RP: Hinomaru Sunrises II Mission 2.0 - Pearl and Engine

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.4

RP Location

Sharie System

Prelude​

Over a year had passed since the Alliance Fleet had established the Sharie System as their primary base and operational hub within the Kosuke Sector. Despite initial aspirations for extensive exploration, progress had been significantly impeded by the relentless Third Mishhuvurthyar War. The encounter with the formidable Sfrarabla Mishhuvurthyar Xhrafuklurp Battleship by the Lorrheim group marked merely the beginning, as they soon faced additional threats, including a predatory new gunship targeting cargo lanes leading back to Jiyuu. Despite the collective hopes of eager pioneers awaiting colonization opportunities at Port Jiyuu, not a single world had been successfully settled. The dream of expansion seemed increasingly elusive in the face of daunting challenges.

The capture of Illionite Strategist Lyran Vei by the crew of the YSS Mazu proved to be a turning point. Through astute interrogation methods, crucial intelligence was gleaned, revealing the formidable nature of the Illionites as a significant force in the region. Furthermore, it was discovered that they had established a disturbing alliance with the Mishhuvurthyar, engaging in the trade of slaves and goods. The situation grew even more dire as it became evident that the Illionites were not merely content with conventional warfare. Their insidious schemes included seeding worlds with various species, orchestrating conflicts among them purely for their own perverse entertainment.

Among these unfortunate worlds, Becurn stood as a grim example of their cruel experiments...

YSS Mazu​

Port Jiyuu, Sharie System​

In the tranquil embrace of the YSS Mazu's docked state, the tempo of life aboard the vessel softened, allowing the crew to unwind before the next wave of duties. While many of her comrades reveled in the dwindling moments of liberty on base, Motoyoshi Kaoru, a striking figure with alabaster skin tinged with a delicate pink blush, found herself ensconced in the ship's bridge, surrounded by the gentle hum of the ship's systems.

Perched in the commanding seat, Kaoru exuded an air of relaxed authority, her petite frame elegantly draped across the chair. Her sky-blue hair, adorned with frosted metallic pink highlights that gently kissed the tips, framed her face in a playful cascade, a testament to her penchant for staying abreast of the latest fashion trends. Though typically cut short, her locks swayed ever so slightly with her movements, lending a sense of fluidity to her demeanor. As the ship's chronometer struck 0200, casting a soft glow upon the dimly lit bridge, Kaoru found herself in the company of only one other—a diligent communications officer tasked with maintaining contact with the outside world. Yet, despite the solitude, Kaoru's mind buzzed with a myriad of thoughts, her analytical nature refusing to rest even in the stillness of the night.

With one hand idly tracing patterns across the armrest, Kaoru's gaze wandered, lingering on the console before her. In the quietude of the bridge, she couldn't help but contemplate the myriad responsibilities that came with her role as the second-in-command, a position she held in the shadow of her formidable mothers, the Taishos. Despite her outward facade of calm, a tempest of emotions raged within her, each thought vying for her attention. With a sigh, Kaoru leaned back further into the comfort of her seat, allowing the rhythmic hum of the ship to soothe her restless mind. In the quiet stillness of the bridge, amidst the soft glow of consoles and the gentle sway of her hair, she found solace, if only for a fleeting moment, before the next wave of duties called her back to the forefront.

"Motoyoshi-Taisa," the red-haired Nekovalkyrja communications officer interrupted, his voice breaking through the quietude of the bridge. "I have a distress signal incoming from the YSS Karasu Gin, a Reikei-Class Science Vessel NL-X5-74, in the Becurn System. They are requesting assistance as they are under attack by the Mishhuvurthyar..." Her words hung in the air, pregnant with urgency, as her concluded his report.

Kaoru's sky-blue eyes snapped open, a surge of determination coursing through her veins. It was time to spring into action once more. With a brief pinch of her eyes shut, she centered herself, steeling her resolve for the tasks ahead. "Recall the rest of the crew," she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. "Inform shimizu-Motoyoshi Taisho and see if the Fifth Expeditionary can lend us a few escorts; all of ours are still undergoing repairs. Update command and signal all decks to prepare for an emergency departure once everyone is back here."

As Kaoru's directives echoed through the bridge, a flurry of activity erupted around her. Volumetric windows materialized before the command chair, each one bearing vital information and status updates.

 

[Charaa]

Within the vast emptiness of the ship's cargo bay, silence reigned supreme, broken only by the faint echo of footsteps as Makoto moved gracefully within its confines. The dim lighting cast shadows that danced around her, adding to the mysterious aura that surrounded her figure.

In the heart of this solitude, Makoto stood, her form poised and focused, her Aether katana held firmly in her grasp. With eyes closed, she relied solely on her other senses, honing her skills as a warrior of the Yamatai Star Empire's Star Army. Each movement she made was deliberate, a testament to years of disciplined training and unwavering dedication.

As she flowed through a series of precise swings, jabs, and lunges, the air hummed with the swift motion of her blade. In her mind's eye, imaginary foes materialized, their forms shifting and morphing as she engaged them in combat. Makoto's movements were fluid yet powerful, her strikes executed with a lethal precision that spoke of her expertise in the art of combat.

With each thrust and parry, Makoto delved deeper into her training, pushing herself beyond the limits of her physical abilities. The rhythmic sound of steel meeting air reverberated through the cargo bay, a symphony of martial prowess and unwavering determination.

Despite the solitude of her surroundings, Makoto was far from alone. In the depths of her mind, she sparred with adversaries both real and imagined, drawing upon her inner strength and unwavering resolve to emerge victorious. For in the heart of this empty space, Makoto found not emptiness, but rather the boundless potential of her own spirit, ready to conquer any challenge that lay ahead.

Makoto allowed a slow exhale to escape her lips, the simple act serving a dual purpose. Not only did it help to regulate her breathing and calm her racing heart, but it also served as a reminder of the fragile balance between life and death that defined her existence as a warrior. With each breath, she reaffirmed her commitment to mastering her craft and defending the honor of the Yamatai Star Empire.

Despite the momentary respite, Makoto's training persisted, relentless in its demands for perfection. In the recesses of her mind, she visualized the deadly encounter with a Mishhuvurthyar Ripper, one of the Empire's most formidable adversaries. With a swift and calculated movement, she delivered a fatal blow, a feat that defied the conventional limitations of a non-Power Armor warrior like herself. It was a testament to her skill and determination, a glimpse into the depths of her potential as a formidable combatant.

The weight of her katana felt familiar in her hands as she continued to move with purpose and precision. With each swing and thrust, she embraced the legacy of her ancestors, drawing strength from the centuries of tradition that flowed through her veins. As the blade sliced through the air, she performed a fluid motion, guiding it through her arm in a ritualistic act of cleansing, reminiscent of the ancient customs passed down through generations.

The metallic tang of imaginary blood lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor. Yet, Makoto remained undeterred, her resolve unyielding in the face of adversity. For in the crucible of combat, she found not only the strength to overcome her foes but also the courage to confront the darkness that lurked within her own soul.

With each passing moment, Makoto embraced the essence of her warrior spirit, a beacon of light amidst the shadows of uncertainty. For she knew that within the depths of her being lay the power to shape her own destiny and carve a path of glory worthy of her ancestors' legacy.

With a fluid motion, Makoto slid her katana back into its sheath, the metallic click resonating in the empty space around her. Turning on her heel, she began to make her way out of the makeshift training area, the echoes of her footsteps punctuating the silence. Each step carried with it a sense of purpose and determination, a silent testament to her unwavering commitment to duty.

Exiting the secluded confines of the cargo bay, Makoto entered the bustling corridors of the ship proper. The air hummed with increased activity, a palpable energy coursing through the passageways as crew members hurried to their stations. Voices murmured in hushed tones, exchanging snippets of information that hinted at the urgency of the situation unfolding beyond the ship's hull.

As Makoto navigated through the labyrinthine corridors, her senses remained keenly attuned to the signs of impending action. The mention of a distress signal from the YSS Karasu Gin, a Reikei-Class Science Vessel NL-X5-74, in the Becurn System, sent a ripple of anticipation coursing through her veins. It was a call to arms, a summons to duty that she was all too familiar with.

With a steadfast resolve, Makoto quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing with purpose as she made her way to her designated battle station. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders like a mantle, driving her forward with a singular focus. She was ready to serve her empire, to heed the call of duty and stand ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As she arrived at her post, Makoto's gaze hardened with determination, her every muscle poised for action. For in the crucible of conflict, she would prove herself worthy of the honor bestowed upon her as a warrior of the Yamatai Star Empire. With her heart ablaze with loyalty and her spirit unyielding in the face of adversity, Makoto stood ready to embark on yet another chapter in her journey of service and sacrifice.

 

[Yuuki]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

"All hands, general quarters! We have a mission!" Shōsa Motoyoshi Tachiko announced over the comms. "Divert to Becurn system, immediately. Mina-san– we need to be underway yesterday!"

She pulled up the intelligence as she had it, nodding to the Analyst in appreciation. "We are going to be escorts for the YSS Mazu, responding to a distress call from Becurn. Mishhuvurthyar contact, situation unknown, other Star Army assets both on scene and en route. Set for rendezvous with the Mazu and the other Fifth Fleet escorts."

 

[Commissar Farzi]

Jumping with a start and a muttered curse Morris had been rather suddenly, and rudely awakened by the intrusion of that...rather nice lady shouting and a klaxon alarm going off, robbing him of the precious little sleep he'd managed to snag; they'd been busy since they'd gotten here-their hosts had made sure of that. Probably was still mad about the bounty on the slaggers-that'd been a shitshow unto itself; one minute he'd been having a few drinks swapping stories with a couple of their vets, and next thing he knew he'd found himself in a brawl with them and a few of the port's security-including one in power armor. As close as it was, it'd been fun; a nice change of pace-he'd only stopped when a half-dozen mass driver rifles were pointed at him. That and maybe the fact he'd thrown the armored one like a sack of grain might've had something to with that; only finding out until AFTER the fact what was going on. While it was aggravating as hell, he could understand to a point why they'd just skip to the brawling.

Oh well; didn't understand why the cats cared so much, but it was what it was.

Shooting out of the all-too-cramped confines of his bunk as the last drops of fatigue left him, he let loose a bellow of ("Alright you lazy bastards, get up and draw weapons an' armor-her ladyship's needin' us!") He still sounded groggy as bollocks, but it couldn't be helped as he tore the locker containing his gear-others doing the same; grumbling all the while. ("Quit complaining, we've had naught but busywork and drill for the last few months,") He barked as he strapped on his armor, ("There's a bunch of gribblies that decided they need to be where they're not wanted-let's make em' regret it.") At that the rather dour mood of the group suddenly evaporated; infact the mood changed from the usual bitching and moaning to a sort of energy that could be described as the sort of excitement that a bunch of youths had after their first taste of the ale; confident, far too cheerful and likely ready to enact copious amounts of violence. Not even 10 minutes later the Cohort was fully assembled and was marching towards the Mazu-he noted there were a few more security guards than usual. Morris noted Alexei was looking more irritable than normal as he fell into lockstep; the little guy had been oddly silent as of late save for running the smiths ragged. Not that he was complaining as while he was extremely competent he'd gained a reputation as a bit of a dick.

He smiled to himself at the familiarity of it all; heading off to war, pissing a few major powers off, getting into brawls with people under their client's command, and the chance of dying horribly to eldritch horrors from beyond deep space...just another day in the Iron Company.

 

[Nakshatra]

ALINA​

Taisho Shimizu-Motoyoshi Akina's Quarters​

A ding rang forth from Alina's communication device, indicative of something quite important that required her immediate attention. Abruptly awoken from slumber her right hand fumbled around to find the dastardly noise source. Why was it not where it usually was? Her reach extended further towards the nuisance, only to find that she had gone further than bounds of the bed she was on allowed for. With a resounding thud she landed firmly on her bum, her face turned cherry red as she instantly remembered where she was.

"Oh sweet gods," Alina silently cursed as she fumbled getting up in a somewhat composed manner. A quick glance at the message which caused such disruption alerted her that she might need to ensure Shimizu-Motoyoshi Taisho of a special request. As Akina's clerk there may be some work that would be required on her part for this particular request. Detangling herself from some sheets that imprisoned her after the fall, she stood up with the communicator in hand. "Taisho, a request has come through from the First Officer of the YSS Mazu for support from Fifth Expeditionary Fleet. Would you like for me to send a response?" she inquired in a quiet professional tone as the blush on her face remained.

CYTARI
YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

Tachiko's voice rang over the comms like a mystical call to action, immediately ending Engineering Department's meeting. Without a word Koko, Rae, and Uehara dispersed from the engineering office to their specified stations as Chief Engineering Officer Cytari followed shortly after. She ran as fast as she could to the System's and Safety Monitoring Station on the bridge, unceremoniously slamming her rear into the seat.

As each of her technician's chimed in through communications with her that they were at their station's ready to go she chimed, "Engineering Department manned and ready Captain." She glanced over system information as she awaited further orders and responses from the other departments.

 

[Primitive Polygon]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

The helmswoman was of course already at their post, hands braced to the console, with back upright. Rigid and predatory, like an inari statue. Real world concerns, such as receiving crew awareness, and avoiding the distractions of cyberspace, had until now stopped them from interfacing and interfering with the autopilot- But like a tripped switch, Tae Tsuguka's practiced hands sprung into action immediately.

"Order confirmed, Shosa! Course projection uploaded, angle plus fifteen, plus twenty six! CFS and plasma will work up to seventy five precent burn!" The oni announced clearly and concisely, fingers still furiously working at the volumetric controls. Soon enough the ship was suddenly felt to shift and creak, still a diminutive collossus of highly advanced interlocking parts, regardless of how big Yamatai ships could get. "ETA three minutes!"

A tense pause, a seizing of the hands- Everything was mechanically working perfectly, but Tae was suddenly confronted with the mental shortfall that she had no idea what formation the ships of Mazu's squadron were currently organized in. They were battle ready... which means she couldn't just go off sensor readings... and even two ships glancing sheilds as this pace would be a very short bus trip to Yomi for everyone involved.

"Navigation!- Shoi Shinono!-... Tactical uplink information from the YSS Mazu is requested!..."

Belatedly, with a begrudging grunt, Tsuguka turned on the Yukika II's honest to goodness running lights. Primitive as it was, the thought that the formation would missidentify their little hardened scout on approach, did also occur to them... Was the captain waiting to give them refined orders, to achive a clean interface? Or was she expected to make that up by herself?

 

[Nameless]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

The Nepleslian was halfway through his coffee when the request for assistance came in. The interface of his station was something he had been needing to get used to, but he knew which button was what at the very least. Enough to operate with a hand occupied with holding a mug. Navigation had provided the arrival estimate, and the captain had made it plain that they were going to respond. So that meant it was time to get to work.

"YSS Mazu, this is Yukika II responding to your call for assistance. ETA three minutes. Don't start the party without us, over." Once Roy sent the response to the ship, he switched over internal comms. "Power armor squads one through four be on standby, make sure your gear is in order for quick deployment." That should be all for now, he thought to himself. Engineering had reported in and its not like navigation needed any direction from him. What else was there to do but sit back and drink his brew and enjoy the three minutes before comm traffic picked up.