RP: 5th XF [Finished]003-02: Logistical Mayhem (Alpha Shift)

[Rei]

Mission 003-02
Alpha Shift
YSS-Akuro

Briefing: While our 17th Armor Wing is flying its first mission to Taiie IV a number of logistical issues need to be handled in the 5th Expeditionary Fleet. During the last mission several of our logistical vessels were destroyed (Two Oberon Transports) it has created a lag time in the receiving of supplies and personnel from Yamatai. Part of the delay is due to the now strengthened security in the fleet; some commanders are over reacting and are causing delays in schedules. A new logistical solution needs to be worked for the fleet from new logistical vessels needing to be ordered, to advanced security procedures developed regarding their load and unload of payload and personnel. As apart of the advanced training program, Taisho Motoyoshi has asked that Taisa Shimizu utilize the opportunity to allow the trainees a chance to offer suggestions to develop such procedures.

Secondly, the normal operations of the fleet are expected to be preformed during the shift. Make sure it all runs smoothly.

>ON YSS AKURO "Jonny Five is alive"

The AI's voice came over internal communications system into the area of the 17th Armor Wing's suites "All 17th Armor Wing members report to the Kasairyuu Briefing Room immediately." A few moments later a similar announcement was made over the intercom in Alpha Shift's section. "Alpha shift please report to the bridge briefing lounge before going to the main bridge for you scheduled duty shifts." Katsuko sat at her desk finishing up some paperwork, having prescheduled the announcements she planned to go between the two briefings to evaluate both groups as this very important mission got off to a start.

Akina waited at the alternate entrance to the lounge, holding a small data pad, shifting her weight slightly. Her jumpsuit was replaced with a skirt uniform that day, as she prepared for the shift briefing and mission outline to come. She resented part of it, and it tugged in the back of her mind as she got ready for the room to fill before she made her entrance.

"Katsuko to Shosa Asuhara report..." a second later the Neko responded from the Fleet bridge "YSS-Cnidari is in position and awaiting its escorts ma'am. Namiko wing reports that they are back up to a hundred percent operational status and a personal message has been sent to your quarters from the YSS-Yosuko, Since you have ignored the last two I figured you would this one as well...Fleet Bridge Out..." Katsuko picked up her data pad and headed into the corridor towards the lift.
Aoiko glanced up from straightening her skirt uniform in the mirror as the announcement came through. She adjusted the few remaining little flaws and set out to the briefing lounge. I have yet to see the lounge, she thought as she stepped into the lift. I do wonder what it is like.

Jatsu got back to his room, put his computer on a nearby desk, and changed into his only good uniform. Damn, I guess I should have bought more uniforms while I was on the Hikari, he thought. He walked out of his room and headed toward the main bridge. I wonder if I'll ever get a chance to spend any time in my room. He ran to the lounge Alpha shift's meeting was being held in and quickly found a seat. Well, at least I'm finally on time for a meeting.

Akina tapped her foot impatiently waiting for the all present to be given to her by KAMI, so she could get the "briefing" underway. The standard protocol was up, and she was hoping she'd not forget in her slightly distracted state. They'd have to return to the Hikari on their next free chance, and she didn't know when next it might be with the recent happenings. The room filled with bridge operators as it came closer to the hour. Eventually it drew down to a trickle, with quiet murmurs between the mostly Nekovalkryja audience.

"Assembled, Taisa." KAMI chimed. "Good, announce it." she commanded. The doors peeled open as she walked across the lounge to the large screen dominating the room, where a podium adorned by a 5th XF seal stood to one side. "Room, at attention." chimed the voice as she walked in, and stood at attention herself waiting for those assembled to respond. At least I get to go on shift soon.she thought absently, observing the collected crewmen.

Aoiko quickly rose to her feet and bowed low, along with those around her, as Akina entered. I wonder, she postulated, if there will be a briefing like this every day...

Akina observed the room before calling "At ease." in a slightly projected speaking voice. The packed room began taking their seats.

Aoiko carefully slipped back into her seat, smoothing out her skirt as she did so. She glanced over to the face she recognized, Jatsu's, then turned back to the front and inclined her head slightly, waiting for Akina to continue.

Jatsu sat down and smiled at Aoiko when he noticed her glance. He then turned his attention back to Akina and waited for the mission details.

As everyone seated, Akina transmitted the go. A slide with her name and rank appeared. "Good evening. I am Shimizu Akina, first officer." she surveyed the crewmembers whom would soon go to their stations in the massive bridge. "This briefing will address logistical problems.." the slide changed to a bulleted outline, "...the fleet is currently under, and to prepare for the first operational period of Alpha shift." she clicked to a listing of fleet positions and groupings.

Glancing over the bulleted lists and the fleet status, Aoiko mumbled softly under her breath as she committed the information there to memory. She quickly turned her attention back to Akina, waiting for the Taisa to continue.

Jatsu read the list and stretched. Well, this should be...fun... he thought.

"After the recent failed mutiny, logistical operations have taken a hit in productivity. There are many captains taking far to long to clear fleet logistics command vessels to board and transfer their cargo. As a result from that and the consequent loss of two mothballed Oberon class escort vessels being used by our logistics section, we are left with two problems for smoother operations. One.." the next slide switched as she spoke. "Is the acquisition of new vessels, Two: increasing operational effectiveness vies a vi logistical operations." Akina grunted. "I will take suggestions from the bridge crew before proceeding." she paused, scanning the crowd.

Aoiko mulled over this for a moment before sitting up a little straighter and raising her hand.

"Yes, you." the Taisa narrowed her eyes.

Aoiko quickly rose to her feet. 'Itto Hei Murasaki Aoiko,' she said, snapping out a bow. 'I would like to make two suggestions - first, that in the interim before we acquire new transport vessels, we arrange and mobilize each ship's shuttle fleet for the purpose of transportation. Secondly, perhaps delays for security checks could be mitigated by formulating and instituting a uniform policy for the entire fleet.' She clasped her hands behind her back as she finished.

Jatsu thought over some possible solutions, then raised his hand.

"Please explain further about this policy, crewman." Akina directed.

"Ano,â€

 

[Rei]

"Moving along." Akina sliently switched to the next slide in the crowded lounged. "Missions being mounted during our shift you must be made aware of. The Trotter, a small craft sent to explore the YSS Cnidari's landing area, has sent a distress signal. A small team with the 17th is currently being briefed on the mission, and are expected to extract eight mission specialists of high priority." the display softly lit with schematics of the YSS Cnidari, and listed a manifest for the specialists and their vessel.

"We expect them to be found in this area. The 17th will extract the party, and retrieve any pertinent data from the Trotter if possible." she finished. A map of the crash site, and of the planned colonization landing blipped over imagry of the area. "The YSS Cnidari is to be put into orbit at this location, in preparation for our formal base of operations landing on the planet." the slide changed again showing an orbital path relative to the planet, including insertion angle. Shimizu Taisa thought again, and the conclusion slide came up, with a brazen 5th Expeditionary Fleet Logo, below it bulleted points of what she had covered. "Now, are there any questions?" she asked again.

 

[Lin]

Aoiko again raised her hand and patiently waited to be acknowledged by the Taisa. She stood up and bowed when she was indicated, and asked, 'Will we be expected to provide the Seventeenth with any assistance in the matter beyond normal operations, or do they have it in hand?'

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu raised his hand and waited. Once acknowledged by Akina, he stood, bowed, and asked, "Is there any data on the region or the status of the Trotter's systems that may indicate the nature of distress? In other words, does anything suggest that we should act under the assumption of a simple mechanical failure, a harsh environment, or the possibility of hostile organisms?"

 

[Rei]

"The Akuro will be in command of the mission, with direct control given to their team leader. They are the Akuro's Armor Wing, one of our arms of operation." she snapped, then addressing the other question. "A pertinent question, the mission is being mounted to extract the specialists first, but any data of that value or any other will be recovered." the Taisa paused. "Is there anything else?" she scanned faces about the room.

 

[Andrew]

"The accident was due to mechanical malfunction and pilot error combined into a series of unfortunate events...â€

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu sighed, thinking, So basically, if it's an environmental or intelligent force, we won't know until our pilots get hit by it. Great. He started to sit down, then quickly snapped to attention when the Taisho began to speak. "Understood, thank you ma'am," he responded, then bowed before sitting rigidly in his seat. I guess this is a simple recovery mission, after all. Shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[Rei]

"Yes ma'am." Akina replied. "Room, 'tench hut!" she called, sending the others to their feet. "Fall out. Report to your stations, Alpha." she finished, as her slides dissapeared. She left the way she came, oppisite where the other crew would leave once she and Katsuko had exited the room per protcol.

 

[Andrew]

Katsuko followed Akina out of the briefing room, commenting after the door closed with a cheerful grin "Better hope they can find their way to the bridge, I am sorry I did not get a chance to sit in on more of your briefing. I got hung up on the way up with Taisa Kadiri who is taking the Namiko to Jaspis.â€

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu stood up upon being called to attention, then stretched once the commanding officers left the room. Hmm...so, to the bridge, and to my station. Wait...which station am I supposed to go to? My assignment said to rotate between sci and ops...guess I'll go to ops since sci doesn't seem relevant to the current mission, he thought.

He walked over to Aoiko. "Well, this doesn't seem like it'll be too difficult. Looks like it's jut a case of an incompetent pilot flying an obsolete ship," he said quietly, not wanting to be overheard. "So what station are you posted to? I'm on operations and science...probably going to spend most of this mission at ops."

 

[Lin]

Aoiko bowed to the commanders as they left the lounge, then turned to Jatsu. "I hope so," she said with a quick nod. "I would certainly not mind a bit of quiet work, after that unpleasantness." She sighed. "I am on Communications and Operations, myself. Shall we?' She turned and walked toward the bridge.

Not a minute later found her at the Communications console, adjusting the headseat over her flattened-back ears.

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu nodded, then followed Aoiko into the bridge. He sat down at the operations station and ran a diagnostics check on the ship's systems while waiting for the Taisa. I really hope nothing important is still damaged, he thought.

 

[Rei]

"Admiral on deck!" Akina cried crisply as she entered ahead of her lover. The bridge went silent save a few late soldiers propelling themselves up. The shift that had been relieved was already stuffed into lifts and shuffling down halls to grab something in the galley, or just go relax. Akina stood next to her chair overlooking the cavernous command center of the Chiharu class. Well, here we go. she thought as she waited for Katsuko to get things underway.

 

[Rei]

After Motoyoshi sat down and called the bridge to operations, Akina called "Admiral has the com." before sitting in the XO's chair, pulling up the dossier for the coming shift. "We've commenced operations, ma'am." she surveyed the extremely large holomap of local space hanging above the pit. Various day to day communications went on.

At least I am getting good exercise today, Aoiko thought as she rose to her feet and bowed to the Taisho. She resumed her seat and continued to set the consoles before her to her preferences, and waited for communiqués to be routed through to her. Jatsu stood and bowed to the Taisho when she entered, then sat back down when called back to his station. He looked at the display and waited for the results of the diagnostics scan.

Katsuko began her usual list, walking down to the pit she was met almost immediately with a cup of hot green tea with a mint leaf floating in it. "Good morning, Chui..." she commented as she passed the operations station. Leaning over the consol, she tapped a few commands into the computer. Looking at one of the command readouts for the shift report. "I see things are up to their usual efficiency this morning, however I want engineering to begin improving our primary energy distribution. Ever since..." she paused "Anyway, I think we have been relying too heavily on secondary systems" The Chui responded with a grin "Aye Taisho..." She then headed lower in the pits towards the three cap ship pilots and the navigation hub, saying "As you were..." not wanting them to have to get up "Adjust our heading to move the fleet into the new staging pattern I set this morning, Navigation will relay more information..." her eyes drifting to the newly assigned Cadet at the Navigation table and then back to the pilots. "You may want to re-run the solution to include a variance, I want the speed up to 0.5c" the Navigation officer saluted and said "As you wish Taisho..." Katsuko traced a finger along the table as she walked back towards the stair and ascended to the command level "Itto Hei Murasaki, Send message to YSS-Namiko...Taisa Tanizaki, report mission status...over. Priority transmission.." She took a sip of her tea looking to her XO "Anything to Report, Taisa?"

Akina crossed her legs, lightly padding at the keys on her command chair. She sighed as she recognized what's his face to the side, and vaguely remembered the woman in front of her as 'A' something, from the insurgency. Blowing a wisp out of her hair, the woman cooled down from her briefing. A moment later, she began composing new fleet logistical procedures. They appeared on the screen as she thought through them, formalizing the outline and specifics she'd set before. This'll shape up to be a long one. she thought absently, as she sat upright in her chair, noting the course change taking effect as the helm compensated for Navigation.

"Ah. Done." Akina called out to no one in particular. She sent the operational procedures to the communications pit, where it could be disseminated easily. Well, that was on the top of the list. Akina uncrossed her legs and scrolled through fleet status with her personal display. "Ah, the extraction, that's right." she turned. "Tactical, how many alert armors do we have at the quick launches?"

"Ma'am, the quicklaunches are currently filled with 2,000 Mindys. Pilots are on standby, awaiting orders," Jatsu responded
.
Aoiko glanced down the reports. She cut the line on the argument from the Kyoto Carrier, turning ‘round. "Taisho," she said with another quick bow, "One of the Yuumi is having engine difficulties, and requests time for repairs before the fleet moves." She glanced back to her consoles and rerouted the communication between the Kyoto and the cargo vessel. I do hope I am not overstepping my authority, she thought, then said: "This is the Akuro. If you could spare a moment in between your shouting, could you please explain the problem?"

The updated logistical procedures went out from communications, silencing the bickering as the operations finally began fading to the background clutter. "I see things are rather quiet." she noted. Send some of that bubble tea with tapioca up here please, KAMI. Her eyes rolled to the display again. "I really need to fix her with some more personality." she said quietly. Katsuko idly pored over reports on her tour of the pits, accessing them via her link to the Akuro wasn't in her command style when unnecessary.

"Murasan-..Murasaki, was it? Hold four Nozomi to cover the Yuumi until it gets moving. The rest of the fleet will advance. Have them stand on partial readiness. Other ships will move around as needed. We're not that far aware, and in no immediate danger. They are to rejoin the altered formation ASAP." she commanded the busy Nekovalkryja.

"Hai, Taisa," Aoiko crisply replied, and selected four Nozomi to open channels to along with the Yuumi. "Nozomi-tachi, cover the Yuumi while it is under repairs. Stand under partial readiness - we are not expecting danger. As soon as you are ready, rejoin formation." She closed the connection and promptly sent the partial-readiness order to the rest of the fleet. Things seem pretty hectic over there, Jatsu thought, glancing over to Aoiko. Looks like the insurgency really screwed up the whole fleet. He put his focus back on the passive scan, watching for anything suspicious.

"Shipment of oils to the Hikari, more what?" the normal buzz of the communications bit faded below to the command tower. "Good, I doubt we'll have problems, but stand them down, then put them on alert one wing at a time, just to keep them on their feet." she commanded. That way the pilots in one wing would just finish getting dressed before being ordered back in their suits, and ordered the other pilots on standby.

"Roger, Taisa," Jatsu said. "AI, this is Nito Hei Kimura Jatsu under authority of Taisa Shimizu. Send a message to 8th wing to stand down. Also, keep the 9th wing on standby."

"Allright! Good!" Akina smirked, bringing up a holodisplay for the command stack to observe with a silent command to KAMI. There was a screen full of NH-17's popping out of their MINDY armors, and going after their changes of clothing. This will be funny. she thought with a smirk, watching as the crewmembers flitted about.

Aoiko leaned back in her chair slightly and heaved a bit of a sigh, then straightened back up. She shot a quick, curious glance over to the display from the MINDY bay, then turned back to the console screens and continued to route messages and work out the minor communication conflicts between the elements of the fleet.

Jatsu watched the display with a grin. Once all members of 8th wing had changed and were on their way out of the armor bay, he called up KAMI again. "KAMI, put 9th wing on standby. Have 8th wing report back to their armor bay and suit up, put them on alert."

There's a cute one. Aki thought without a change of expression as she switched to the 9th's display on the portside of the Akuro. "Let the KAMI core know I'll have some modifications I want to make at a later time, would you comm?"

Aoiko tilted her head back. "Hai, Taisa," she called out. Punching in a line to the KAMI itself, she said, "KAMI, the Taisa will be applying some modifications to you at a later time. Please be prepared for her."

"Acknowledged." came a flat reply.

Once 8th wing was suited up and ready, Jatsu issued another command. "KAMI, put 8th wing on standby and have 9th wing stand down." He watched the familiar scene of Neko clamoring to their clothes and held back from laughing. This is actually pretty fun, he thought.

"Little idea I remember from the turtle." the XO commented to anyone listening. "Keeps people from getting too bored, and if you do it at very random intervals they're more predisposed for quick action." she nodded once, as the fleet began moving to its modified position. Katsuko was still in the pit, up to her arms in reports.

The messages having flagged off somewhat, Aoiko looked up to the display screen. "I am suddenly very happy," she said to nobody in particular, "Yhat I elected not to become an armor pilot. It looks exhausting."

Jatsu watched as 9th wing got dressed and headed out of the bay. He waited a couple minutes while they gathered onto the lifts. "KAMI, put 9th wing on alert. "Remind them that we have a mission to attend to," he said, starting to laugh.

Akina grinned wryly as she watched the scramble in the corridors. This is a good shift already.

 

[Rei]

Akina watched as the NH-17's scrambled back into their armors. "Well, that was good." she commented. Katsuko was at an empty station in the pit, working on various manifests and general orders. Akina was left to her own devices. The fleet had almost assumed its new position in preparation for insertion on the main display. The local sector of space was still cleared, and repairs on the derelict vessel were almost completed.

Less important communiqués having been routed and delegated away, Aoiko called up a transmission from one of the outlying scout ships. She tilted her head slightly as she listened through her headset, then turned round. "Taisa, a scout ship to the south reports an unknown vessel that is apparently adrift. They request an armor wing to investigate properly." She forwarded the data sent by the scout to one of the holographic displays.

"Scramble the 21st." Akina replied. "Navigation, plot the Akuro and the fleet's course to orbit Taiie IV." she commanded. In the pit the buzz got louder in result.

Jatsu looked at the display. Well, guess the fun's over. Looks like it's time for some action now. "KAMI, put 21st wing on alert. Forward the data from the scouts and tell them to investigate."


Jatsu brought up the cameras in the armor bays to ensure a successful launch. "Taisa, 21st wing's launch is underway."

"We'll get a nice view soon enough. Comm, what's the status of repair?" she asked, referring to the small vanguard of ships in the area. An officer came with a data pad Akina looked over, and handing it back with a nod. The other officers at the few stations at their level busied themselves in Shimizu's presence. Around the fleet various ships were preparing for the Hummingbird class to make it's run, while the 17th was already on assignment. The 21st was preparing to launch already, lower communications relaying a go order.

"Yuumi, this is the Akuro," Aoiko said as she indicated the offending ship on the display before her. "Requesting the status on your repairs. You will be finished soon, we hope? We would prefer you to be in formation before the Hummingbird begins its movements."

Jatsu brought up the cameras in the armor bays to ensure a successful launch. "Taisa, 21st wing's launch is underway."

Akina responded by keying the floating holo-display to a tactical readout, and moved the window to the edge of her vision. She plotted an orbital insertion, and began running calculations sent to her by the navigation section. "Copy, Akuro. Repairs are being completed presently." in a few minutes the ship's status flashed blue with the rest of the fleet, and it's surrounding vanguard of Nozomi class ships. "Notify the fleet we'll be moving to orbital insertion shortly."

Aoiko glanced over her shoulder, double-checking that the main screens were also displaying the status of the Yuumi, then opened communication with the entire fleet. "This is the Akuro," she said, raising her voice a little so that the Taisa could hear her as well. "The Yuumi has finished her repairs, and we shall be completing our formation momentarily. Please stand by for the orbital insertion."

Jatsu initiated a passive scan along the 21st's course and routed the output to a small window to the side. He started another scan for the insertion point and brought the image up on the main display.

"Don't do that." Akina changed the large main display back to that of the local area. The Yuumi brought itself in formation, and the 5th was poised. Akina retransmitted the navigational orders back to their stations, with an order to send it out. "Move to the assigned coordinates, enter the gravity well as assigned, and orbit at the precise speeds." Akina called loudly for effect. Around the fleet engines started, and the large 5th Expeditonary began moving out towards Taiie IV.

Aoiko sighed slightly as her screen began filling up with reports and requests, spurred by this new bout of fleet-wide activity. She adjusted her headset microphone and set to work prioritizing and dealing with each of the messages in turn.

"Sorry, Ma'am," Jatsu said, then brought the scanner output up in another window in front of him. He brought up another window to monitor power output to ensure everything was running smoothly.

"I'm not a sorry ma'am!" she snapped at Jatsu without looking. The large flotilla jetted silently through space towards their insertion points. "Notify all hands." she commanded. The small crew on the massive Hikari notified all inbound crews to return to their ships for the fleet movement until she could angle towards the planet after insertion.

Aoiko tilted her head slightly, shooting a worried glance to Jatsu before turning back to her own station. Each of the shuttles were generating their own radio traffic, and issues were already cropping up; she didn't have time to worry.

Damn, I think I should stop talking before I make things worse, Jatsu thought. He typed some commands to have KAMI notify key crewman to prepare for orbital insertion.

Across the Akuro, reminders were fed to different crew. A few here and there required by regulation to return to their stations regardless of shift. The fleet deftly began their insertion into orbit of the planet. Shortly the main engines of the Akuro disengaged, as she coasted with her mass of ships around the world in near peerless formation. "Tell the 9th they've earned an early stand-down. Have the 12th replace them earlier than scheduled. Leave the eighth on until the end of their alert." Akina noted blankly. And may the Emperor help you if you change the main display again. she sighed. At least the other one seems to be managing.

The other one was managing, but not without effort. The last of the shuttles docking had cleared up that part of her console, but the chatter between ships as they maintained the massive formation was daunting to say the least.

"Yes, Taisa," Jatsu said stoically. He typed in the commands for KAMI to notify 9th to stand down then notify 12th to report to the armor bay and suit up, and to remain on standby.

The fleet finally slipped in orbit over the lush green and blue planet. Akina overlaid a large real-time view of the unspoiled world for the various levels to glance at while they worked. "We've landed a nice one." she commented aloud. "Murasaki, since things are quieted down, find out what happened to that damn tea!?" she asked, intending the woman to stay where she was. "Oh, and have them bring some regular green up for the others." she indicated the other officers stationed around the command tower, and to Jatsu.

Aoiko, having cleared her screen, was just settling back. She froze as she heard the Taisa, and her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment. "Hai, Taisa," she said, and after a moment's consideration she opened a line to the kitchens. "This is the bridge," she said into the line. "The Taisa wishes to know what happened to the damn' tea, as well as append the previous order with green tea for each of the command crew."

"Acknowledged bridge, on the way...YOU DAMNED MO-" the communications cut out. Apparently it had slipped someone's mind.

Jatsu closed the window he had displaying the scanner since the fleet had positioned itself in the region it was showing. He looked up. I get tea? he thought. I guess I can't be screwing up too badly, then...that's comforting to know.

Ha, they found a few friends down there. Akina smirked, thumbing away the mission status on Taiie IV below them. "Make certain the mission craft is notified we're able to aid the 17th from here." she added.

"Seventeenth," Aoiko said after opening a line to the shuttle, "this is the Akuro. The fleet is in position to render any support you may require." She waited a moment after speaking, half-expecting another horde of small communicative emergencies to again lunge across her screens.

A slightly flushed red jump suited Geshrin woman soon arrived via the lift with a long tray. "Ma'am." she said in turn to Akina, handing her vanilla tapioca bubble tea. Have to thank her for getting me addicted again later. she thought, taking a sip in earnest. The woman went to the officers first, then to Jatsu, and finally setting a green tea with Aoiko, holding the empty tray under her arm and skipping away. Her loud exhale of relief is all that was heard before the lift closed shut.

"Ariga..!" Aoiko called out to the Geshrin as she breezed by, then hummed to herself. She made a little face as she picked up the tea in both hands and took a little sip. I really should have requested coffee, she thought to herself as she idly watched her thankfully-still screens.

Jatsu lightly bowed his head to the Geshrin. "Thanks," he said, then took a sip. Damnit, don't they have any sugar down there? He sighed, then took another sip.

 

[Rei]

The shift wore on as the fleet settled into an orbit around the new base of observations. The YSS Hikari, in a rear guard position, angled it's observation deck at the planet as the fleet orbited with no acceleration. While below the 17th was struggling through a mission, it was but one facet of the Akuro's operations that day, the Nekovalkyrja flagship relayed simple commands. The KAMI woked down the non-essential data, as shuttles and logistical ships resumed normal activies. The buzz on the bridge lessened as Katsuko kept herself busy with reports, and Akina sipped at the bubble tea she'd ordered, her legs crossed one over the other.

Aoiko nipped at her own tea, much less busy now that the most pressing matters had passed. Only occasional issues appeared on the Priority Communications screen, and they were quickly dealt with. Better this, she thought, than have things be interesting.

Jatsu sipped his bitter tea while looking over the mapped regions of Taiie IV. So, this is the landing site...looks like a pretty good location. Wonder what's going on down there? he thought.

Akina sighed, cutting her personal window from section to section in the ship, still excited by the great mass of the hulking flagship. She bit down on the little spheres of sweetness in her tea, humming softly. "Some background music, prehaps?" she said as there was some commotion from the environmental officer in the pit.

"Something classical, Taisa?" she asked as she pressed her earpiece to one folded-back ear.

Jatsu stretched. Doesn't really seem like there's much to do, he thought. Though I suppose that's better than having too much. He finished his tea then went back to analyzing the map.

"What do you mean, snowing!?" the officer yelled back into the console. Apparently one of the cold storage units had gotten out of hand. Akina nodded, "Yes, something light. And then find out what that racket is." with a bemused snicker.

Aoiko winced, pushing the headset back behind her ears. "It appears that one of the cold storage units is experiencing difficulties. Something about snow, I hear." She rubbed one ear, the other one twitching in annoyance, as she commanded the console to pipe some Barber through to the bridge.
Ugh...I hate this kind of music, Jatsu thought. He sighed, then went back to his map. This mountain should provide some minerals to use.

An indicator flashed to Aoiko from the section below. "Requesting orders, unit 23-4S-23 is down. Deck 21."

Aoiko snapped to attention the moment the indicator flashed. "Taisa, Unit Twenty-Three, Four-Ess, Twenty-Three is down on Deck Twenty-One. There is a request for orders," she said with some concern, calling up on one of her secondary displays details regarding just what the aforementioned unit was.

"Copy. Well, what would you do trainee?" she smiled wryly, sipping at her tea.

Jatsu looked back at Aoiko. 23-4S-23? The hell is that? he thought.

The data regarding the unit flickered up one of the screens beside Aoiko. Flicking her eyes over it, she pondered out loud, "A freezer has malfunctioned... A repair assessment should be made immediately. If the difficulty is minor, it should be fixed right away - if it will take time, the supplies inside shall have to be moved. Either way, technicians must be called quickly." She glanced back to the Taisa, as if she was awaiting confirmation.

"Ahh...close enough. Do it." she waved her tea holding arm forward. Speaking of which, I'll have to go to that winter deck if I ever get time to myself. she thought of the Hikari.

Aoiko turned right back round and opened a line to Deck 21. "This is the bridge," she said. "Please stand by. Technicians will be by shortly to assess the malfunction. If it cannot be repaired quickly, be ready to redistribute the supplies you are storing there." She then called up a list and selected three idle on-duty technicians. "Please," she radioed to them, "report to cooling unit 23-4S-23 on Deck 21. It is malfunctioning. Assess the damage and let the crew there know, then repair it as soon as possible." That done, she turned back to Akina. "If I may, Taisa," she asked, "what would have been closer?"

"Sealing it off until they arrive, and relocating surplus perishables. Not to worry, that sounds minor. Shouldn't take them long. Leave the standing orders." she sipped her half full tea again. "Not a bad selection, I do suppose." the lightly piped in music played in the background, filling in the buzz of voices with an orchestra. "Send a Nozomi on a low orbit sweep, will you? Check the manifest. I want one that's not been up to anything lately." she held back a yawn.

Jatsu turned back to his map. Well, it seems to be under control, he thought. Hmm...is this a forest?

"Tactical." she said. "I want a report of our weapons solutions from the following possible attack vectors in our current formation by the end of the shift. Take in account local distortion and anomalies." she prompted, sending a few simulations to Jatsu's stations. "Don't let it interfere with your other duties." she had already some in mind, but wanted the soldier to do something difficult during his shift time.

"Roger, Taisa," Jatsu said. He closed the terrain map and opened the simulations in separate windows, bringing one up in front of his at a time. He opened another window displaying the status of the fleet's weapons systems next to the simulation he was focusing on.

Aoiko called up the list of Nozomi ships in the fleet, and glanced through them. Selecting a likely-looking one, she radioed, "This is the Akuro. Please perform a low-orbit sweep of the planet and report back when finished." Sitting back, she took another sip from the tea, and winced. A Nozomi in central formation slipped into a low orbital insertion, and began a topographical scan.

"Roger, Taisa," Jatsu said. He closed the terrain map and opened the simulations in separate windows, bringing one up in front of his at a time. He opened another window displaying the status of the fleet's weapons systems next to the simulation he was focusing on.

Shimizu Taisa grinned slightly, sending a series of preparatory commands to the Akuro's KAMI. This'll be a good one. she thought happily, as certain officers around the bridge responded to a relay in subtle ways.

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu sighed. Well, if I'm going to spend this shift playing video games, it only makes sense that I start with the easiest level, he thought. He pulled the window containing the easiest simulator in front of him. A primitive, unremarkable race launching a ground attack against the Cnidari's landing site. We could eradicate them easily if necessary, but we should probably try a diplomatic approach.

First, a mild display of our power... He hit a couple buttons in the window, resulting in the simulated 17th wing launching suppressive fire near the Taiie natives. Okay, now to weaken their morale even more... He hit a couple more buttons, which launched 8th wing from the Akuro to cut off the Taiians' retreat and surround them. Judging from their formation, this guy here seems to be the unit leader...let's just isolate him for now... After entering a couple commands, one of the armors picked up the Taiian unit leader and left the circle. Send an empty transport...put him on it...have the AI talk to him for a bit, collect language samples, and come up with a translator...then have a Chui start diplomatic talks over the comm system.

Jatsu held back a yawn. Well, looks like I'm done with this one...

 

[Rei]

Akina wanted to make certain the crew in the second bridge were on their toes, as a seamless transition of monitoring went to their stations, the main duty officer was called on. As soon as she was in place, KAMI informed the Taisa through her link to the ships systems. Around the fleet various commanding officers were informed of the impending development. Only a few officers on the bridge of the massive flagship were informed.

Aoiko leaned back slightly in her chair. Her console was, for the moment, blissfully blank, and she took this time to relax with the remains of her long-gone-cold tea.

Jatsu was getting frustrated. The simulation he was working on was more difficult than the previous, and he had just gotten the "scenario failed" message for the third time. I should be better than this, damnit, he thought.

A flashing cluster of starships blipped on the tactical system readout suddenly. They were as of yet unidentified, and overlaid Jatsu's simulations, killing his fleet again. The ships were approaching at high velocity, with no communication. Akina uncrossed her legs and sat up, pretending not to notice the alarm. Let's see if Kacchan can do paperwork like this. she thought wickedly.

Setting down the cup of tea-dregs, Aoiko peered at her screen, rather unimpressed. Kuso! she thought. "This seems like somewhat of a concern, Taisa," she called back as she attempted to hail the incoming fleet.

Well, shit, Jatsu thought. "Taisa, there's a large unidentified fleet approaching us fast." He brought up the status of the shields and ensured they were up at full power. "Shields are up. Awaiting orders."

The incoming fleet numbered in excess of the 5th XF, and as they approached in a minute amount of time sensors reported YSA hull classifications, running with Nepleslian military identifiers. At least one Yuumi accompanied the force.

Akina stood up. "Launch all alert armors when they're in range." she stated calmly. "Sound general quarters. Red alert, all ships." as the din of the bridge rose to a hushed roar of keystrokes and commands. KAMI responded in acknowledgement, klaxons sounded on the bridge, and appeared to have all around the ship as well.

"Nepleslian Yuumi, this is the YSS Akuro, of the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet. Please respond," Aoiko calmly recited into her headset, and waited. "Nepleslian Yuumi, please respond," she said again after a few seconds. This is worrisome, she thought to herself as she felt the inside of her chest tighten.No response was received as the fleet assumed it's battle formation, an extrapolated standard from NSA defense fleets. One message was sent alone, in text. The stars belong to us, Nekovalkryja whores.

Nepleslians, on a YSA ship, heading straight at us? What the hell's going on? Jatsu typed out the command ordering 8th and 12th wings to launch, then waited for the fleet to come within range before sending it.

Aoiko quite nearly gaped openly at the message. Regaining her composure, she turned and said, "Taisa, the only response I am getting is, and I quote, "The stars belong to us, Nekovalkyrja whores.â€

 

[Jatsu]

Jatsu reholstered his sidearm, no longer needing to worry about the bridge being invaded, and went back to his simulations. He quickly drank his ultra-sweet tea when it arrived. Wow, these things seem a lot easier now, he thought, subconsciously comapring the simulations to the full-scale holo-battle.

He was pulled from his trance-like concentration when he heard the Taisho arrive and quickly snapped to attention, then settled back to his station when she ordered the bridge as they were. He easily completed the next three simulations, and finished the next two after a few attempts each. He spent a few hours working through the final simulation, failing it about a dozen times, before finally completing it. He sat back and let out a sigh of relief, then compiled a report of the actions that led to success for each scenario.

"Taisa, I've completed the simulations as requested. I'm sending my report to you now," he said, then sent the report to a small window next to the Taisa.

 

[Rei]

"Mmnn. Very good. That will be all for now." Akina said as she scanned his work. Without proper training at War College it was as she expected, but the real purpose was for his mind to be engaged for the duration. Closing out the window she watched the modified fleet formation orbit Taiie IV on the main display, then back to Katsuko standing at the communications station.

Bravo shift members were finishing their daily routine from their various decks. Armor wings were already shifting ahead of time to anticipate the transition on the bridge. With the announcement of the ceremony to be held later that evening, many officers around the Akuro found themselves changing plans they had made.