Chapter 12: Four Haikus

Morning arrived swiftly. Hana awoke to find Lunara and E’twobe entangled in bed with her, though she could not recall how they got there. E’twobe awoke with a groan and stretched, pushing Lunara’s tattooed arm off of her chest. Hana sat up and couldn’t find the words to say.

“Don’t worry nothing happened,” croaked Lunara.

E’twobe laughed as she tumbled onto the floor.

“Wouldn’t complain if it had. But alas, another time,” said E’twobe with a smirk.

Hana couldn’t speak and sat there absentmindedly running her fingers through her hair. She hadn’t even had any drinks at the festival, but the latter parts of the evening felt like a fever dream. Thoughts of Shreve and RAM-71 pressed against her while she was surrounded by the others sent her heart fluttering. Lunara’s bare leg slid out from the blanket as she sat up and Hana felt herself drawn to watch as she stood. Lunara got out of bed and was only in her undergarments. The muscles of her thighs tensed as she stood and the gentle morning light landed on her tanned skin in sensual silence. Lunara saw Hana watching her legs and hips, then smirked and crawled back in the bed towards Hana, causing Hana to tense up with a giddy grin. Lunara’s face stopped close to hers.

“Shreve better hurry up or he’ll have me to contend with,” said Lunara in a playful tone.

“Just make sure to invite me,” said E’twobe as she pulled her shirt down over her head.

Hana couldn’t speak and quickly nodded.

Lunara laughed to herself and got back out of bed.

“Last night, he wore a blue color that matched the color of the tea bowl I served him with when he finally visited me. Am I overthinking things, or was that a sign to me?” asked Hana.

“Good heavens that is subtle, especially by today’s standards,” said Lunara.

“If it was a sign, maybe he meant for you to respond. Maybe he was trying to speak to you in a way that he thought matched your speed. Neither of you is the type of person to blurt out your desires.”

“Well, we did hold hands, and we did dance together. We danced alone, and with RAM-71.”

“Ah yes, I guess we are all robo-erotic now? Because we were all into that,” chimed E’twobe.

Hana buried her face in her hands.

“I have no idea what came over me!” she proclaimed.

“It was hot. You get your man crush, and you get a tall, strong, androgynous automaton to lend a helping hand? Can’t believe I haven’t thought of that.”

“After that, I’m not sure I’ll be able to look at IRAM-43 the same when they’re helping me plant new crops,” said E’twobe.

“ANYWAYS,... Does anyone want tea?” asked Hana in an effort to change the subject.

Tea was served to pull the three of them back into the morning. After tea and a few treats, Lunara and E’twobe exited, leaving Hana to herself. Walking seemed like the best way for her to clear her mind. She dressed and was out the door. Moving crates lined the street across from Shinrin-Yoku. Isaac, the old man who sold bionic upgrades, had completed his twenty-five years and was departing for Earth that morning. New residents had already been assigned to the unit and Hana anxiously looked out the front windows several times over the day in hopes of catching a glimpse of her new neighbors. With any luck, they’d be more personable.

Her curiosity was rewarded without much waiting. By the time she had returned from her walk, her new neighbors were there at the unit already unloading their personal effects. To her immediate delight, they were her age; she was small with silver braids twisted like a crown around her head and down over her shoulder. Vibrant multi-colored tattoos covered her skin from her face to her hands but in a tasteful, creative manner. He was tall and pale, with unkempt hair bouncing about as he walked. Tattoos lined his cheeks and browline like linework. They jested with one another as they lifted a crate and made their way towards their door. Hana hustled to reach them.

“Do you need a hand?”

They paused and eyed her up.

“Sure!” they said in unison.

Hana was surprised by the quick acceptance but was grateful for a task that could simultaneously distract her and introduce her new neighbors.

“I’m Hana. I’m your neighbor at Shinrin-Yoku.”

His face lit up.

“Beautiful! Neo-hon?”

“Yes. You are familiar with Japan?” asked Hana.

“We loved our time there. Lived in Sapporo for a cycle,” replied the girl.

“Really?! That’s wonderful.”

They set the crate down and Hana followed them in with her small box. The young woman extended her hand in Western greeting.

“Burgess.”

The young man echoed her greeting and Hana shook his hand.

“Lux.”

Just like that, another vital relationship had entered Hana’s life without her yet knowing it. Small moments set the seeds for friendships she would come to treasure for decades, and as they unpacked the contents of those crates that afternoon, Hana felt an instant connection to both of them. Machines and digital art systems were set up in the corner. Projection devices were mounted on the exterior railing.

“I’m a projection mapper and body painter,” said Burgess as she activated a drawing terminal.

“Three-dimensional artwork, exterior installations, temporary body art, all of it.”

“Is the art on your body temporary?” asked Hana.

“Yep. Non-toxic. Body absorbs it and converts it to proteins after about forty days. Have you ever done it?’ asked Burgess.

“I have not, but I’ve always been interested,” answered Hana.

“Well, as thanks for the help, let me know when you want something done and I’ll get you painted up.”

“Thank you!” said Hana.

Outside, Lux was scanning and calibrating the projection mapping system that began to project softly glowing particle effects along the windows and panel lines of their dark steel unit. Hana now realized the simplistic surfaces and strong lines made the unit ideal for such artworks.

“Lux, what will you be doing here?”

“Mining. I’ve already been a designer, entertainer, reporter, and programmer, but I wanted to try something different this time. So I figured I’d do a cycle as a miner while we were rockside,” he replied without hesitation.

“What made you want to come rockside?” Hana asked Burgess.

Burgess shrugged.

“Wanted to try something new. Nothing dramatic, just wanted to see space and live on a colony while we were young enough to do so. It’s not about the credits, so if we decide to hang it up after a few years, no harm no foul.”

Hana found herself already enjoying their company.

“So, mining? I know Shreve LeBlanche on the mining team.”

“Oh, you know the team lead? He processed my request. I was a little hesitant they wouldn’t want someone without experience, but he approved it without a question.,” said Lux.

Shreve being the leader of the mining team was news to Hana, even after a year of knowing him. That explained why he was a part of the outpost leadership meetings. Hana was frustrated with herself for never putting those details together. Shreve’s mystery grew yet again.

“Well, Shreve seems like a great leader and very supportive. You will be in good hands as you learn the role,” said Hana.

“So, Hana, what is Shinrin-Yoku? Plant shop?” asked Burgess.

“No, it’s a tea room actually, for tea ceremonies mainly, but also for just for a cup of tea if that’s all the person has time for,” answered Hana.

Burgess and Lux were still like statues. So much so that Hana thought she might have said something offensive.

“Are you kidding me?” asked Burgess.

“...No…” said Hana.

“...Oblivion, yes! We freaking love tea!” cheered Lux.

“Tea and whiskey within fifty meters of my door? This is the best outpost in the galaxy!” proclaimed Burgess.

Before Hana could respond, Lux was there beside her with his hand extended for a slap. Hana remembered that Westerners on Earth did this in celebration and referred to it as ‘five’.

She slapped his hand then Burgess’s hand.

“Once you are at a stopping point, please allow me to make you tea as a welcome.”

“Is Hana making tea?” asked a voice from the doorway.

“Can we join?” asked another.

Hana turned and there were Katya and Jax, waving from the steps.

“We saw the crates and were coming to offer to help, but looks like Hana beat us to it,” said Katya.

They all exchanged greetings and handshakes.

“So, you two missed quite the festival last night,” said Jax.

“I know- our shuttle had a malfunction at the colony hub so we were delayed! I’m so sad,” said Burgess.

“Well, apparently I had a sensual dance with an automaton, so you missed that!” laughed Jax as Katya put her hand to her head with a grin.

“I guess our relationship is navigating that now, but at least I’m open-minded!” said Katya as they all laughed.

“Oblivion yeah, this is going to be awesome,” said Lux.

By the time the tea was being poured, a dozen people were in Shinrin-Yoku. Laughs were as loud here as they usually were at On the Rocks, and after an hour of being open, Lunara closed the bar and brought her patrons over to Shinrin-Yoku. At that point, it was the most people Hana had ever hosted, and they could barely fit in the tea room. Scents from different blends lofted in the air and at any moment there was an audible moan from at least one patron as they tried a new flavor profile for the first time.

Without realizing it, Hana had wound up holding the same bowl she had used when serving Shreve. She held it close for a moment, feeling its warmth against her chest as she breathed in the aroma of the leaves. Hana wished Shreve was there with them, but decided not to dwell on it. In that instant, those twenty guests in her home were more full of life for her than she could have dreamt of experiencing when she arrived. In all of her pitches, presentations, and plans, she’d never imagined that Shinrin-Yoku would be filled with laughter, and at one point might have even been against the idea. But now in the present, surrounded by those she had come to know as friends and support, she would not change a thing.

That night became something of a template, with the core group of friends joining at one of the homes at least once a week for a night of laughter and conversation. Jax began exploring his interests in cooking and would provide the group with unique food offerings every week. Katya and Burgess became tea proteges under Hana, learning how to mix different blends and how to stage ceremonies. Burgess used them all as canvases, even covering Hana’s back with an ornate flower one evening.

Weeks passed. Time changed them all in a slow shift, like canyons that were carved by water over hundreds of years. Hana felt herself becoming comfortable around crowds, even men, as the years of abuse, trauma, isolation and hurt of her youth washed away in the currents of time. She began to stand taller and felt herself begin to hold space more easily within groups of people. Her voice gained confidence, as she became more sure of her thoughts and opinions, and found that her circle of friends was a safe and nurturing place to express herself.

Lux learned the art of mining under Shreve’s tutelage, and much to Hana’s happiness and frustration, would frequently talk about how supportive, kind, wise, and strong Shreve was as a leader. Hana was happy he was all of those things, but could not help but feel jealous that she seemingly would not get to see that side of him. Every time Lux spoke of Shreve, a flash of sensation would flitter in Hana’s body as she remembered being against him, swaying with him as his fingers pressed on the small of her back.

“He writes poetry!” Lux explained one evening when the topic was about Shreve.

“Oh come on,” blurted out Hana without being able to catch herself.

Lux paused as though he was in error, and Jax winked at him. Hana noticed they heard her comment.

“Sorry, I just…”

“Still no luck on that front?” asked Katya.

“No! We share an intimate moment and several dances at the festival then I don’t get a peep from him for months! Now I don’t want to do anything because I will seem like I’m trying too hard!” said Hana in annoyed defeat.

Lux tried to comfort her.

“Well, he does keep to himself, and he is very restrained.”

“I don’t want him to be restrained! I want him to grab me with his strong hands, say bad things with his gravelly voice, and pin me on the-”

She stopped herself and looked around the room. Everyone was trying to hold back a laugh.

“Hana is ‘frustrated,’” laughed E’twobe.

“I guess I am. In a lot of ways. He’s just so strong, confident, and firm in so many ways, but I have no idea how he feels about me,” said Hana.

Lunara took a sip of tea and then snapped to Jax and Lux.

“He wore a shawl the- what?”

“He wore a formal shawl to the festival where he helped me work my booth. It was the same color as the bowl I’d used to serve him tea from, which we discussed as we drank together…” explained Hana.

Jax and Lux couldn’t even speak for a moment.

“And you don’t think he likes you?” asked Jax.

“Yeah as a guy that’s very much an ‘I like you’ thing,” said Lux.

“Then why is he taking so long to do anything?” pleaded Hana.

“Time moves slowly during a twenty-five year contract,” said E’twobe.

“Maybe he just didn’t want to make you feel rushed,” explained Lux.

Hana hadn’t thought of that yet. For all his behaviors, Shreve did seem very considerate, and perhaps he did not want to make Hana feel smothered by his attention while on this isolated outpost. If only he would tell her. An idea came to her and she opened up her message terminal.

“What are you doing?’ asked Lunara.

“I love poetry, and I write it myself. I’m telling him how I feel,” answered Hana.

As her fingers tapped through the clear digital keys, the message formed on the screen for all of them to see. The group leaned in close to all read together.

“Moonlight fades away- Echoes of a distant touch, Hearts ache in silence”

“Damnation. That’s good,” said Jax.

Everyone agreed, and Hana pressed send without hesitation. Her heart was racing, and the familiar warmth rose in her chest and inner thighs.

She got an alert.

“Message opened,” said the system.

“Oh stones!” cheered Lux as he shook Hana’s shoulders.

All the room was silent as they waited with baited breath. No one moved. No one spoke. Everyone waited and watched the screen. Blue alert lights pinged on her display in an alert that she had a new message. It was from Shreve.

“OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!” they all cheered.

Hana opened the message.

“Your touch remembered- Yet I wait- my breath restrained. Heat burns in the void.”

Hana immediately started to type.

“Sunlight fades again. Breathless, I linger and wait. Your touch, still a dream,” she wrote and sent.

“You are good!” said E’twobe.

Only a few seconds had passed before another message from Shreve appeared.

“Petals part with dawn. Soft sighs bloom in trembling light. New worlds gently claimed.”

The women all sighed.

“Girl, I am aroused for you,” moaned Burgess.

“Okay, I’ve seen enough. You two need to get some alone time in. You’ve got me all kinds of flustered with your sexy words,” said Lunara as she stood and dusted off her pants even though they were not dirty.

“Why don’t you say things like that to me?” Katya jokingly asked Jax.

“Well, I suck at poetry, for a start. Plus, I say other things to you. More literal; like telling you I like that, you look so good like that, and stay just like that,” nudged Jax.

“OKKKKAAAYYY!” Katya shouted as Burgess and Jax slapped hands.

Hana plopped onto her back and kicked her feet.

“I can’t believe I just did that,” she grinned.

“I’m proud of myself, but I don’t know what to do, or when the moment could possibly be right,” she groaned.

“If you insist on making it be a part of some sort of big moment, I know when,” said E’twobe.

“When?” they all asked.

E’twobe clicked her wrist device and projected a project brief onto the wall.

“This has already gotten out a little, but we’re getting one in celebration of the revolution’s thirtieth anniversary.”

Hana’s heart began to race as she read the details, and she could feel her face getting hot.

“No way! Really?” asked Jax in excitement.

“Well, I will, um, make sure I am in shape,” said Katya.

“Oblivion, I’ve missed that. Been a few years. You ready Hana? I know for a fact he comes to those,” said Lunara.

Hana couldn’t speak. Lux and Burgess were the only two who were unsure what the plan was conveying.

“What am I looking at here?” asked Lux.

Hana cleared her throat and set her mind. This was it, and she was going to step forward without fear no matter how out of her comfort it was.

“It’s a public bath festival,” she answered.

“Enormous bath facilities are set up as private rooms,” she continued, recounting the details as she’d heard back on Earth during her time researching colony life.

“There are women’s baths, men’s baths, and for those who desire it and are comfortable, there are co-ed baths. I’m going to ask Shreve to join me in the co-ed bath.”