the Rangers again in English. “Rooms have been prepared for you in both the east and west residences. You will be shown the way to them. I grant you time to refresh yourselves before lunch.” Unless he receives any questions, he leads Kato and his family into the building on the north side of the courtyard, the discussions again reverting immediately to Mandarin.
The rooms provided are spacious and extremely comfortable. The décor is primarily Chinese, though accents of other cultures are mixed in where it does not interfere with or even enhances the feng shui. Looking out the windows onto the courtyard from the upper floors, it is easy to discover that beyond the building that Kato’s grandfather led them into is an inner courtyard and more private residences.
After refreshing themselves and perhaps strolling the outer courtyard, the Rangers discover that lunch is informal, with Shonso Atayde not present. Kato explains that preparations are being made for a formal welcome dinner, and they should dress appropriately. That evening a luxurious dinner is laid out comprised of local dishes and delicacies as well as some that many will recognize as Kato’s favorites. It is here that the Rangers are once again and formally welcomed to the home of the Mandrinn of Ceres City. In so doing, it is clear that this will be Kato’s home once invested. Those present outside of the Rangers default to Mandarin except when addressing them, though take no affront to being addressed in English and switching appropriately. Unlike with Kato and his family, the English spoken is accented, from just slightly with Kasei to more heavily with some of the others. Once the meal has concluded and tea served the itinerary is shared. Members of Kato’s father’s family, the Yamamoris will be arriving at the end of the month. An honored guest will arrive on November 9th, though Kasei doesn’t clarify who this is and politely deflects any inquiries into their identity. The Master of Ceremonies will arrive on November 14th with the investiture planned for November 16th. He understands that they will be seeking a new contract in December, looking at Kato as he says this, and receiving a nod in confirmation offers his hope for fortune smiling and receiving a suitable one quickly.
After lunch, Rosk will make inquiries of the staff about acquiring some nicer culturally appropriate jackets and outfits for wear while here, as well as some art supplies.
The staff is pleased with the request and a older tailor is rapidly presented. An expert at his craft he eyes Rosk, calls something to an assistant in Mandarin who scurries away and comes back with a few jackets and a pin cushion. With only the barest effort to request permission, he sweeps one of the jackets on Rosk as nimble fingers quickly add pins for a perfect fit. Nodding he removes the jacket almost as quickly. This process is repeated with a few other garments before a list of options is rattled off for his approval and then they vanish to begin the work.
Not long after, the steward arrives and after consulting with Rosk on specifics notes that they have at least much of what he has requested and will make that available to him. Within the hour he has what he needs. A few hours later the assistant finds Rosk and presents him with a stack of freshly pressed clothes with a promise that others await him in his room.
Rosk attends the formal dinner in full kimono, black in color with a deep red obi. This is a change as most times he is in a jumpsuit or cooling vest.
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Topic: Operation INVESTITURE - "2. Made Welcome" (Read 349 times)