Mariner’s Pub Role Play in Cedar Point RPG August 27, 2016

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."