Charmaylarg Dufrain
🎖️ Game Master
- RP Date
- YE 45.7
- RP Location
- Converted mass container ship HMMS "Stupendamonia"
The vast interior of the converted container ship, now known as the "Stupendamonia," was a massive beast of a vessel. Five miles from keel to stern and close to sixteen million metric tonnes in weight the Stupendamonia predated some starfaring nations in the Kikyo sector and over the course of a century had transported enough bulk goods in its one thousand bulk cargo containers that the estimated price of all said goods combined could have purchased some star-systems with capital to spare.
It floated still now, but not dead as numerous other ships sizeable in their own right held place around it but no more than fat flies in comparison to the lumbering giant of a vessel as shuttles ferried to and from the smaller to the larger ships.
In one of the massive berths of the Stupendamonia, a hundred men and women from different factions and backgrounds mingled, meeting, and greeting one another. The air was stale and hinting with either mold or some kind of grease but was just as charged with anticipation and purpose, the atmosphere electric with the knowledge that they were united by a common cause: the liberation of Osman.
Mercenary commanders, Corporate leaders, Humanitarian groups, starship captains and military leaders all exchanged greetings and exchanges of information with each other in more than just greeting but a grand collection of information as they all sized one another up and gauged in their minds the value and weight of each individual and what they perceived to bring to the table.
A few had already begged off and slipped back to their ships and were trying to sneak away; The risk not worth so little reward in their minds.
A new set of shuttles docked to the Stupendamonia and captains, business moguls, and mercenaries alike were greeted by a robotic humanoid drone lacking facial features but instead a complicated dome and plate combination as the surprisingly effeminate voice that came from the maid-dress-wearing robot gave the newest arrivals a curtsey in greeting and led them to the others deeper in the ship who already moved to the sight of the newest arrivals to gauge their investment and disposition.
Antiarchon Theoni Philothamnus, head of the Interstellar Patrol's Expeditionary Force Alpha was acommpoanied by a few of her officers. Theoni was a Venis Separa'Shan, with a short tail. Alterrnating orange and white rings ran down her body. Her head was very snakelike, triangular with steel grey eyes. She and her officers projected from their Dendra the formal uniform of the Interstellar Patrol. The uniform appeared to be made of a black skirt, a jacket, and white turtleneck undershirt. The double-breasted jacket was a dark blue, closed over the right shoulder by a white clasp with silver trim. The silver trim also outlined the edge of the jaket. On the left breast was the shield of the Interstellar Patrol. It was silver with a jade stone in the middle surrounded by two gold Separa'Shan with thier tails twisting around each other at the bottom. They wore a silver belt with the Interstellar Patrol symbol as the buckle. The rank insignia seemed to float an inch above their shoulders. Theoni's was a pair of stylized gold lightning bolts pointing outward. They were unusual in that they were an actual legal force within Yamatai. Their enforcement of the law meant that they had negative interactions with a not insignifigant portion of those here.
To this point, the Interstellar Patrol had been satisfied with mostly preforming law enforcement duties or acting as part of a larger fleet. However, since the occupation, Essia's emphasis on being able to defend themselves without the need for the Star Army had grown. They were here because the Interstellar Patrol needed to test themselves in ground combat and to develop their own strategies and tactics without the crutch of the Star Army looking over their shoulder at every step.
Mixing into the mottled gathering strode a rather odd EM-J6-1 “Rayleigh” combat android, its paint scheme invoking an obvious mimicry of a businessman's black suit with a tie. Though its perfectly undamaged armored panels and flawless paintjob would give it a nearly noble appearance the obvious wear and tear present on its subframe betrayed the reality of the android's purpose. Contrasting itself yet again, the Android stepped into the room with a dignified stature bowing slightly to the fellow android greeting him inside. "Thank you, miss," he greeted her as he made his way further inside at a gaited pace.
Adding to the androids within the mixture of personnel and uniforms was a long raven haired and fair skinned Yamataian Iris-series android dressed in a maroon and onyx uniform. But there was a spark of "enlightenment" within its the single eye that could be seen (the other covered in a rather low-tech eye patch). She watched the group as she and her commander walked into the establishment with an assortment of other personnel in similar new maroon and oynx uniforms.
Compared to the woman, the bulky gentleman was older and looked like he had been through quite a few conflicts in his time. But the well-trimmed facial hair spoke loudly of his discipline, as did his eyes as he looked over towards each group as he made his way to a part of the location not occupied by clear mercenaries. He respectfully nodded towards any that attempted to greet him, but his face clearly could not hide his disdain for them.
None of the ranks seem familiar on their uniforms, but the name tape on their right chest at least gave a name. The female android was named Yokota, while the grizzled commander was named Stevenson.
The Interstellar Patrol and Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force groups drifted together given their similar posistions as Yamataian local forces.
Trailing behind the various Yamatai affliates came the appointed leaders representing Galactic Horizon, while they hadn't achieved household name status like some of their competitors the black and gold modest jackets with the "GH" embroided in the collar were a dead giveaway.
Kyrss Black, the CEO's daughter and corporate level rep led the way followed by the much broader figure of Brin Bluestone, the company's Chief of Defense, while Kyrss seemed to fit right in amongst the others gathered so far Brin stood out with a more stiff demeanor as he quite obviously scanned the room keeping an eye out for his boss.
The corporate rep had been checking out the others as well, but mainly to tell if she knew who any of them were, while none of the faces seemed familiar she certainly recognised the Yamatain insignias on several military looking folk. The gruff looking fella and his android caught her attention, Kryss wandered over to him casually while trying to place the uniform mentally with Brin a few steps behind.
"Good morning, don't mean to bother you but I was curious who you work for, I recognise plenty of the Yamatai ranks here but I don't think I've ever come across such a modest attire. Kryss Black, look forward to working with you." The human stuck out a hand to shake, one didn't make it in business without taking some bold steps now and again.
Stevenson looked over towards Kryss Black once he was sure that the Galatic Horizon representative was making a direct approach towards him. When Kryss offered her hand to shake hands, Stevenson grasp it with the required firmness without making it seem he was being aggressive with the handshake.
"Force Commander Stevenson, Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force." Stevenson said before turning his gaze towards his companion. "This is my diplomatic attache Commander Yokota." Yokota, despite herself being an android, moved with a gracefulness as she bowed her head towards Ms. Black in response to the introduction.
"Archon Philo, Interstellar Patrol. Theese are some of my command staff." Theoni added, joining the conversation with a shortened verison of her name and rank.
"Nice to meet you commander Stevenson, commander Yokota, Archon Philo" Kryss replied before sweeping her hand towards the man beside her. "This is our Chief of Defense, Brin Bluestone, given the nature of the little congregation we have here it seemed sensible to bring someone who can lead a fight as well as I can talk off a pair of ears." Kryss gave a small smile, she certainly seemed far more relaxed than some would be in her position.
"So Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force, I presume that's a Yamatain department? Are you a more focused group given the name?"
Stevenson shook his head no.
"While we are certainly an approved local defense force working with the Star Army of Yamatai, we are Nepleslian Reds through and through." he said despite himself hailing from New Bernese. "The name comes from our mandate to protect the Fujiko, Rufusland, and Ukmirt systems within the Fujiko Region. But the Empress' decree has allowed us to fight the squids and their neko thralls where we can." he continued, seeming to watch his wording a bit when it came to the NMX Nekos.
"Interstellar Patrol is also a local defense force, for Essia. We've been working on building our capability. To this point, we've mostly engaged in law enforcement and anti-pirate activity. The decree says we can fight the Mishu, so we will fight the Mishu." Philo added.
"My apologies commander, I haven't had much free time to keep up with such matters, though I did get to read up on some of the Mishu matters. What do you think our chances are here at Osman?" Kryss made a mental note to discuss with Brin later being Nepleslian himself.
"That's what I'd like to know as well." A newcomer echoed as he managed to move towards the inner circle of the growing gaggle of military leaders. The relatively young, thirty-something human wearing a Duskerian officer's uniform adorned with the holographic emblem of a Commodore was hard to mistake for anything but the New Dusk Conclave's primary representative at the meeting. Another holographic tag identified the officer's last name as Ralston.
The Duskerians had come to the meeting with just one cruiser, but the rank of the officer present made it clear that there was at least a squadron dedicated to this endeavor. "Essians, Reds, and Galactic Horizon. The only thing you've all in common is that you have little to gain from this endeavor." The man said, finishing his thought.
Stevenson and Yokota looked over towards the Duskerian newcomer. Yokota's single visible eyebrow went up, but the Senator that was used as the basis of her program kept her from saying something. Some sort of diplomatic contact with the NDC was a goal for the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office. Seeing the increasing rank of the leaders, she decided it was her time to flank off and find some lower ranking NDC officer to start talking to.
"I am worried less about what 'gains' we might get saving Osman and more getting everyone to work together efficently, Commodore." Stevenson said, not sure if it was more of a statement of fact. But that really wasn't his job to figure out from impressions alone. That was Yokota's.
Kryss raised an eyebrow after the android before shaking her head. "Hey now, is that any way to greet old friends and current business partners. To be blunt and avoid dodging the topic, Galactic Horizon has 2 goals in this endeavour. Keep Osman from a common threat to the sector, and if we happen to get some phone numbers during the process that will be a happy coincidence."
"That and during the exodus there may or may not have been things left behind. Nothing too dangerous or exciting, but company property none the less."
"I am afraid any company property of Galactic Horizon may be out of reach at this time, Commander. The situation planetside is quite by hostile aliens," the Raleigh android butted in, the tone of his hollow mechanical voice unreasonably polite, "Excuse my poor manners, Force Commander, we've never been introduced. I am Mr. Donovan, president of the Frontier Service Corporation. We are currently combating the hostile takeover of Planet Osman."
"The fact is that we forsee a lot of fighting against the Mishhuvurthyar in the coming years. While we have plenty of members trained and capable of law enforcement, we don't have experianced line troops. We want to gain experianced troops and save Osman from the invaders." Archon Philo added.
Stevenson nodded his head towards Mr. Donovan. He then looked at the Archon "As are we. As terrible as it might seem to anyone that considers this their home, it is better for us to learn hard lessons outside of our comfort zone. What is learned here can be applied or removed to the rest of our forces." Stevenson continued, using the Archon's words to explain part of the reason they were here. Not like anyone was going to believe the Reds were there for the kindest of their hearts or to defend humanity given their past chaotic history. He was going to have to show that with actions.
Theoni nodded, "Ex-"
"Hey-hey! That's a lot of fancy wordplay to say you guys are here for the cash!" A peaking voice interupted the congregation of the NDC, Galactic Horizon, FDC, Patrol, and Reds as an arm hooked around Kryss Blacks neck and a weight settled on her side in a far too-personal manner as someone slipped between her and Brin.
Dressed in a spacers jumpsuit overlaid with a gaudy black fabric duster with ostentatious gold trim at every possible seam with the Yamataigo words for "Lawnmower" and "Discount Ramen" embroidered on the back like a delinquent gang leader, a man of startling youth likely only just entering his twentieth year with groomed and smooth snow-bleached hair imposed himself only to pull off just as quick before Brin Bluestone could do anything about it.
Placing his hands up in a placating gesture with a too-friendly smile like a snake he skirted none too subtley around the group to stand closer to the Essians as if his snake-like demenor somehow made him their kin.
"Yeah theres gotta be at least a trillion KS worth of combined personalities here. So of course the 'Reds' are here to beg and scrape just every time the cats let them leave the core. Oh! And if it isnt 'Section-6!'; Though you guys gave yourself some new and fancy name. My old boss before he bit it told me all about when you guys stole everything that wasn't nailed down on your way out when you bailed on Osman once!
And people act like 'I' am the sleezy one just cause' I don't hide that me and my crew are here for the payout."
Clearly the loudest one in the entire meeting so far the newcommer had begun to draw attention as individuals and even some groups began paying close attention and drifting closer to eavesdrop.
Stevenson turned his body to face the spacer. Being from New Bernese and the FDC not really having a database of gangs and pirates within the sector, he hadn't a clue who this individual was. But he didn't like how he just galivanted into this like either her personally knows everyone or worse feels confident that he can get away with it.
"You must have me confused with someone at the Red Dawn Electric Power Corporation on the Black Moon of Halna mister..." Stevenson said in response to the Reds begging for scraps.
Theoni was annoyed because 'being there for the cash' was perhaps the exact opposite of why she was there, which she had litterally just said. "I don't think your sleezy because you have the possibilty of dying for a living. It's a good profession, long as you stay on the right side of the law. People probably act like your sleezy because you exude all of the authenticity of a used starship salesman. No, not a used starship salesman, too smart. You display the intelligance of his Inflatable Wacky Waving Tube Man instead." Theoni said with a knowing smile in Stevenson's direction.
Kryss had been moments away from making a quip when Mr Donovan introduced himself but was interuppted by the sudden arrival of the loud mercenary putting an arm around her shoulder. Stunned by the man's sudden appearance Brin lept into action a second too late and the man had already moved on, instead opting to give him a death stare.
The blonde woman almost let out a snort at the comment from Theoni, she had to admit it was fairly on the money too. "Well before you go getting yourself dumped out of an airlock, care to introduce yourself? Because you better be someone important in your line of work to pull an stunt like that and expect to have a seat at the table when the real discussions begin."
"Core-dwellers only bring out their 'polite society' when dealing with other core dwellers these days, eh?" The excentric tisk audibly before offering a flourish and bow. "Then as I know of most of you, I will introduce myself as your equal; Commodore Lucien, No surename if you please, of the 'checkered fleet' at your service."
Waiting in a half bow for an extended few seconds the man now identified as Lucien looked up, confused clearly at noticing no recognition before harumphing dramatically. At least the polite combat android had bowed in return.
"I am one of the representatives of the Checkered Fleet; A joint venture of outcasts, rouges such as myself, and other indipendent ship captains who have banded together in recent years to support one another who are not readiliy accepted in the core under what we consider to be tyrannical and targetted laws imposed on free captains such as we."
Not quite waiting for the admiration that was sure to come Lucien added immedietly after, "Almost thirty other captains of the fleet have answered little Abigails call. That's almost a quarter of the ships here and more to come; And more than a few of the fleet worked with the young Abigail on Gashmere so we are more than affiliated enough that I'm sure I could facilitate a meeting if you make it worth our while.
You didn't think you could just show up to an operation like this and expect being from the core as a bunch of reds, cat lovers, or think throwing your money around will get you in this operation after all, did you?"
Luciens smile was only part snake, part used starship salesman, and at least two gold teeth as he quirked an inquisitive brow at the group of strangers while more than a few onlookers murmered amongst themselves more than willing to let any one of them be the canary to test the mans legitimacy and claims.
<We're going to have to support him? He sounds as reliable as the wind.> Ypoarchon Mari Macroprotodon, head of the ground component asked over the chat the Interstellar Patrol was running through their Dendra.
<We'll support all of our allies equally. We won't be the weak link that isn't there when their supposed to be.> Theoni replied as she watched Lucien and the other representatives.
<There was an intresting ping on the name Abigail in relation to Gashmere.> Ypoarchon Codebreaker Delphini 35-3420-2537, head of the command component noted. She was a Freespacer who had joined the Interstellar Patrol and swifty rose through the ranks for her analytical skill.
<We'll review it when we get back.> Theoni replied as she watched and waited to see what would happen next.
Stevenson decided to Lucien was the type that was boastful because he knew he is a threat or is connected enough to be become one. He decided to take a more watchful approach and watch how the other more Osman-connected forces were going to deal with him. But he was certain that the Reds were going to have to keep a wide berth from his own where ever it was possible without giving the Mishhu room to manuver. He just smiled a bit at the Archon's statement.
<Commander Yokota, contact the Senator's office and see what information they can gather on this Lucien or an Abrigail during the latest Kodian unrest on Gashmere.> Stevenson sent via encrypted digital telepathy with his aide. While he didn't expect much though since the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office were also new.
"Well Commodore, of the fleet I am seeing today I can see you truly do plan to commit significant assets into this venture," Mr. Donovan acknowledged, but shifted his incessantly polite tone to that of a businessman's, "per the owner's last directive, the Frontier Service Corporation was to protect the people of Planet Osman and its economic security. With the current situation planetside we have limited options in who we receive assistance from. However, I remain worried that we may end up with investors who will cause more harm to the people or simply wish to plunder what is left of the planet. What are your intentions for the planet after we repel these invaders?"
"Indeed an important question," Commodore Ralston echoed. "The Conclave and its allies obviously are prepared to devote resources towards this endeavor, and at the very least those under Yamatai's wing can be trusted to not be outright malicious even if there may be some territorial ambitions at play. Galactic Horizon was born of Osman, as the conclave was."
Fingers curled out as the man seemed to count up the participants in this alliance of convenience, "Leaving yourself and the Checkered Fleet, Lucien. What do you want of Osman?"
Kryss and Brin nodded along with Ralston, "We may not reside here any longer, but Osman still has a place in our company history and our interests are to keep it free." The young Ms Black stated.
"What do I..." Lucien seemed confused from the questions and even a bit offended on the matter as his grin turned to a frown and lines began to crease his brow before he very literally spit on the deck and gave a flamboyant groan.
"Don't want not one single thing to do with the old dust ball!" He declared with a renewed grin and a slapping of the flat of his hand on his leather coat.
"Place aint got a thing me or mine want, I'll tell you that now! But what it does got..." He paused, looking around for something before putting two fingers in his mouth and giving a very impressive whistle that more than a few guests glared at him for as he gave several 'come hither' gestures.
Making her way through the crowd an individual came to join the group with Lucien. In a simple loose-fitting spacer hardsuit not at all unlike Luciens own the woman was a sort taller; With elfen-like ears and four-fingered hands she was clearly some kind of neko but being slightly taller than an average 33A and a few other discrepencies like a very visible barcode-like tattoo under her eye any other Nekos hemosynth would have healed away practically screamed 'NMX' of a sort.
In a loose-fitting spacer jumpsuit much like Luciens own but clearly of second-hand quality and without any of his flare the neko had one other very obvious take to her in the form of a tight metal bar-collar around her neck with no seam or discernable lock other than a small box-like device that took the circumference of the collar.
A very obvious 'bomb' that would likely decapitate her and make any natural hemosynth ability moot without a head...
"This!" Lucien declared, offering both hands in a 'look and be amazed' gesture up and down at the neko who seemed ambivilent to him as she casually placed a small piece of charcutteri in her mouth while looking over the group unimpressed despite being showed off.
"Her names something long and abwerhern sounding. So I just call her 'Becky'. Caught a few of them off south of the Moto's colonial sector where they got a whole planet of rouge discount cats. They tried to board our ship and the survivors opted to take an offer to join the crew instead of walking back out the airlock when their ship fell apart on them.
They cant make more of themselves, shame that; Aparently whatever the YNNX do to them they don't let them breed.
'Becky' Here is what I want. Where there are 'squids' there are 'cats' I want as many of them as my berth can handle and especially the ones that aint got their baby-makers turned off! Likewise since the fleet aint got no care for none of Osmans resources we'll take out pay in salvage; NMX ships, while bio in origin still got lots of tech, parts, weapons, and the like that are a cut above what we can get out here.
so THAT, Donnie-B is what the checkered fleet wants. The rest of you can worry about what each other wants cause so long as we get our scrap and bodies we're content to stay in our lane and not act like the sector belongs to us like most of you guys."
It floated still now, but not dead as numerous other ships sizeable in their own right held place around it but no more than fat flies in comparison to the lumbering giant of a vessel as shuttles ferried to and from the smaller to the larger ships.
In one of the massive berths of the Stupendamonia, a hundred men and women from different factions and backgrounds mingled, meeting, and greeting one another. The air was stale and hinting with either mold or some kind of grease but was just as charged with anticipation and purpose, the atmosphere electric with the knowledge that they were united by a common cause: the liberation of Osman.
Mercenary commanders, Corporate leaders, Humanitarian groups, starship captains and military leaders all exchanged greetings and exchanges of information with each other in more than just greeting but a grand collection of information as they all sized one another up and gauged in their minds the value and weight of each individual and what they perceived to bring to the table.
A few had already begged off and slipped back to their ships and were trying to sneak away; The risk not worth so little reward in their minds.
A new set of shuttles docked to the Stupendamonia and captains, business moguls, and mercenaries alike were greeted by a robotic humanoid drone lacking facial features but instead a complicated dome and plate combination as the surprisingly effeminate voice that came from the maid-dress-wearing robot gave the newest arrivals a curtsey in greeting and led them to the others deeper in the ship who already moved to the sight of the newest arrivals to gauge their investment and disposition.
Antiarchon Theoni Philothamnus, head of the Interstellar Patrol's Expeditionary Force Alpha was acommpoanied by a few of her officers. Theoni was a Venis Separa'Shan, with a short tail. Alterrnating orange and white rings ran down her body. Her head was very snakelike, triangular with steel grey eyes. She and her officers projected from their Dendra the formal uniform of the Interstellar Patrol. The uniform appeared to be made of a black skirt, a jacket, and white turtleneck undershirt. The double-breasted jacket was a dark blue, closed over the right shoulder by a white clasp with silver trim. The silver trim also outlined the edge of the jaket. On the left breast was the shield of the Interstellar Patrol. It was silver with a jade stone in the middle surrounded by two gold Separa'Shan with thier tails twisting around each other at the bottom. They wore a silver belt with the Interstellar Patrol symbol as the buckle. The rank insignia seemed to float an inch above their shoulders. Theoni's was a pair of stylized gold lightning bolts pointing outward. They were unusual in that they were an actual legal force within Yamatai. Their enforcement of the law meant that they had negative interactions with a not insignifigant portion of those here.
To this point, the Interstellar Patrol had been satisfied with mostly preforming law enforcement duties or acting as part of a larger fleet. However, since the occupation, Essia's emphasis on being able to defend themselves without the need for the Star Army had grown. They were here because the Interstellar Patrol needed to test themselves in ground combat and to develop their own strategies and tactics without the crutch of the Star Army looking over their shoulder at every step.
Mixing into the mottled gathering strode a rather odd EM-J6-1 “Rayleigh” combat android, its paint scheme invoking an obvious mimicry of a businessman's black suit with a tie. Though its perfectly undamaged armored panels and flawless paintjob would give it a nearly noble appearance the obvious wear and tear present on its subframe betrayed the reality of the android's purpose. Contrasting itself yet again, the Android stepped into the room with a dignified stature bowing slightly to the fellow android greeting him inside. "Thank you, miss," he greeted her as he made his way further inside at a gaited pace.
Adding to the androids within the mixture of personnel and uniforms was a long raven haired and fair skinned Yamataian Iris-series android dressed in a maroon and onyx uniform. But there was a spark of "enlightenment" within its the single eye that could be seen (the other covered in a rather low-tech eye patch). She watched the group as she and her commander walked into the establishment with an assortment of other personnel in similar new maroon and oynx uniforms.
Compared to the woman, the bulky gentleman was older and looked like he had been through quite a few conflicts in his time. But the well-trimmed facial hair spoke loudly of his discipline, as did his eyes as he looked over towards each group as he made his way to a part of the location not occupied by clear mercenaries. He respectfully nodded towards any that attempted to greet him, but his face clearly could not hide his disdain for them.
None of the ranks seem familiar on their uniforms, but the name tape on their right chest at least gave a name. The female android was named Yokota, while the grizzled commander was named Stevenson.
The Interstellar Patrol and Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force groups drifted together given their similar posistions as Yamataian local forces.
Trailing behind the various Yamatai affliates came the appointed leaders representing Galactic Horizon, while they hadn't achieved household name status like some of their competitors the black and gold modest jackets with the "GH" embroided in the collar were a dead giveaway.
Kyrss Black, the CEO's daughter and corporate level rep led the way followed by the much broader figure of Brin Bluestone, the company's Chief of Defense, while Kyrss seemed to fit right in amongst the others gathered so far Brin stood out with a more stiff demeanor as he quite obviously scanned the room keeping an eye out for his boss.
The corporate rep had been checking out the others as well, but mainly to tell if she knew who any of them were, while none of the faces seemed familiar she certainly recognised the Yamatain insignias on several military looking folk. The gruff looking fella and his android caught her attention, Kryss wandered over to him casually while trying to place the uniform mentally with Brin a few steps behind.
"Good morning, don't mean to bother you but I was curious who you work for, I recognise plenty of the Yamatai ranks here but I don't think I've ever come across such a modest attire. Kryss Black, look forward to working with you." The human stuck out a hand to shake, one didn't make it in business without taking some bold steps now and again.
Stevenson looked over towards Kryss Black once he was sure that the Galatic Horizon representative was making a direct approach towards him. When Kryss offered her hand to shake hands, Stevenson grasp it with the required firmness without making it seem he was being aggressive with the handshake.
"Force Commander Stevenson, Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force." Stevenson said before turning his gaze towards his companion. "This is my diplomatic attache Commander Yokota." Yokota, despite herself being an android, moved with a gracefulness as she bowed her head towards Ms. Black in response to the introduction.
"Archon Philo, Interstellar Patrol. Theese are some of my command staff." Theoni added, joining the conversation with a shortened verison of her name and rank.
"Nice to meet you commander Stevenson, commander Yokota, Archon Philo" Kryss replied before sweeping her hand towards the man beside her. "This is our Chief of Defense, Brin Bluestone, given the nature of the little congregation we have here it seemed sensible to bring someone who can lead a fight as well as I can talk off a pair of ears." Kryss gave a small smile, she certainly seemed far more relaxed than some would be in her position.
"So Fujiko Ground Self Defense Force, I presume that's a Yamatain department? Are you a more focused group given the name?"
Stevenson shook his head no.
"While we are certainly an approved local defense force working with the Star Army of Yamatai, we are Nepleslian Reds through and through." he said despite himself hailing from New Bernese. "The name comes from our mandate to protect the Fujiko, Rufusland, and Ukmirt systems within the Fujiko Region. But the Empress' decree has allowed us to fight the squids and their neko thralls where we can." he continued, seeming to watch his wording a bit when it came to the NMX Nekos.
"Interstellar Patrol is also a local defense force, for Essia. We've been working on building our capability. To this point, we've mostly engaged in law enforcement and anti-pirate activity. The decree says we can fight the Mishu, so we will fight the Mishu." Philo added.
"My apologies commander, I haven't had much free time to keep up with such matters, though I did get to read up on some of the Mishu matters. What do you think our chances are here at Osman?" Kryss made a mental note to discuss with Brin later being Nepleslian himself.
"That's what I'd like to know as well." A newcomer echoed as he managed to move towards the inner circle of the growing gaggle of military leaders. The relatively young, thirty-something human wearing a Duskerian officer's uniform adorned with the holographic emblem of a Commodore was hard to mistake for anything but the New Dusk Conclave's primary representative at the meeting. Another holographic tag identified the officer's last name as Ralston.
The Duskerians had come to the meeting with just one cruiser, but the rank of the officer present made it clear that there was at least a squadron dedicated to this endeavor. "Essians, Reds, and Galactic Horizon. The only thing you've all in common is that you have little to gain from this endeavor." The man said, finishing his thought.
Stevenson and Yokota looked over towards the Duskerian newcomer. Yokota's single visible eyebrow went up, but the Senator that was used as the basis of her program kept her from saying something. Some sort of diplomatic contact with the NDC was a goal for the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office. Seeing the increasing rank of the leaders, she decided it was her time to flank off and find some lower ranking NDC officer to start talking to.
"I am worried less about what 'gains' we might get saving Osman and more getting everyone to work together efficently, Commodore." Stevenson said, not sure if it was more of a statement of fact. But that really wasn't his job to figure out from impressions alone. That was Yokota's.
Kryss raised an eyebrow after the android before shaking her head. "Hey now, is that any way to greet old friends and current business partners. To be blunt and avoid dodging the topic, Galactic Horizon has 2 goals in this endeavour. Keep Osman from a common threat to the sector, and if we happen to get some phone numbers during the process that will be a happy coincidence."
"That and during the exodus there may or may not have been things left behind. Nothing too dangerous or exciting, but company property none the less."
"I am afraid any company property of Galactic Horizon may be out of reach at this time, Commander. The situation planetside is quite by hostile aliens," the Raleigh android butted in, the tone of his hollow mechanical voice unreasonably polite, "Excuse my poor manners, Force Commander, we've never been introduced. I am Mr. Donovan, president of the Frontier Service Corporation. We are currently combating the hostile takeover of Planet Osman."
"The fact is that we forsee a lot of fighting against the Mishhuvurthyar in the coming years. While we have plenty of members trained and capable of law enforcement, we don't have experianced line troops. We want to gain experianced troops and save Osman from the invaders." Archon Philo added.
Stevenson nodded his head towards Mr. Donovan. He then looked at the Archon "As are we. As terrible as it might seem to anyone that considers this their home, it is better for us to learn hard lessons outside of our comfort zone. What is learned here can be applied or removed to the rest of our forces." Stevenson continued, using the Archon's words to explain part of the reason they were here. Not like anyone was going to believe the Reds were there for the kindest of their hearts or to defend humanity given their past chaotic history. He was going to have to show that with actions.
Theoni nodded, "Ex-"
"Hey-hey! That's a lot of fancy wordplay to say you guys are here for the cash!" A peaking voice interupted the congregation of the NDC, Galactic Horizon, FDC, Patrol, and Reds as an arm hooked around Kryss Blacks neck and a weight settled on her side in a far too-personal manner as someone slipped between her and Brin.
Dressed in a spacers jumpsuit overlaid with a gaudy black fabric duster with ostentatious gold trim at every possible seam with the Yamataigo words for "Lawnmower" and "Discount Ramen" embroidered on the back like a delinquent gang leader, a man of startling youth likely only just entering his twentieth year with groomed and smooth snow-bleached hair imposed himself only to pull off just as quick before Brin Bluestone could do anything about it.
Placing his hands up in a placating gesture with a too-friendly smile like a snake he skirted none too subtley around the group to stand closer to the Essians as if his snake-like demenor somehow made him their kin.
"Yeah theres gotta be at least a trillion KS worth of combined personalities here. So of course the 'Reds' are here to beg and scrape just every time the cats let them leave the core. Oh! And if it isnt 'Section-6!'; Though you guys gave yourself some new and fancy name. My old boss before he bit it told me all about when you guys stole everything that wasn't nailed down on your way out when you bailed on Osman once!
And people act like 'I' am the sleezy one just cause' I don't hide that me and my crew are here for the payout."
Clearly the loudest one in the entire meeting so far the newcommer had begun to draw attention as individuals and even some groups began paying close attention and drifting closer to eavesdrop.
Stevenson turned his body to face the spacer. Being from New Bernese and the FDC not really having a database of gangs and pirates within the sector, he hadn't a clue who this individual was. But he didn't like how he just galivanted into this like either her personally knows everyone or worse feels confident that he can get away with it.
"You must have me confused with someone at the Red Dawn Electric Power Corporation on the Black Moon of Halna mister..." Stevenson said in response to the Reds begging for scraps.
Theoni was annoyed because 'being there for the cash' was perhaps the exact opposite of why she was there, which she had litterally just said. "I don't think your sleezy because you have the possibilty of dying for a living. It's a good profession, long as you stay on the right side of the law. People probably act like your sleezy because you exude all of the authenticity of a used starship salesman. No, not a used starship salesman, too smart. You display the intelligance of his Inflatable Wacky Waving Tube Man instead." Theoni said with a knowing smile in Stevenson's direction.
Kryss had been moments away from making a quip when Mr Donovan introduced himself but was interuppted by the sudden arrival of the loud mercenary putting an arm around her shoulder. Stunned by the man's sudden appearance Brin lept into action a second too late and the man had already moved on, instead opting to give him a death stare.
The blonde woman almost let out a snort at the comment from Theoni, she had to admit it was fairly on the money too. "Well before you go getting yourself dumped out of an airlock, care to introduce yourself? Because you better be someone important in your line of work to pull an stunt like that and expect to have a seat at the table when the real discussions begin."
"Core-dwellers only bring out their 'polite society' when dealing with other core dwellers these days, eh?" The excentric tisk audibly before offering a flourish and bow. "Then as I know of most of you, I will introduce myself as your equal; Commodore Lucien, No surename if you please, of the 'checkered fleet' at your service."
Waiting in a half bow for an extended few seconds the man now identified as Lucien looked up, confused clearly at noticing no recognition before harumphing dramatically. At least the polite combat android had bowed in return.
"I am one of the representatives of the Checkered Fleet; A joint venture of outcasts, rouges such as myself, and other indipendent ship captains who have banded together in recent years to support one another who are not readiliy accepted in the core under what we consider to be tyrannical and targetted laws imposed on free captains such as we."
Not quite waiting for the admiration that was sure to come Lucien added immedietly after, "Almost thirty other captains of the fleet have answered little Abigails call. That's almost a quarter of the ships here and more to come; And more than a few of the fleet worked with the young Abigail on Gashmere so we are more than affiliated enough that I'm sure I could facilitate a meeting if you make it worth our while.
You didn't think you could just show up to an operation like this and expect being from the core as a bunch of reds, cat lovers, or think throwing your money around will get you in this operation after all, did you?"
Luciens smile was only part snake, part used starship salesman, and at least two gold teeth as he quirked an inquisitive brow at the group of strangers while more than a few onlookers murmered amongst themselves more than willing to let any one of them be the canary to test the mans legitimacy and claims.
<We're going to have to support him? He sounds as reliable as the wind.> Ypoarchon Mari Macroprotodon, head of the ground component asked over the chat the Interstellar Patrol was running through their Dendra.
<We'll support all of our allies equally. We won't be the weak link that isn't there when their supposed to be.> Theoni replied as she watched Lucien and the other representatives.
<There was an intresting ping on the name Abigail in relation to Gashmere.> Ypoarchon Codebreaker Delphini 35-3420-2537, head of the command component noted. She was a Freespacer who had joined the Interstellar Patrol and swifty rose through the ranks for her analytical skill.
<We'll review it when we get back.> Theoni replied as she watched and waited to see what would happen next.
Stevenson decided to Lucien was the type that was boastful because he knew he is a threat or is connected enough to be become one. He decided to take a more watchful approach and watch how the other more Osman-connected forces were going to deal with him. But he was certain that the Reds were going to have to keep a wide berth from his own where ever it was possible without giving the Mishhu room to manuver. He just smiled a bit at the Archon's statement.
<Commander Yokota, contact the Senator's office and see what information they can gather on this Lucien or an Abrigail during the latest Kodian unrest on Gashmere.> Stevenson sent via encrypted digital telepathy with his aide. While he didn't expect much though since the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office were also new.
"Well Commodore, of the fleet I am seeing today I can see you truly do plan to commit significant assets into this venture," Mr. Donovan acknowledged, but shifted his incessantly polite tone to that of a businessman's, "per the owner's last directive, the Frontier Service Corporation was to protect the people of Planet Osman and its economic security. With the current situation planetside we have limited options in who we receive assistance from. However, I remain worried that we may end up with investors who will cause more harm to the people or simply wish to plunder what is left of the planet. What are your intentions for the planet after we repel these invaders?"
"Indeed an important question," Commodore Ralston echoed. "The Conclave and its allies obviously are prepared to devote resources towards this endeavor, and at the very least those under Yamatai's wing can be trusted to not be outright malicious even if there may be some territorial ambitions at play. Galactic Horizon was born of Osman, as the conclave was."
Fingers curled out as the man seemed to count up the participants in this alliance of convenience, "Leaving yourself and the Checkered Fleet, Lucien. What do you want of Osman?"
Kryss and Brin nodded along with Ralston, "We may not reside here any longer, but Osman still has a place in our company history and our interests are to keep it free." The young Ms Black stated.
"What do I..." Lucien seemed confused from the questions and even a bit offended on the matter as his grin turned to a frown and lines began to crease his brow before he very literally spit on the deck and gave a flamboyant groan.
"Don't want not one single thing to do with the old dust ball!" He declared with a renewed grin and a slapping of the flat of his hand on his leather coat.
"Place aint got a thing me or mine want, I'll tell you that now! But what it does got..." He paused, looking around for something before putting two fingers in his mouth and giving a very impressive whistle that more than a few guests glared at him for as he gave several 'come hither' gestures.
Making her way through the crowd an individual came to join the group with Lucien. In a simple loose-fitting spacer hardsuit not at all unlike Luciens own the woman was a sort taller; With elfen-like ears and four-fingered hands she was clearly some kind of neko but being slightly taller than an average 33A and a few other discrepencies like a very visible barcode-like tattoo under her eye any other Nekos hemosynth would have healed away practically screamed 'NMX' of a sort.
In a loose-fitting spacer jumpsuit much like Luciens own but clearly of second-hand quality and without any of his flare the neko had one other very obvious take to her in the form of a tight metal bar-collar around her neck with no seam or discernable lock other than a small box-like device that took the circumference of the collar.
A very obvious 'bomb' that would likely decapitate her and make any natural hemosynth ability moot without a head...
"This!" Lucien declared, offering both hands in a 'look and be amazed' gesture up and down at the neko who seemed ambivilent to him as she casually placed a small piece of charcutteri in her mouth while looking over the group unimpressed despite being showed off.
"Her names something long and abwerhern sounding. So I just call her 'Becky'. Caught a few of them off south of the Moto's colonial sector where they got a whole planet of rouge discount cats. They tried to board our ship and the survivors opted to take an offer to join the crew instead of walking back out the airlock when their ship fell apart on them.
They cant make more of themselves, shame that; Aparently whatever the YNNX do to them they don't let them breed.
'Becky' Here is what I want. Where there are 'squids' there are 'cats' I want as many of them as my berth can handle and especially the ones that aint got their baby-makers turned off! Likewise since the fleet aint got no care for none of Osmans resources we'll take out pay in salvage; NMX ships, while bio in origin still got lots of tech, parts, weapons, and the like that are a cut above what we can get out here.
so THAT, Donnie-B is what the checkered fleet wants. The rest of you can worry about what each other wants cause so long as we get our scrap and bodies we're content to stay in our lane and not act like the sector belongs to us like most of you guys."
