[Ori Misaki]

MBU Page 18: The Morning After

(OOC) First shattering of the fourth wall in a post (Jusu).

- Ryouba is first referred to as "Ryouba Hiryuu"
- First use of the interface earring as a key surrogate.
- Rei's visit to the grave of her father, Captain Raito Sakurazaki, is first recorded.
- Rei's mother, Minako Sakurazaki, fully introduced.
- To Rei's chagrin, the name "Arias" is apparently used to refer to her by her mother.
- Ai Tsukamoto and Lena Reverie (ORB) are introduced.
- Duo's Ladies' Man status (at least, in his head) is somewhat confirmed.
- Saito's friend, Sarah (ORB) introduced.
- Aeros Yukuhiro, a family member of Saito's, introduced.

Summary: Duo and Rei don't get very far in their conversation; Duo attempts to be congenial, but Rei is somewhat short and curt with him. This is less likely out of rudeness than out of Rei's quiet and somewhat emotionally-closed demeanor.

The UN forces land at ORB.

Ryouba is able to escape the AEUG submarine in his Treasoner, and hide the unit on a small island nearby. He radios the Junk Guild and claims first salvage rights for the area before falling asleep.

The next morning:

Rei visits her father's grave. Apparently for the first time, Rei finds her mother visiting the grave, as well. When Minako calls her "Arias", it strikes a chord in Rei that causes her to lash out verbally at her mother, claiming Minako abandoned her and her father years ago in favor (it is suggested) of some sortof weapons development project. This is the reason for her anger and unease when around her mother. She leaves the graveyard without a word of goodbye.

Saito takes a run around the park, and then a walk along the cliffs where he and Duo fought. Returning to HQ, he receives a letter from a family member, angry that Saito chose to return to ORB. He is issued a warning that if he does not leave ORB, he will regret it. Saito crumples the letter, concerned with his need to become stronger now.

Ryouba takes his MS towards the beach where yesterday's chaos unfolded, in order to salvage grounded MSs and get enough money to make his Treasoner seaworthy for underwater salvage. While moving through a thick forest on his way there, he notices a plume of smoke rising from the base of the nearby mountain, and goes to investigate.

James remains at ORB HQ, taking care of tedious procedure.

When Duo gets his breakfast from the HQ mess hall, he's greeted by the Chef, who is an ex-Zion, as well as two nervous young ladies. When he returns to his room, he finds the young women, namely Ai Tsukamoto and Lena Reverie, have followed him back to his room in order to ask if they could show him around. Duo accepts, and they leave HQ for the sights.