RP: Pisces Episode 01 - 'Under A Blind God'

Yaichiro was never a drinking guy, so he politely passed on the milder offers...as well as the more outrageous ones. He slept for a few hours, a load lifted from his shoulders, as his staff continued to work on their projects...he didn't sleep very long though...he was woken up when parts arrived for the weapons systems, as well as his Daisy 1B.

"...Well...I guess it's time to finish what I was originally brought here to do...I have ten Type 29s and the five quantum detonator arrays to install before the Chujo arrives. Pisces won't be ship-shape without weapons systems...hopefully those 6,000 weapon pods are en route as well."

With that, he hopped...okay, drug himself out of bed, and into the shower. By the time he was clean and changed, however, he moved toward the cargo unloading area at his usual brisk pace, to personally verify the recipt of the items in question.

After reading the station command's latest broadcast, Taisa Sanje Asrank placed his datapad on the crate next to him. Looking over the cargo bay he gritted his teeth, watching various refugees move about. Everyone looked like despair had taken hold of them. Despite communications restoration, people still could help but feel lost.

"This is a complete waste of time!" Sanje shouted to his adjunct, who was lying down on a cot nearby. "I didn't sign up for evacuation detail to get stuck in a cargo hold like steerage." The Yamataian man kicked over a nearby cot in anger. "I am a Taisa in this army. I will not be mocked like this!"

"Please sir, just rationalize." His adjunct responded calmly. Not even looking to his commander. "The Chujo is coming. She'll set things straight."

"I sure as hell didn't vote for her. So she's no representative of mine!" Sanje spat back, silencing the lower rank for now. Sanje turned and picked up his datapad again, rereading the message from Pisces command. Grumbling the Taisa began to form a message of his own.

To: SA_1SF_PISCES_KAGE_YAICHIRO

I would assume, that your commanding officer is unavailible at this moment. I will make this brief. I have complaints with this station and the Fifth's handling of our situation. I will be present along with my adjunct. I hope you are quite able of handling this situation. Good day.

Taisa Sanje Asrank
Fifth Expeditionary Fleet

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The reply came, but not from who it might be expected; indeed, even if Marina was in her office, she was now anything but an absentee landlord.

Marina said:

Taisa,

You are on my station now. I don't care about your rank or your position, and I certainly don't care how incompetent your fleet seems to think I am. Even with the recent support, resources are stretched, and I'm doing the best I can.

With this in mind, I'm refusing to hear your greivances. It's quite clear that all you're doing is complaining for the sake of complaining. When you can cooperate with us, or even help us, let me know. But if all you can do is bitch about what isn't being done, then I have no time for you.

• -- Marina

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Having access to most communications relevant to his request, Yaichiro was alerted to the new messages as he was verifying the incoming cargo and supplies...he sighed at the Taisa's response. She was right, of course, but she seemed to lack the....tact of a civilian/military liason. She'dlearn, sure, but he didn't want a repeat of the 5th XF communication...

He worded a reply carefully, to try and diffuse the situation without contradicting the Taisa's response.

To: SA_5XF_PISCES_ASRANK_SANJE


It is the Chujo who the assembled parties will speak to, not necessarily to the Taisa. However, I humbly ask that you stay mindful of our situation and issue your statements in a constructive way if possible.

Being overloaded and lacking a KAMI, we lack nodal system replication capabilities, save for the HSCS-fluid systems, which are pushed beyond their maximum limits. We understand that the 5th XF and civlian refugees on the station are living in conditions that are sub-par compared to what they are accustomed to, but a good deal of it can be explained by the simple lack of supplies, IES systems, and room; rather than ineptness of the command staff. Some of the needed supplies have only arrived today, as the multitudes of vessels on the front lines were given more urgency of supply and repair.

I do not know if this resolves your specific issue, nor do I say that there is a non-personnel related response to your issue, but a good deal of the issues we are likely to deal with stem from this fact.

You will have the opportunity to voice your concerns to the Chujo, regardless of the reason for your discontent.

Santô Juni Kage Yaichiro
Head Weapons Engineer, Pisces Star Fortress

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After a few hours the Pisces station sensors would pick up jumps into the system, where the ships soon showed up to. The YSS Fujin along with it's twenty Arashi escorts had let their engines slow until they were simply coasting twoards the station. Instead of the normal communications officer though, it was Shosho Taru Kuniko, with Chujo Kotuko Sui standing to her right. Kuniko had her elbow resting on her chair, two fingers pointing up her cheek to rest right under her ear, the other two fingers curled under her lip as her chin rested on her palm. A small smirk was splayed across her face as she leaned to the side.

"Greetings Pisces station, this is Shosho Taru Kuniko of the YSS Fujin. We are sorry for the delay in our getting here, but we have been tied up in the recreation of our fleet. I hope our delay has not caused to much trouble..."

The sarcasm in her voice made it seem that she really didn't care much if they had caused trouble or not. There were more important things then a upstart Taisa who thought she was more of herself. But of course Kuniko was a touch more tactful then that. No, she would save her rant for when they were in private.

"We are requesting clearance to dock with your station so we may come aboard and begin to bring aid. As we said before though, we will stick to our ships when it comes to sleeping arangements. We do not wish to impose upon your already stressed resources."

As she finished speaking she finally sat up, crossing one leg over the other as she rested both hands on the armrest, taking a more formal air about her. Of course the NH-12 on her shoulder braiding her hair certainly didn't seem to help this scene much though.

Soon a female voice could be heard, apparently Pisces communications personnel...

"Welcome to Pisces Station! You are cleared for docking at any unused ports. Are there any special arrangements for docking you would like to make?"

The woman sent a communication to all officers that the 5th XF had been given clearance to dock.

"All data since the communications lock down, from the most important to even the smallest of notice. I don't care if it is simply a love message sent from one person to another, I want it sent immediatly. Besides that, whatever Chujo Kotuko here needs."

Idly she looked to the pilot as she turned the Fujin into a docking port, gliding the ship in effortlessly. After a moment she felt a small jerk as the ship finally rested in place. With the confirmation that the ship was in place, she nodded up to Sui.

"So, shall we go aboard?" She had a smile on her fasce as she still sat in her chair.

The requested information was sent, everything from the simplest civilian communications data to Yaichiro's orders across the stations intracommunications system...meanwhile, Yaichiro prepared for outright verbal warfare...he was in full uniform, clean and pressed, making sure his appearance was impecable.

Kotoku Sui remained in silence as Kuniko exchanged greetings with Pisces. She couldn't help but be amused at the optimistic voice that greeted them-obviously this individual was in the dark, of course that seemed to be the Pisces way. The level of incompetence still baffled her-here on this little port orbiting Albani was a Taisa who thought she could tell admiralty what they should and should not do; perhaps a blessing for her that Irim had not snuffed her out-of course though that was still a possibility.

Admiralty in the fleets was unified, and the fact that the place belonged to the 1st made it all the more embarrassing-it was unheard of for Irim to leave such fools in command, but with all fleets these days the bottom of the barrel was reached. The lack of experienced officers made the environment unpleasing-and begged for resolve. But for now that took second seat-the top priority were getting things resolved so that the refugees and personnel on the station were safe.

Sui said to Kuniko, "I suppose.â€

Chief had never undergone an ST before, so she didn't quite know what to expect from the process. It was...interesting, to say the least. Like waking up five feet from where you went to sleep, covered in pins and needles, crawling with ants and feeling like someone replaced your skin with wet rubber.

She hated the sensation. And was still rather pissed off about what had happened. The next time someone tried that, she'd just blow them up. Sure, it was messy and inelegant but she was known for getting results, not dancing around the egotistical maniacs who captained starships. The next person to do something like steal people out from under her nose would be getting a visit and a bullet.

Tetsuko Nozomi was through babysitting. It was time to make Pisces the nemesis of the whole goddamn army.

Chief's plan may be difficult, as Kokoro-Heisho was still there with her, armed...she was concerned for the Taii, obviously...but wouldn't let her do anything rash.

"...How do you feel, Nozomi-Taii?"

"Like I could take on the galaxy." And she sounded like she meant it. "Actually I feel like shit. They really need to improve the ST process so participants don't wake up feeling like the underside of a bathroom floor..."

Kokoro would be a problem, at first, but Chief was sure that she could convince her to join her side. Or that she'd be able to work around her somehow. After all, she would need to sleep, too, and her replacement during those times might not be as vigilant.

Tetsuko trusted Kokoro to be a loyal officer of the Star Army. Loyal officers could be subverted against their superiors if they were sufficiently convinced that such people were not acting in the best interests of all concerned.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to go dress. Then I'm going back to my office. We still need to keep this place running, after all, and my network should still be in place. I can still facilitate the acquisition of anything this station might need."

Kokoro-Heisho shook her head.

"I'm afraid that is not possible...you were granted medical leave from your cell, but you must be escorted back now that the proceedure is complete. The nodal system's cleaning functions have been enabled by a WIES connection, so your clothing will be fine...and you're not allowed to touch any bueraucracy, I'm afraid...let's go back to the brig, Nozomi-Taii..."

Kokoro-Heisho looked to the medic on duty.

"Preserve the old body, and all medical records of it. It may be used to prove that Nozomi-Taii was under the influence of a physical and mental ailment at the time of her crime."

"Listen here. By helping me, you're helping the station. We don't really have the option of locking me up now, do we? It would just be a waste of both our time. I know you're just doing your duty, but I need to be able to do mine or there's no point to me being on this station."

After being promoted relatively out of the blue Terry wondered around the Pisces with no particular idea what he was doing - fixing problems as he saw them, and giving general orders in order to try and help a co-ordinated repairing of the ship. Others seemed to have enthusiastically taken on most roles he could think of, however, and so he found himself somewhat redundant unless he really wanted to get his hands dirty. He was more inclined to try and use his superior abilities. However when this failed he sought out the captain of the vessel, rationalising that if nothing else she could do with a little company at the moment. Pausing in front of her door, which was more familar to him than any other place on the station, he rapped the door in a pseudo-rhythmic style and called out loud enough to be heard through the door.

"Arisa-Taisa, it's Terry. I was wondering if you had a minute, or wanted any company."

Kokoro-heisho gave a sad smile, but shook her head.

"Things are proceeding smoothly for once, and I have strict orders...the station is in no danger if you don't do anything...consider it a...vacation, okay?"

"Five minutes, that's all I need. Five minutes." And by gods she knew, she knew, that the moment she turned her back, that things would take a nosedive straight for the crapper and she'd be left picking up the pieces.

Kokoro-Heisho semed torn...she REALLY wanted to trust the Taii, but Yaichiro-Juni had been quite specific...

"What is it you need to do, exactly? Maybe I can do it instead? I'm not supposed to even let you touch a computer now that the arrest is formal."

"KOKORO!" One of Kokoro's partners ran up, huffing and puffing in simulated tiredness. "Sorry I was too late...but the Taisa just repealed the arrest order. Also, I think I saw Somoza-san heading to see her..." The second point, of course, being a vital rumor for the social structure of the station's nekovalkyrja.

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Arrangements were made for a team, led by Dastravi, to oversee the proper connection of the WIES. With everyone in their proper place, there was nothing for Marina to do except paperwork...which she absolutely hated, as anyone who wanted more adventure in their lives would. The arrival of Terry was a welcome interruption, and she allowed him inside.

"Hello, Terry-san. What do you need?" She gave that smile, that was only for his eyes...

Kokoro-Heisho blinked, not really caring about Terry-shosa's activities, but caring for the arrest order. She sent a message on her communicator to Yaichiro about the matter, and got a prompt reply...

Kokoro-Heisho...as much as I'd love to see the order repealed, the arrest order came directly from Taisho Irim. Unless she can prove that she has obtained a pardon or a release order from the Taisho Irim, she lacks the authority to repeal said order.

I will contact the Taisa in regards to this matter.

Santô Juni Kage Yaichiro
Chief Weaponry Engineer, Pisces Star Fortress

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Kokoro-Heisho sighed, showing the communication to both her partner and the Taii...

"I'm sorry, but the order stands, at least until the order is verified as legitimate..."


Meanwhile, Yaichiro sent a message to the Taisa in regard to the matter.

Taisa Arisa,

I have heard that you have attempted to repeal the order of the Taii's arrest. While I do not enjoy having to keep her under lock and key, the order was given by Taisho Irim herself unto me, and you lack the rank to repeal such an order.

If you have obtained the necessary pardon or release paperwork from the Taisho, then that is another story, but it will need to be presented to me. Otherwise, I am obligated to decline the release of Nozomi-Taii until such a time that the Taisho's orders are changed, revoked, or followed through upon. I apologize for this, but the chain of command must be followed.

Respectfully,

Santô Juni Kage Yaichiro
Chief Weaponry Engineer, Pisces Star Fortress

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Yaichiro sighed ever so slightly as he typed this out and sent it...while he respected the Taisa, her respect for the chain of command left much to be desired...he only hoped that the Taisa would understand.[/code]