Hoshikita Cross let out a long yawn as he rose out bed in the barracks of Base Seventeen. He was still feeling a bit sleepy after having woken up but a few minutes ago, and bits of crust could still be seen around his eyes if one looked closely enough. No matter how long he spent as a marine, Hoshikita didn't believe he would ever get used to the strict wake up times that were enforced on those in the lower ranks. He was naturally a late sleeper, and early mornings had quickly become the thing that he dreaded most about his occupation. Still, after throwing on his marine vest over a pink Hawaiian shirt and pulling the rest of his ensemble together, he was able to start heading towards one of the main highlights of his day: Breakfast. The young marine quickly made his bed and prepped for inspection from the Commander. Morning inspection was merely a routine at this point, and after everyone was dismissed to the mess hall Hoshikita lazily made his way out into the hallway.

It didn't take long for Hoshikita to make his way to the mess hall, despite the rather crowded hallways that became inevitable when a large group of men were all released for a meal at one time. The breakfast at Base Seventeen had been far better than Hoshikita had expected when he was first stationed here, and he eagerly lined up to get his own portion of whatever had been cooked up that day. After then filling up his tray with waffles, eggs, sausage, and hash browns, Hoshikita made his way to a table where he could sit down to eat. There were a few other marines seated there, but the table was far from crowded, which was fine for Hoshikita; who needed a bit more leg room than the next guy. "Morning fellas." He uttered quickly before beginning to scarf down on his breakfast. He had remembered that there was a briefing scheduled after breakfast this morning, and he didn't want to be cut off while he was eating.

Today.....was a day of relaxation. Of calmness. Of not doing work. Of getting some sleep. Of being a lazy ass. And so, dear readers of this post, is why our lazy ass, Wade, is happy. The giant man was slowly walking down the hallway, having waited for all the men to go and get to breakfast before going himself, so that he may actually have some breathing room. He wore his usually attire of his vest, slacks, dress shoes, top-hat, finger-less gloves, and cane. His left hand in his pocket, he held the large accessory with his right hand, walking with it slowly. Taking his time. When he finally managed to get to breakfast, a few of the Marines adverted their eyes from him, while some simply moved....far away. Upon getting his breakfast (bacon and eggs) and a soda from a nearby soda machine, Wade sat a empty table. Alone. Not that he was bothered by it that is. Some nearby Marines that were in the surrounding tables simply moved away, not wanting to be associated with someone so freaky looking.

Wade, ignoring such neglect and ignorance, began to calmly eat his food rather than stuffing it into his mouth. Throughout it, he withheld a smile. Not a large one, rather, a gentle one, as he was still feeling the euphoria of the good sleep he had.

Since his last mission was on Baterilla, Axel's superiors decided that it was best for him to stay on the island as a proud member of Base #17. Well, the marksman was anything but proud in this scenario. He had always been the adventurer-type marine who loved to travel around the seas and meet new marine crews, helping them with a task or two and then going on to the next. It was his favorite part about being a marine, but now the young man was forced to stay on an island for who knows how long. Axel didn't know why his bosses were punishing him like this, but there was nothing he could do at this point, so instead of moping around in his room on the base all day, he decided to go and get some breakfast in the mess hall. The gunner had a mission briefing in an hour anyway, so it was best not to go into it on an empty stomach.

By the time the spiky white-haired male went through the halls towards the mess hall, most of the marines were already there, so he didn't have to experience the pushing and shoving that happened in the last few days during his journey to get his meal. The bad thing about this situation was that all of the tables that the young man's eyes could see were full, except for one that had two spots opened. He got his breakfast which included some pancakes and sausages, poured some syrup on the plate, and then sat down.

"Morning fellas," said the man sitting on the left of Axel before he began eating his food. He was going to reply with a simple hey, but from the corner of his eye on a table to the right, there was a tall marine by his lonesome, eating his food. Axel knew that man, recognizing his attire and the sheer size of his body.

"Wait, Wade? Is that you? Come over here so you don't have to feel left out buddy!" Axel shouted with a smile on his face, waving to the man and looking directly at his face. He made quite the ruckus, but the marksman didn't matter. He met Wade a few days ago when they were hunting the same criminals, and then went to a bar together to wind down from the hunt. At first Axel was just like every other marine in the mess hall, wanting to avoid him for his look, but he soon realized that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Wade was as nice as they came.

WC: 439
TWC: 439

The young lieutenant was still working away steadily at his tray of food when a man he didn't recognize sat down in the seat next to him. Hoshikita saw out of the corner of his eye that the man had wild white hair, and a long red coat emblazoned with the Marine insignia. It seemed there was an oddball with little regard from the dress code as well as himself in Base Seventeen, and Hoshikita wondered what the stranger's story might be. Before he could ask, the man looked over in the other direction and began calling out towards another man; presumably Wade. Hoshikita was still focused on his food, but spoke up between bites to offer confirmation. "Yeah, the more the merrier." He said, taking another bite of eggs before looking up to the man he had been speaking to.

His eyes opened up a bit wider as he was got a good look at "Wade". Though he had only moments ago thought of himself and the man who had sat next to him as oddballs, this man certainly took the cake. Wearing a white vest and top hat, and with a paler face than Hoshikita had ever seen, sat the man apparently known as Wade. Even seated, Hoshikita could tell that the man stood several feet taller than the average Marine, but while he couldn't be sure he didn't believe that Wade would possibly taller than him and his lengthy legs. From the way the man next to him spoke, Hoshikita was given the impression that the man wasn't quite as intimidating as his appearance might lead one to believe. Still, his strangely formal attire, and the long black locks that framed his pale face gave off a certain air of eeriness; an air that had seemed to cause the other Marines to live some distance between themselves and him. Hoshikita wondered how Wade would react to the white haired man's invitation, and whether he might be getting a closer look at him sooner rather than later.

As Wade would begin to be finished half-way with his breakfast (big person means big portions at a time) he heard a rather familiar voice call out to him. Fork still in mouth, he looked around until he saw a certain red-clad man waving to him. Upon further expection, it was revealed that it was his friend, Axel, whom he met not too long ago. A smooth grin forming on his face, he chugged the rest of his food into his mouth and went on towards him, hearing another Marine welcome him. "What's up, daddy o?" Wade would ask smoothly as he bent down be at a even level with Axel, causing most of the nearby Marines to scoot away in either fear of him, or for the simple lack of space. Feeling that someone was watching him, the death man eyes shot up to Hoshikita, though he did not move his head. He said nothing and kept the same cool, smooth expression on his face, while the stare only lasted for about a few seconds. He then proceeded to stand up straight and extended his hand at the staring man. "How ya doin', sir? Names Wade L. Bainbrydge."

The man didn't move away when he came near, which was a good sign, and he seemed like a nice person so, eh, why the hell not?

"Nothing much. Just eating some breakfast before I go to get my mission briefing. I would ask you to sit down, but you finished eating, so maybe I can finish really quick and we can go back into the hall together to talk?" Axel asked, but he could see that Wade was noticing a stare from the man sitting next to him. The pale-faced male introduced himself while shaking the blonde's hand, and just then the gunner realized that this guy might just be taller than Wade. Instead of just looking back and forth at the two, Axel decided that he should introduce himself as well. Finishing up his food, he got up to get from in-between the two tall men and then decided to shake the shaggy-haired marine's hand as well. Hopefully he accepted the hand shake, because that would put Axel in an awkward position if he was denied, and since it was in front of every other marine seeing as he made so much of a ruckus that a ton of eyes were already glued on him, the marksman would be embarrassed to death.

"I am Axel Rover, and it is a pleasure to meet you!" he said enthusiastically with a smile on his face. They were all marines, so it was best not to create any conflict but instead befriend every one of them that you came in contact with. Not only was it the right thing to do, but you never know which one of them could become the next admiral. It would be cool to have a high ranking marine owe you favors after all.

WC: 271
TWC: 710

Hoshikita had just finished his last bite of food when Wade replied to the white haired man before him. The man's greeting implied that he was laid back in demeanor, opposed to what one might assume based on his appearance. This was some cause of relief for Hoshikita, as he thought of himself as rather laid back as well and it was nice to meet those with the same interests among the Marines. He could hear the man in the red coat ask the man a question, Wade seemed to have taken notice of the attention that Hoshikita was paying him, and he straightened his posture while holding out his hand for a shake. The young Lieutenant didn't want to be rude, so he stood up as well, and shook the man's hand. He stood just a bit above the man, but even outside the long leg tribe humans came in all shapes and sizes and it wasn't overly unusual for a normal man to even exceed his height. The pale faced man inquired how he was doing, and introduced himself formally as Wade L. Bainbrydge. "Nice to meet you, Wade. I'm Hoshikita Cross, hope we work well together." He said in his usual lazy tone, trying to be friendly to the man he assumed to be rather new to the base.

The man in the red coat also stood to introduce himself, stating his name to be Axel Rover. He extended his hand for a shake, and though Hoshikita had to bend down a bit to return the gesture he politely did so. "Same here. Always nice to get to know the guys watching your back after all." He said with a smile, pulling back his hand and placing it back in his pocket. The young Marine wasn't sure whether the two other men had more conversation to continue, but once the talking had reached a lull, Hoshikita would speak up. "Since we're all finished up here, and you guys seem to be heading out anyway," Hoshikita began, referencing Axel's earlier request to head out to the hall. "How bout we head down to the briefing together? I'm kinda curious as to what the big deal is that they need all of us to know about it." Hoshikita asked, thinking that maybe if he went with others that he'd be less likely to end up hiding and finding a place to nap.

The man was taller than him, but not exactly by a lot. Through his own top-hat, Wade was still taller, but if he did not have his hat, a clear size difference would be shown. He also had a firm handshake, which Wade liked. Looking at him, he nodded his head. "It'sa pleasure, mista." Wade would say before letting go of the man's hand so Axel could introduce himself. Afterward, Wade got into his normal position of standing, which was cane in one hand and other hand in vest pocket. After listening to Hoshi's proposal (and realizing that he didn't notice that Axel spoke to him, which he felt mildly embarrassed about) he spoke. "Meetin'? Just when Is thought I could get another nap in...." He said with a playful smile before popping his neck and stretching, now becoming fully awake. "Now then....I'mma wait till you boys are ready to go. If ya wanna go now, just says the word." He would say, scratching the back of his head casually, with the entirety of the cafeteria staring at the odd trio, namely the two giants.

"Anyway, Cross, how'd you join the Marines?" Wade would ask, simply to keep some conversation going. He didn't want this to go awkward....not yet at least. He was currently enjoying the communication. It's not everyday he talks, after all.

After the three said their greetings to each other, Cross suggested that they all go to the mission briefing together, since they all had to go anyway.

"Sounds like a plan! If we are all going to do the mission together, it is best if we hear it at the same time to formulate plans why after it is done," Axel replied, smiling with great enthusiasm. Ever since his last big mission to thwart a small criminal organization on the island, the marksman figured that he could cooperate with his fellow marines more, and that is what he was trying to do now. After he spoke, Wade reluctantly agreed with their plan, waiting for Axel and Cross to be ready before he went anywhere.

"Well, i just finished eating, so I don't see why we can't go right away? It is best to hear about the mission earlier so we will have more time to get our stuff prepared. I need to buy more magazines for my revolvers anyway," Axel replied to Wade. His last mission made him waste away a ton of his bullets, and since the gunner only used guns, that would be a problem if he ran out right in the middle of a fight, and enemies weren't the type of people who would wait as you look around for a gun that was dropped by a dead guy. "Ok, so what about you Cross? Are you ready?" Axel added, hoping that the tall man said yes.

WC: 250
TWC: 960

Hoshikita thought that Wade seemed like a friendly enough guy as the two exchanged pleasantries, even if his appearance might denote a slightly less gregarious demeanor. As the young marine mentioned heading to the briefing together, Axel quickly agreed with a grin. Hoshikita didn't share too much in the man's enthusiasm, but he was still pleased to have found some agreeable fellows who seemed to have some fun personalities. Axel seemed to like to formulate plans beforehand, and Hoshikita liked the sound of that. Rushing in blindly with only force in mind wasn't how Hoshikita liked to operate either, so someone with a little forethought was welcome around him any time. Hoshikita also seemed to have a bit in common with Wade, which the young marine mentally noted when he heard Wade lament about not being able to take another nap. The long legged man chuckled a bit at that, and looked over to Axel as he mentioned that there wasn't much reason not to head out at that moment. He had some things to do afterwards including requisitioning some ammunition for the coming assignment. Wade said he was ready at anyone's notice, and Axel asked Hoshikita if he was ready himself. "I don't see why not. Let's see what the big deal is." Hoshikita replied, heading off out of the cafeteria and assuming that the other two men would accompany him as agreed.

Before they left, Wade seemed to want to continue the conversation and he asked Hoshikita how it was he had ended up joining the marines. "That's kind of a long story, Wade. I'm up for telling it, but we might wanna wait for a better time." Hoshikita replied to the man's question, thinking that it would be better to explain in a more relaxed environment like the tavern or during a break in an assignment. After answering though, the young Marine would continue on towards the briefing room. The room was rather large, with enough seating for a few dozen Marines, and a large Projection Den Den Mushi situated on a table towards the back of the room. At the front was a simple podium and a white screen to project images onto, and a desk in the left corner. As Hoshikita, and presumably his two new friends, entered, he noticed that Captain Maria had not yet entered. Hoshikita quickly headed up towards the front where he sat down at the end of one of the rows. He always chose the spot with the most legroom possible for obvious reasons. He would then motion for his two new acquaintances to sit down, provided they'd followed him and hadn't already taken seats. A few moments later, the doors swung open once again and about twenty other ensigns piled in and took seats themselves. The room took on a dull buzz of chatter for a moment before the door swung open once again and Captain Maria walked in. The room fell silent as she approached the podium. The tall, pink haired woman looked over the men intensely, seemingly appraising their worth with her sharp eyes. Then, in a very business like manner, she proceeded to greet the men, and the majority of them including Hoshikita returned her greeting with a salute. After that, the Captain explained about the mysterious disappearances going on within the kingdom of Baterilla. She relayed that the marines had very little information, and that there was going to be a team assigned to interviewing the locals in an attempt to gather more. The captain assigned Hoshikita, Wade, Axel, and two other ensigns near them to this team. The rest of the men were to increase security during nightfall hours around the kingdom while herself and Commander Burrel began a search of the area. The briefing was brief, and the captain dismissed the men to begin preparing to set out for Baterilla in the morning only a few minutes after the briefing had began. Hoshikita stood up and looked to the two men he'd arrived at the briefing with. "Lucky that we all got assigned together. I guess I'm gonna go help with getting the ships ready though. Maybe I'll see you guys there, and if not I will in the morning when we set out." Hoshikita said, heading off to go do just that.

He listened to Hoshi's response and simply nodded. Perhaps he could tell him at a different time. For now, they needed to get to this supposedly important meeting. The trip to the briefing room was rather uneventful in the most. Looking about, he naturally went and sat next to Hoshi and Axel. Almost as if on cue, however, a metric load of Marines bursted into the small room. With a quiet groan, the tall man crossed one leg over the other, for comfort of course, and crossed his arms, looking about the room until the Captain came in, making the room almost hush completely in her presence. The Captain, upon getting to the podium, began to explain that there have been many disappearances going on and that there is going to be a investigation held. Wade raised a eyebrow. Truth be told, he did kinda notice that there were less and less people out on the streets everyday and he has been hearing a good amount of rumors lately about the disappearances, but shrugged them off.

Upon further listening into the procedure of how this was going to be done, Wade found himself at a pleasent surprise that he was going to be paired with Hoshi and Axel to investigate this entire affair. Wade could only smile. Upon the completion of the meeting, he listened to Hoshi and nodded. "'Ight then, daddy os, Is sees you in the mornin'." Wade would then say as he walked off, trying to find a place to hide and nap for the day.

Exit

Once the trio was ready, they moved out of the mess hall and towards the briefing room. During their walk, Wade asked Cross how he joined the means, but the long-legged man's response was to wait until they were in a setting suitable for such a tale, since he claimed that it was a long story. Axel wouldn't mind being with the two when he did tell it, since he liked to hear about the pasts of other marines and what motivated them to join this cause. It lifted his spirits every time.

The briefing room was quite large, with enough rows to seat dozes of marines, but Axel Wade and Cross seemed to be the first marines in the room. After they got seats in the front row however, everyone started piling in, until the room was about half filled. After all of the ensigns were in, Captain Maria, a beautiful pink-haired woman who was the third tallest person in the room next to Wade and Cross, came through the door and stood behind the podium. Once everyone was seated, she began talking about the mission that they would be going on. A string of disappearances have been happening across Baterilla, the island that was just a few miles away from the base. Axel Wade and Cross were assigned to investigate the civilians of Baterilla and see if they could get some answers while the other ensigns would act as security guards around the island at night to prevent any further disappearances. Maria then informed them all that they would head out the next morning, and with that, the briefing was done.

"Alright guys, I am off to buy some ammo. We can meet up tomorrow before heading to Baterilla," Axel told his new friends as he left the briefing room.

WC: 302
TWC: 1,262

EXIT