Michael Reinhardt wanders into the Mariner, pausing to look
at the afternoon crowd. Showing up in uniform is always a crap shoot, but it
makes people behave, so it’s all gravy. He notes Anna at a table with another
young woman, so, for a bit he loiters at the doorway.
Tallulah Beal glances up from a bite of broccoli and smiles
at the officer. She chews, swallows and says to Anna "One of Nick's
boys." offhandedly. She's not trying to be quiet and her tone is jovial.
Anna Wright chuckles at her mother mid sip and then swivels
to follow her gaze. She grins when she sees a friendly face "Michael.
How's it going? "
Michael Reinhardt overhears the woman and chuckles slightly.
He sees Anna and moves a bit closer. After a polite nod to the other woman, he
looks at Anna. "I'm good. Ryan and I are on lunch, so I went home to feed
April and he just went home." he snorts. "Who’s your friend?" he
offers one of his most charming smiles.
Tallulah Beal laughs "I'm her mother. You know I'm sure
I've seen you around but we haven't been introduced. I'm Tallulah." She
extends a hand.
Anna Wright wiggles her brows "Hope Ryan's not too late
getting back then."
Michael Reinhardt arches his brows in stereotypical charming
mock surprise. "I have seen you but I didn't know ..." he takes her
hand and shakes it, opting not to go overboard by kissing it. Then he looks at
Anna. "I might have the rest of the day off ..... again." he winks.
"It's not like they can make another baby." he pauses not wanting to
impose himself on mother and me time.
Tallulah Beal: Tallulah shakes the hand, laughing along
"No that's a one way ticket but best to get their jollies while they can.
Are you here for a meal Michael? You're welcome to grab a chair and join us.
Then I'll really have something to tease Nick about."
Anna Wright nods "The chief bailed on dinner with Mom
so she texted me. He's apparently drowning in paperwork again. Course I had a
late lunch so it's just a pint for me."
Michael Reinhardt smiles and pulls up a chair. "I'd
love to." and then he freezes, putting two and two together and coming up
with unemployment insurance. "As long as I get to keep my badge and get no
new scars." he winks, realizing who Tallulah is. "I suppose it’s
alright, since everyone knows how head over heels I am with Anna here." he
grins, teasing Anna, which is always good for a giggle.
Tallulah Beal raises a brow looking at her daughter and back
to Michael "Why am I always the last to know?" She has a suspicious
look like she might be thinking he's kidding.
Anna Wright rolls her eyes and laughs and then pretends to
fan herself "I bet you say that to all the girls." She hears the door
open and looks back, giving Oshi a wave.
Oshi Shikigami: Oshi waves back, but does not interrupt.
Finds a seat, and waits to order.
Michael Reinhardt
smiles and leans between them, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I do,
but don't let the word get out." he whispers. He leans back and looks aver
at Deidre, who is watching with slightly narrowed eyes. "Fish and chips
and coffee, please." he calls out, then notices Oshi and nods at her.
Oshi Shikigami nods back
Tallulah Beal gives Oshi a big smile and then shakes her
head at Michael before saying to Anna "Better keep an eye on this
one." She digs into her salmon now. It's got that deep Pacific red
perfectly flaky quality that makes it simply divine.
Anna Wright smirks and then glances back at Oshi "Let's
invite another female to the table so Michael can just be a total stud."
She cranes around "Oshi are you on your own over there? Would you like to
join us?"
Oshi Shikigami: Yes, on my own it would seem. Thank you for
the invite, I will be right over! She smiles, stands a bit wobble, as she now
has a cane, and not a crutch, and seats herself at the table with the others.
Michael Reinhardt chuckles and rolls his shoulders.
"See." he stage whispers to Tallulah. "She’s always trying to
foist me on others. It's heartbreaking ... really ... it is."
Tallulah Beal laughs heartily "Well two redheads....the
world might implode. Hello Oshi. How are you this evening? How's that foot?
"
Anna Wright gives Michaela fake withering look "You're
too much for me all on my own." she teases and winks and then looks at
Oshi "Still rough eh?"
Oshi Shikigami: Oh, me, I guess I am doing OK, Just got the
cast of, and trying to navigate with a cane instead. Doesn’t hurt too much unless
I move just right.
Michael Reinhardt snorts slightly "And that's why your
my kind of woman." and looks at Oshi. "And you look lovely today. How
is Tatsu? Anyone else inquiring at her school?" he wonders.
Tallulah Beal looks kindly at Oshi and just keeps eating,
listening now with curiosity.
Oshi Shikigami: Oh Michael, so glad you asked. Well it is a
long story, and only beginning. Perhaps I could buy all of you a drink first? I
would be honored to do that for my friends. Oshi smiles and attracts over the barkeep,
and says to her, whatever they would like, it on me...
Anna Wright half smiles and then it falters "Is Tatsu
having trouble in school? She seems so bright."
Michael Reinhardt
arches his brows. "Oh?" he glances over. "Just coffee for me,
thanks." he has every intention of paying, but doesn't tell Oshi. Deidre
knows, however.
Oshi Shikigami: Well we don't have to have the police
investigate any more. So that's a good thing. Tatsu, well Tatsu is in Australia
now. But not for long. She is going back to Japan. But there is so much more...
Michael Reinhardt nods. "With her parents?" he
wonders, casually.
Tallulah Beal chews her salmon, looking between them,
intrigued.
Anna Wright's eyes go wide "Is everything OK?
Police?"
Oshi Shikigami: Anna, well we were concerned about some people
that came to school with a bunch of tests for Tatsu, that seemed well real odd.
But now I have answers, and although very odd are not as bad as we feared. Two
days ago her parents phoned from Australia, and they wanted her to come as soon
as possible, but did not really say why.
Michael Reinhardt pauses a moment as his food is delivered.
"They didn't say, eh?" his fries seem to be a double order and he
picks one up, munching it thoughtfully. "SO .. now they want her...."
Tallulah Beal looks rather confused "Want her for what?
Some kind of academic exchange in Australia?"
Anna Wright nods along with her mother confirming she holds
the same question in her mind and then looks at Oshi.
Oshi Shikigami: Tatsu has flow alone before, so I know she
could deal with that, and her parents asked, so I had to let her go. When she
gets there, they tell her, that the government had indeed had those tests done.
They were from the Japan Defense Force, the military if you will. They wanted
her to join! Now she is a minor of course. So they need her parents’
permission. And as it is all volunteer, not "draft" she had to choose
to as well.
Michael Reinhardt blinks, another French fry halfway to his
mouth. "She's ... thirteen, is it? Fourteen?" he seems even more
confused.
Tallulah Beal blinks "What does the Japanese military
want with a young girl?"
Anna Wright looks worried "This sounds kind of
frightening."
Oshi Shikigami: She got perfect scores in math. PERFECT. They
don’t even have a place for a third digit on their digital scoring. LOL. So,
they think it would be huge PR for starting up a program for smart military and
young. Oh, and she is 13. True. But I know of some cadets in Defense Force
military schools who are 15 years old,
now. I guess they lowered the age requirement?
Michael Reinhardt eats the fry. "But Oshi .... perfect
scores or not ... I thought there were worldwide restrictions and sanctions
AGAINST using child soldiers .... and fifteen is still a child. Japan can't
really ... you'd expect that more from North Korea, I would think." he's
blunt as a plane flying into a building sometimes.
Tallulah Beal sighs
"Some countries have mandatory service but usually it's at eighteen. Does
Tatsu really want this?"
Anna Wright looks anxiously for Oshi's answer.
Oshi Shikigami: I
would not be surprised, if they were going to get her involved in some very
technical research projects. Yes, but you forget, their constitution forbids
acts of military aggression. They do not train them for combat but "self
defense". And even kinds deserve to know how to defend themselves, Yes?
Michael Reinhardt picks at his fish, but doesn’t eat.
"Is that what they're calling it these days/" he murmurs darkly.
"I'm sorry Oshi, but the only think I can think of is Hitler Youth and
other child soldier programs that began the same way." he sighs and goes
back to moving the food around his plate.
Tallulah Beal says gravely "I hope she never needs to
use that defense. Is this more of a military school or funded facility?"
Anna Wright says quietly "I hope she stays safe."
Oshi Shikigami: What does Tatsu want? She is a teenager! Who
can determine. She is smart, but she also feels an obligation. Japanese can be
like that. Obligated to her parents, and her country. And maybe she has some
info or inclination of what is involved. I saw her do research on the net,
about some very interesting stuff, involving math like that.
Oshi Shikigami: And they have been watching North Korea
launching missiles right up to their waters. All that can affect ones thoughts
on the matter?
Michael Reinhardt pushes his plate away, having only eaten
two of the fries. He opens his mouth and closes it, then slowly shakes his
head.
Tallulah Beal asks carefully "If she decides...that's
it's not for her...can she withdraw from this choice easily? Like you say she
is still figuring out what she wants in life, still maturing...."
Anna Wright observes Michael's lack of appetite and takes a
slow sip of her pint, watching Oshi.
Oshi Shikigami: In any case, it is settled. Her parents
asked, and her country asked. And she said yes. For whatever reason you can
suppose. And she is heading back to Japan, and getting assigned. And perhaps
the most odd, is that they are making her a "Warrant Officer." She
will have the option to resign, if that is what she chooses...
Michael Reinhardt snorts and picks up his coffee, staring
into its depths. He sets it down, undrunk and begins to stir it vigorously,
clearly upset.
Tallulah Beal silently processes, nodding slowly and looking
pensive.
Anna Wright looks at Oshi pointedly "How are you with
all this?"
Oshi Shikigami: You must understand, this is all real new to
me. And I have not had chance to sort it all out. But please also understand
that the Japanese people have very strong feelings both about family obligation
and obligation to country. Hell, I don't know. I am so sad to loose her, after
so much and so little time. Tears start to fall on Oshi's cheeks.
Michael Reinhardt stops stirring his coffee. "Oshi ....
" he pauses again and stirs into his still swirling coffee. "I
understand stories about obligation to country and family. Believe me. I've
hears stories from my own family so .. I sort of ... ugh." he growls and
runs a muscled hand through his red locks.
Tallulah Beal reaches out and pats Oshi's hand "I know
this is hard on you."
Anna Wright looks sympathetically at Oshi "I can't even
imagine..."
Oshi Shikigami: Oshi pulls out her phone, and shows a
picture on it to all. Tatsu did this for me, She says she will be writing a
detailed letter soon.
The picture on Oshi's phone is a drawing in anime style of a
young Japanese woman in military uniform, her hair windblown, with a Japanese
flag in the background. The woman depicted is holding a sword in one hand and a
sheath in the other.
Michael Reinhardt looks at the picture and buries his face
in both of his hands, groaning.
Tallulah Beal looks at the picture and then at Michael
before looking at Anna and then Oshi in question to his reaction.
Anna Wright looks at the picture , trying to be positive and
starts to say "It's a good drawing..." and then Micheal groans and
she watches him hunch into his hands. She shrugs at her mother and Oshi, not
knowing why it's hitting him this way and wondering.
Oshi Shikigami: Oh my! I need to notify the school, and some
of her friends too, Aw, poor Hani, it will break his heart!
Michael Reinhardt stopped at the first groan, but keeps his
head down in his hands.
Tallulah Beal looks sadly at Oshi and then concernedly at
Michael "Did you have a connection with Tatsu...or are you feeling
unwell?"
Anna Wright: Anna nods at Oshi "It will be a shock for
sure." She reaches out a hand towards Michael and just gives him a little
light finger tap on the back of his elbow.
Oshi Shikigami: Tatsu really likes Michael, he taught her
some nice self defense moves, and always has a kind word for her.
Michael Reinhardt looks up and clears his throat, gruffly.
"Well, Tatsu is a good kid and I'm not pleased with this news, but
..." he sighs deeply and keeps his eyes lowered. My granduncle was
Deutsches Jungvolk at eleven. Then he went on to be Hitlerjugend." he
sighs again. "The sole official youth organisation in Germany and was
partially a paramilitary organisation. Emphasis on paramilitary, Oshi. DO you
see my problem with all this?"
Tallulah Beal looks taken aback and swings her gaze between
Michael and Oshi like she's watching a tennis match.
Anna Wright exhales into a low whistle, letting her gaze
fall to the table.
Oshi Shikigami: Yes,
I can but all countries have worked hard to not make that happen again.
Although she is brilliant, she also has a very good and kind heart. I cannot
see her doing anthing that would bring herself dishonor.
Oshi Shikigami: Oh, and I promise to keep you all
up-to-date, as much as I can with what is happening to her there in Japan. Who
knows, it is at least possible, it will be good things?
Michael Reinhardt sighs deeply. "I am sure my grand
uncle felt the same, but he .... " he holds up his hand in the classic
stop sign. "Anything is possible, Oshi." he replies, but a bit
stiffly and mechanically.
Tallulah Beal looks down now too and then up at Oshi
"Will she be close to where her family is at least?"
Anna Wright gives Oshi and encouraging little smile and then
inhales audibly as she glances at Michael. There's clearly more to this for
him.
Oshi Shikigami: Michael, you have my word, if I see even the
slight of anything like that happening, I will move heaven and earth, to get
her out of it! Oh Tallulah, her parents are in Australia now. Of course my
parents are in Kyoto, and she has some relatives most everywhere in Japan as
well.
Michael Reinhardt nods, very slowly. "I know you'll
try." he closes his eyes. "So her parents are staying in Australia?
Seriously?" Tatsu's parents are not on his list of favorite people. He
looks at Anna and sighs a bit more softly.
Tallulah Beal furrows her brow "Are the parents working
in Australia? Will they go back to Japan?" She darts a look between
Michael and Anna before giving Oshi her full attention again.
Anna Wright glances at each speaker at the table as they
verbalize, focusing briefly on Michael as he sighs. And then glances up just as
her mother gives her a little look. She turns her head and rolls her eyes.
Oshi Shikigami: Well for now, they are in Australia. In a
few months, or a year? Well all bets are off on that. They are "Dilettante
Travellers" That globe trot, as it suits them, and they can profit from
it. In other words they have been incredibly lucky with business ventures, and
they can go to wherever, whenever, they want, and do.
Oshi Shikigami: It is the only way I could afford to care
for her, as they have been paying me to care for her. They do not begrudge money
for her, only time, it would seem.
Michael Reinhardt shakes his head. "Well, the
government can take care of her from this point, I guess." his voice is
heavy with sarcasm and more than a little anger.
Tallulah Beal leans back now, folding her arms "Well it
will be an interesting path for all of you. I do hope it goes as well as it
can."
Anna Wright sighs "Tatsu's pretty well adjusted,
considering all that. As long as she keeps her head straight. I think you've
probably given her more support than she's had before Oshi. She'll miss
that."
Oshi Shikigami: Michael, it is just possible, they might do
a better job? Oshi looks half serious as she responds. And yes Tallulah, it is
not like there is a lot I can do to change this, at least for now. And yes,
Anna. I know she will. More than she would admit too. But all in all, I do have
faith in her. She is one of the best parts, of her up-coming generation. And I
do feel she will prevail and make something marvelous for a life.
Michael Reinhardt nods, but ignores the whole better job
thing. . "I'll miss her. The cemetery probably will too. And the Chief may
have been thinking of hiring her to answer the phones." he gives a smile a
valiant attempt and mostly succeeds.
Tallulah Beal had smiled at Oshi and now can't help but
outright laugh at Michael's words "Maybe just his phone to divert a few
more callers."
Anna Wright smiles at Oshi warmly and then laughs along with
her mother about Tatsu being hired for the cop shop phones.
Oshi Shikigami: Well you tell the Chief, that I am sure she
would be honored to do phones any time she is here LOL Yeah, the cemetery is
going to be a lot more "ordinary" too. I hope she has time to do and
send her art back this way.
Michael Reinhardt chuckles, welcoming another subject.
"He would like that. He liked the kid, but if he cries when he finds out,
you know why." he grins. "You know who gets sent out on Ushi calls
now, don't you?" he looks at Oshi. "I like the cemetery. Have lunch
there a lot." he shrugs as if this is the hottest place in town for a
picnic.
Tallulah Beal shudders at the word Ushi like it's the
beginning of a severely allergic reaction. She then shakes her head around and
stands "Speaking of Nick. I was going to drop him off some take out. It's
been nice meeting you Michael." She looks pointedly at him and then Anna
"I'll see you at home dear...." Her eyes bore into her daughter
briefly before she turns to Oshi with a tone of warmth "Good luck with it
all and all the best to Tatsu." She picks up her empty plate and heads
towards the bar.
Anna Wright chuckles a bit about the cemetery and then looks
exasperatedly at her mother "Behave yourself Mom. Later."
Oshi Shikigami: Well perhaps sometime I can join you there
for lunch. We can share sushi and the sea, and maybe reminisce a bit too?
Tallulah, a pleasure for sure. Hope to catch up with you soon again.
Michael Reinhardt smiles at the look mother gives daughter
and looks at Anna as if dying to be a fly on the wall of THAT conversation.
"I'd better go too ... see if my partner is done with his lunch." he
snorts, rolls his eyes and goes into his wallet paying for his uneaten meal.
Tallulah Beal thanks Deidre and walks away with a takeout
container, giving a little wave behind her as she saunters off.
Anna Wright watches Michael walk by and nods "OK see
you soon...take care eh?" She waves at her mother briefly and turns to
Oshi "I should head out too but if you need to talk more, don't be shy to
get a hold of me."
Oshi Shikigami: Michael, Have a great time for the rest of
the day, you deserve it. And try not to worry too much? And Anna, so many
thanks! I still need to sort things out for sure. And I just may well take you
up on that. I appreciate your common sense. Thanks!
Oshi Shikigami bows “ SO I will be scooting too...”
Michael Reinhardt winks as he passes Anna and leaves the
Mariner with a mischievous grin on his face.
Anna Wright gives a little bow back to Oshi, chuckles and
rolls her eyes at Michael and then stands up to pay for her pint
"Cheers."
