Chapter 10

The Tower

A couple things clicked for Iori when, after two bus rides, they arrived at the before mentioned casino. First, why the name sounded familiar, and second, why Jordan suddenly began to procrastinate upon leaning of their next destination. Adult store, adult store, strip club; this was the same exact route that they had taken only last night while on his bike, his apartment only down the street. When calling Vanessa and setting a place to meet, if he had chosen left instead of right they would have managed to kill two birds with one stone. Then again, Iori didn't know why Jordan had chosen to rendezvous at that particular casino, but it was clear he was lamenting the fact.

Far less glamorous then their previous foray, this casino seemed more like the first (where she met Jordan) with a slightly different color scheme. First impressions meant, consciously or no, a lot to Iori. There was a nagging sense of deja-vu every time she walked into somewhere new. However, that also lead into being surprised when she learned that there was more then what was on the surface. Only those who determine something at a quick glance would be this judgmental, and the girl had been guilty of this more than once in the past. Examine these things closer and notice all the finer details; this was something she's been slowly learning not only on this trip, but for the past year that she's been with Ryuuguu Komachi. Peel away at the surface and you can find something wonderful underneath.

Then again, what did she know about Jordan? Actually, all she knew of him was what was on the surface. He wasn't exactly a "wild man" if judged by his beard and long hair, but with how she's been treated by him thus far, and by observing the exchanges between him and Vanessa, she could conclude that he acted the same with everyone. But there had to be something more than that? Why didn't he sleep in his bedroom? Why he never completely answers a question? And why he never talks about himself, and attempts to change the topic every time he's asked?

But that potentially dangerous line of thought abruptly fizzled into smoke the moment one of the waitresses walked past.

"W-w-w-w-what is she wearing!"

Iori hadn't yelled as loudly as she expected as the casino patrons barely batted an eye her way.

"You're still such a kid. What did you expect? You do know this casino's theme, correct?"

Yes, and she'd visited the annual festival more then once in her life. Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a holiday celebrated around the world. Brazil, Germany, Italy, all countries that celebrate in different ways. Though the one that presides most in her memory was the city that is this casino's namesake, New Orleans. Perhaps that's not a good thing.

For the most part, Mardi Gras is a celebration of food and dance. While different cultures can have different takes on the same idea, somewhere along the line things became askew when interpreted by America. While mostly resembling the French in their celebration, once the sun goes down things take a different aura. Perhaps no one could really pinpoint when and how it started, but a tradition had been born where women would expose their breasts in exchange for celebratory beads. Iori and her family had managed to stumble across one of such displays, and though most of the worry had been placed on shielding her brothers, that scene had made more than a little impression on her.

Now, years later, she was (vaguely) confronted with that scene again. The waitress in question was a tanned skinned young woman about 15 centimeters taller than Iori, with long black hair. Wearing little more then a dark red corset, black nylons, and tall heels. There was perhaps more of her exposed than hidden.

"Come on, it's not that big of a deal," Jordan didn't particularly sound convincing, but this tone was more than likely on purpose. "Do you want to try it on? I'd bet you'd look cute."

"I do not!"

While she wasn't ashamed of her body, and a time or two she'd worn even less at a photo shoot, she wasn't suited for such a risquéstyle. Be it more out of embarrassment or improperness, she'd never allow herself to wear something like that.

Of course what followed was Jordan's laugh. Of all the teasing she's endured thus far, this was perhaps some of the worse. Maybe it was because he might have been being honest, and that it would have been "cute." Looking around Iori could see that some of the younger men were ogling the waitresses, but most paid very little mind. Perhaps she'd been in Japan for too long and her ethnicity's conservatively modest disposition were making themselves apparent. Jordan didn't seem like the kind of man who would get a thrill out of making a 15 year old girl dress as a burlesque dancer, but he would make the suggestion spur of the moment because he thought it would be fun. In that way he was a lot like Miki Hoshii, though Miki might chronically suffers from a short attention span.

What seemed to be of more interest to Jordan over a scantly-clad waitress, were the men spotted here and there in black uniforms with red and gold trim. It didn't take long to realize they were members of the military, though Iori wasn't familiar with which branch.

"Let's go find the girl Vanessa told us about, Noah." Jordan suddenly became on-edge, as if a moment ago he wasn't laughing at Iori's expense.

Since this was only down the street from his apartment, it was obvious that Jordan would know his way around the floor. The same was true with their previous location. Like when they were going to meet with Vanessa, he moved quickly and with a purpose. Iori thought he might be anxious.

They took an escalator that lead them to a second floor, and suddenly all the noise from the casino below sounded a long distance away. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere in this area, like the home of a relative whom always kept their house neat. Plants, artwork, seats and coaches lined the walls in between the windows that peeked onto the casino a floor below. Painted a clean white, this was a kind of place where business could be conducted both comfortably and seriously.

"I'm here looking for Noah," Jordan addressed a receptionist sitting behind a counter.

"Yes, I believe she's currently down in the ballroom."

A real informal business structure. Iori fully expected to be led to a waiting room and forced to sit around for an hour. The receptionist didn't even ask for their names or if they had an appointment. Her father would have a heart attack if he found his own business was run this way.

After asking for directions Jordan led Iori down a long hall with many doors lining the way. Peeking inside one that was open, all she found was a large empty space. These were conference rooms used by companies for their meetings and private functions. This somewhat surprised her, but perhaps due to the glamor of the casino she forgot that most hotels have areas like these. Although a member of the Minase clan, this would have been more familiar with the men in the family.

Turning at the end of the hall, "It should be here."

An open door lead to a room larger than his apartment by a factor of a hundred. A vast open space led to the left and right, and directly ahead was a center stage set against the wall. For the most part this hall was hallow, but there were banner hung upon the wall that would normally be out of place, but as it wasn't a permanent fixture it was clearly for an event.

Happy 236th Birthday, United States Marine Corps

"The Marine Corps Ball," Jordan mouths under his breath, in a tone Iori can barely hear. "I should've known."

Towards the center of the room there was a young, short woman of her early twenties talking to a man of large build with gray hair. They were currently in discussion and had as of yet noticed the two guests. A lot of motioning of the hands was taking place. Likely they were discussing placements and other such things. The girl is quiet and not easily heard, but the man has a loud voice that booms with authority.

"Should we wait?" Iori asked.

Jordan might have had an answer, but the sound of the girl's voice alerted the two of their presence. Whom must have been Noah gestured with a finger that meant "one moment" and she began to walk towards the two.

"You two must be Minase Iori and Jordan," her voice was slightly nasally, almost prepubescent, "Vanessa told me about you two."

"Thank you for seeing us," as neither were acquainted with this woman, Iori took the lead with a bow, "My name is Iori Minase and this is Mr. Jordan Huntsman."

Noah's cheeks puffed out and she nearly squealed, "Oh! Aren't you the cutest thing!" She then prompted to rush the young Asian pop idol and gave her a monstrous hug, nearly squeezing the life out of her. Actually, she was quite strong, so that wasn't a euphemism. After separating and giving the girl some time to breath, "I'm Noah Agnes. And I run this place."

"It's a pleasure," Jordan replied while extending his hand.

"I'd love to take care of you right now," Noah completely ignored the man, "but I really have to take care of this right now. We're expecting over a thousand to come tomorrow night, and there's so much to prepare even a day in advance. I'm sorry, but can you wait over here?"

Noah was almost in a panic over her apology, and she skittered about while looking for a chair so that they could rest. Nearby there were folding chairs neatly stacked, ready to be used. Hundreds, if not thousands of them. They really were expecting a vast audience for the party tomorrow.

After placing one chair for the girl, "There you go. It'll be just a couple more minutes."

Needless to say, she didn't prepare a seat for Jordan.

"I don't think she likes you," Iori snickered after the man helped himself to a chair.

"No, I just think she likes you too much," was his retort.

"She's young, isn't she?"

Observing the same phenomenon, "Yeah. Probably not even old enough to drink, and they put her in charge of all this? Well, I guess an Event Coordinator really only needs to know people and bark orders, and with that personality..."

"Probably friendly with a lot of people."

He shrugs, "You know what they say, 'It's who you know.'"

Iori wasn't immediately familiar with that saying, but she got it's meaning.

This seemed to be a very busy time for the young Noah, as the conversation with her and that well-build gentleman lasted a long time and the both of them were speaking at a rapid-fire pace that might leave others in the dust. Perhaps their discussion could have been considered heated, but neither of the two seemed anything other then friendly. Just maybe as much effort was being put into this as was Iori's very own concert. If so that Noah was saddled with a very huge responsibility. How that girl could be so casual was amazing. Maybe Ritsuko could learn a thing or two from her.

"I don't understand," Iori asked after several minutes of silence, "why is the army celebrating it's birthday?"

Since there wasn't a conversation to be had, Jordan was cross-armed with a lowered head. It almost appeared as if he was either trying to get some rest, or trying to disappear. If the man was acting normally Iori wouldn't have even questioned this, but something has been off with him since the moment he entered the casino. He perked up at her question though.

"The Army is not the Marine Corps, but I understand what you mean. The Marines might have a reputation as rough-necks and glass eating neanderthals, but in reality they emphasize decorum far more than any other branch of the military. You'd probably get along well with a Marine."

Relations between the US Military and the Japanese citizenry isn't on the best of terms. In the papers and on the news in Japan, they are described as savages and ruffians. Any time an American Soldier wanders off-base and commits even a minor offense it's front page news. Iori doesn't know if this is or isn't warranted, but she's personally met with members of the British SAS and she'd never been so constantly flattered in her entire life. Many areas around the world have deteriorated to the point that they aren't safe, and it broke her heart, but some of the places she'd visited in her early childhood she can no longer return. Very well did Iori understand the importance of an armed military, even if many did not.

"Tradition is very important in all branches of service in every country," he continued. "My guess is that they keep it that way so the soldiers, wherever in the world they may be, don't forget what they were fighting for. Back during World War II the Allies and the Germans would cease-fire on Christmas, and I've even heard stories that they'd get together that night and sing Silent Night, only to fight each other again the next day. The Marine Corps Ball is observed nearly religiously. I don't know it's history, but I do know it's important."

Noah and that man seemed to be wrapping up. They continue to talk but they are walking in their direction. As soon as Jordan noticed this he stood and Iori shortly followed.

Actually, know that Iori noticed it, Noah and this man almost seemed to be a reflection of Jordan and herself. Iori and Noah had similar builds, while Jordan and the man looked alike as well. Clearly there were vast age differences between the groups, but there was some kind of factor that was shared.

Noah was first to speak, "Okay everybody, we're just about wrapped up here. I'd like to introduce Lieutenant Colonel Tom Shazier."

The man stepped forward, towards Iori, "It's a pleasure to meet you Ma'am." Tom lowers himself to a knee, takes her hand, and kisses it. Because it came so unexpectedly, she nearly immediately turned beat-red. Next he turns to Jordan and extends his hand, "And Mr. Huntsman."

He shakes, "Likewise."

"Where did you serve?"

Jordan freezes, quite visibly disturbed by the question. His eyes go wide and his free hand begins to tremble. He hides it behind his body, but from Iori's position she can see it clearly. Quickly does he try to recompose himself, but everyone easily noticed that reaction.

"I never enlisted."

Tom seemed to be quite confused and reactively says, "Are you sure? I could have sworn," but then stops himself. Then he flinches as if an answer dawns upon him, "Oh, my mistake." After they release their grips, Tom seems nervous as if looking for something to distract this conversation. He turns to Iori, "So I hear your putting on a concert. Y'know, there are quite a few of these boys here who served in Okinawa, Iwakuni, and Camp Fuji. I'm sure they'd love to come see ya."

Communications were always important, and while it was in an unexpected place, it was Iori's duty increase her fan-base and sell as many tickets as possible. Now, what should she choose to say to utilize this opportunity perfectly?

"We would love to perform for them! There are two others in our group, and they're both as charming as I am."

Colonel Tom laughs, "Yeah I bet. Listen, it was nice meeting you two. I got to get going. Hope to see you again."

Iori waves as he exits out of the wide double doors and disappears down the long hallway.

"Let's talk in my office," Noah invites them. "We can sit and relax, and discuss everything we'll need to proceed."

I had planned for chapter 10 to be longer than this, but by the time I finished it was way the heck too long. I had to split it into 3 chapters. 11 should be up after I proofread, but I think I'll hold up on 12. Let you guys wallow in anticipation for a bit. Hehehe...

~Kyle Castorena