The Place where I belong
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Stargate SG-1
This segment has a small reference to my story "Of Love and Other Demons"
Vtori7777: I hope you enjoy these two segments! I promise things will start heating up in the next few chapters! Thanks for reading!
Chapter 9: Going forward…
Hajime watched with hungry eyes Tokio return with Shuura. Something had changed in the good doctor. There was a spring in her step and an air of victory about her. He wondered what Shuura and Tokio had been up to. After the doc returned in her civilian clothes he asked but the doctor merely replied she'd been taking care of some old family business and evaded any further inquiries.
"So are you going to go back to your apartment?" he asked changing the subject watching with amusement as Martelli's little boy climbed onto Tokio's lap offering to put a flower on her hair. Tokio smiled and allowed the little boy to do it.
"Yes there really is no reason for me not to," she replied cheerfully as the child settled comfortably on her lap once he'd accomplished his task much to Martelli's discomfiture. His wife laughed as Martelli tried to call the boy away but the little one refused to budge as he cuddled up against Tokio's chest.
'Can't say that I blame him! I wouldn't want to move either!' thought Hajime in amusement. The child finally moved when his mother called him though. Tokio switched the subject to ask them what they were up to today. They all pretended not to notice when Shuura found an excuse to go back inside the main house and was followed soon after by Abrams. Martelli's wife explained that the guys had been helping them find a house since they really hadn't been in Colorado Springs very long and were living in a hotel suite for the time being.
"Well how about the house that Aoshi found for me?" Tokio asked looking at Hiei. Hiei nodded and explained the house would likely be well suited for them but it would not be available until Monday. The Martellis didn't think this was a problem so Hiei gave them the name and phone number of the real estate agent and Mrs. Martelli excused herself to go call the woman right away. Martelli got up to help Shimel get more drinks and bring one for his little one who was now munching on the slice of pizza his mommy had given him.
Hajime was distracted for a moment watching the child struggle to reach his plate. Without his father's lap the table was too high and he shifted to his knees to try and eat. Hiei mentioned then that he'd already contacted a moving company and that they were just waiting for Tokio to sign out for her stuff at the impound to go and pick them up. Hajime frowned half-listening as he watched the three-year old struggle.
"Here," he said to the child as he got up from his chair, lifted the little boy and sat down placing the child on his lap. "Is that better?" he asked smiling at the kid who looked up at him and nodded vigorously with his mouth full of food. The boy bounced happily for a moment and continued enjoying his food now that he didn't have to reach so far for it. Martelli returned and didn't seem surprised that his son was on Hajime's lap…
Tokio watched Capt Davila as the members of SG3 made plans to help her move back in. She didn't understand why she was so surprised by his shift in behavior. The captain had brought Tokio's food to her and served her a lemonade and now he had a little boy sitting cheerfully in his lap eating away happily first his pizza and then the ice cream his mother gave him.
This new side was quite fascinating to Tokio! She mentioned her plans for house hunting when the real estate lady showed up and they invited her to join their little party but continued to watch the captain from the corner of her eye whenever possible. The child leaned tiredly against the captain once he'd finished. He stroked his hair gently and the child began nodding off almost immediately.
'I didn't know he could be that…' she was reluctant to use the word 'tender' with big tough Capt. Davila but she couldn't think of any other word. The little one seemed so content. She looked away as Kemora – the real estate lady – said something to her about setting up an appointment for her house hunting. Before she could answer her Shuura and Abrams returned and were laughing and talking rather loudly.
"Quiet you two! He's asleep!" growled Capt Davila at them indicating the now sleeping child in his lap to Tokio's utter amazement. Neither Abrams nor Shuura seemed surprised to see a comfortably sleeping child on the captain's lap. In fact as Tokio looked around it seems like she was the only one who was surprised! He got up then lifting the child carefully in his arms as he glared at Shuura and Abrams.
"Come and I'll show you where he can nap while you guys talk to Kemora," he said to Martelli and his wife. The Martelli's and Kemora left with the captain who was cradling the child close to his chest.
"The wolf's actually really good with kids," Shuura commented prompted by the incredulity in Tokio's face. Abrams agreed citing the time Hajime had met his baby sisters. His little sisters were completely smitten with him!
"That's not all you should see him with his own baby sister!" Shuura added cheerfully. Tokio blinked in surprise he had no idea he had any other siblings other than Aoshi. Shuura explained it was his half sister from his dad's side and she lived in Japan with her mom and dad. She visited mostly during summer vacations or special occasions.
"She might be at the reunion but he is totally adorable with her… almost a completely different person!" Shuura concluded cheerfully.
"How come it surprises you?" Hiei asked. Tokio laughed as she recounted the first time she'd met him. She'd just arrived on the base and she was slowly making her way to the infirmary so she could report to her newly assigned post. She had just finished basic training and Cheyenne Mountain was her first post…
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Tokio tried not to fidget or look nervous but she couldn't help looking lost. She stopped a couple of airmen who pointed her in the right direction. She was glad she hadn't encountered any senior officers. She turned a corner feeling confident that she was finally in the right place when a large body materializing in front of her caused her to come to an abrupt halt. Her eyes widened as her eye quickly spotted the double stripes of his insignia. The scowling man in front of her was a captain!
"So sorry sir! I didn't see you there!" she said immediately unable to keep a slight note of nervousness out of her voice. He frowned peering closely at her taking a quick glance at the insignia on her uniform.
"Why aren't you saluting? State your name lieutenant!" he ordered gruffly. Her hand shot up to her forehead in a crisp salute and she felt her face burn with embarrassment for forgetting protocol as she stood there standing at attention dreading the impending dress-down. Two more men were headed down the hallway towards them from behind the captain. Tokio was too mortified to wonder who they might be and why they had such easy going strides.
"Sorry sir! Takagi, Tokio I'm the new resident neuro-surgeon! It's my second day sir and I got a little lost!" she rattled off at high speed failing miserably at not sounding nervous. He narrowed his eyes.
"Your neck tab is crooked and your hair is too long! Why are you wandering the hallways? This isn't high school! You should know by now how to get to your duty station! Don't you know--"
"That this is an air force base and you're not supposed to be messing with the new people captain!" interrupted a voice behind the captain full of humor cutting him off cold. The blood drained from Tokio's face. The man standing behind the captain was a colonel! His uniform read his last name as O'Neill. The man next to him had no insignia and his green shirt read Jackson as his last name. Tokio's tormentor was silent and solemn as he stood at attention.
"Now run along captain and go scare one of your own people," the colonel added in a lazy smartass way making a shooing gesture with his hand. The captain saluted sharply and responded with a crisp "Yes sir!" before walking away. He turned then to Tokio.
"Relax! That's an order!" he said to her his eyes twinkling with barely restrained amusement and Tokio couldn't help the smile of relief on her face. The older man laughed. She introduced herself to this man and he seemed quite happy to meet her. So did his companion especially after she told them what she was supposed to do here!
"Hey listen! Don't let those jarheads get to ya! They like to pick on everybody!" he advised cheerfully as he and Dr. Daniel Jackson led her to the infirmary. Tokio was still rattled by her experience and couldn't do much more than nod for a few more seconds.
"That's true! And all these corridors look the same so it's easy to get lost. You'll get used to it! In the meantime welcome to Stargate Command Dr. Takagi!" Dr. Jackson announced cheerfully shaking her hand…
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"…and that's been my image of him ever since! Gruff and mean!" she laughed leaving out Daniel's greeting as Hiei and Shuura laughed. Abrams and Shimel shook their heads in sympathy.
"You know it wasn't as bad as it could've been," Abrams pointed out sympathetically explaining that a newbie was always a prime target for a senior officer to pick on.
"You were lucky Col. O'Neill rescued you," Shimel added sympathetically recalling his own experience with the captain. It had involved doing a lot of pushups apparently!
"If you don't want to be targeted then don't paint a bull's-eye on yourself Shimel," Captain Davila pointed out amused as he rejoined the group poking Shimel to move to the other side of his girlfriend so he could sit next to Tokio.
"Yea I know," Shimel shrugged good-naturedly pointing out that in retrospect he didn't really think it was that bad and counted it as a valuable learning experience. Shuura caught Hajime's eye.
"Tokio was just telling us about the time you two met!" she announced cheerfully grinning in wicked glee. It took a moment for the implications to click but when they did Hajime's eyes went wide with shock. Shuura howled in laughter to the confusion of all present. Hajime of course knew that if or rather when his mother found out there would hell to pay for that little bit of fun at the good doctor's expense!
'Not to mention what Victoria might do!' he realized with shock. Shuura finally had him by the throat!
'Damn pirate!' he cursed racking his brain for a counter against the pirate…
Tokio enjoyed watching the captain go from cocky to slightly terrified in an instant! She guessed it was likely because Shuura looked like she was going to enjoy telling her little story to either Ms. Emi or Ms. Stillwater (or both) and if anything could really worry the captain it was what his mother or the queen of the Stillwater empire thought! She had seen that with her own eyes last weekend. She decided though that since he had saved her life she would bail him out this time.
"Looking back I think you're right Abrams it really wasn't as bad as it could've been and I did set my self up for it!" she agreed good-naturedly "but honestly I think I would be very hurt and embarrassed if Ms. Stillwater or even Ms. Emi ever found out about it!" she added cheerfully giving Shuura and Hiei meaningful looks. Shuura suddenly looked like Christmas had been canceled. Hiei just shrugged apparently not caring one way or the other but Shuura sulked for a second or two then changed the subject.
"So wolf man how come you're not outside making a chimney out of your self?" she asked sulkily obviously trying to start a fight. The captain who looked obviously relieved wasn't taking the bait.
"I quit," he answered simply shrugging casually.
"Really?" Shuura and Hiei exclaimed as one not really believing it. Capt. Davila pushed up his sleeve to show them the clear square patch on his arm.
"Wow! I thought aliens would land on earth before that could ever happen!" Shuura remarked incredulous. Hajime, Tokio, Shimel and Abrams looked at each other then they all threw their heads back and laughed. Shuura, Hiei and Shimel's girlfriend stared at them like they had suddenly grown a second head.
"Ok that was not that funny," Shuura pointed out suspicious. Hajime cleared his throat loudly and everyone stopped laughing. Tokio changed the subject once more to evade any uncomfortable questions.
"You know I really should get going I want to see if I can spend the night at my apartment for a change!" she announced cheerfully getting up to leave. She was not surprised to see the SGC men get up and offer to help. She explained it really wasn't necessary since the movers could take care of it but they insisted. Finally after some argument Capt Davila convinced Hiei, Shuura and the rest to stay while he went to the Impound with Tokio.
"We'll call once we have the furniture and we're on our way to the apartment," he concluded looking around the table. The SG3 men responded immediately but Shuura was a little more reluctant. She was still unhappy about losing her weapon against the captain so was being quite stubborn. Hiei was on the phone with the movers telling them to meet Tokio at the Impound and only gave them a solemn nod.
"Thanks! I owe you one," said Capt. Davila as soon as they were out by his car.
"You're welcome! Though I must warn you this is a one time deal only. You're on your own next time!" she teased lightly as he opened the passenger door for her.
"Fair enough!" he replied laughing as he closed the door and hurried to the driver's side. As they drove to the Impound he asked her why she wasn't worried about the stalker and Tokio explained what had happened at the lawyer's office and why there's no need to worry about a stalker.
"I had no idea you had anything to do with the Janeway Foundation much less that you were its heir," Capt. Davila pointed out thoughtfully as she finished her story.
She had left out some details specifically the ones about the journey rules and the nastier parts where Aoshi and his friends had interceded in her behalf. Instead she simply said she had given up her claim on it so she could concentrate on her career. He agreed it was a good choice and he would've done the same in her position. She was starting to really like the captain but that didn't mean she was ready to pour out her life story to him just yet.
"At any rate more capable people will be taking care of it until such time that I might want it back…but honestly considering what we do I don't think I'll be going back," she concluded.
"You'll forgive me if I say it all sounds like something out of "General Hospital" right? I mean creepy relatives sneaking around to trying to steal your fortune? Sounds like those Mexican soaps my mom used to watch," he added. His tone and the look on his face said he wasn't sure whether to be angry or amused. She laughed.
"It's true but I never liked soaps so I'd rather be in my current sci-fi drama!" she replied cheerfully and he laughed along with her. They arrived at the Impound and after filling out a ton of paperwork and paying a few fees they were finally escorted to where the furniture was. Her heart sunk when she took in the state of most of her new furniture.
The couch was spray painted in the back and it was filthy reeking with various bodily fluids. Her mattress was in much the same state there was no paint on it though but there was a large yellow stain on it that Tokio didn't even want to think of how it had gotten there. The coffee tables were badly scratched and had graffiti all over them.
Her full-length mirror was cracked. The lamps had missing light bulbs but were otherwise unharmed. Her little dining table and her dresser was in fair shape to her pleasant surprise but the TV broke her heart. They had taken it completely apart and some parts were still missing. The VCR and stereo had not been recovered and the computer was missing several important components.
The prosecution would be keeping those as evidence a little longer. Tokio however wanted nothing to do with them. She rubbed her forehead trying to wrap her head around her current situation. She had not - but should've - expected this! After she had taken a few moments to compose herself she asked the officer if there was a disposal service for it. He told her if she was willing to donate it she could get a tax deduction receipt from one of the charities they worked with.
"But they only pick up on Tuesdays you'll have to pay a storage fee if you want it to stay until then," the man replied with quite a bit of condescension in his voice. Tokio forced herself to remain calm. The man had a look on his face that was all too familiar to Tokio. That look that said: Go call your daddy you spoiled little girl you're a waste of my time!
"Then we will take it with us! I want a list of the donation centers in the area," Capt. Davila ordered roughly stepping in before Tokio could speak. The man opened his mouth but took another look at Capt. Davila still in his uniform and decided he would simply follow the command rather than mouth off to marine corp. officer. Capt. Davila didn't stop there though! In a rough tone he demanded to know who the prosecuting attorney was and when the hearings would take place.
The man soon became nervous under the stern scrutiny of the captain. In turn Capt. Davila was by no means polite or diplomatic. He got on the phone with the movers and ordered them to come to the Impound and pick up the wreckage all the while glaring at first the attendant officer who was not moving fast enough to satisfy the captain and then his supervisor who came out to see what the ruckus was about. Sternly the captain demanded the name of his supervisor and an address to submit a formal complaint against them threatening them with lawyers and an audit if they didn't get a move on.
Tokio for her part was grateful for his intervention. She always had a hard time getting people to take her seriously. It was a source of constant frustration to have to wander constantly from store to store looking for a salesman who wouldn't treat her like an air-headed ditz and insult her by trying to overcharge her; or having to fight her way through various levels of management to receive satisfaction for defective products. She knew that if she opened her mouth now she would get herself in a lot of trouble!
The movers arrived and again the captain took charge. The nervous attendant who was now smiling and being a complete suck up directed them to the loading dock. Hajime handed the driver the sheet with the addresses of the donation centers. Once he was satisfied that things were moving at the speed he wanted them to he turned towards Tokio.
"I'm sorry about that! My mom used to get that kind of treatment from people when I was kid and I hated it," he growled softly as he glared at the attendant's supervisor who was now working very hard to try and appease the captain. Tokio watched him curious. He seemed to be even more upset than she was.
'I wonder if you're apologizing for yourself or for them… you were just like them not long ago after all,' she thought as she watched him take charge and give the driver instructions. But then again she had been walking around the base looking and acting like a Barbie doll in a military uniform. Col. O'Neill had made that remark in a lightly teasing tone the night of the Anti-Hathor league party.
Considering how much hardship the captain must've endured to earn his uniform it must've rankled that someone seemingly as soft as he thought Tokio was would wear a uniform with a rank not too far from his! As she watched him she thought about what other people had said about him. He was proud and arrogant but he was fair and likely the treatment Tokio received was similarly extended to anyone who didn't meet his high standards.
'Case in point: Sano!' she thought amused. 'Of course once he deemed you his equal he probably expects everyone to treat you as such!' she wondered. The captain seemed full of interesting contrasts! He could be sweet and gentle, he could be rough and demanding, he could be surprisingly easy-going and he could be loyal and obedient judging by how he regards his mother and his friends and how he performs his duties as an officer.
'And he can kick ass and take names no matter where the battle field is or the odds against him!' she thought amused barely restraining a smirk as the attendant and his supervisor now sucked up to her perhaps in an attempt to ease things with the captain. They returned to the car and he asked her what she wanted to do next.
She told him she had a few things in storage she could use in the mean time. She didn't want to commit to buying new furniture now since she wanted to buy a new house soon. She got on her cel and informed Shuura and the others what was happening and where they were headed. As she hung up her phone he extended his hand towards her with something small glittering inside a plastic wrapper indicating for her to take it.
"Oh neat! Thank you!" she said cheerfully. It was a small golden pin with the black and red emblem of the 501st emblazoned on it. She immediately pinned it to her polo shirt smiling cheerfully her spirit lifted by the simple little gift.
'And he likes Star Wars as much as I do,' she remembered beginning to reconsider her previous misgivings about the captain as he explained he'd gotten it for her to wear on Friday.
'Perhaps it won't hurt to at least get to know him a little better…' she decided finding one more reason to look forward to this weekend. After all it wouldn't hurt to have an honest and strong friend…
Hajime grunted slightly as he entered the doctor's apartment. The rest of his team had rallied to assist the doctor in reclaiming her apartment. He was currently lifting a small couch with the assistance of Martelli and Abrams into the apartment. Out of the corner of his eye he watched her approach quickly and showed them which way to go with it. The movers had brought up the dresser and the dining table but they took the chairs that went with it because they were a disaster!
He had to admit Tokio Takagi was a resourceful and well prepared woman! In her storage she had her old college apartment couch as well as a recliner seat and an inflatable mattress. She had strictly forbidden Shimel from touching any of the heavy furniture due to his injury but he helped her carry up the chairs for her old dining room set which she'd still also possessed. The table had to be taken apart in order for it to be brought up stairs by the movers. Shimel was busy now putting it back together.
Shuura helped her bring in the stuff she had at the estate. She also gave Tokio her new Victoria Secret free merchandise card. Tokio's old one had expired and she hadn't had the time or need to renew it. She would need it this weekend to replenish her closet. She did ask Shuura however to see if she could get some of her things back from the Peters' who had taken it last weekend. Most especially her favorite mug!
"You bet! I know the guys would get a kick out of that!" Shuura laughed and pulled out her celphone to call her boss and let him know Tokio wanted her stuff back!
"Hey Aoshi says its no problem! You'll have it delivered by tomorrow!" she announced cheerfully as she hung up the phone and continued helping her friend get her life back together somewhat…
Friday morning arrived and Tokio found herself roused out of bed early by an overeager Shuura who wanted to get to Aspen soon! She had begged to stay with her because she hated Aoshi's house. Tokio suspected it was because of Aoshi's orders that she wanted to remain but being too tired after their impromptu party that afternoon – which SG1 and the rest of SG3 joined later – Tokio simply let her have her way.
By mid-morning they were driving into the employee parking lot of the Still Waters Resort. The hotel manager – Mr. Moseby – greeted her warmly and gave her the key to her private suite. He explained she'd been upgraded to the suite because according to his boss Tokio was now one of Ms. Stillwater's business partners. An eager young bellhop by the name of Esteban picked up her overnight bag and showed her to her room. Shuura excused herself to go report in and that she would see her later.
'First I'm her employee now I'm a business partner! How did that happen?' Tokio wondered laughing to herself as she relaxed in the deep luxurious tub after she had unpacked and checked out her suite. The phone rang and she was glad she'd thought of putting it close where she could reach it without getting out.
"Hello Tokio! I need you to come down to lunch with me. Jesse has the paperwork for the partnership ready and we need you to sign," greeted Ms. Stillwater cheerfully. Tokio reached for her watch as she greeted her mentor feeling utterly relaxed and cheerful. The time said 11:30am and Tokio promised to be down in her mentor's private dining room by noon.
"I'll see you then!" Ms. Stillwater said as Tokio said good bye and hung up. Tokio got up from the tub quickly. She needed to get dressed and Ms. Stillwater was always very strict about the girls looking their best at all times.
She went to the closet and searched through the clothes that were in the closet already. The bellboy had explained that Ms. Stillwater had arranged for clothes from the new lines to be accessible immediately to all the personnel at the reunion. Thus the closets were fully stocked with clothes from the new lines. Some outfits had been labeled for which night they needed to be used. She examined the ones that were not labeled. Ms. Stillwater was always rather picky about how her people looked.
'Hmmm…I should call Melissa,' she thought. Melissa was Ms. Stillwater's personal assistant and Tokio decided to check with her for the dress code on the little private lunch. After talking to Melissa who was eager to catch up with Tokio's current events she determined that the dress code was very casual and Tokio could wear whatever was most comfortable. Promising to catch up with Melissa later she hung up and went to the closet.
She arrived at the lunch in a knee-length denim skirt and jacket, a white strapless top and matching white wedge sandals. The outfit garnered Ms. Stillwater's approval when she arrived. Ms. Stillwater was usually the last person to arrive! Pete was already there and got up to greet her with a warm hug. Aoshi was there too and he let her know that her things were on their way back to her apartment. Jesse greeted her with a firm but friendly handshake as they all sat and ate lunch amicably.
Pete regaled them with stories of Tokio's childhood as they enjoyed a light lunch of club sandwiches and dessert of angel food cake and vanilla ice cream. Aoshi told them all how the current guests of the Janeway Manor had moaned and groaned about being kicked out. Ms. Stillwater however had reminded those people rather scornfully that their presence defiled the house and defeated its purpose as a haven for the creation of art. She had scornfully informed them that they were nothing more than semi-ignorant tourists trampling on the hopes and dreams of the future and the great artistic minds of the past.
"Well I'm just glad things will go back to the way they are supposed to be! The manor wasn't supposed to be treated like a hotel!" she sighed with relief as the remains of lunch were cleared away. The table was wiped clean quickly and Jesse now opened her briefcase and started passing out the papers that needed to be signed to finalize their agreement. Tokio skimmed through it quickly then placed her signature on the highlighted spots.
"While we are all here there is something I want all of you to consider," Ms. Stillwater began seriously and out of Jesse's briefcase came two thick manuscripts. Ms. Stillwater explained that this first draft was a biography of Kate Janeway which she thought would be worthy as to be their first investment together. Jesse handed one copy to Peter and one to Tokio.
"Both Aoshi and I have already read it and I found it to be very engaging!" she continued enthusiastically. She explained the author preferred to remain anonymous for the time being until all the members of the new board had read the book and given their review.
'It must be very good if it has her approval! Otherwise she wouldn't say anything!' Tokio thought as she encouraged both her and Pete to read it and give her an answer soon. The book was simply titled: "Conversations: The life and times of Kate Janeway" Tokio opened it and after reading a few paragraphs she was hooked.
She excused herself to change and find a quiet place to read. She spent the rest of the afternoon locked up in her suite reading on her balcony. If Sano and Kenshin hadn't come banging on her door before 7 she would've forgotten to attend the rehearsal dinner scheduled that evening for Wendy and Shen's wedding which was scheduled on Sunday afternoon.
"It's nice to see you Tokio-dono!" Kenshin cheerfully greeted as Sano lifted her off the ground in a bear hug when she opened the door.
"We didn't come earlier 'cause Sensei said you were busy!" Sano added cheerfully as he put her down. Kenshin agreed and handed her a little gift wrapped box.
"Saito-san called and threatened us with a Gatotsu--"
"Whatever the hell that is!" grumbled Sano angrily as Kenshin shrugged and continued.
"- if we didn't hand this to you personally!" he concluded cheerfully. She unwrapped the little brightly colored box and smiled. In it was her favorite mug recovered she was certain from the clutches of her ex-family.
"Aww…thank you guys I appreciate you getting it back for me!" she said making a mental note to thank the captain when she saw him.
"Anything for you Tokio!" Sano replied enthusiastically. They excused themselves promising to meet her later at the dinner party. She had forgotten in the enthusiasm of the new book to ask Ms. Stillwater if she could skip out of the dinner early. She would need to go talk to her before heading down to the banquet hall.
She pulled out the ochre colored thigh length low cut long sleeve wrap dress marked for tonight's event and the matching strappy stilettos. She pulled her hair up in the tight bun she wore to work not knowing what else to do it and chose a pair of small gold hoop earrings as the only other accessories. When she arrived at Ms. Stillwater's suite her mentor was busy getting ready for her appearance tonight.
"Come child!" she called cheerfully. She complimented her on her outfit but let her know the hair was sub par!
"We'll have to fix that!" she declared and had her sit down. The hair dresser who'd just finished Victoria's hair moved on to figuring out what would work best for Tokio. In the end she decided to let Tokio's hair down, brush it out and apply a little frizz control mouse letting Tokio's natural curls loose. Meanwhile Tokio temporarily forgot her original intention as they talked about the book which Tokio – with her incredible speed reading skills – had almost finished…
"Aoshi is related to the Aoshi Shinomori mentioned in the book, right?" she asked.
"Yes in fact that's his great-great-grandfather," Victoria replied explaining that it was the book's insights into his family history that motivated Aoshi to join them in the Janeway foundation. He really wants to see it published!
"You know what I like best is that she disproves the long accepted myth of Janeway having an affair with a man named Okina, the manager of the inn called the Aoiya," Tokio added cheerfully. Victoria laughed and agreed.
'Yea! I definitely did not have an affair with Okina! Nice man and all but sooo not my type!' she thought to herself in amusement 'so nice that Aoshi was kind enough to jot down the real reasons for my visits in his journal! So nice that Inspector Fujita's lovely wife and Mr. Himura's lovely wife did the same!'
"My dad always thought there was a different reason why she spent so much time in Japan! I'm glad the author found some proof!" Tokio continued.
"So you're thinking we should go ahead with this book? Pete says he'll say yes if you say yes," Victoria concluded. Tokio paused to think about it for a moment.
"I still want to finish it before I commit but I would say it's definitely looking like a yes," Tokio replied thoughtfully. This surprised Victoria she was certain Tokio would agree immediately even without finishing it. She asked her why and Tokio explained that most Janeway biographers had never searched too deeply into the last decade or so of Janeway's life which was always disappointing because her family history starts near the end of Janeway's life.
"She did leave her entire intellectual legacy to us so why don't any authors ever look into why she did that? I mean from what I know she was very particular about whom she trusted with her treasures but she left her greatest one to some kid from Japan who was running from the law and nobody is the least bit curious as to why?" she said sounding a bit bitter. Victoria sighed in sympathy.
She knew all about the past Takagi ancestors censoring any information about the history if their family. Sojiro's daughters became social elite and refused to allow anyone to know their father was a criminal wanted by the law in Japan for numerous murders. They ingrained in all Takagi's to maintain that secret. Victoria knew that Sojiro would've been disappointed that his family continued to hide the truth and live in shame nearly 100 years later. She was glad Tokio had not been forced into the vow of silence.
'From the sound of it I don't think she knows about it! Wonder why? Wonder how she'll take it when she reads the last chapters…' Victoria thought to herself.
"Well child I guess you can leave the party early and go finish the book!" she said out loud. Tokio smiled and began to agree when suddenly her eyes went wide as she remembered something and blushed deeply.
"Umm…well about that…the captain invited me to the Red Dragon Inn tonight so I was wondering if I could leave early so I could go with him," she asked sheepishly. Victoria resisted the urge to laugh. She looked like a teenager asking mom for permission to go out on a date.
"A date?" she asked with a slightly mischievous smirk. Tokio blushed more deeply.
"Well I wouldn't call it that exactly…" she began embarrassedly.
"Oh really? And what would you call it then?" Victoria teased as the hair dresser finished with her hair and makeup.
"Well there's a fan club meeting there and I was invited to tag along that's all!" she replied though at this point she wondered why she was bothering to deny it. Victoria chuckled slightly as her hair dresser put in her two cents.
"Girl I don't know what planet you're from but in mine that's called a date!" Lisa Turtle the hair dresser pointed out amused.
"Thank you Lisa well put!" Victoria agreed as Tokio merely rolled her eyes and blushed blowing out her breath in exasperation.
"So I assume this captain you speak of is Mr. Davila," Victoria continued but before she could say anything her hair dresser dropped her box.
"What? She is too nice to go out with Haji!" shrieked Lisa turning to Victoria. Tokio merely stared at her in confusion.
"Look I've known Haji since we were in diapers and you are just too nice for him!" she insisted turning back to Tokio. Victoria breathed a deep sigh of frustration. Of course his closest friends – like Lisa - were all well aware of Hajime's track record with women lately. And Tokio was known amongst Victoria's Secret models as the pinnacle of high morals and a master of virtues like patience and kindness likely this reaction would be the same with most of Hajime's closest friends.
"Ms. Turtle I am confident that Tokio can take good care of herself! Do not forget that Tokio is a very intelligent doctor and a highly decorated officer in the Air force. She will be just fine," Victoria lectured firmly. Lisa looked for a moment like she would defy Victoria but finally raised her hands in defeat and bent down to pick up her things.
"Fine but I've never seen him be nice to woman ever employed by you," she finally replied sounding a bit tired and frustrated. This did not bode well for Tokio but she'd already committed so she wouldn't back out. Lisa excused herself to go get herself ready. She stopped next to Tokio for a moment.
"Look if he gives you any trouble… don't take it personal! He's that way with everyone," she advised solemnly. Tokio laughed this time.
"Oh yea! I know that!" she laughed "Found that out first hand!"
Lisa gave her a puzzled look "you did and you're still going out with him? You really are too nice!"
"Everyone deserves a second chance," Tokio replied simply "besides I'm just going out for a drink and to meet some of his "501st club" friends that's all!" she insisted trying to ease Lisa's mind. The woman was rather upset!
"Look I love Haji like a brother but he is…well special… I guess you'll be alright," Lisa concluded sighing deeply deciding to let Tokio handle it and not say anything more.
"Thanks Lisa I'll remember that!" Tokio smiled as Lisa left she was quiet. If she loved the captain like a brother than that must mean he is nice to her.
'And she works for Ms. Stillwater as does Shuura and they get along just fine…so therefore her statement can't be completely accurate,' she reasoned calmly suddenly thinking of the time he had come charging in to rescue her during the attack on the Bursa village. Before she could say anything Victoria decided to intervene.
"I know that you are a cautious girl by nature you wouldn't be giving him a chance if you didn't think he had some merit," Victoria began breaking the sudden silence.
Unwittingly Tokio projected an image of Hajime sword fighting a couple of jaffa that caught Victoria by surprise. She turned away to serve herself a glass of water giving herself a moment to gather her mental defenses and keep Tokio's stray thoughts out. Humans descended from her child often had a strong psychic presence and they just couldn't help projecting things into Victoria's mind. Her sense of admiration associated with the memory was very powerful!
"Yes…like I said everyone deserves a second chance!" she said out loud but once again Victoria was assaulted by another stray memory. She asked Tokio about their confrontation at her apartment last weekend but the thoughts she project was of a different confrontation:
"The goddess demands the general's presence! Where is he?" ordered Hajime gruffly in Tokio's memory. Through Tokio's mind he could see him suffocating her but the slightly vacant look on Hajime's face was familiar to Victoria. He was not in command!
'He was under the influence of Nitzchta!' she thought in alarm. Only the highest Goa'uld warlords have the formula for that stuff and Victoria divided her attention as she dropped her mental defenses to catch the rest of the memory as Tokio projected it.
She needed to make sure no warlords were loose on earth! But she relaxed as she learned that the warlord was a powerless one named Hathor. Ra had imprisoned her centuries ago before even Victoria came to this galaxy. She had been defeated even though she escaped through the Stargate. She was no threat to her children or their home world.
'And Hajime was defeated as well…twice!' she laughed as Tokio came to the part of her story were he had apologized on his knees. Through Tokio's eyes she saw Hajime slumped on the ground completely defeated by Tokio's quick thinking. The great sense of pride and accomplishment infused in the memory was a delight to Victoria.
"You are right! Once you take him down a couple of pegs he's actually a really nice guy!" Victoria added cheerfully. She recommended to Tokio that she leave the party early and change otherwise she'd be overdressed at the Red Dragon Inn.
"Ok! I'll do that!" Tokio said cheerfully as she excused herself to go join the party…
Hajime arrived feeling a little annoyed. Shuura had made them wait an extra 15 minutes so she could get Abrams to pack so he could tag along. Of course with Abrams came Shimel and his girlfriend and Hajime was forced to wait another 30 minutes. His girlfriend was taking her own sweet time to pack so Hajime had to threaten to leave them all behind if the weren't out quickly. Shuura protested but when he pointed out that Aoshi and Victoria hate tardiness she relented and helped the girl out.
He stopped to say hi to his mom and was pleasantly surprised to see his baby sister Mai there too. Hajime was marching down the corridor in a very piss-y mood now though. He had gone to the doctor's suite after visiting his mom briefly but found she was not there. She had already left. He cornered Kenshin and Sano who told him that Tokio was at Victoria's suite and he decided to accompany them there. Kenshin chattered cheerfully about all the recent goings on and put Hajime up to date on Victoria's business enterprise.
"Yea it was only a matter of time! Victoria and Hannya had been scheming to take the Janeway Foundation by force if they had to!" Hajime replied. That had mostly to do with his mother who was as big fan of Janeway's books as Victoria. Hannya had a propensity for being extravagant with his anniversary gifts and their fifth anniversary was coming up soon.
"Aoshi is partnered in the deal as well so likely she will still get a present you can't outdo Wolf!" Sano teased. Hajime rolled his eyes. Why the rooster head thought this bothered him he couldn't fathom.
"I would hope so," he grumbled annoyed. He had gotten his mother the best present he could possibly get years ago! He found her someone who would treat her with respect. Someone who would love and care for her the way she deserved to be cared for! Hannya was all that he had hoped for her and more. He didn't really care if their gifts were better than his. She deserved every bit of it! As far as Hajime was concerned they were supposed to lavish her with their millions. They were getting his mom after all and all the money in the world couldn't compare to how much she is worth.
"Wolf-momma doesn't care how much you spend," Kenshin countered cheerfully "as long as the gift comes from the heart!"
"Well I guess your head isn't filled with straw after all Himura!" Hajime grumbled as he knocked on Victoria's door. A call from within let them know the door was open and to come inside. Victoria was with Aoshi and they let him know he had missed the doc by at least 20 minutes. He would've left right away but Victoria insisted he remain for a few minutes more. With a heavy sigh of frustration he sat down. You don't say no to Victoria you just don't!
"So I was recently discussing you and Aoshi's behavior towards Tokio last weekend," Victoria began a little coldly. Victoria chose her words carefully and let her mental shields down. She wanted to catch any stray thoughts from Hajime. Hajime unfortunately was better at guarding his thoughts than Tokio but as he got to the part of the story when she was yelling at him a single brilliant image was fired into her mind:
She was standing over him empty silver cylinder in her hand. Her beautiful hair was cascading all around her pretty face perfectly. There was a light shining all around her and Victoria couldn't tell whether it was the residual effect of the Nitzchta or just the feelings the image evoked. Several powerful emotions swirled around that image: a trace of anger and frustration directed at him self; an amazing amount of admiration and apparently a noticeable amount of desire as well. That coupled with an almost obsessive need to prove him self her equal.
'Why? Simple: because in that moment she became the goddess wise, triumphant and all powerful capable of the unimaginable his complete defeat!' Victoria smiled though they simple thought it was because of the scolding they had received from Tokio. He rolled his eyes and even though he looked calm Victoria could feel his impatience. The wolf wanted desperately to get back to his hunt!
"Well gentlemen you should all head downstairs now!" she announced smiling as one they all got up. Sano and Kenshin were still laughing as they excused themselves and headed towards the door with Aoshi and Hajime.
"Oh Hajime you might want to hurry if you want to ask her to the ball tomorrow night! Otherwise someone might beat you to it!" she teased and Hajime turned to glare for a moment than pushed past Sano and Kenshin to hurry out the door. Still laughing Sano and Kenshin hurried after him with Aoshi only a step or two behind them. Victoria turned to look out the window smiling mischievously. Things were looking up for her little Tokio!
"Yes they are definitely looking up!" she said to the now empty room. She looked at the time and gave herself a few minutes of peace and quiet reflecting on the interesting things she had learned this afternoon about Tokio and Hajime while she waited for Aoshi's signal that everyone was at the party and it was time to head down…
Well things are moving a little slowly right now but hang in there! Things will pick up after the next chapter both in the SGC and in Hajime and Tokio's personal lives! Stay tuned! See you next time in the same bat-channel at the same bat-time! LOL