[FIC] First Impressions (part 22 : end)

[dd]

“3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku.”

The taxi driver dropped Shunya, his daughters, and Sousuke off at the curb outside of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo.

“In ‘The Art of Eating’,Kozue is called one of the finest contemporary restaurants in the city.” Shunya thanked the doorman who escorted them all inside the elegant building. “I think this will be a wonderful place to celebrate the fact that we’re all still alive.

“That’s right!” Kaname said. “Not to mention my staying in Tokyo!” She smiled. If her father truly agreed with her decision, he wouldn’t take any offense. It might sadden Ayame some, but her younger sister had to accept the fact sooner or later.

“Affirmative,” Sousuke said. He was still walking with a bit of a limp, but his other injuries were well on the way to healing. “It may be that I will choose to stay as well.” He kept a straight face.

“Don’t you get started, mister!” Kaname tossed her hair and shook her finger at Sousuke.

“Yes. Please don’t.” Shunya stopped, straightened his shoulders, and took a deep breath. “What you'll find at Kozue is simply the best of the best. As part of the Park Hyatt Hotel, it has resources not available to most stand-alone restaurants in obtaining the best ingredients of the season from anywhere in Japan. There could be as many as seat nearly seventy more diners, so we will all do our best to keep from spoiling their dining experience.” When Kaname’s father said ‘all’, he meant ‘Sousuke’.

As they took the elevator up to the 4th floor, Shunya continued with his spiel. “As if the fine cuisine isn't enough, Kozue offers something that's a complete rarity among top-class Japanese restaurants …a breathtaking view. Looking west, there is an unobstructed view of western Tokyo, all the way to Mt. Fuji.” He stopped, noticing a flicker of anxiety cross Sousuke face. “It really shouldn’t be too hard, Sousuke. Just keep from mentioning rodents and worms as food items.” He thought a moment more. “And no guns, bombs, knives, or actions against people you might think are suspicious.”

Ayame was about to say ‘And don’t get Kaname all riled up’. She thought better of it. That was the fun part.

“That’s not it, Daddy.” Kaname reached over and squeezed Sousuke’s arm. “It’s Mount Fuji. You know. We all take it for granted, but it’s a…” She left the word hanging. Mount Fuji is the archetype of the stratovolcano and probably rivals Vesuvius for the best-know volcano in the world. That is, these days, after Klyuchevskaya Sopka.

“Oh…” Shunya looked sheepish. Sorry. I didn’t think that it would…”

“Do you think that it’s going to erupt, Sousuke?” Ayame tapped on his hand, worried about the look on his face. “It’s pretty far away. We’d be OK here. Especially this high up, right?”

Sousuke shook his head. “The mountain has erupted at least sixteen times since 781 AD. Most of these eruptions were moderate to moderate-large in size. The most recent eruption was in 1707-1708 from a vent on the southeast side of the cone. Five historic eruptions have caused damage, but none have resulted in fatalities.” He forced himself to relax. “We are in no danger.” The stress of his mission was weighing heavy on him these days, even though the world was safe and the operation was complete.

“Over here, Sir.” The captain of the restaurant showed them to their table. “You should enjoy a slowly changing view up here, as the silhouette of the mountain slowly melts into the night and a carpet of lights gradually emerges. Please enjoy your stay.”

There was no escaping it. In one fashion or another, everyone seemed to be mentioning volcanoes today. Despite attempts by various nations and agencies to keep the details of the Dooms-Day plot under wraps, word leaked out. Mithril’s name never entered the picture, and Sousuke retained his anonymity. The Russians took far more credit than they deserved, and paradoxically, the Americans were taking a lot of heat. HAARP may have saved the day, but now it was the sole remaining facility with scalar capabilities.

Sousuke sat near the window. Setting his jaw, he forced himself to look at Mt. Fuji. It was irrational, having any kind of anxiety over a large rock formation. He had not shown this kind of fear during his fight to save mankind. Why should he be discomforted in any way, now? Besides, it was almost one thousand meters smaller than the intact Russian volcano had been. It was an M6 compared to Klyuchevskaya Sopka’s ARX-7. Relax. Breathe deep. Recite some random section from a military document. Yes. How about the final chapter from Mithril’s ‘Soldier’s Manual on Cold Weather’. No. bad choice. Make it FM 21-76, U.S. Army Survival Manual. Yes. But this time, do not think about survival foods.

‘It takes more than the knowledge and skills to build shelters, get food, make fires, and travel without the aid of standard navigational devices to live successfully through a survival situation. Some people with little or no survival training have managed to survive life-threatening circumstances. Some people with survival training have not used their skills and dies. A key ingredient to any survival situation is the mental attitude of the individual(s) involved. Having survival skills is important; having the will to survive is essential.

There is a psychology to survival. The soldier in a survival environment faces many stresses that ultimately impact on his mind. These stresses can produce thoughts and emotions that, if poorly understood, can transform a confident, well-trained soldier into an indecisive, ineffective individual with questionable ability to survive. Thus, every soldier must be aware of and be able to recognize those stresses commonly associated with survival…’

“Sousuke,” It was Ayame’s voice, bring him back to the here and now. “Want a roll?” She held a large basket of hot fresh rolls. Steam was wafting upward from the one she had broken open and placed on her plate. “They’re plain rolls.”

“Thank you,” Sousuke said, managing a smile. His love of plain rolls was something that he shared with Kaname’s sister. It was good that the younger girl had not shown any signs of being Whispered. Yet. He hopes that things would remain that way. Shunya Chidori had enough concerns about his family. But, he had come to realize what a young soldier had done for his eldest, and would do his best to cope with the situation.

“Ayame, you…” Shunya stopped. He remembered the events at Chez Pierre. Not a superstition man, he still decided to bite his tongue and let things play out differently this time. “Alright. Have all the rolls you like.” He needed to remember not to sweat the little things. After his stay on the TDD-1, much of life seemed like little things.

“Thank you, Daddy!” Ayame was not one to take chances. She piled a number of rolls on her plate, after handing three to Sousuke.

Looking around the dining area, Kaname noticed that slabs of rich, amber wood made up the tables, floor and walls, with a stained bamboo installation providing highlights and counterpoint. “Sousuke, the tableware is made up of one-of-a-kind earthenware pieces crafted by noted artisans throughout Japan.” She didn’t want him thinking too much about his ordeal. “So, don’t break anything!” She just needed to be sure. It had nothing to do with control issues.

“Yes. Chef Kenichiro Ooe serves food exclusively on his own collection of thirty thousand dishes and serving pieces. They are kept with great care in several kitchen closets, and the collection includes wares from various regions of the country, such as bright green Oribe and blue-and-white Imari.” He waved his arm about the room. “As you can see, the colors range from earthy browns to bright teals, greens, and reds, and forms include traditional squares and fanciful flowers or leaves. There are also sake glasses in Japanese crystal.” Shunya looked over at Sousuke. Once again, he thought about the debt they all owed the quiet boy. All of the fine dishes and serving platters he had mentioned meant something only because there were still people alive to enjoy them.

“I guess the food here must be pretty special too, right Daddy?” Ayame made a face at Kaname. She had wanted to sit next to Sousuke. It was just another think on her list of things that made her very angry. She had gotten to spend time with Sousuke Sagara, the man who saved the world. But, she couldn’t tell anyone! At least she could get to set near him one more time. Kaname was so mean!

“While the setting is breathtaking, the food somehow seems to surpass it, impossible as that may seem.” Shunya smiled. “But, it is hard to describe, since it's continually changing with the seasons, just like the view. Chef Ooe has a crew of seasoned professionals…” He nodded at Sousuke, a way of honoring him and the crew of seasoned professionals that he served with. “They create unique executions of traditional and country-style Japanese dishes. The chef is also noted for his individualistic interpretation of kaiseki, a highly refined meal containing a great number of painstakingly prepared small dishes which traditionally accompanies the tea ceremony.”

“I don’t like that,” Ayame said, making a sour face. She had been forced to learn parts of the tea ceremony in America, as a misguided attempt by her father to have her retain some of her ethnic background. “Tea’s OK. Especially iced tea. But the tea ceremony is so boring. Geeez!” She looked at her father, daring him to contradict her. “It’s really bogus…”

"Ayame…” Shunya pushed his glasses up and shook his head. He wasn’t going to let his imp of a daughter get under his skin. “It’s not just some boring way to serve tea,” He said. “The Tea ceremony requires years of training and practice to become well versed in the art, even if to the outside world it is nothing more than the making and serving of a cup of tea. A great deal of trouble is taken to see that the act be performed in the most perfect, most polite, most graceful, most charming manner possible".

“Blah…” Ayame said. She turned up her nose when she saw Kaname smirk at her.

”The Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi became Japan's greatest patron of the art of tea,” Sousuke put in. “A brilliant general, strategist, poet, and artist this unique leader facilitated the final and complete integration of tea into the pattern of Japanese life. So complete was this acceptance, that tea was viewed as the ultimate gift, and warlords paused for tea before battles.” His face looked calmer now.

“Wow… not boring…” Ayame sighed, staring at Sousuke.

“That’s the last one, Sousuke.” Kaname said. “No more mentions of shogun, warlords, or anything military. Understand?” The look she gave Ayame clearly said ‘don’t you dare encourage him’.

Sousuke didn’t say anything. He looked over at Shunya and met his eyes. The older man nodded his head, giving unspoken permission. Having received that, Sousuke coughed and began his discourse. “Tea is indeed very popular in America,” he said. “You know that. But, did you realize that in the 1700s, the English found that their small settlement consumed more tea at that time then all of England put together? England had recently completed the French and Indian War, fought from their point of view to free the colony from French influence and stabilize trade. It was the feeling of Parliament that as a result, it was not unreasonable that the colonists shoulder the majority of the cost. After all, the war had been fought for their benefit.”

”Sousuke…” Kaname reached over to pinch him but stopped when she saw her father’s glance.

“They imposed a higher tax on newspapers, tavern licenses, legal documents, marriage licenses, and docking papers. The colonists rebelled against repressive taxes imposed upon them without their consent. New, heavier taxes were leveled as punishment for such rebellion. Among these was the tea tax that was to become the watershed of America's desire for freedom. “ Sousuke thanked the young serving woman who poured water for him.

“Sousuke….” Kaname began scrunching her napkin in her hand. She was tapping one of her feet under the table.

You’re so smart….” Ayame smiled at Sousuke.

“Nevertheless, despite alarming issues revolving around tea in the Americas, English tea interests still centered on the product's source… the Orient. There the trading of tea had become a way of life, leading to the development of a unique language known as ‘Pidgin English’.”

“Pigeon?” Kaname asked.

“No,” Sousuke replied. “’Pidgin’.”

“She’s not so smart…” Ayame chimed in, smirking at her sister. She jumped when her father tapped her on her shoulder.

“Created solely to facilitate commerce, the language was composed of English, Portuguese, and Indian words all pronounced in Chinese. Indeed, the word ‘Pidgin’ is a corrupted form of the Chinese word for "do business". But, language was not the greatest problem. Currency was the major issue. Vast sums of money were spent on tea. To take such large amounts of money physically out of England would have financially collapsed the country and been impossible to transport safely half way around the world.” Sousuke, of course, was not so much a fan of tea. He had learned what he did from military-related texts.

“Blah blah tea… blah blah taxes… blah blah currency…” Kaname did pinch Sousuke this time. She jumped when he pinched her back. “No military stuff. No mention of you- know-what. And now, no more about tea. I’m serious. Stupid head.”

“Kaname, do you wish me to mention the book?” Sousuke whispered that into her ear. For him it was a bold move, and one that had him starting to sweat. When Kaname had unwrapped Kurz’ troublesome gift, she had smacked him with it despite his wounded condition. ‘You should have warned me!’ was what she had shouted. But, when he asked if they should throw it away, she held onto it, saying ‘You never know…’

“Uhhh…” The tables were turned, with Kaname using Souuske’s favorite utterance.

“With plantations in newly occupied India, the English saw a solution.” Sousuke used the small window of opportunity to squeeze in his facts about the Opium Wars. “In India they could grow the inexpensive crop of opium and use it as a means of exchange. Because of its addictive nature, the demand for the drug would be life long, insuring an unending market. Chinese emperors tried to maintain the forced distance between the Chinese people and the ‘devil' English; but disorder in the Chinese culture and the strength of British military might prevented it. The Opium Wars broke out with the English ready to go to war for free trade … their right to sell opium. By 1842 England had gained enough military advantages to enable her to sell opium in China undisturbed until 1908.”

“SOUSUKE!” Kaname put her hand over her mouth. Everyone in the establishment turned and looked at their table.

“Kaname,” Shunya said with a look of disapproval on his face. “Why can’t you be as pleasant and refined a table guest as Sousuke?” He somehow managed to keep a straight face.

Ayame reached over and hugged her father, watching her sister sputter.

“Affirmative,” Sousuke said.

“Fine!” Kaname said. “Hmmmpppfff! If that’s the way you feel about it, I’ll stay here and Sousuke can go to America. Scruffy military freak.”

“Do women tend to strike the men in America?” Sousuke asked Ayame. “Do they shout and say ‘Hmmmpppfff’ loudly? That kind of thing is as much of a health risk as rough handling, I believe.”

“Wait a moment.” Shunya reached into his jacket pocket. He had purchased something that might help him sleep on the plane flight home. “These might help.” It was a plastic wrapped set of squishy earplugs.

Kaname opened her mouth, about to make a snide remark. She stopped. It hit her squarely between the eyes, the fact that her father and Ayame were siding with Sousuke and making fun of her. They were siding with Sousuke. Her father was acting like Sousuke was a friend of the family or distant relative, not some soulless fighting machine or accident waiting to happen. “It’s funny,” she said.

“Funny?” Sousuke asked. He knew that she wasn’t talking about her father’s bit with the earplugs.

“Yes. Funny.” Kaname spoke in a quiet bemused voice. “Who would ever think that it was a good thing to have an attack on an airport delay a flight to America… or have a disaster at a restaurant lead to a trip to an attack submarine… or have near death experiences on that submarine and at a volcano…” She leaned up against Sousuke.

“I wouldn’t exactly think of it that way…” Shunya put in. It was difficult to think of them all finding a better way, while other people died or suffered in the process. But, it was certainly better than the alternative.

“Should we have another restaurant disaster then?” Sousuke asked in such a deadpan manner that Shunya flinched for a moment.

“Next time,” Ayame said. She hoped there would be a next time. No, more than one next time.

“Yes, let’s delay that if we can,” Shunya said.

“It is not a problem,” Sousuke said. “I am certain that things will go well tonight.” He looked over at Kaname. “Your daughter is behaving in a much more acceptable fashion. It is the sign of good training.”

Kaname opened her mouth to make a retort. Who was that big idiot saying trained her? Her father? Him? Before she could speak, she nearly jumped out of her seat. There was asudden loud noise followed by a series of smaller ones.

The patrons all stared at a chef who had backed into a waiter. The man was staring at their table. It was Ichiro Sasaki, one time assistant chef at Chez Pierre. He had sought new employment after that prior tragic dining disaster.

“Some people,” Shunya said.

“Affirmative.”

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THE END