[1XF] On Mended Wings

[Nashoba]

The Firebird was moving away from Yamatai and all systems were operating normally. Sune sat at the center console of the small bridge. Amethyst was forward and to the right of Sune at the helm station. Chiba the XO was at the Mission Ops station behind him and to the left.

Since the Firebird was still making its way out through the system, this was to Sune the perfect time to call a drill. He sent the commands and Rosalba sounded General Quarters. Throughout the Scout ship the crew rushed to their combat stations. Personnel grabbed the AMES and had them placed near their positions. Across his console Sune could see the various tactical systems coming on line. The test was successful his crew had made it to their stations and were combat ready within the specified times.

Sune reached down and picked up the intercom handset, he dialed the ship wide channel. "Attention All Hands, Secure from General Quarters. All personnel should make their way down to the Medbay to create a Mental Backup." Sune stood up and made his towards the door, "Shoi, you have the bridge. I am heading to the Medbay to create a new backup." he said to Chiba.

Sune made down to the Medbay, it was reminiscent of the one on the Eucharis except for its size, he stepped through the door and spotted the blonde haired Medic.

"Medbay standing by Chusa, how may I be of service." Citrine asked a bit nervous to have the commander in her domain so soon.

"Just here to create a new backup. I expect everyone else to do so, but I want to set a good example." he replied.

Citrine walked over to the Mental Backup Unit. "Certainly Chusa, please get comfortable on the unit and I will take care of it for you. Are your medical records current?"

"Yes, they are. I uploaded the lasted one I had back on the Eucharis."

The familiar and uncomfortable process proceeded and Sune was soon leaving for the bridge. Chiba stood up and excused himself to attend to his backup. Sune took his place at his station, and pulled up the communications system. He selected the Quantum communication system and programmed a message to the Eucharis.

To: YSS Eucharis
From: YSS Firebird

Hanako-Shôshô
Requesting Eucharis location and status. Please provide rendezvous coordinates.

Jalen Sune-Chusa
Commander

 

[Nashoba]

While Sune waited for a reply from the Eucharis he decided it was time for the Firebird to make her first fold. He selected a region of empty space about ten lightyears north of Yamatai. "Amethyst,-Hei prepare to fold to the coordinates I am sending to your station."

"Aye Chusa, coordinates received hyperspace fold drive is charging. Fold will be ready in one minute." The purple haired Neko pulled up a sensor scan focusing on the target. "Long range scans show no FTL traffic at destination. All shipboard systems are green. Fold is charged, awaiting command engage."

Sune did a quick double check of Amethyst's work, since a small mistake could be fatal in an FTL transition. Satisfied with her work he looked up from his console. He picked up the handset dialed the shipwide channel, Attention all hands. We are making our first fold." he said into the unit.

Hanging up the handset he looked at the starship operator. "Engage Fold."

Amethyst entered the commands into her console. The indicators were acting exactly as they had in training. She knew that at this moment a teal sphere was forming around the Firebird. She tensed slightly as she watched the field strength approach the level necessary for fold to initiate. There was the slightest tremor in the Firebird as it transitioned to FTL. She turned towards Sune with a smile "We have entered fold Chusa, all systems nominal."

Sune relaxed in his station, "Well done Amethyst-Hei. I have got the bridge, go ahead and go to medical to get your mental backup accomplished." he said with a slight smile.

The Neko smiled a bit wider at his praise. She nodded briefly to Sune and got up left the birdge.

 

[Nashoba]

The Firebird flew silently through hyperspace on its first fold. The initial jump would take them 11.76 minutes.

Sune sat at his bridge station and all the status indicators were nominal. Eiko their Engineer came onto the bridge and sat at the CFS Systems station. Watching on the screen the countdown to their return to normal space. Instead of the normal drop from FTL, the Firebird lurched into normal space. The inertial compensator system struggled to counter the forces, and everyone on the bridge was pushed forward.

Once in normal space, Sune took control of the ship and brought the Firebird out of its tumble and slowed it to a stop. He rotated toward Eiko. "Engineer, report, what the hell just happened to us."

Eiko's fingers were flying across her console even as Sune asked trying to ascertain what had caused their precipitous drop into normal space. "One moment Chusa.... I'm showing that there was a energy spike in the fold capacitor system. It caused the field to spike then collapse uncontrolled." The black haired Neko was out of her seat and heading to the door.

"I will be in Engineering Chusa, its probably a corroded power coupling. Should have us underway in 10-15 minutes Sir." she said and then vanished through the door.

"Chusa, Incoming message from the Eucharis." Rosalba interjected into the bridge. "We are directed to head to Ether to rendezvous with the Eucharis there."

"Thank you Rosalba." He said pulling up the information, the system was not unfamiliar to him. He was on the Eucharis when the Gartagens launched an attack against the NMX there. Uncertain as to the status of the system, he chose to send a message to the Gartagen Solar Navy.

While waiting for a response, he pulled up the star charts and started the preliminary work of plotting a course to the system. Only 30 light years, relatively short trip.

Amethyst returned to the bridge, "Returning to the bridge Chusa." She said softly as she entered. Sune acknowledged with a simple hand gesture to her station.

"Once Tetsuya-Juni finds and repairs the problem with our capacitor system, we will be jumping to the Ether star system to rendezvous with the Eucharis. Please make the necessary calculations."

"Right away sir." the purple haired neko said as she entered the coordinates into her station.

"Assuming we have full fold capability, transit time to Ether is 35.29 minutes Chusa." she said turning around to look at him with her green eyes.

The intercom beeped at Sune's station he lifted the handset. "Bridge."

"Tetsuya here Chusa, I was right found two of the power couplings fused. Kind of weird though, the cabling looks fine, but these two couplings are slagged. Give me ten minutes and you will have fold capability sir."

"Excellent work Juni. Notify me when you are done so we can get underway." Sune replied.

 

[Nashoba]

10 LY N of Yamatai

The Firebird sat motionless in space while Eiko worked on the fold system. She had requested additional time to double check the other power couplings. Since the Firebird did not have a specific deadline for arrival, Sune gave her permission to do the extra inspection.

So while she was doing that Sune decided to test out some of the Firebird's systems. He engaged the Nariel cloaking system, specifically noting how much of a power drain the system was placing on the ship. As with any vessel there was a delicate balancing act between of where to allocate power. He turned the system off if they were using the Nariel system, they would not be using the pulse cannon so the power demands were acceptable.

He pulled up the weapon systems and brought the pulse cannon online. Charging cycle was about five seconds longer than the Main Array on the Eucharis, something to keep in mind. Targeting is the fixed position, no arc or angle feature. Literally to hit with this weapon the Firebird had to be aimed at it. he thought while the system fully changed. He did a second check of sensors to ensure there was nothing in front of the ship, and fired the main cannon. It was with satisfaction that he watched pink white beam form between the forward section and lance out into the darkness.

He then decided to do connect with the Firebird's systems and Rosalba using his SPINE interface. He had rarely used the interface aboard the Eucharis, but given his role on the Firebird and the differences, he felt it was best to get used to it.

He closed his eyes and activated the SPINE. At first he only tried simple data and status queries. Even with such simple trials he was impressed, he no sooner thought the query and the answer was there. He then felt something brush his connection, sort of a virtual hand shake. "Sune-San? is that you?" came the familiar sound of Rosalba. "Hello Rosalba, yes it is me. Getting used to trying out the SPINE interface. I was not born with one, so it takes a little getting used to. I did not disturb did I?" he thought back.

"No, I just detected a new node on the ship's internal network and was curious what had been connected." she replied.

"Okay, I will not be at this very long, we have to get moving soon." he thought and then opened himself to more of the data streams. It was a bit disorienting, it was not the volume of data, it was the immediacy of it. Merged as he was, he saw and felt with the Firebird's sensors. He could see things that his normal eyes never could directly. He could hear the sound of interstellar space. He explored this new ability, and controlling the ship directly for a little while. He would definitely need to repeat the process.

When he disconnected, it took a second or two to clear his head. Eiko chose that moment to come back onto the bridge. "Hyperdrive fully operational Chusa, we can get underway at your command."

Sune gave the Engineer and smile and a nod, then turned towards Amethyst. "Well you hear the Engineer, time we stretch the Firebird's wings a bit. Set course for Ether, and engage fold."

The purple haired neko's hands started dancing across the panel before her. "Course laid in Chusa, hyperdrive charging." She watched the charge indicator as it moved upwards quickly. "Engaging fold." The main screen image changed from a visual of interstellar space to an digital overview of the region and a dot moving across it that represented them.

 

[Nashoba]

Approaching Ether

When the transit counter hit five minutes, Sune picked up the intercom handset and dialed shipwide. "Attention All Hands, go to Condition Two. I repeat we are now at Condition Two. Since Ether is still contested we are going in ready for hostility."

The alcoves on the bridge illuminated and the other crew members took their places. All of the crew including Sune donned their AMES and had their helmets near their station.

"Jalen-Chusa, the YSS Eucharis is asking for our status." Rosalba said her voice coming from the bridge speakers. "Transmission did not originate from from Ether."

Sune picked up the handset and opened a secure FTL channel to the Eucharis.

Encryption active showed on his console.

"Eucharis this is Firebird. Firebird actual speaking. We are arriving at the Ether system. We have contacted the Gartargen Solar Navy, they have granted us entry permission. They also report that Ether is in lock down and their forces are on High Alert.

Firebird entering system in Condition Two, will proceed to planet Ethe. What is Eucharis status and ETA?

Firebird out."

He switched off the encryption, and hung up the handset. Minutes later the Scout ship dropped out of FTL normally this time.

"Shoi, notify the Solar Navy that we have arrived and are proceeding to Ether and intended to enter orbit." Sune said to his XO.

"Right away, Sir." Chiba said picking up his station handset. "Gartargen Solar Navy Forces. This is the Yamatai Star Empire ship Firebird, Jalen Sune-Chusa commanding. Auda-Shoi speaking, we have been authorized entry in the system. We request permission to enter orbit over Ether to meet with other Star Army Forces. We are aware that your forces are a Threat CON 4, we have our weapon systems active for defense purposes only."

Sapphire's hands flew across the weapons station, as she started charging the cannon and deploying the weapon pods. "Weapons coming on line Captain." She said without turning from her work.

Pearl was at the Sensor station and commenced a series of scans. "Scanning system Chusa," she called out.

 

[Ira]

The Firebird was greeted by a relativity unknown model of Gartagen Warship surrounding one of the newer Battle Cruisers the Gartagens had started putting on the front lines. They were in a basic wall formation. The six ships were not on an attack heading.

Initial scans done by the Firebird would detect over 300 Gartagen warships, with hundreds of civilian craft moving in an out of the system at a steady rate.

The Commander hailed the Firebird from his Tyrant Class warship. "This is Commander Mavis, I have been tasked with escorting and protecting your vessel. The situation in the Solar Plane of Ether is rather secure. NMX forces in space have fell back during out occupation and we assume they participated in the battle for your home system. Supply and blockade runs from the NMX have pretty much ceased since they started what appears to be a with drawl of their forces. We are requesting a surrender of the NMX troops on the planet."

The ships came to a halt and began transmitting coordinates, and speeds for the Firebird to fly at for escort. "Now our threat con has been elevated because...and we are not sure, Our home space was violated by a Yamataian warship, and four Lorath warships. Navy Command suspects the Yamataian ship broke the treaty we have with your people because it was under duress, but this incident would put the our navy on high alert."

 

[Nashoba]

Sune hearing the conversation switch on his station for communications. The report of a Yamataian ship under attack had his concern.

"Commander Mavis, this is Jalen Sune, Captain of the Firebird. We thank you for granting us entry appreciate your escort. We are going to stand down our weapons, but will keep our defensive systems active." he said then switched off the mic.

"Sapphire-Hei, weapon systems to standby, recall the pods." he said.

"We have received your travel vector and speeds, we will follow them without incident.

As for the incident you mentioned I have no information on what that may be. We have only arrived in this quadrant after leaving Yamatai earlier today. I sincerely hope that the matter can be resolved peacefully. I had the pleasure of visiting Shara shortly after our people made contact.

Ready to proceed when you are Commander."

 

[Ira]

The ships fell in line around the Firebird and would escort the ship to its designated rendezvous coordinates.

"Well, we will never let an allied warship come to harm on our watch."

Mavis smiled at the mention of his home world. "I have not seen Shara in nearly two years. My people have shed blood along side yours. Regardless of the situation my people will do right by yours. "

 

[Nashoba]

Sune looked at the purple haired Neko at the helm, "Take us in Amethyst-Hei."

He looked back to the screen, "Well Commander, I hope you get to return to your home sometime soon. I found your world interesting the last time I saw there. Just did not get to spend a lot of time there to learn more about it and your people. In fact if memory serves, we had to leave to come to Ether then."

Amethyst brought the Firebird about to the specified heading and accelerated smoothly until the ship was traveling ad the specified velocity. She was a bit nervous because of the larger ships 'escorting' them. She was going to do everything in her power to make sure they did not deviate from the flightpath.

 

[Nashoba]

The Firebird followed the course prescribed by the Solar Navy, Amethyst was very intent on her job, so much that she was so focused on her task that she did not notice that Sune had moved down to stand just to the left and behind her. "You are doing just fine Hei, relax. Our escort is not here to shoot at us. Kindly assume a standard orbit when we arrive at the planet. Contact me in the Monitor Room"

Amethyst startled and jumped a good three inches out of her seat, and let out a brief squeak. "Yes, Chusa. I will do so."

Sune exited the bridge and made his way to the wardroom. He walked over and got himself a cup of green tea and took a seat.

A couple of minutes later Pearl came out of the galley and walked over, "Good day Chusa, I do not have any hot food, but if you would like. I can make you a nice sandwich." the white haired cook offered.

"Actually that sounds just fine. I do not have a preference at the moment, so just surprise me." He replied before taking a sip.

"I will be back in a few minutes Sir." Pearl answered making a quick dash for the galley.

Sune wondered what was going on with the Eucharis. While Commander Mavis had not mentioned her by name, this region of space was not common ground for the Star Army, and Hanako had intended to come this way looking for the Occhestian colonies. But he was definitely puzzled by the Lorath's involvement in this region.

Pearl emerged and came over to the table. "Here you go Chusa, I made you a nice roast beef sandwich, with cheese, and a spicy mustard. I cut the roast beef nice and thin to make sure it was tender. And it is served on some lovely dark wheat bread. I also took the liberty to place a nice crisp pickle with it." she said placing the plate before Sune.

He took a moment to look at the sandwich and picked up one half of it. He took an experimental bite of the sandwich and gave it a few chews. The sandwich was good, not to much condiments so he could savor the flavors of the ingredients. "That is excellent Pearl-Hei, thank you." He said and watched her face brighten at his compliment.

She left to go back to her domain and work on the next main meal which allowed Sune to eat his sandwich in peace. He had just swallowed the last morsel when he was called back to the bridge. He stood up and downed the last of his tea. And headed to the bridge.

Sune found he actually enjoyed being able to walk about on the Firebird. He entered the bridge and glanced at the view screen. The planet Ether was clearly visible, and appeared to be a mostly frozen planet.

The Gartargen vessels were withdrawing to rejoin their comrades. "Rosalba, commence scans of the planet. Look for any sign of Star Army personnel or equipment. I would like to know where they are located." he requested.

 

[Nashoba]

The Firebird completed an orbit over the planet, Sune was checking the data as it came in while seated in the Monitor room. There were at least two confirmed sites where IES emissions were detected. Sune made note of them, but did not contact them. Since he had no idea what the team or teams down on the surface were doing. He was not going to interfere with their activities unless necessary.

He wondered who could be down on the surface, although he was more concerned about what was happening with the Eucharis. The most frustrating factor was the complete lack of information. All he had was vague information from the Gartagens.

 

[Nashoba]

Sune was unable to access the IES's at what visually appeared to be a camp because he did not have access to the security codes of that setup. The fact that there were two sources implied some of the personnel were else where. He decided that rather that just sit in orbit and do nothing he would contact the folks on the surfce.

He picked up the handset in the Monitor room and dialed the standard Star Army Away team frequency. "Star Army Personnel on Ether, this the Nozomi-Class Scout ship YSS Firebird. This is Firebird Actual. We are currently orbiting Ether. What is your status?"

He released the transmit key and waited.

 

[Nashoba]

"Jalen-Chusa? This is Taii Nayacesen, currently investigating an NMX Cloning Facility, we have one injured soldier although his injury is no longer life threatening," responded Takeyu.

A smile spread across Sune's face, he clicked the handset and replied; "Yes, my friend it is me. I will have a team standing by with our medic included just in case you folks need assistance."

One of the displays in front of Sune flashed an transmission from the Eucharis.

"Well, just received word that your ship is on its way here. That means most likely you will not need a ride. But I will keep my response team on alert until she is on station."

He clicked the handset to the bridge, "Auda-Shoi, I want our medic, infantry, and our shuttle tech suited up and standing by shuttle 1. We have soldiers on the ground at least one is wounded. If they need assistance I want to be able to get folks down there ASAP."

"I will take care of it Chusa," came Chiba's reply.

He then sent a brief reply to the Eucharis.

Elsewhere on the Firebird, Sune's orders were being carried out after being relayed by Chiba. The two Infantry soldiers made their way to their armor, their eyes bright with the anticipation of a chance to test themselves against the enemy.

Citrine meanwhile grabbed her medical kit and dashed to the shuttle bay, dropped off her kit there, and continued on to the armor bay and put on her Mindy. She also sent a note to the commander.

To: Jalen-Chusa
Request for Medical Supplies

Sir,
Request that we acquire the following medical kits from Logistics.

• 1 Type 32 Trauma Kit
• 1 Ke-T8-M3201 Grav Gurney

Citrine-Hei

 

[Nashoba]

Sune acknowledge Citrine's request, and added to the list three Type 34 Interior Sensor System units. He could have Tetsuya-Juni install them once they were on hand. With that system he could hopefully be more assured that his ship and crew would be safe when they docked someplace.

He switched over to the bridge channel, "Auda-Shoi, once our people are ready, deploy shuttle one to the surface. Provide them with the coordinates of the facility that the Eucharis team is investigating. Once they touch down, Infantry should set up for sentry duty. I would rather we have people on the ground if that team needs help than have to deploy after they call. We can recall them once Eucharis is on station."

"I'll handle it Chusa, any other orders sir."

"Just inform me when the Eucharis arrives." He switched back to the comm channel.

"Nayacesen-Taii, this is Firebird, we are deploying a shuttle to the surface near your coordinates. They are there in case you need them. Jalen-Chusa out."

 

[Nashoba]

Sune went forward to the bridge and watched the shuttle depart for the surface. After that there was nothing to do but sit and wait. He picked up his science scanner and did a check of the unit and its calibration.

He dismissed the others from the bridge, only one person was necessary on the bridge at the moment.

Sune used the time to perform additional exercise with the SPINE interface. He was completing his latest endeavor when he sensed a group of ships.

Returning to normal, Sune listened to the incoming message from the Eucharis.

He picked up the handset, and keyed the mic.

"Eucharis this is Jalen-Chusa,
Orders received and acknowledged."

He switched to intercom, "Auda-Shoi, report to the bridge. "

It was a few minutes before the blonde haired Shoi came on the bridge. Sune was adjusting the Firebird's orbit to bring her along side of his former ship.

"You called sir."

"Yes, the Eucharis has arrived. I need to go over to meet with Ketsurui Hanako-Shosho. When we come along side, dock with the Eucharis. You have the bridge." he said and walked out the door.

He stopped in his cabin briefly to change his uniform, and attach his sword and other accoutrements. He then walked down to the port docking port. He stood waiting there while Chiba executed the docking maneuver.

 

[Nashoba]

Sune had walked all the way to the Eucharis docking port in silence. Once there he turned around. "Thank Cherry-Heisho." he said then turned back around stepped through the dock and hit the control on the Firebird side.

He picked up the intercom handset near the port, punched the code for the bridge. "Bridge, Jalen-Chusa here, disengage docking an move us to five thousand meters behind the Eucharis." he returned the handset and made his way to his quarters. "Rosalba. Lock both doors." he said as he took off his sword and put it on the stand. He removed his tunic, and tossed it across the recliner.

"Of all the infuriating females.... she bloody well knew what was going on... she sent me into that situation with no warning... as if I have had any experience in that kind of situation in my career" he said venting his frustration. He sat on the end of his bed and pulled off his shoes, and the rest of his uniform.

He walked over and picked up his training katana and launched himself into his Iaijutsu kata. As he focused physically on the practice routine, he replayed their conversation in his mind. Every decision since Hanako had brought up Kotori was biased because of her. He had been perfectly content to remain on the Eucharis, but Hanako was concerned about her sister so he offered to go... his katana swept through the air... he argued against the Elsysian SAINT person because of the ideals he had believed that Hanako held... Celeste's words 'measures will be taken to make sure that you will not interfere with this operation, delicate as it is' .... again the sword flashed in his vision. those words made it clear that if had tried to speak to Hanako about the mission, his efforts would have been prevented.... he thrust the sword at the imagined foe... he made the only decision his training and experience told him was best.... 'You chose to abort the mission without permission. ' Sune sheathed and drew the Katana in two swift controlled strokes.

"Permission... my orders were 'report to Taisa Ketsurui Kotori for service aboard the YSS Byakuren', SAINT overrode those.... there was no Byakuren... it was apparent Kotori had no knowledge that we were there... Hanako sent me to help Kotori, but she did not tell me what was going on.... this was truly a no win scenario..." Sune stopped going over the event and lost himself in the kata blade and man moving faster pushing his skill and body to his current limits. When he finished the routine he was perspiring heavily, he wiped his Katana down and placed it on the stand. He took his robe, towel, and toiletries "... she says I hurt her feelings..." he said as he unlocked his cabin door and headed to the shower.

 

[Nashoba]

Sune got into the closest shower, turned on the shower, and leaned against the wall, letting the hot water run over him. He found the sensation of the water hitting his body was giving him a catharsis. He was able to release the churning emotions with the water, and able to see things clearer than he had in several days.

He stepped out of the shower, toweled off, put on his robe and returned to his room.

Celeste called his principles 'idealized', perhaps they were to one such as her who had no problem ignoring the law or regulations when convenient.

Sune that he was going to stick to his principles. He believed in the Empire and its Laws, the Star Army and its Regulations. He would hold himself to those ideals, even if those around him or he served chose not to. He would live and someday die upholding those principles. He would be an example to those who served under him, and to those who came to know him.

As for the Empress she would have his loyalty as the Star Army Creed required. She was also Ketsurui and Sune was starting to understand what that truly meant. Sune had never harbored any dreams of joining that clan. That was always one of the walls that existed between Hanako and him.

With Hanako he was conflicted, probably always would be. He cared for her, he considered her a friend, and he pledged himself to be there to help her. Being honest to himself, he realized that he loved her. But it was an unrequited love, and probably always would be.

The intercom in the Monitor room came on, "Jalen-Chusa, with the Eucharis here should we remove our team from the surface." Came Chiba's voice.

Sune walked over to the intercom. "No, they stay in place. We have Soldiers down there, soldiers who may need assistance and we will be ready to assist them. If the Eucharis sends down support, you may recall our team once their team has feet on the ground." he replied.

 

[Nashoba]

Bridge

Sune made his way to the bridge, stood watching the main screen and the status. The launch of the Eucharis' shuttle and its descent were being tracked by the Firebird.

A few minutes later after the sensors showed the other shuttle down, the Asterism lifted off.

"Asterism to Firebird,

Eucharis has sent additional personnel, since we were not requested to assist, we are returning the Firebird. ETA ten minutes."

Sune was a bit puzzled by why the Eucharis sent more personnel, the away team knew that the Firebird team was standing by.

He took his seat and relaxed, tracking the shuttles progress.

His intercom buzzed and he picked up the handset, "Bridge." he said into it.

"Jalen-Chusa, will the away team be back in time for dinner? Or should I prepare a second meal for them." came the voice of Pearl the ship's cook.

"The away team is currently on there way back, There services were apparently not needed."

"Excellent, dinner will be ready at 1900 hours sir. The dinner is a tossed salad, sweet and sour beef and grilled shrimp, and tempura vegetables."

"That sounds fine, will there be enough for guests? I would like to extend an invitation to the Eucharis commander and a few guests."

"Yes sir, I always prepare extra, that way if someone gets hungry at night they can reheat the leftovers."

"Very good. Post the menu to the crew so they know. Type 35 Uniform is the dress. Bridge Out." he said hanging up the handset.

He picked up the handset and selected the frequency to the Eucharis.

"YSS Firebird to YSS Eucharis,

Since our away team was not required on Ether, we will be having our first crew dinner at 1900hrs.

I would like to extend an invitation to Ketsurui-Shôshô and two guests to enjoy the hospitality of the Firebird. I believe my crew would appreciate the opportunity to meet some of crew of such a famous ship in person.

I understand you have personnel on the surface, and you may not be able to accept this invitation. But since our team was not needed to assist your original team, I thought you might be able to.

Jalen-Chusa."

He sent the message and waited for a reply.

 

[Nashoba]

Sune was not surprised when he saw Hanako's reply. He made the offer as an honest olive branch. Not knowing what the Eucharis' team was up to was not helping.

"Captain. Message for you. Eyes Only." came from Rosalba.

Sune left bridge went to the monitor room. As he sat in his chair, he submitted his authorization code. He had received new orders. He sat there reading the message in disbelief. Someone has a peculiar sense of humor or irony. he thought.

He stored the message, and picked up the intercom. "Attention all hands. Looks like dinner will be to go. We have new orders. Assume Condition 3. Auda-Shoi, plot an exit trajectory charge the hyperdrive."

He placed the handset back on the bracket and returned to the bridge.

He took his place at the seat as the other crew members took their stations. "Trajectory for departing orbit complete Chusa, coordinates for fold to the rendezvous point have been loaded into the Nav system." Amethyst called out.

"Take us out.", he picked up the handset and dialed the squadron's private channel.

"Firebird to Eucharis, departing system on orders, into harms way. Good luck my friends. Firebird out." he placed the handset back into its cradle.

"Rig for silent running, all communications terminated on my order." He said, and watched as the systems were shut down. He switched the main screen to aft view for a moment to watch the Eucharis and Ether shrink behind them. When they approached the threshold, he put the view forward. "Engage Fold" he called when they crossed the perimeter and the bridge lights dimmed slightly as they left normal space.

 

[Nashoba]

Sune withdrew from the bridge into the Monitor room. He pulled up all the data that Mai had transmitted with her orders. He was actually grateful to have a clear objective, and the liberty to proceed as he saw fit.

He pulled up the data from the Eucharis, the spallation around several of the planets was the most troubling. But it was also one of their strongest clues. The SSS analysis was able to provide calculations on the field, its rate of expansion. This gave them a window of one month that they were going to have to look at. The one common denominator was that several of the planets had the same spread. Something had happened there and it was not confined to a single system.

There as a buzz at the door. He blanked the screens and turned and opened it. "Chusa, I spoke with the XO. He says we will be arriving at the rendezvous shortly. He also said that we will have a couple of hours before the other ships arrive. Is it okay for me to serve dinner? I would hate to waste that food." Pearl said.

He considered her request, it was true that they had time and they were still a ways from the objective. "Okay, you can serve dinner as scheduled. Although our starship operators will need to take turns. I want the bridge manned during the dinner."

He watched the white haired Neko smile brightly. "Thank you sir, I will pass that on to the XO." she said whirling away to spread the news.

As the door closed behind her, Sune smiled, Once we hook up with the rest of the Operation, we are going to be working probably round the clock. Battle scene forensics was going to mean lots of moving, taking readings, and moving. All the time we will be watching out for Lorath coming at us. I think a nice dinner is the least I can give them before that.