Legal Disclaimer: The elements and characters of Vandread are not my property and are being used in this story strictly for entertainment purposes with non-profit goals in mind. The elements and characters of Descent are not my own and are being used strictly for entertainment purposes with non-profit goals on my part. The ideals of this story do not reflect the general nature of Sky Cats International nor Laps Networks.

 

Story Details: This is sort of an intermission fanfic sub-project I have been working in between operations. This story takes place just after the successful dispatch of the Harvester Mothership, the red Nirvana. However, with regards to events in time, the crew is still together and has not taken on their experimental role as of yet. As an avid fan of this series, I will try to keep all characters in perspective however, bear with me as I do not by any means consider myself a grandmaster author.

 

 

Chapter 3

Relationships

 

Laserai looks around at these possible eager students and stops himself. “Patience my friends patience. I need to check with my mom on this one first. This is her ship after all. However, its likely I will be cleared to talk to you further about this. Later.”

 

Laserai leaves the room and signals to Paiway as he passes her instantly letting her know he was aware she was listening.

 

Pyoro glances toward Laserai’s fleeting form then back at Paiway. “Looks to me Laserai is more observative then I thought.”

 

“Darn it. Well, he did say this would probably come up later. That’s a quality pai-check for sure!” Paiway stands up somewhat determined and runs off to see what the girls are up to.

 

In the Café

 

Paiway walks in and just in time as an interesting discussion has started up.

 

“So Barnett, whats going on between you and that new man, Laserai? Hmm? Seems your starting to slip.” Jura looks at Barnett questioningly.

 

“Uhm, what are you getting at Jura? My views on men haven’t changed . . . Well, at least.” Barnett looks to the ceiling getting lost in thought.

 

Jura takes one look at her and sighs loudly. “Oh come on. You’re even starting to acting just like Dita always running around sighing all the time when Hibiki looks cross eyed at her.”

 

Misty nods in agreement. “I have to concur your exhibiting the tell tale signs.”

 

“Huh? Signs of what Misty?” Barnett looks at Misty somewhat confused.

 

“Yeah. What’s this about? What is the reason these two are acting like this? Parfet even seems to be coming down with it. Is it a virus or something?” Jura directs her glare to Misty questioningly.

 

“A virus. Nah, I don’t think that’s what it is. I haven’t located anything yet.” Paiway shrugs and looks at Jura.

 

“I can’t say anything else. Considering the environment your coming from I think I am going to have a talk with the captain before I go any further. I’ll get back to ya. I will catch up with you later big sister!” Misty waves then leaves apparently headed for Magno’s room.

 

“Hmm, well this should be interesting.” Meia glances up from her drink then returns to looking out into the starry heavens.

 

Hibiki enters the Registry Room finding Gasco sitting in her usual chair casually looking over the inventory on her computer.

 

As the door opens, she looks up seeing him walk in. “So what brings you here?”

 

Hibiki doesn’t reply right away but plops down in a seat across from her. “I don’t know what to do next. Dita seems to be expecting something from me but I don’t know what it is.”

 

Gasco sighs and looks away from her computer. “Hmm, this is something only persons from the frontier era and before would know about. This whole generation has been messed up by all this Taraak this and Mejaare that. My post frontier comrades have created quite a mess to clean up. What about Laserai? He is also from the post-frontier era.”

 

Hibiki continues to stare mindlessly at the ceiling. “Laserai is going to check with the captain on whether or not its wise for us to know what he seems to know.”

 

Gasco glances at him briefly then rolls her eyes. “Then it’s already being taken care of. Besides Misty just came through here a while ago. She was looking for the captain earlier. I have this feeling she is looking for similar approval. She is also from the post-frontier era.”

 

“Hmm, guess I really do have to wait then.” Hibiki sighs then looks over at Gasco.

 

Gasco holds out a deck of cards and sets up her times. “So since you’re here and bored, I have something to keep you busy.”

 

Laserai meets up with Magno and now takes a seat in Magno’s room and explains to her the situation with Hibiki and Duelo as Magno nods thoughtfully listening intently.

 

“So what is it you want me to do, Laserai-chan?” Mango looks to Laserai curiously.

 

“Hmm. Well, I am simply curious as to whether you want them informed about what relationships romantically speaking were like between men and women in the frontier era. The marriage/divorce ratios were about 50% based on my latest research from old Earth data.” Laserai stares at his mother intently.

 

“Well, you’re only looking at half the equation. For those marriages that did work, the couples involved were quite happy and content with one another.” Mango rubs her chin and looks to her door, which opens as Misty walks in.

 

“Misty, what brings you here?” Magno glances at Misty having a general idea.

 

“Captain, I need to know if your ever intending to inform the women of this ship what being a girlfriend is really all about and what having a boyfriend is like. None of the women here aside from you and Gasco even knows what a girlfriend even is. When do they get to find out?” Misty looks to the captain intently.

 

“Funny you mention that. My son here was just discussing whether or not he should educate his fellow male comrades on what they should be doing. I do believe it is time we shed some light on this matter but how. This isn’t exactly something we can just teach in some class setting is it? Even if it were neither one of you has enough years of experience in life to teach others in such a way. And I can speak for Gasco and myself in that we don’t wish to volunteer for such a massive task.” Magno looks to the two curiously.

 

“So then what are we going to do?” Misty looks to the captain.

 

“Hmm, are you suggesting that we deal with this in our own way and your okay with that?” Laserai looks at his mom who nods.

 

“That’s my son. Yes, I will just leave you two to figure this out. I am okay with whatever you decide to do. This is something a captain doesn’t need to concern herself with. Oh and son please be sure Bart is there for whatever you decide. He needs to give up on BC. That’s never going to work out. Its time he gets over that infatuation.” Magno sits down and starts to ride her chair to her central station on the bridge.

 

“BC and Bart?” Laserai looks to Magno who shakes her head.

 

“Only in his mind. BC will always be BC as far as I am concerned but lets just say she isn’t right for him.” Magno smiles as she leaves the room.

 

“So, whats going on between you and Barnett?” Misty looks to Laserai who scratches his head.

 

“I can’t really explain it and I am from the post frontier era. Shame I was only a kid at the time. Anyway, its like were both on the same wavelength and according to Duello we really are at least with regards to our Paeksys similarities.” Laserai leans back against the wall.

 

“You got it bad for her then.” Misty sighs and glances at Laserai.

 

“Yep. I think they call it love at first sight.” Laserai looks to Misty who nods sadly but shrugs it off.

 

“Hey, you all right.”

 

“Don’t worry about it, Laserai. So what are we going to do about this mess? Your girlfriend to be Barnett doesn’t even know what that means. Dita who apparently has it bad for Hibiki and vice versa don’t know anything about being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship and the same goes for Duelo and Parfet. I fear we may have to play cupid around here.”

 

“I was afraid you were going to say that. I only wish my pilot comrades were here. They were buddies of mine who flew that pioneer escort ship mission with me. They were reported as lost in service but the truth is they just disappeared. They were flying Paeksys prototype ships like mine. One minute they were flying an escort mission and the next they were gone. Some said they just left and abandoned the fleet but I don’t really think they could ever do that. Oh, sorry. Guess I am kinda rambling a bit. Anyway, I will just give them little hints and let the figure it out.”

 

“Don’t worry about it. You have been alone for nearly a year. I don’t mind listening. Anyway, it seems like the right course. I don’t think its proper to tell them everything they need to do. Relationships can be simply covered in a textbook. Sure some successful elements are pretty consistent but its not going to always turn out the same.” Misty watches the ceiling with an unfocused stare.

 

“I don’t know much about this myself but I can at least help these guys out some way. My ship’s computer has in its database digital encyclopedias compressed on its drives. For some reason, the GTA believed this would help to preserve human culture. Seems they were right about something. I think this may have been the work of a third party however.” Laserai gets up from his seat.

 

“Uhm, lets just do what we can. Nobody is expecting anything perfect, right?” Misty looks to Laserai who nods.

 

“Exactly. I don’t know a whole lot but leaving them this much in the dark on things almost seems like a crime. I will do what I can with the guys. Just be sure to help Barnett understand exactly whats going on, okay?” Laserai waves a hand at Misty before leaving the room.

 

“Sure. I will do what I can. Dita seems to have the concept idea down. You try to do what you can to please and compliment your boyfriend. Those two seemingly figured that out on their own. So with her it looks like I just need to tell her why and what else is needed.” Misty also gets up sensing she has lots of work to do.

 

Laserai heads back to the infirmary where he left the guys an hour ago. Misty returns to the café where she had left the girls with a similar mission.

 

As Laserai enters the room, he first sees Hibiki, Duello and Bart lounging around with Pyoro. Just as he is about to say something he sees the other men who have joined the Nirvana crew due to the ship experiment who were all picked by Hibiki and crew and approved by Jura.

 

“Okay, guys. Its good everyone is here. Its high time you guys get at least a general idea what the heck is going on. I retract what I said previously. Hibiki has come further relationships wide then all you guys here. Both Hibiki and Dita have realized that with regards to this you both have to be willing to do what is needed to keep the other happy. A self sacrificing attitude is needed. Trying to enter a symbiotic relationship such as this only looking for your own gain is to invite failure.” Laserai looks to the others men as they nod in agreement.

 

“So your saying what we have been doing has been okay?” Hibiki looks to Laserai who nods.

 

“Indeed. Its not a straight shot kind of operation. No relationship is exactly the same. There is no such thing as a textbook relationship. Everybody is different so things will not exactly go as planned. It’s the eventual outcome, the two of you knowing each other as though you’re one and the same person. Spending time around each other in close proximity and getting to know each other seeing their many different faces of emotion and circumstance is what will be needed. Only in this way can you truly reach a point where you can say you love the woman you have your sights sat on. This is easier said then done though. Varying on the persons involved, this process can range from instant interaction to several months as in the case of Hibiki and Dita who initially resisted.” Laserai waves a hand at Hibiki then smiles.

 

How was I to know what the heck was going on? Women are so confusing sometimes. They don’t make sense sometimes.” Bart sighs and lays his head back.

 

“Hmm, interesting observation. Why do you think that is? Its clearly more then you think. When women enter a relationship their thought patters are slightly different with regard to perspective. For them, the emotions and feelings involved have a large bearing on where things will turn up. Also, their level of attraction is determined by something illogical. It’s a built in defense system if you will designed to help them locate the best potential match. Something developed for this purpose long before our time so I am not getting into that.” Laserai looks to the men who express shock at this.

 

“So that’s what going on. I was always wondering why I am always alone on this ship. So what defense is this and how do I get around it?” Bart throws his hands up and sighs again.

 

“First off, for the general part women are typically attracted to guys who are confident about themselves. In many cases, even those who may even be overly confident also works in this regard. Hibiki is a fine example of this. At first, girls were somewhat hesitant of you however, after you become very confident about your piloting skills that begin to show in your whole demeanor. That’s a critical part that helped you to become so popular on this ship.” Laserai looks to Hibiki waving a hand.

 

“So whats going on with me?” Bart looks to Laserai for help.

 

“I am sorry Bart. I am afraid that in some cases its impossible to change the outcome. In cases such as these, it’s best to move on. You have managed to gather the needed confidence however who you are after does not reciprocate. BC is a complicated case and for good reason seems to not be interested. With this in mind, your best course of action is to find someone else. Your confidence level since Marie that little girl’s affect on you is where you need to be. Also having the irreplaceable job as the ship’s navigator and pilot puts you in a category all its own. The Paeksys apparently selected you as its navi. Its not something any of us have been clear to do. You only need to realize your true importance and allow that to reflect in your confidence level a little more. Its unhealthy to think too much of yourself however its also unwise to think to little of yourself. Find that balance and this will become effortless. As it was with Hibiki and Dita, what is needed will come all on its own. No textbook is needed for this. As long as you allow the critical element love in all its different proper forms to govern your actions, this will be a no brainer for all of you.” Laserai gives a thumbs up.

 

“Very well. Is there anything in particular I should know, Laserai.” Duelo looks to his comrade curiously.

 

“Based on what I know, your relationship is moving at a similar pace. Just keep remembering to spend time with her and doing things to make her smile. Remember to remain ever confident in your abilities as the ship’s doctor. Also its okay sometimes to be hesitant to speak but when times arise where action is needed do not hesitate to do so. In some cases, to act or not may determine whether or not your relationship will progress. It takes mutual consent, before a relationship progresses to its next level. So don’t be in a rush if your love interest is not and vice versa. Compromise to a certain degree may also be needed and remember a balanced self-sacrificing spirit is also needed. You may not be able to always do things your own way.” Laserai glances at Duelo who seems to get the point.

 

“Your wise beyond your years Laserai. You have been thinking about this for a while haven’t you?” Duelo nods thoughtfully.

 

“I must agree. Your explanation is pretty accurate. I couldn’t explain it any better then that.” Pyoro flies in and sits down on the counter.

 

“At any rate let’s see. Based on what has happened so far, its safe to say Hibiki and Dita have passed the point where a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship has started. Whereas you have never asked each other, you are clearly mutually consenting. All you need to do is ask her to make this official. This critical step is necessary. You will need to talk to Misty as to how to accomplish this effectively. Sometimes a woman’s advice is fitting to take into account. Duelo, it seems to me if both of you agree, you can move on to this stage. Your relationship between Parfet seems to also be at a point where this could become a definite reality. Just be prepared for a wild ride. Relationships are a mutually beneficial interaction but they are not at all predictable. Expect twists and turns along the way.” Laserai gets up from his seat.

 

“I see. So Laserai-sensei, we need to only build our confidence in ourselves and our abilities then we will be able to attract women.” One of the Taraak men looks to Laserai who shrugs.

 

“That’s part of the equation. Trial and error has taught me to not try to over classify things. Some action on your part may be needed. Just always try to think of what you can do to please them not what you will get out of the relationship. Men mess up on this more times then you realize. Our frontier days are littered with men forgetting this simple truth. Now if you will excuse me, its high time I had a talk with Barnett. It seems I made things clear about us. In cases, such as ours where mutual consent is already there, the need to wait is not needed. Your progression is determined by your own personal circumstances so don’t look at other persons progression of relationships as a guide. Nobody is exactly the same. Never forget this.” Laserai leaves the room.

 

In the meantime, Misty has apparently finished briefing the women both in the room and over the ship’s com minus the medical bay. Satisfied with her work, Misty leaves the room and heads off elsewhere Meia follows her asking additional questions.

 

The girls go there separate ways on the ship and Laserai finds himself at the registry room. As he enters the room, Gasco looks up and waves. “Good to see ya, Laserai. I wanted to tell you, we have managed to locate within our inventory several hundred different sets of PTMC and GTVA based weapons and components. From now on, we will be able to serve you as effectively as the other pilots here on the Nirvana.”

 

“Sounds good, Miss Gascogne.” Laserai nods and looks around.

 

“I take it your trying to find someone now?” Gasco glances his way with a general idea who that probably is.

 

“Have you seen Barnett anywhere? I am trying to find her. This is a very large ship.” Laserai scratches his head.

 

“Hmm, check the bridge. I think she was headed there earlier.” Gasco waves then head to the storeroom of the ship.

 

“Appreciate the assist.” Laserai leaves the room to find her.

 

Laserai enters the bridge, which is unmanned as the ship is in autopilot mode. Seeing no one here, he starts to turn away until he sees someone standing by the lake on the garden level of the ship. Laserai identifies the person is Barnett and jumps down to meet her. Taking a flower from nearby he hides it then places his hands over her face from behind.

 

“Laserai, is that you?” Barnett turns around grabbing one of his hands.

 

“For you. It’s the only thing I can find on this ship to come close to rivaling your beautiful appearance.” Laserai smiles and looks to her intently giving her the flowers he had acquired.

 

“Thanks. You know just what to say at times. Must be a trait your getting from Hibiki, hmm?” Barnett looks to Laserai who nods.

 

“So why are you here alone? Did something happen?” Laserai glances over at her then looks to water.

 

“Well, I have been thinking about what’s happened. Before all of this, I would have never considered fighting alongside men and now here I am on the verge of falling for one. How ironic is that?” Barnett looks to the starry sky with eyes full of emotion.

 

“Seems this ship has changed all of those who have come to live within her hull. Nirvana just seems to be have that natural ability.” Laserai steps behind her placing his arms around her.

 

“Geeze Laserai. Looks like your feeling the same way about me.” Barnett smiles warmly and continues to look at the sky.

 

Well, here is my next chapter. Seems with regards to Nirvana, I am currently on fire right now. I haven’t been this motivated to write something this much since my first Teen Titan fanfic. Well, seems my fixation is locked on this project for now. I will try to ride this wave of momentum clear to its completion. So just hang on for the ride. Feel free to review. Later people. Laserai out. Next Time – “Don’t Smoke Em Yet!”