NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
This page is outdated. I had to move, so a lot of those people are not in my life anymore and thus may not be mentioned as much in the blog. I'm keeping this as an archive.
This spans from March '25 to August '26. - Hi'iaka
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Me? I'm Hi'iaka, obviously. I'm not going to describe myself: the blog does plenty of that. Plus I hate the idea of describing yourself: what you does and what you say which has nothing to do with it that defines you. So, please make your own opinion.
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Cepheus' team (formerly my father's)
Cepheus - The head of their team, he took my father's place. A friend of my father's, he's also someone I get along very well with. Dad of two. Cepheus because at a time I thought I would not be coming back, I was thinking of dedicating a poem to them all picturing them as constellations, and it only made sense that I portrayed the leader and his deputy as Cepheus and Cassiopeia. Cepheus loves comics.
Cassiopeia - Cepheus' deputy, and my father's former deputy. It's her that I have gotten close to first. Chief warrant officer. Mom of two, I believe. She's got a luminous personality and calls herself very honest. My main door into the team. 50 this year. Fun fact, Cepheus and Cassiopeia were once students in the same uni, even if they're two years apart.
Hopoe - The one, only, beautiful and complicated Hopoe. My love interest. I could go on and on about her but for the sake of this page, I'll keep it short. A long story that is both painful and beautiful, and that I just want to have expressed in the real world, not just as "potential". First sergeant. Has tattoos that absolutely obsess me. And also, we have... quite the cultural affinity. Hōpoe, in Hawaiian mythology, is Hi'iaka's aikāne, basically same-sex partner, or dear friend. Pushing her 40s, has a fairly unusual birthday, but still acting like a teenager and the best thing is that... I still love her this way. Hopoe's constellation was originally tied between Corona Australis and Crux, but... nah. She's Hopoe. Her name means "the one encircled, as with a lei or with loving arms".
Oria - Captain. She arrived last year and while we haven't had much of a chance to talk a whole lot, I like her quite a bit. 30s. I think she's married. Has daddy troubles too, iirc she spent a long time in conflict with her own father. I initially wanted to call her Scorpio as she's also a Scorpio, but I thought Oria was better as it's a female variant of Orion and there are other Scorpios around so she can't be the only one.
Cetus - Commander. He's got a goofy appearance and always seems to be joking, while at the same time harbouring the gaze of someone who is half concerned. 50s. Married with several children, I don't remember how many. He's also from the same region as Cassiopeia. Originally was going to call him Serpent or Ophiuchus, but I think Cetus fits him better.
Libra - Chief warrant officer. Originally Lyra, but Libra is better, and she happens to actually be one. Now if there's something about Libra that I love, it's how sweet she is and how there's just softness in those eyes. 40s. Married with kids I reckon. But oh Lord would this office with her, Cetus, Oria and Hopoe not be the same without her.
Megara - Commander. I haven't talked to her all that much, but she used to work in a space where all three main armies (army, navy, air force) intertwined. Lovely-looking, has a Spanish charm to herself, and a lot of spunk. Her name comes from the maiden who became the first spouse of Hercules. Hey, if I meet her husband, let's name him Hercules. 40s. Megara as a name may mean "large room, palace".
Cygnus - Captain. Vietnamese, effeminate, swan-like. We're seven years apart. He would be my bisexual option if I actually could like guys more than just emotionally. Looks innocent but he is absolutely not and I always suspect he's doing some mischief behind the scenes. May or may not be a mole. His name comes from the constellation of Cygnus and it was the first thing I thought about when naming him. This immense cross is also called the Northern Cross, which contrasts with Hopoe's initial Corona Australis.
Jolene - First sergeant. 40s. Lesbian or bisexual: she's about to marry her fiancée who put off this for years. Has two children from a previous heterosexual marriage. She smokes and has a bit of an alt look. I don't quite know how to decipher her sometimes, at first she'd be much warmer but I find her getting colder, but she gets along well with Hopoe. Might be stress, might not be: she isn't too open to me about this. Name comes from Jolene, the song by Dolly Parton because I had literally no idea what to name her, but it's said to be kind of a gay anthem. Lol.
Austral - Reunionese warrant officer. We're eight years apart. Adorable from the start. Has a little boy from a previous relationship, but I don't know any partner of hers right now. Gets along well with Hopoe as well. She may or may not be dyslexic: Cepheus said that she has a tendency to mistake B for H in writing. Austral comes from Piscis Austrinus, which would've been her constellation, but obviously that's a bit too long to call someone, so Austral it was.
Bootes - Commander. 50s. Has three horses. He seems sensitive and quiet: we haven't talked a whole lot but he gives off a sweet vibe. He's actually a former rider from the Cadre Noir in Saumur. Bootes is from the constellation of... Boötes, the Herdsman. Auriga could've been a good contender too but sounds too feminine. I think he'd do well as a herdman in the mountains when he retires...
Old Major - I don't even remember his rank. Either chief warrant officer or major. He's a reservist who works in Cassiopeia's office when he does come. I have not much to say about him, but he's good and old. Name comes from Animal Farm: Old Major is an allegory of Karl Marx and a grandfatherly philosopher.
Virgo - Sergeant. I haven't talked to her a whole lot but since recently we have spoken again... might as well name her. I think she's not actually a Virgo, but gives me the energy of one. Perhaps Virgo placements in here. I didn't think of getting her birth info when I had that accessible...
Grey - First sergeant. 40s. Has a couple kids with his wife. Actually tried to pass the same exam as Hopoe but failed on both tries, so he won't be an officer. Tall, big, has a strong accent: he's from the very Southern part of the country. Gentle giant energy, not unlike Cetus, but much quieter. I wasn't sure how to name him, but Grey fits him: grey as a colour isn't necessarily dull, it can actually look very soft on the eyes. Pisces would've been his constellation but Austral with her Piscis Austrinus would've made this confusing.
Berenice - Commander, 40s to 50s. She came this summer to replace Bootes, and I reckon she's in an office with Virgo. Sadly, I haven't had much of an occasion to speak to her, as I met her right before the event that made me attempt suicide. Her nickname comes from Coma Berenices, a minor constellation in the sky.
Formerly:
Gill - Captain. Married to Malva. A chill guy who always calms me down just by his presence. Has Portuguese and Italian blood mixed in. 50s. His name.. I wasn't too inspired about a constellation, so comes from a diminutive of Gilbert but with an extra L, and I just learned there is actually a lunar crater. Intuition got it right.
Recently transferred to the first floor, where my father is, though I don't think they're in the same team.
Berenice - Commander, 40s to 50s. She came this summer to replace Bootes, and I reckon she's in an office with Virgo. Sadly, I haven't had much of an occasion to speak to her, as I met her right before the event that made me attempt suicide. Her nickname comes from Coma Berenices, a minor constellation in the sky.
Formerly:
Gill - Captain. Married to Malva. A chill guy who always calms me down just by his presence. Has Portuguese and Italian blood mixed in. 50s. His name.. I wasn't too inspired about a constellation, so comes from a diminutive of Gilbert but with an extra L, and I just learned there is actually a lunar crater. Intuition got it right.
Recently transferred to the first floor, where my father is, though I don't think they're in the same team.
Eridanus - Chief warrant officer, 50s. I met him a few times but it's always been good. His wife once mistook me for a teen girl. While he's no longer in that team and hasn't been for a year, he's still a figure that is well-remembered and loved and still has his place amongst them. Eridanus is the river where the sun goes to rest. But it's also the river god... and rivers don't fade just like that. They flow...
Chin - Now chief warrant officer. He's got a French name but is Asian. Sweet guy, rather quiet. The origin of his name... that's exactly what you could think about. I literally had no idea what to call him, and he's Asian, so... "ch*nk", but obviously that's racist, so I dropped a K. So now it's Chin and it sounds funny as shit. See also the Japanese Chin dog breed which I think resembles him, and looks cute. He moved to the first floor too I believe.
Chin - Now chief warrant officer. He's got a French name but is Asian. Sweet guy, rather quiet. The origin of his name... that's exactly what you could think about. I literally had no idea what to call him, and he's Asian, so... "ch*nk", but obviously that's racist, so I dropped a K. So now it's Chin and it sounds funny as shit. See also the Japanese Chin dog breed which I think resembles him, and looks cute. He moved to the first floor too I believe.
Former colleagues:
Steph - 50. Mom of two, including a lesbian daughter, and stepmom of two as well I believe. Divorced, but is now with a warrant officer I don't really like, who may or may not still be engaged to his previous partner. I may not mention her a lot but she was very motherly towards me and actually voiced things I needed to her. Like... that I needed love more than anything else. Steph please...
Malva - Pushing her 60s. Wife of Gill. I love her, but the age difference is very obvious: we don't see eye to eye especially in love. She's the kind to say "if I were you" quite a bit and can cut off people just like that if she decides she's done with them, which I cannot do. Well-meaning, but awkward in delivery. Malva is the Latin name of the mallow flower (Malva sylvestris), which is a wildflower commonly found here.
Bellatrix - 38. Lieutenant. In a relationship with a policeman she dearly loves, but is holding off on living with him because she wants to be sure it's the right call, since he also has kids. Mom to a 7 or 8 year old son. The father left her when she was pregnant because he did not want children. Became an officer from succeeding at the exam Hopoe and Grey failed. Actually collaborates with Cetus, though they're in two different buildings. I love her dearly: we were always on a first name basis except for a time she preferred to keep formal due to other peoples' possible questions. It hurt, but we are back to normal now. Bellatrix (γ Orionis) is the third-brightest star in the constellation of Orion. Name translates to "the (female) warrior". It's also called the Amazon star.
Others I haven't named, but I may just give them a "posthumous" name because they still played an important role in my story.
Current colleagues:
Esme - 21. Guyanese. I actually knew her from a while before, but I didn't expect us to actually work in the same office. Introverted, sometimes distant, but that's fine. I still like to get under her skin sometimes. Sometimes a little difficult to understand, but again, I find this okay. Soon leaves to be in a regiment again and I'm NOT going to like this. I thought she was mostly liked in the service, but I've heard several people criticizing her when she isn't here, saying she "doesn't have the military spirit" because she's very independent and can resist authority. Esme comes from Esmeralda, the emerald. The colour of the leaves in the Guyanese rainforest, when wet, are like emeralds to my eyes. Also the Gypsy from Notre-Dame-de-Paris, even if it wasn't really the first inspiration for her name.
Capella - 40s. My warrant officer. We work well together both as people and as superior and subordinate. Sweet as can be. Used to be a fiery personality, went on many overseas missions and loves traveling, but has calmed down after having children. We are exactly one day apart in birthday. Single mom of two girls from two different fathers: both relationships were sadly toxic. I wish she was less overworked: since she isn't the kind to look strong and she has a vulnerable look in her eyes, I think people unconsciously put a lot on her plate because "they know she'll handle it". Capella (α Aurigae) is the brightest star of the constellation of Auriga, the Charioteer. The name literally means "little goat" and I think that's fitting.
Patty - 50s. Breton. Civilian. Former sergeant. Has a daughter from a previous marriage that is long dissolved. She's a bit wacky, but extremely nice. Wants to do well and actually holds you when you cry. Has endometriosis and actually is of help because I might have it, as well... with very similar symptoms as mine. Patty is short for Patricia, but also refers to the beef patties. Considering those are comforting to me, I think this name fits well.
Major Alderamin - 65. Actually a major. Reservist, she's too old for active service, but has many years under her belt. I loved her the minute I met her. She's very talkative and always has a stock of candy and chocolate in her desk. Also knows Cepheus on a first-name basis. I named her after the brightest star in the constellation of Cepheus, Alderamin (α Cephei) as to honour this thread. The star's name means "the right arm". Right-hand woman?
Blue - I don't know her age but I think she's in her late 40s. Civilian, formerly military like many of my current colleagues. I think she has children and is married but I don't know really. What I know is, she's very very nice, and she has blue eyes that, paired with her pale skin and dark hair, remind me of the winter archetype. Originally wanted to name her after a star but she's good as Blue, named after her blue eyes. I'm never scared of asking her for help.
Hera - My head of service. Civilian. Married. I think she's in her late 40s, early 50s. Plenty I don't know about her. She's very nice and seems to have a very romantic imagination, but also very heteronormative. At her desk she's nearly cold: outside of her office, I find her much better to be around. Her name comes from the goddess. I initially hesitated between a queen's name and a star's name, but I think Hera fits. She wears a white pearl on a silver chain, which makes a bridge between my white-on-gold and Hopoe's black-on-silver, and also is the one who hired me. The literal bridge, yes.
Theodora - 52. Married to an island guy with whom she has the same age gap as I have with Hopoe. Has no children, but has two or three stepchildren. Tall, calm, intelligent and has disdain for idiots who think the administration is their friend. I named her Theodora partially after the wife of Emperor Justinian, but also because Theodore (and its female variant Theodora) means "gift from the gods". She earned her name after we both got nearly crushed by a falling metal shelf and we both saved each other's life by holding on for dear life.
Colonel Leo - 50s, colonel. Head of our whole service, even above Hera and Janus. Actually a Leo and even has a stellium there, in his 10th house out of all places. Married, two teenage children. He's a nice guy, nowhere near malicious, and weirdly enough looks a bit like a big child, but he tends to be out of touch with his personnel. For example, if he wants to do a biking activity, he'll ask people to bring their bikes when some don't actually live anywhere close or even have a car. He gives me the vibe of a man who needs a lot of validation, similar to my father but without the rotten manipulative bit. Named after the constellation of Leo, the Lion, which itself represents the Nemean lion. The lion in question had golden fur and was seemingly immortal... that is until Hercules strangled it with its bare hands.
Janus - 50s, recently promoted to colonel. Married, dad of two I reckon. He's very gentle and I've never heard him raise his voice nor seen him do anything that isn't in a calm way. But given his rank and how he could command an entire battalion, I doubt that he's always nice like that. He shared an office with Hera but soon will not anymore. Both of them will have their own office. Named after Roman god Janus, who has not only two faces, but is the god of endings, beginnings, passageways, transitions... and gave his name to the month of January (Januarius). No, he wasn't born in January. The god's name quite literally means "arched door".
Sagitta - Warrant officer, approaching her 50s, but looks younger. Mom of two, either separated or divorced, but no man in her life. If she wasn't that old and she didn't have kids, I think I definitely could lose my heart there. Works with Vega at the chancery office of the service. Dislikes sailors. Has actually called Petty Officer Stupid a miserable piece of shit (the joke was on his rank's abbreviation, so it's a bit lost in translation here) when I told her about his antics. Her name comes from the constellation of Sagitta, the Arrow, a dim but notable constellation of the northern sky.
Vega - Major, 40s, married I reckon, mom of two or three. Looks a lot like a high school friend I had and I even thought of comparing their birth charts because they gave such a similar vibe, but it turns out they're very differently built there. We share a moon sign. She's a fun girl honestly, it was hard staying formal with her at first, until the informality just kicked in on the phone. She's the one I go to when there's an issue with a personnel having records of absenteeism or clearly had a suspension (in the cases that I had to deal with, the guys had dun goof'd properly). She loves my leather boots and my pareus. Named after Vega (α Lyrae), a well-known star which is the brightest in the constellation of Lyra, and which also... is a future North Star.
Dionysus - Former military personnel, now civilian worker. 40s, probably close to his 50s. Looks younger than he is, and kind of like a sort of garden gnome with a massive potbelly. Has a wife and a ten-year-old son. The way he speaks and thinks reminds me of my brother, except more emotionally intelligent. He can get a bit smelly and breathes kind of loudly, but that's due to his weight. Chill, nowhere near creepy, but never misses an occasion to make a randy joke especially if it's a pun on someone's name. But he can also get pretty crassly inconsiderate. Named after Greek god Dionysus, who is the patron of winemaking, festivity, pleasure, insanity, theatre, and fruit, to name a few. I thought it was perfect for him.
Passiflora - Likely in her mid to late 30s. Married to a Reunionese military guy who works here, but is not from Réunion herself: her accent gives Caribbean, specifically Martinique, to me. Very cute-looking and sweet. I was almost shy in her presence at first because of that: I only grew more comfortable after learning she was married, because there was something in me being stirred by that. Also a contract worker like me, and passed the same exam. I hope she gets the job. Named after the passionflower (Passiflora), which is a flower found in various species of the genus all over the topics, but also gives a delicious fruit. Plus I bet she's the kind to be super loving to her husband.
Minerva - 50s, butch lesbian, married to her partner of 22 years, a chief warrant officer I believe. Former military personnel: she used to be one of those ladies who maintained paratroopers' material. Actually spent years in the city I spent thirteen years of my life in! But sadly, by the time I was here, she and her wife were long gone. She's a contract worker but has been here for two years and works at the archives. Knows a whole ass lot about them, and also manages the deceased, reformed, and stricken personnel. Named after Roman goddess Minerva, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, justice, law and victory. Let's say I wasn't going to go all Touhou fan and name her Patchouli. Nah, that name's for a stoner.
Leonard - 50s. Former military personnel. Is not universally liked in the whole service: Theodora told me he's a bit "special" back when I had not met him yet. Was married for 30 years, divorced, now remarrying his new partner in September. Adopted, was severely abused by his father, and had the great idea to dump that on me right when I told him I wasn't in contact with mine. Fun fact: he gets on well with my father. Hates Leo, Janus and Hera: says that he went to a psychologist precisely because Hera was bullying him. Says that "you know where you stand" with him and that he doesn't trash-talk people behind their back, but spends half of his time complaining about the superiors. Now replaced by Passiflora and GOOD RIDDANCE. I wasn't going to name him at all at first, but practicality forced me to. Named after Leonard, a demon from European witchcraft. Three-horned, two fox ears, a face behind his head and a goat's beard. His name means "lion-hearted"... double irony and a bit of a middle finger considering he hates Leo.
Chara - 40, Martiniquais. First sergeant. Coupled up with a man, mom of two. The first time I saw her, I was mildly troubled by her presence: her gentleness felt overwhelming and I guess I felt a little something. Cooks really well: made two killer cakes for her birthday and they felt like they were made with love. She's honestly adorable and while I didn't have much chance to talk to her in the past, I recently could get to know her better. Implied that she would totally go to the pool with me to swim and hang out if she was living closer. Gets along well with Esme and I feel she's kind of a mentor figure to her. Her nickname comes from the star Chara (β Canum Venaticorum), a solar-type star which is the second-brightest of the minor constellation Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs. But also, in Greek, χαρά means joy.
Others I haven't named yet, but who may become relevant enough I name them.
Others:
Petty Officer Stupid - Petty officer, as his nickname suggests. His room is adjacent to mine. Gamer. Algerian guy I think may be my age, or slightly older or younger. Tall, muscular, but looks exactly like the moron he is. Heavy enough to make his desk chair creak. Has a really grating laughter. Doesn't seem to care for civility and I had to siege him for 30 minutes the first time I had to tell him to keep it down because the boy games and laughs past 10pm (aka the time you should not be making any more noise). He never opened his door, only answered through it, and only recently saw how he looks like. His name conveniently shortens to POS.
Tane - My tattoo artist. 40s. Former military personnel, quit due to PTSD. Dad of a teenage son. Marquesan (Ua Pou). Virgo sun. Meeting him felt like meeting an old friend: we talked for the full four hours of the tattooing process and I didn't even feel a hint of being tired afterwards. He and his ex-wife, despite having split up during Covid, still hold each other in dear regard. She has moved on, but still manages his shop page partially. He's got into motorbiking and looks for a girlfriend who shares his passion. Tāne is both the god of forests and birds (if we're among the Māori) or... the god of grace and beauty, if we're in the Society Islands.
Big Kili - I reckon she's in her early 40s. Wallisian. Happily married to a first-class master corporal who is as big as her, has three children. We haven't spoken a word but the fun thing is that I always mistake her for Hopoe from behind, until I realize she's bigger, taller, and has a bigger bun. And I laugh internally. Poor Kili, being unknowingly my comic relief. Eh, who knows if we may not get to know each other one day? Her name comes from what would be a diminutive of her name, probably people do call her that if they're intimate enough, and... well. Kili is big, so Big Kili.
Big Willy - Kili's husband, first-class master corporal, dad of three, 40s. I have sometimes spoken briefly to him. He looks like a huge baby towering over me and his name was chosen somewhat randomly because it sounds funny next to "Big Kili" and he might, well.. you know what a willy is. Ask her if it's truly big, I guess. Again, who knows if he's not someone I might get to know further later down the line.
Vaima - Standkeeper I met at the festival I went to. Among the stuff she sells are handmade pareus. I bought one from her, and I think I may use it as decoration rather than wear it, unless it's tremendously hot outside. She saved my ass by giving me an old t-shirt she was no longer wearing as a top for a tamure marathon. It looks ridiculous compared to what I usually wear but I cherish it. Vaima means "freshwater", and she was hell of a refreshing one!
Manu - A girl I met at the festival. Younger than me by three or four years, has a toddler son and is married to a guy who looks cool. Might become a friend with time? I'll see her again at another festival. Manu, in many Polynesian languages, is the word for "bird" or at least is referring to some kind of bird.
Hokulea - My probable future dance teacher. Also a singer and musician, sings well! I will obviously update this once I join her school. I find her very intriguing. 33 years old, anaretic Aries sun. Talented for sure: all the dances including her group members provoked immense emotion in me. Tall and thin... and may or may not be a raerae. Her nickame comes from the va'a Hōkūleʻa, which was built in the 70s to navigate like the ancestors did many centuries ago, when they set course for the then-uninhabited islands sitting in the Pacific, for several voyages. She may, quite literally, be my vessel in the sea of 'ori tahiti. The name also refers to the star Arcturus (α Boötis).
Hani - First sergeant. Tahitian, but born in the mainland, and has a first and last name combination that absolutely does NOT give away her actual origins. Mid 40s. Married, mom of three. I haven't talked to her very much but the little contact I've had with her was good. I met her for the first time back at my former contract during the NCO review in November. She actually told my colleague that "I was sweet, they should keep me longer". Since then, we have only said hello in passing, but I still like her a lot. She seems to be friends with Hopoe and they hang out quite a bit lately. I wonder if she could play a role for us in the future? Her name comes from the Tahitian word hani, which means "love" in a tender sense rather than a romantic sense, but also "darling". For sure she seems to be a real darling.
Beowulf - Tattoo artist friend. Reunionese, married with two children. Mentee and close friend of Tane. Almost 39. Scorpio sun, rising, and Cancer moon. He LOVES Japan, Japanese pop culture, and folklore, and I do share this interest with him. Former military personnel: he left at the rank of first sergeant. I knew him back when I was in my former service, because he and Steph were getting along really well. He worked several floors up. He considers the wolf to be his spirit animal. His nickname translates to "bee-wolf" and refers to a bear, which is kind of funny, and is also the name of a famous Scandinavian hero whose story is related in the eponymous poem. I almost named him Okami, but... nah. He just looks more like a Beowulf to me.
Rose - A friend I've had since middle school. She's a year older than me, married briefly then divorced, has a four-year-old son. We didn't talk for a long time but never forgot about each other and periodically bumped into the other, until I got back in touch with her on social media. Rose is an emotionally intelligent woman. She's been through a terrible lot, herself, had a forced abortion and bullying at age sixteen, and has attempted suicide three times. Her ex-husband is a proper asshole who always gets on her case for a reason or another when it's about their son. Her name comes from the Rose of the Little Prince, she loves everything about this book. And what a sweet perfume a rose has...
Rose - A friend I've had since middle school. She's a year older than me, married briefly then divorced, has a four-year-old son. We didn't talk for a long time but never forgot about each other and periodically bumped into the other, until I got back in touch with her on social media. Rose is an emotionally intelligent woman. She's been through a terrible lot, herself, had a forced abortion and bullying at age sixteen, and has attempted suicide three times. Her ex-husband is a proper asshole who always gets on her case for a reason or another when it's about their son. Her name comes from the Rose of the Little Prince, she loves everything about this book. And what a sweet perfume a rose has...
Hikianalia - Future ori tahiti teacher, the alternative to Hokulea since I'm going to go back south for a while. Tahitian, obviously. Short, all rounded, and with incredibly long hair. She's either 30 or 31 and has two children, married to a Frenchman. Mormon, also, and apparently works as a missionary. She seems like someone with an enormous lot of compassion. I mean, Mormons are known to be nice. Her name comes from the sister ship to the Hōkūleʻa, which was built in the 2010s if I recall good. Smaller ship, contains a lot of electronics, but an indispensable companion to the other one. The name Hikianalia also refers to the star Spica (α Virginis), and while I haven't found any translation for that one, it can be inferred it means something like "the star that rises over the horizon". When you're in Hawai'i, the stars Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia rise together over the horizon.