[Fifth Expeditionary Fleet:Yamatai] Time for Answers...

"Nothing could change what happened. I couldn't," Uesu said. "But I made the most of it. We built a glorious empire...and the Mishhuvurthyar have threatened that. I have been working to solve that problem, too."

The Emperor swiftly hovered back towards his shuttle.

Caine glanced over at Davis when he listened to what he aged man had to say. Wisdom was always found through people that had lived through what he had experienced afterall. The young Yamataian couldn’t help but sympathize with the old man at hearing his response the idiot Emperor.

“I agree with you sir.” He started, speaking quietly but raised his blue eyes to Davis confidently. “So many lives shouldn’t have been sacrificed in such a way, there were other, better ways to settle the problems of that era.” Caine said. “All we can do now is honor those who died and work to make sure such atrocities don’t repeat themselves.” He finished.

His blue eyed glare went to Uesu and he shook his head quietly, deciding not to respond to that. He's not doing a damn thing, he sits on his ass while the rest of us fight and die. Let's see him put on a ship in the front lines... the young 17th CO thought to himself, keeping it private.

Once they were free of the room, Katsuko took a deep breath.

You realize, everything changes now. Whether what you did was for the better of the Empire at the time, or not --It caused the death of billions and it is the light in which we will all be judged.

Katsuko, looked at Uesu there were tears held back beneath the dull grey eyes.

The Ketsurui Dynasty is over...If not by your choice, they will come; The SMX, The Nepleslians...They want blood for blood. She laid her hand on his shoulder. You were right, a glorious Empire has been built, but now we must fight for it to live.

Katsuko asked him, How do you propose that I ensure that the Empire will endure this?

"What, do you think you could do better?" Uesu asked.

"...One of the primary responsibilities of the Star Army is to protect our civilians...regardless of race...

I confess this happened before my birth, and I am unaware of the laws and circumstances back then...but I can neither in good conscience, nor in keeping with my responsibilities as an officer, endorse Ketsurui-tenno-sama's actions."

Yaichiro looked to the Sky Marshall, his anger at Uesu's comments tempered with focus.

"I do not know how much weight our words have to you, Sky Marshall. We are equal to only your own military's Lieutenants in rank...but please make your people aware of this if you inform them of what has happened here...The Emperor's actions and sentiments do NOT reflect those of our race as a whole."


Saito and Kahori merely nodded in response, both still involed with their own duties. As Saito made sure the Lorath behaved themselves, Kahori made sure that no one got too close to Katsuko and Uesu...she also made sure medical teams were on stand by, should Uesu say something exceptionally stupid to Kat.

Davis nodded slowly, absently, in response to Yaichiro, his mind seemingly elsewhere for the moment.

"The implications of this are astounding," he finally said. "What reason, if any now, do my senators, my people, have to deny the Misshu their desire to erase all that is Ketsurui?"

He sighed deeply, resting both his hands on the top of his cane as he looked up to the ceiling of the ship.

"In finding the truth, we've only opened the doors to more pain and distrust, if not between the factions of the universe, within the core of Yamatai itself, when your citizens realize all this."

Yaichiro thought for a moment, debating the situation...

"I believe that the title of Emperor is to be passed on...but it is still a sin on the Ketsurui-clan's legacy..."

Not really having much authority, or an answer to the question, he continued to think...as hard as he could...

"...Well...what would the Mishhu do once Yamatai is gone? Probably the same thing they do with everything else...conquer...

Perhaps this was Melisson's plan...to set this all into motion? She struck me as manipulative when I saw her...thinning out Nepleslian and Yamataian forces seems to be quite a plausible tactic..."


It was then that Saito elected to intervene, knowing Yaichiro had likely gone as far as he could to ease the Sky Marshall...the officer lacked much in the way of diplomacy experience, and his Kyoto War College training was not yet quite complete, after all.

"Please let Kat work...also, I suggest you propose this data, and the Emperor's words, to our Senate. I suspect that there will be a strong reaction and movements to resolve this matter. I confess that some of our people are racist bigots, but this is not something the Senate is able to ignore...meanwhile...Perhaps we should initiate an investigation, to analyze PNUgen's role in a more careful light...to find just who is accountable for what, and how best to proceed.

There are other things we could do here, before speaking of war...contrary to the Core Government's beliefs, I consider war a last resort...and seeing the Emperor's sins laid out so plainly leads me to believe that to hold true."

Katsuko evaluated Uesu's question for a moment, Is he being sarcastic? Or is he serious? She knew her answer had to be a careful one, if not for her own sake but for that of her clan.

"Emperor, I think, that if presented with the situations you were, I would of committed to different action. If it would of been better or not is another discussion entirely, and retrospect will give us nothing." she paused another moment, "I have been presented with a lot of unexpected responsibilities and duties in my lifetime, all of which I have preformed to the best of my ability. So if hypothetically, I was presented with imperial responsibility, I believe I would perform as I always have --it would be up to history to decide if I did so better."

She added, "However I believe handing the throne to Himiko, another Ketsurui, may merely lead us into a war with every faction in the galaxy. Your actions legitimate or not may merely be a death sentence for the child."

"If you are truly interested, I would be willing to let you have a chance. As for me, I think that I might take Yuumi and go explore the galaxy with her for a few decades."

Me? Empress? She was shocked, her clan was strong but she had never considered going for Imperial mandate. The concept also bore a plan, one that could possibly save Yamatai. If Uesu and the Ketsurui gave up the throne and this new trouble with it, it may well be the the saving grace she had be praying for.

Even if they only left for a few decades it could be enough time for the rest of the galaxy, especially Nepleslia --who she was on relatively good terms with, a chance to let these sins die.

Katsuko said, not ever being one to give up anything. "I am interested...I will accept the Imperial mandate and the throne of Yamatai." This encounter, had finally become the realization of her highest hopes for her clan.

"Very well. Consider it done then. I will make an announcement soon."

The man's stern face looked closely into Katsuko's eyes for a moment.

"I wish you the best of luck. It is not an easy job."

Soon, the Emperor was back aboard his flagship.

Akuro, Have Tange-Chujo summoned to meet me in the conference room. Katsuko ordered, watching the Emperor leave. In an entire instant the history of her, her family and the Empire was changed forever. She whispered quietly to herself, "Chiharu, have mercy..."

The lift ride back to the conference room was an eternity, when she finally arrived she sat back down in the chair she had sat in minutes before, her eyes held a mysterious gaze upon the Hinomaru logo in the center of the table...

She whispered to Davis, Yaichiro, and the others gathered at the table:

"The Ketsurui are giving up the throne..." she paused a lengthy momment, and said "To the Motoyoshi." a smile formed on her lips.

The greatest challenges await me... she thought to herself.

Yaichiro's eyes widened in surprise, before bowing deeply to the new Empress...

"...Then this is the officially beginning of a new era in Yamataian history...May Chiharu guide you, Motoyoshi-sama..."


Saito smiled a bit at Yaichiro's formality...though it did surprise her...

"Does this mean...you will not return to Jiyuu with us, Ka-chan?"

Caine's eyebrows perked quite a bit when Katsuko returned and made her announcement. This was a surprising turn of events and he couldn't help but bow deeply to the new empress as well. "Indeed, but if there's anyone more qualified for the position I know not who it is." Caine said, offering Katsuko a small smile. "May Chiharu guide you to glorious new heights Motoyoshi-sama." He said with deep respect.

Though it may be a good idea if she returned to Jiyuu, that way she wouldn't fall into the rut the last Dynasty had fallen into. There were still a lot of things to do with the 5th's new homeworld, not mention the mishhu. This may be a boon and with the Motoyoshi in control :Caine believed that tthings may change for the better.

Ember placed a gentle hand on the Sky Marshall's shoulder when she witnessed his restraint and the grief in his eyes. "It pains us all to hear these bitter truths for the first time. Yamatai... Geshrintall... we have to come to grips with almost 30 years of deception instigated by the Kitsurugi now.. Ketsurui clan. We could still stop this." She looked towards her Senator with a pleading expression. "Right?"


Ayana had sat in quiet, awe of the events that just unfolded. The Empire just changed hands... the Ketsurui / Kitsurugi clan just gave up the throne peacefully to the Motoyoshi clan. She wondered just how the younger members of the Ketsurui clan would feel suddenly hearing the news that they were now among the people they ruled as regular citizens and soldiers.

The Senator glanced up, her vision coming into focus again when the logistics offer made her plea. "We might be able to stop the killing, but I'm not sure that eradication of our nation will ever make amends for the past harm inflicted upon us- our lack of history, family.... a chance for a natural way of life." She paused as she looked at the Nepleslian Premier.

"Mr. Davis, we of the Senate were in agreement that Nepleslia needs to be allowed to govern itself and manage its military as it seems fit. We see you as our brothers and we do not wish to fight you. And I mean that with all of my heart, I meant it when I drafted the proposal for the new treaty and I mean it now.

I feel that while Uesu and PNUgen have committed horrible crimes against both of our people- the entire Ketsurui family should not be held liable. If Melisson felt the need to finally be diplomatic about this- then perhaps it is time for us to sit down with her despite our grievances and try to make this vicious cycle stop. I am tired of seeing our people dying needlessly fighting our abused sisters driven to insanity by the horrors that have been inflicted upon them."

Yaichiro then spoke, after a long oment of silence.

"All we know is that PNUgen created them. We know not why...painting them as victims may be premature, though it's a possibility. We need to investigate PNUgen's actions and goals VERY carefully before we reach that conclusion with much certainty."

He paused a moment in thought...

"Still, it's enough to listen to what they have to say...I won't say we must end the war peacefully, that is a premature goal and may not be possible...but Melisson claims her motivation to be to teach us humility and the value of life.

We were told this at the meeting I was present for, and this was mirrored in the Nepleslian communication...Odd that her actions are teaching just that lesson. If THIS was her goal, than she's every bit as formidible and manipulative as I've feared..."

Yaichiro's heart sank, however, something heavy on his mind.

Of course...this means Hanako-Taisa saw fit to tell our enemy of Uesu-sama's sins, but not our own people...how could she do such a thing, being sworn to protect the Empire and her citizens? This could easily have escalated into war, and still may if we aren't careful...

Hanako-Taisa...what in Chiharu-sama's name were you thinking?

Caine just sat with his fingers interlaced with his lips hiding behind the fingers as he listened. So Katsuko was crowned empress just now? That was something he needed to inform his Unit about considering they were supposed to be her "right hand".

David. Just moments ago, our beloved Taisho was crowned empress by the former emperor. I anticipate his forces to move away once it sinks in to them through the PANTHEON system. Caine said to his XO telepathically. If they don't already know, please inform the others. He said calmly to him.

"In the end, PNUgen is still behind all this, despite being largely defunct, the blame lies with them." Caine said, musing to himself but just loud enough to be heard. "What will we do now I wonder..." he said to himself.

Katsuko released the clasp of her rank pin and pulled it off her uniform, and set the Taisho pin on the table. She said to Yaichiro, “No, sorry I will not be returning to Jiyuu with you. My journey with this fleet has come to a close. I am needed upon the throne of Yamatai, I will however be sure to keep close tabs on you all…”

Misato entered the room, already aware of all that had happened, having watched the Taisho and her meeting with the Emperor from her BSIA station on the bridge. Misato bowed deeply and said “Your highness…”

Katsuko giggled softly, sliding the Taisho pin towards Misato. “Well, I wish you luck…” she nodded, pausing a moment to look the Chujo over, “Take our fleet home, and remember what we discussed” Misato nodded, picking up the pin.

Katsuko issued to Ayana, Governor…come with me. She then looked to Davis, saying “Sky Marshall, we have plenty to discuss…feel free to have yourself and your ship stay behind at Yamatai as my guest, so that we may officially continue our diplomatic discourse.”

The new Empress turned, heading towards the door; stopping and waiting for Ayana to join her just a few steps from it.

Ayana quietly bowed to Katsuko's request and then dutifully followed after her Taisho, now Empress. It still amazed her at how much had changed in so little time.

Ember watched Katsuko and then Ayana leave for a moment before looking respectfully at Misato. "Congratulations on your promotion, Tange-Taisho." She offered the neko a polite smile, she just hoped that the woman's ego would not come before the needs of their fleet.

Caine stood and bowed to Katsuko and watched her go for a moment before pulling out his communicator and patching through the David to recall teh 17th to the Akuro. "David, you and the others are to return to the Akuro." He said briskly. Just as he closed the communicator he'd remember something very very important he'd not had time for in the last few days.

He'd send a communication to Katsuko as well, not wanting to be rude by telepathy. The message would probably just buzz her own communicator from him.

"Empress Katsuko, please forgive me for being remiss with this with the current situation. But in relation to your offer to join the Bakufu and the Motoyoshi clan... I am very honored to accept the offer to join the Motoyoshi clan but I feel I may not be experienced enough in politics to join the Bakufu yet." he'd say over it.

Once that was taken care of, Caine would leave the conference room and head to the armor bay to meet his returning troops. But in the meanwhile he'd send another message, this one to Kiyoko on an encrypted channel.