Chapter 3: An Asian Rendezvous

Even when she had just set foot inside the Chinatown teahouse, Yat Sen already felt at home.

Around her, there was incessant, rapid chatter of people—patrons and servers alike—that she could not fully comprehend and a relaxed atmosphere despite the commotion. Her people would often say that teahouses are the perfect place to meet friends or make new ones—and as she gave the people sitting at the table with her a humble nod each, she knew the words would always be true, whether she's in Shanghai or New York.

They were the first to approach her, as the most recent arrival at the base after years of reluctance from the Chinese government. Apparently, it was their own tradition to greet all newcomers before anyone else could. 

She eventually learned of their names—Langley, Houshou, and Hermes—and a bit of their history. Among those stationed in New York, they were the most senior. But their appearances, like many of them, belied that.

Houshou, who was sitting across from her, was the most mature-looking out of the three. She rarely spoke, but her smile was near ever-present—Yat Sen was curious if she, too, was enjoying the place. It was likely because her gaze would often wander to calligraphies hung on the walls.

On her left was Hermes, fiddling with a deck of playing cards, shuffling and thumbing through them as if eager to invite someone to a game. On Houshou's right was Langley, who was looking at some notes before turning to Yat Sen, then to the rest of the group.

"Alright, ladies, today is our scheduled meeting, which happens to coincide with Miss Yat Sen inviting us to this teahouse," she began; despite looking like the youngest, Yat Sen noted she spoke like an old woman—though she wouldn't dare say that out loud.

"Thank you for joining me here," Yat Sen nodded again, "where I wish to repay your kindness."

"Oh, don't be so formal. It's nothing; we do it all the time, isn't that right, ladies?" replied Hermes, who had already left her cards forgotten on the table, Langley frowning at their haphazard placement.

"That's right," Houshou finally said something, her tone as kind as her countenance.

"And rest assured, we are not just some bored ladies with nothing to do," Langley chimed in. There was some slight annoyance in her remarks, and Yat Sen idly wondered if someone had told them that before.

"Oh, but it means much to me—your acceptance, that is—especially for taking the time to show me around this wonderful city," Yat Sen continued; they might have been trying to downplay it, but she wouldn't allow that.

"Good thing we know this place by heart, dear," Hermes laughed as she picked up her cards, following a glare from Langley.

"And why wouldn't we accept you? Us KANSENs, as we believe, should look after one another, despite our history," Houshou said. Knowing about the war that was long past and seeing her camaraderie with the other two, Yat Sen couldn't agree more, her doubts long gone.

A sudden burst of laughter brought the attention of the three to Yat Sen. It took a while before she calmed down.

"Ah, it's just like what Kongzi said; shihai zhi nei, jie xiongdi ye," she said, finding the three looking back with varying degrees of confusion.

"Within the four seas, all men are brothers," she continued, and the three nodded, encouraging her to go on—although Hermes still looked perplexed, "then, I suppose, KANSENs like us, we're all sisters, equal under heaven?"

"Beautifully put, Yat Sen-san," Houshou replied gently, "Koshi-sama is ever wise."

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"Philosophy is not my thing, but hey, whoever comes up with it is a genius," Hermes concurred, already going back to reshuffling her cards.

"Yes, yes, very profound, I must say; I just have to write it down so I can tell everybody about it later," Langley finished and did just that—jotting down the words in her notebook. She paused after a while.

"And do teach me the proper way to write it," she requested, a request Yat Sen was more than pleased to comply with. 

Langley looked satisfied as she did a quick look over her note, then at the oolong-filled teapot. With a cough, she gained the attention of the others.

"Well then, it's time to enjoy this tea before it gets cold," she exclaimed, noticing Yat Sen reaching for the pot. She promptly stopped her.

"Let me pour, will you?" she offered, already taking hold of the ware. Yat Sen was visibly disturbed at the idea.

"But... I'm the younger one here," said she, only for Langley to wag a finger on her face.

"Didn't you say we are all equal under heaven?" Langley poured the tea onto Yat Sen's cup, stopping before it was full.

"You're not filling it up, Langley?" Hermes inquired.

"Hmm, I don't know, but filling this kind of cup to the rim doesn't seem like a good idea. It might spill, you see?"

"It's just as tradition dictates," Yat Sen remarked. On instinct, she tapped the table with two fingers, but realizing Langley might not know the meaning behind the gesture, she quickly followed with a thank you.

"I see. That's a relief," Langley smiled with just a small amount of surprise. She then proceeded to do the same for Hermes and Houshou.

"Here's to good health, ladies," Hermes raised her cup slightly as soon as it was filled.

"This is not a place for a toast," Langley's rebuke was swift, but she did the same anyway, although more discreetly.

"Ah, lighten up, Langley-san," an amused Houshou soon followed.

Seeing that, Yat Sen knew she had no choice but to join, though she really didn't mind.

She didn't know why, but the tea felt more refreshing than usual after that.

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