RP: 5th XF [Mission] 006-01: Requiem's Lullaby [Namiko Group]

Setting down the half-finished mug of coffee Corro paused to look over the stacks of datapads and papers he had been sorting through and editing. Supply requests, troop transfers, repairs and maintenance happened to be the subjects of most of them currently. The Namiko's bridge ready room was quiet as usual, Corro being its only occupant. Picking up the nearest pad, Corro held it into the dull lighting and began to read over its contents.

Walking through the corridors of the Namiko, she met the stares of her fellow crewmates. Karou the once uptight, fresh from the academy was now nothing like her former self. Her long dark hair was razored and layered, and far from the standard of most. She wore her uniform, hiked so far above regulation that you could see the edge of her black panties as she swayed almost catlike around the corner towards the ready room.

She was questioned at the door. "The Taisa isn't to be disturbed."

She smiled and said, "Is that so..." Drawing close to the young Nepleslian man, she ran her pale left finger down his cheek. "I have authorization from the Taisho...wouldn't want to piss her off. Afterall." Drawing the finger down his chest she then rested it on his crotch. "We know her opinion of your type, eh soldier?"

The Santo Hei nodded "Aye Chusa..." She recoiled from him like a snake after a strike, her violet eyes gleaming in the artificial light of the corridor. She entered the ready room, reaching back to engage the door lock upon entry. Her eyes caught the visage of Corro and a half smile crept across her lips. "That uniform is much cuter than the old one, bet it drives the little Nekos that eat out of your wealthy Taisa palms wild."

Corro didn't look up at the sound of the door, he was use to his adjuncts entering and exiting with new coffee and paperwork. However, the voice caused him to lower the datapad in front of him. "That's one opinion I would guess." Corro replied looking at Karou and her smirk. "Is there something I can do for you, Chusa?" Corro asked with a small smile. Part of him was glad to have the 17th and its members back under his wing, so he made an effort to make sure they were treated well. As he finished asking he saw the slight hint of black at the edge of Karou's skirt, Corro's eyes drifted over her.

She smirked "Something you can do for me?" she stepped forwards lounging herself over one of the chairs at the table, she continued "Is that an invitation Taisa?..." Leaning forwards a little further she then said with a sigh, "Unfortunately that was the same question I had for you Corro. Seems the Taisho has decided that we are going to be spending a lot of time together. Orders pending, her personal delivery but I am to be assigned as your first officer."

"I see. Well from your rank I would have assumed something like that was on the books." Corro smiled as he put down the datapad he had in his hands. "I've been extremely busy lately. The orders and transfers requests begin to wear on you, having to research and respond to each one." He nodded to the pile of papers and datapads. As he looked up he caught himself looking Karou directly in the eyes. "I... Well I seem to be at a loss for words when the Taisho believes that the great 17th should be stationed here."

"You mean the 17th, that you made great. Grown humble on me Corro?" she smiled, breaking the gaze to examine some of the papers and datapads "Hopefully when we leave port we can lighten the paperwork, a commander's place is in the chair not behind a desk." As for the transfers, she had read most of them herself. A lot of which were transfers back to Yamatai for new orders. The Taisho appeared to be cleaning house, most of the 5th's major players were now graduates of her training programs or classmates from Kyoto back in the day.

Corro sighed smiling as he did so. "I only gave them a push, you took the reins after me." He watched her eye the work-in-progress on the desk. "Yes, but with so many transfers in and out, it feels like I'll never get through them all. I would love nothing more than to not have to do this." He paused to pick up his mug of coffee as he usually did when he began to feel the works weight on him. "I can only hope once we've left the staging area we can get down to business and not this menial work." He took a short sip from the mug.

Her careful steps brought her across the room "Maybe a little, non-business would improve the mood on this ship. You aren't going to become all stuffy are you Corro?" she carefully reached up to his shoulders, and began to run her hands back and forth along his back. "I would hate to see you lose that rebellious edge that made you such a good commander in the 17th." She paused, continuing to rub upon his shoulders. "We are at the edge of the mighty empire, we can at least take advantage of not having the eyes of bureaucrats always upon us." She giggled looking to him.

Corro's muscles tensed up slightly at Karou's touch, his hands shook slightly at it. The coffee in his hands was low enough not to splash, but Corro quickly slide onto the table. As she continued to rub his shoulders, his stress and tension began to fade slightly. He closed his eyes halfway as he let her continue. "Maybe... Maybe being on the Iori has dulled me." He sighed as he began to relax. As she giggled Corro looked up behind him to Karou. "Did you have something in mind?" Corro asked playfully. In his mind warning bells were going off, but to Corro his Nepleslian instinct was taking over.

Karou pushed herself around and in front of him, hanging herself from his neck. "I'm sure we will come up with something..." She giggled again, her violet eyes widening, as her leg slowly rubbed against his. She pulled herself up, almost on her tippy toes, her lips inches from the side of his neck, her warm breath echoing off his skin.

Corro felt her breath on his neck, the hairs on the back of his head standing up from the feeling. He smiled at her response. "I've never seen this side..." His voice trailed off as he continued to become more at ease. Slowly his left arm swung around Karou's hips and began to gently push her closer.

"Perhaps because you never took the time to notice Corro..." Karou whispered, her lips falling upon his neck in a seductive kiss, then another, her eyes closed as his arm drew her closer. Alive... I have my own will... No machine has that... she thought. She then drew back, her eyes flickering open to look within his.

As he rested his arm around her hip, Corro let her kiss his neck. Slowly he turned to look at her as she finished the kisses. As their eyes met he slowly began to rub the small of her back. Go. His instinct simply responded. Corro slowly raised his neck, and pushed gently on her back. His own mouth met the crook of her neck and where he placed his own kiss. Go.

A smile crept back across her lips, as she let out a bit of a sigh as he kissed her. She whispered "Careful Corro, we have to go soon. Briefing on the Akuro is in a half-hour. Wouldn't want you too distracted." She ran her fingers up and down the back of his neck, playing as he continued to kiss her neck.

Corro pulled his head back in a soft sigh as her hands played on his neck. "A shame." He murmured as he looked into Karou's eyes. "Work has always seemed to distract me." Corro slowly stood and bent down to Karou's level before placing his lips over her own in a passionate kiss that seemed to last seconds. "You had said I shouldn't lose my edge, hmmm?"

Smiling at the conclusion of his kiss, she said quietly "And you have not." She pulled back from him and said "I will try and keep myself at least at moderate level of behavior, for your sake. Wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your superiors."

He smiled to her. "It could be worse." He chuckled. He took one last look of longing into her eyes. "I should finish here. I will probably be late by the looks of things." He responded sadly as his eyes drifted back to the piles of paperwork and datapads.

"I have to check on the bridge, see you there Taisa." She took one last up and down look at him and walked out of the ready room and headed to the bridge.

END

ON

The shuttle landed in the Akuro II's shuttle bay gently and Kazuhiko stepped off once everything was secure. The Taisa stretched her arms a little, looking at the large hummingbird engraved into the black floor of the bay. Where the action happens. She made her way to the assigned meeting room, not needing the directions the KAMI gave her. The white panels of her uniform made her stand out just a little. She wasn't wearing her dress whites -- it was supposedly a staff meeting after all, and if the news she had received about the 1st XF was any indication, Yamatai was again at war. Any chance I have to use the Munin is a good one. She took her seat at an empty chair near the forward section.

Camellia entered the briefing room and bowed to Aoiko, before taking a seat. Where she sat silently, waiting for everyone else.

Caine took a few moments longer to get there and went over to a seat and just flopped down into it and groaned, leaning back in it, massaging his forehead. "Hey Cam," he said, looking over at her. "Wouldn't happen to have any aspirin would you?" He asked politely as possible considering the situation.

"Sorry." She said with a shrug. "You fault for tanking while we were on leave."

"Aw man, you could have at least told me you guys were leaving. But nooo, yah left me there." He grumbled and leaned forward on the table and sighed. "Maybe it'll go away on its own."

"Hey, you were the one who wasn't paying attention where we were going." She said bitterly as she crossed her arms.

Karou made her way towards the briefing room, stopping to give a nod to one of her former wing-mates. She brushed past Jaq on her way in saying "Uncomfortable in here cadet? I swear... it's cold... they need to turn up the heat." She smiled, looking over those who had gathered for this staff meeting. A few commanders from other ships dominated the forward section of the hall but it was mostly Akuro and Namiko staff.

"Yea I know! They probably haven't turned on the heater yet. But you are looking quite pretty today ma'am!" Jaq then hopped into the meeting room and waved to the group. "Hey everyone! Cam you're looking wonderful today!" He jumped down into the seat next to Camellia and folded his hands on the table.

Jatsu waved to Aoiko as he entered then looked over to notice Roger fiddling with the equipment. "Everything work?" he asked as he sat in the seat next to him. He rested his head on his hand, which was in turn resting on the table, and gazed at Aoiko.

"Hey Jaq, keep it down would yah? My head's pounding here." Caine grumbled at the boisterous jaw.

Roger casually watched the antics going on, the turned to Jatsu. "Seems like it -aw, you sneaky bastard... you just did that to get in prime viewing position. Bloody git. Yeah, it all works; it's all brand-new, or close to it. You could probably have one hell of a movie showing in here. I should have brought popcorn." He waved to Aoiko as well and gave a thumbs up, motioning toward the remote he held, indicating its operability.

The longhaired Geshrin entered the meeting place, slightly moving his head around to spot any familiar face. And he found it. He come closer where Jatsu and Roger, and took a seat nearby. "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen." He crossed his legs, and sunk his glance to the front, raising his chin a little and taking a small sigh.

"Dear. Another headache sufferer?" Aoiko tilted her head slightly, her glazed-over eyes still staring straight ahead. "I had just advised one of my own to go down to Taiie at the first opportunity and purchase neurological augmentation to filter out pain." She blinked slowly as she realized how full the room was, and her eyes refocused. After a moment of looking around, she bowed a bit deeper to Roger and Jatsu the moment she noted them staring. "It's good to see you, Jatsu. Is everything ready, Kard-san?"

Karou grinned widely and commented to Jaq. "Not so bad yourself..." Her stance perked as she heard the voice of Caine. "Awww, you got a headache? I know something that can cure that Cadet." She leaned forwards to Caine's ear and whispered, "My tongue could make you forget you even have a head." She straightened up looking to Cam "Good to see you again, keeping the boys in line?" She inquired, watching Caine out of the corner of her eye.

... Well, at least the crew cooperates with one another. They could use some discipline. Kazuhiko waited idly for the Taisho to arrive, understanding no one would probably speak to her.

"I'm trying my best, Ma'am." Camellia responded. "What with baby-face over here making goo-goo faces, and forty-ounce," she nudged Caine with her elbow, "drinking leave away... A woman's work is never done." She said with a smirk.

Caine was quiet for the moment looking over at Karou out of the corner of his eye turning crimson red, remembering the last time she said she could do that. He indeed was starting to feel a bit better already at the words and just tried to hide his face to keep people from seeing him so red. His mind running through all sorts of good memories and was rather glad nobody could see under the table.

Jaq was looking around the room taking in everything and seeing all the faces he hadn't seen in such a long time. "Man... I haven't seen so many of the people in this room in such a long time.... wow..."

Jatsu grinned, "Well, you're probably the shortest person here, so I can see over your head easily enough." He looked up at Hikomaru for a second and waved, then went back to his Aoi-gazing and smirked. "Good to see you, too, Taisa." He said, with a subtle emphasis on 'Taisa.'

"Hiko, the only guy I know who'd bring his wakazashi along to fix his power armor. How yah doing, blade boy?" Roger looked down at where Hiko's left hand was fumbling. Holy hell... he's actually not wearing it? He then elbowed Jatsu. "Don't make me punch you in the kneecaps."

Roger observed Jatsu starry-eyed gazing. He shook his head in amusement and announced, "Yes, everything's working, captain. Presentations, graphics, the whole shebang. As I was saying to Jatsu, the only thing we're missing is popcorn."

Katsuko watched from the shadows of the unlit balcony. It had been closed for the meeting because the seating in the main room was more than enough to accommodate those ordered to attend. She silently straightened her uniform, her gaze having settled on Aoiko. Taisa Aoiko... A breath was held back a moment and then released slowly. I have to try and see you for who you are...and not who I want you to be. Her silent struggle; the loss of Akina still weighed upon her. It was back to business though, drowning herself in reports and conferences surrounding this new SMX problem. She watched as her precious elite mingled, eyes shifting from Aoiko to Kazuhiko. should have invited her up here...Oh well.

Hikomaru raised his eyebrow to Roger, then grinned. "Ah, I guess I don't get to share the joy with my sword in hand. These meetings... Kinda puts me in another kind of mood, entirely. And the only thing I do without my wakizashi..." He paused for a moment after stressing the word then said more silently, "Is to dig on chicks and attend meetings."

"Excellent. Good work." Aoiko nodded, glancing at the other occupants of the room. "Ah! But please pardon me..." She pushed away from the table and rose to her feet, sweeping quietly across the room to Kazuhiko. "Taisa," she said, bowing low. "It is good to see you. I do not believe I had the opportunity to thank you properly."

"KAMI, please create a channel for me to the Munin's KAMI unit," Kazuhiko said to the Akuro II with her mind. "Hai," the KAMI replied. " ... Channel made." "Deus," Kazuhiko called to the Munin through the channel. "I am sending you visual data of the people at this meeting. I want their orders." "Hai, Taisa." The channel closed as Kazuhiko's vision was half-flooded with the orders of each person in the room. She smiled as she went over them silently, but then was interrupted.

"Eh?" Kazuhiko said to the black-haired Neko looking at her. "You are ... Murasaki-Shoi. Taisa now." She frowned a little. "No thanks is needed, Taisa. The job is done."

Karou's eyes drifted towards the balcony, her violet pupils narrowing as if to try and breach the veil letting her grin fall to a smirk. She returned her attention to Caine. "I expect you to visit this evening...try not to be late." She then looked to Jaq. "A full room indeed, yet it is a boring as every other meeting we have attended here..." She paused "Well not here... But you get what I mean."

"So... when's this meeting starting?" Camellia asked as she leaned back some.

"Nevertheless," Aoiko said, bowing again, "it would be remiss of me to not show proper gratitude. I will not disturb you further, however, if you do not wish me to." She bowed again, slightly, and backed away.

Caine heard her and blinked, and looked up at the Shosa. "Uhn." He said with a nod and looked up and around; deciding to stop being a wuss and ignored the pulse in his head. "Just be patient Cam, it'll start when it starts." he said in a calm, cold tone.

The Taisho's blood seemed to freeze; she spotted Karou peering up in her direction. I wonder... Is she just staring up here... She stepped back ensuring she was well engulfed in the darkness. Her head lowered slightly, her watchful eyes upon the interactions of the officers and crew.

Jaq was starting to grow a little impatient as to the wait. "Damn, why can this thing start?" Jaq then leaned over to Camellia and whispered to her. "Want to catch a bite to eat after this if we don't have to go save a ship fill of missionaries?"

"Iie. I appreciate the gesture." Kazuhiko bowed her head slightly, as was custom with an officer of similar rank, then continued to seemingly stare off into space.

Camellia leaned over and whispered back, "Sure. That dinner planet side was nice, but some properly made food is always welcome." She said with a small smile.

Jatsu stretched as Aoiko got up. Well, now she's acting like an officer. He thought. He rubbed his eyes, then turned to Roger. "I'll buy you a ladder to help you out with that." He said, then yawned. "If I'd known the meeting wouldn't have been starting yet, I'd have slept in..."

Roger nearly snorted at Hiko's word choice. Whoo boy. "Well, at least there's one thing we agree on; these meetings are always a pain in the ass to me. But, it beats running maintenance; I'll eagerly point that out." Roger watched Aoiko walk toward the side of the room where she spoke with another Taisa Wait a minute, I recognize that Neko... The Munin CO... Kazo... Kazu... He leaned back and almost bonked into Jatsu's head. "Hey tall, pale and nerdy; who's the Munin CO that the captain's talking to? She seems awfully serious."

Hikomaru crossed his arms now, and started looking around to no one in special. Everything seemed to be so annoying at the moment. He stopped swinging his head, and clearly made an attempt to eavesdrop on what Kard and Jatsu were talking about

Aoiko watched Kazuhiko for a second, pondering idly if she was doing the same thing Aoiko herself was earlier. After the moment, she returned to her seat, nodding to Roger, Jatsu, and Hikomaru again as she sat down. "It should not be too much longer before we begin." She reassured them.

END

The Super Phalanx power armor made a sharp squeal as it slid across the Akuro-II's hanger bay's deck. The LAMIA escorts continued hovering behind the armor as it skidded to a halt. The grounded armor then looked to the two and opened voice communications.

"Continue with your patrol and return to the Namiko once finished." A strong male voice reverberated. The eyes of the Super Phalanx flashed in response to the command.

"Hai, Taisa!" One of the LAMIA's bellowed in response. In time, both armors turned around and flew from the hanger before dashing away into the distance.

The Super Phalanx stomped across the bay to an empty armor rack. Turning around and backing into it the massive armor came to a rest and sank into its moorings. With a rush of air the armor cracked peeled apart, revealing the person inside.

"Taisa Adlich?" A NH-17 hanger crewmember asked hesitantly. Corro paid her no mind as he removed his helm with his left hand. "The meeting was planned to start 20 minutes ago, if you could hurry we will be able-"

"Ittô Heisho, do you command a battlegroup?" The Nepleslian lashed out with venom in his voice. He continued to separate himself from the armor.

"Uh, no sir." The crewmember went silent. She knew now the mood he was in.

"That's what I thought. I have other duties I must attend to before this." Corro finally had freed himself from the armor and was reaching into the personal effects compartment before retrieving his datapad.

"They're in briefing room-" The crewmember started to speak.

"THANK you, Ittô Heisho. I know where I'm going." The Taisa responded harshly and marched away with his datapad in his left hand, his overcoat's right arm hanging empty.

The Neko sighed and returned to her post inside the hanger, thanking the higher ups that she was not under his command.

ON: YSS Akuro II

Kazuhiko tapped the butt of her black Type 27 NSP, frowning. The meeting hadn't started yet. What the hell are we waiting for ...

Camellia looked around for a second. "So, is this breifing going to get started soon?" she asked, to her wingmates mostly.

Jaq started to hum and tapping on the table. " Humm humm hummmm... bored.... very bored.... humm hummm hummm ..."

Jatsu flinched, narrowly evading Roger's head, then shrugged. "No idea," he answered. He turned to Aoiko and, with a smile, said, "Well, that's good to hear."

Izumi stood outside the side doors to the briefing hall, hugging the SMG across her chest. KAMI...tell the Taisho we are ready. A smile crossed her think pink lips, as she nodded to the two lines of eight behind her. "Ok people, listen up. This meeting is to go off without a hitch. Remember if anyone even attempts to get within a arms length of Katsuko.." she paused "Shoot them in the head..." The replies came sharply from the red paneled soldiers behind her. She tapped on the door. The officer on the other side, brought the whitle to his lips and the signal of attention went out over the breifing hall.

The Geshrin tilted his head as the female voice announced the meeting. "Goddamit, was like about time... yosh!" he mumbled. He starting tapping his boot against the floor, awaiting the rest to come

"Thank god," Roger said, scratching his scruffy chin as he stood, still holding the projection apparatus's controller. "And now, here come da judge... well, admiral... whatever." Well, hope I got all the kinks out. From where he was standing near the front of the hall, he couldn't see where she'd be entering from. "Been a while since I've seen the admiral... I only heard about some of the events on the Akuro, but yikes.[/i]

The door to the rear of the briefing room parted for Corro. He marched quickly through the doorway not giving any of the attendees a look. He found an empty seat towards the front among the other ranking officers of the 5th. He set his datapad down on table in front of him, still ignoring the others in the room. Only when the whistle sounded did he even pause to look up.

Aoiko neatly turned on a heel as she arrived at her place at the table and snapped to attention. She clasped her hands behind her back, her eyes straying just slightly towards the door.

Kazuhiko frowned at the Chusa, her high-and-mightiness fouling her mood further. Her authority has gone straight to her head. She stopped tapping on her NSP at the sound of the whistle, her sensitive Neko ears ringing sharply at the sound. By the claws of Yui, that was uncalled for! Kazuhiko thought, rubbing her head. She stood from her chair and waited for the Taisho to enter, trying to avoid snarling.

Caine just looked up at the newcomers and leaned back in his chair trying to ignore his headache and resists the impulse to put his boots on teh table, it'd be rude. "About time this shindig kicked off." he muttered. "isn't it?" the blonde looked over at Cam, Karou, and Jaq.

"Yes, about time indeed," came the reply from his wingmate. "She sure took her time getting here." Cam muttered in a low tone to the other pilots.

Caine blinked seeing everyone standing up and quickly jolted to attention. crap, must not have heard through the pounding in my head from that whistle.

Jaq stood up and got into attention with a spring to his motion. "Well now you two, It may be prudent to get off your asses and into atention...." Jaq had a smile on his face because his boredom was starting to leave him as he became excited about the meeting

Jatsu stood up and yawned, then stood at attention. About damn time, he thought.

"Taisho..." KAMI interupted her as she walked back thru the corridor, having heard the whistle and was already aware that it was time. "I know KAMI, I am on my way." seconds later she filed into the center of the two lines of eight. She nodded to Izumi Whenever your ready, lets get this done with. She took the datapad handed to her by yet another of her staff, keyed in a few commands. KAMI...lights. Start program.. The lights in the conference hall dimmed to twenty percent. The nodal system activated the holograms. The triangular insignia of the 5th Expeditionary Fleet arose from the floor and the back wall alit with a system map of Taiie. KAMI announced "Mission 006 Breifing, Order 6587" The two additional members of the specialsecurity force took up place ineach of

The side doors opened, Izumi leading the way once the signal of clear from the balconies was given. The two lines of red paneled soldiers followed. Every single one of them was known for one thing or another, every one of them former crew members from the Namiko. Armed with SMGs they flooded the forward section of the hall. The Taisho holding the center as they formed a octagonal formation around her. Izumi stood directly behind her, eyes sweeping over the rows of officers, sure most of them outranked her-but not today. Katsuko's voice enhanced by the computer resounded throughout the room "At ease and be seated."

Kazuhiko nodded and sat down.

Karou sighed and sat down, wrapping her arms around her figure to try and warm herself, she couldnt believe how cold it was.

Hikomaru touched his nose and straightened his shirt, then took a seat and crossed his legs.

Holy security detail. Roger plopped back down and pocketed the controller.

Aoiko slowly lowered herself down, resting her hands on the arms of her chair and casting her gaze towards the display of the system. Tch, she thought, that should have been expanded in much greater detail ages ago...

Corro sighed at the rows of security. He took his seat as was requested of him and picked up his datapad with his left hand, looking it over for a moment. Over the top... Was all he thought to himself as he waited.

Camellia seated herself and gave a look to her wingmates. "Doesn't this seem alittle overblown? I mean she's a neko." She whispered. Though she also picked her Datapad up too.

Caine, noticing Karou's gestures, walked over to her and stripped off the jacket and wrapped it around her, it was prewarmed and would help her out. He whispered in her ear though for the moment. what you said before, I can't wait to meet you later tonight; I could use the...treatment. He whispered to just her before returning to his seat and sitting down wearing a black sleeveless shirt under the jacket.

Jaq sat down in his chair and picked up his datapad and started to fiddle with it. Ne would every-so-often look to the security detail, and namely the neko behind the commander. wow... she seems a little overly protective... but with all those coops gives her something to worry about....

Jatsu sat down and let out a small sigh. Well, that doesn't really seem necessary, he thought.

Izumi gave a slight nod, rather than sitting, the four forward most members of her team crouched down upon their left knee. SMG's perched within their grips. The rear detail and those off to the sides turned with their backs to Katsuko. Izumi stood off to Katsuko's aft left quarter. Her brilliant blue eyes glistening in resound of the holograms. Katsuko folded her hands infront of her, the image of Taiie began to fade out...A readout from a Kante Boarder Station opened on the screen "Due to the incompetance and failure of proper intelligence protocols executed by so called trained indivuduals formerly commanding starships in this fleet. Our lives, the lives of those not only in this fleet but within the colonies it protects have been brought to risk..." she paused as the image of an SMX Ooghlrashithagg-carrier flashed onto the readout from the station. She continued " The Mishuu have ships within the region that is supposed to be under our protection. The Yukika's sightings at Murf were confirmed three days ago by one of the Kante monitoring stations positioned by the Akuro I."

Kazuhiko listened. The Taisho obviously had something in mind; she saw no reason to interrupt ... yet.

Hikomaru scratched his right cheek, deep in thought after the Murf system was mentioned. Was that SMX carrier she was talking about the same that they encounter. It couldn't be so obvious, but then again, are we at the gates of a full scale invasion?. The technology he saw was new for him, but for sure, it was needed more than a such weak report from the intel. "There has to be more, no point having pilots having a nice seat here with all that SMX out there" he mumbled

Roger watched the coordinated movements of the security guards. WHAT is THIS nonsense? What is this, the 5th XF tactical cheer squad? Then the display popped up. Oh, that doesn't sound good. "Formerly commanding?" Looks like Katsuko fired up the weedwhacker.... wait, what about the Yukika? Oh god, that.

Katsuko looked directly at Corro, "In light of rescent events affecting this fleet, failure at eliminating this threat is unacceptable. As that since the colonization of Taiie; failure seems to be the only thing I have to report back to command. The rescently outfitted Namiko Carrier Wing is to be deployed to the Murf System to search out and destroy any Mishhuvurthyar vessels in the Galetean Asteroid belt.It shall be the fromer Kasairyuu who bring victory to this fleet again." She took a breath, then stated "I will not sugar coat this soldiers...If we lose Murf to the Mishuu, our position at Taiie could be in jeapordy..Therefore we must succeed."

Aoiko idly tapped her fingers on the arms of her chair as she watched. Prudent, she thought to herself. Taiie is near to the front. If we can keep the war well away, it would reflect well on the fleet.

Corro watched the images unperturbed. He knew the SMX were advancing on all fronts, it wasn't surprising to see them this far in. He nodded at the Taisho's recognition of the Namiko Carrier Wing. Sweep patrol, as I thought. Leave it to the 1st to drag itself into the beast's maw. Setting the datapad down he placed his hand on his chin and began to drift into though again.

Kazuhiko managed not to sniff. She wanted to be on the bridge of her battleship and take the fight to the SMX. Such meetings were delaying the battle, but the war would trudge onward.

Caine just listened to what was said and grumbled a bit as he sat back down and watched and listened. "so we get to spearhead these freaks huh?"

Camellia listened and grumbled. "These things?" She frowned. "Man."

The backdrop shifted and changed, "This fleet has suffered some loses in the past months, but I ask that we not be discoraged. It just means we will have to work harder to get our objectives completed." The Katsuko's Nebula appeared upon the holoscreen "With war approaching, the demand for materials not only from rich deposits in the Murf asteriod, but for volatile gases is high. The Katsuko's Nebula is an ideal location for the gas collection colonies so needed by the empire. It is here that the Command Group will escort the YSS-Rena , one our Hummingbird CDC's adapted specially to carry eight of these colony stations. Spite its safe appearance, the nebula is a dangerous spanse of space, and could also harbor Mishuu as well as other problems."

Jaq's eyebrows raised as he heard about this. Ohhh YES, be get to kill some of thoes squid bastards! YES funn is to be had. Jaq leaned over to cam and wispered into her ear: "Hey... before we head out what to try to find some fun incase we don't come back? Maybe get we can get some wine when we go to eat then..."

Jatsu looked at the display and narrowed his eyes. Wait, those were just empty shells sent to distact us from the Iori, though...are more coming that actually have Mishhu inside? He turned his head to look at the Taisho's security detail. Or is this just more paranoia?

Kazuhiko looked at Jaq with a frown, her Taisa rank pin still visible in the dim.

"Once the Rena and her cargo reach the nebula, the escort will be taken over by our second Kyoto wing which will be returning from another mission in the nebula. The Command Group will then circle back to preform command operations for the Irim group which shall be conducting a mission to destroy the pirates currently occupying the Kilnar system." The map enlarged showing the series of away points. "At which time, we hopefully we be able to provide the Namiko wing with any backup that it needs on its mission to Murf."

"Oh, so we get to fight, dammit. About time. Yosh!. But you know, this is not like just going to scramble those tentacled bastards. We are going to face the whole mess multi point, or else we have little chance to win. Heck, i betcha we don't know their real numbers, do we..." Hikomaru kept questioning himself on a low voice, but he was pissed already. His clinched teeth and hands were good examples for that. But he let down his head for a moment, and expected to hear something with some sense.
Kazuhiko shot a glare at Hikomaru. Damn enlisted don't know when to be silent.

Roger looked over at Ice Queen herself. Ohh, she doesn't look happy. Well, she hasn't changed at all. Roger listened to what words had passed, then scratched his chin and wrote himself a note on his datapad. Note to self: Begin considering Project K-c.

Aoiko settled back a bit as she watched the briefing continue. I would wonder what sort of information work we will be doing here... But that isn't my place anymore. She sighed a little as her eyes glazed over a bit.

Katsuko put down the datapad, and stepped forward slightly in the space not occupied by her security "Mission specifics will be outlined to the commander's involved...." she paused "I am sure by now you are wondering why it is that I am surrounded by armed guards.." she looked over those gathered "It has been brought to my attention, that there are individuals who are angry about the events which have past on the Taiie no Iori fortress. These individuals have notified my offices that they intend to have the bloodshed in the incident paid for...." she paused "With my life..."

Murf... Corro thought idly as he looked at the information on the system on his datapad. He would get more information on it later and plan out the process of patrol as well as any specific routes of travel. The Taisho's last comments stunned him. He never considered people threatening the Fleet Admiral a major problem. The transfers out of the Namiko Carrier Wing seemed to fall into place now.

Kazuhiko sighed mentally. Not again. This never ends. If there were ever an argument for finding a temporary replacement for the Taisho ...

"Such threats at this time have been taken seriously...and any involved will be court martialed." She craned her chin slightly as she looked over in the direction of Aioko and the senior staff of the Akuro. "I remind you all. The tragedy on the Iori affected us all. Yet the answer to the loss of life is not to shed more blood, but to prevent the mistakes of the past from ever being repeated..." she nodded as if conviencing herself "Dismissed....Serve the Empire well." The holograms faded and the lights restored to eighty percent of normal.

Caine just watched them all, listening to what was said. "well short sweet and to the bleeding point huh?" He asked. "So basically this is supposedly revenge huh?" he asked himself and his wingmates quietly hoping not to be heard. "Well that and the defense of Taiie.."

Camellia simply shrugged her shoulders. "I guess it is." She muttered bluntly. "Well, I guess some people need their release in some fasion."

Karou was one of the first ones out of the breifing room, she darted down the corridor and out of view wanting to get to the Namiko and away from the bureaucratic nonsense.

Jaq's pupils shrank as the lights grew brighter in the room. "Well.... whatever it is... we get to kill some squid!" After the commander left he stood up and streched his arms. "Shall we go get that food now?" he said to Cameilla.

Jatsu cast his eyes downward. Well, I guess that explains that. Idiots...the Taisho's not responsible for what happened. They're just looking for a scapegoat, and chose the person in charge. He sighed. I hate stupid people...they always screw everything up. He sat up and sighed again, then looked at Aoiko.

Caine stood up and grumbled. "Hey I'm gonna go try to find some aspirin this headache's killin me." And with that he headed out of the room staggering a bit, hand on the forehead as he felt what must've been his heart pounding in his head.

Camellia turned to Jaq, "hmm? Food?" She asked, as if not knowing he asked before. "Sure, whynot."

Katsuko felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked back Mayumi... The Chujo lent forwards and whispered in Katsuko's ear. "I will come visit later, before I head back to the Iori. Keep your head up Kat." Mayumi then headed out the side enterance to take her tour of the Akuro, guided by one of Katsuko's security detail.

Kazuhiko stood and bowed to the Taisho. She then exited as well, her emotions simmering. Pointless. I could be sitting in on the wing commanders' planning meetings. Pep talks are for enlisted. Why was I even there! The Taisa tapped her Type 27 and frowned as she walked toward her shuttle.

Hikomaru raised from his chair, with his hand clenched still. An air of annoyance could be seen in his face, and of course, he didnt want to be in that room anymore. He rushed outside mumbling.

Roger gave a low whistle. Wow. Death threats against the admiral? Even I'M not that dumb. He leaned back at Jatsu. "Well Jats, that was a pretty hardcore meeting. You've been on the bridge with the admiral before; is that what its like up there?"

Aoiko raised her eyebrows slightly as the Taisho revealed the death threats. "That," she said after she rose and bowed, "is distressing." She glanced over at Jatsu and Roger. "I can only hope that such matters will not arise on the Akuro, mmm?"

Kazuhiko-Taisa... the KAMI said to Kazuhiko. There is a subspace message in holding for you...listed Priority One.

Kazuhiko stopped and frowned. Priority One messages were rare. "Feed the message to me directly, KAMI."

END

ON: YSS-Namiko

The Namiko's quarters that were given to the pilots of the 17th were a welcome and spacious sight over the cramped closets on the Munin. Each room was a single bed with the necessary furniture. All the rooms were linked to a private suite and living area. Attached to each of the rooms was small private bathroom for each of its occupants.

As the 17th was getting settled into their new surroundings following the short transfer flight from the Akuro-II the AI onboard transferred a message to all of them. The ship's captain has requested you attend a meeting in Pilot's Briefing Room 1. He's there currently.

Camellia looked up from her bag. "All ready?" She asked to no one. "Jeez, we just got here." She grumbled as she stood, grabbed her coat from the back of a chair it was splayed on and walked out the door heading for Pilot Briefing room 1. "We're too old to live together like this.â€

ON: YSS-Namiko

As he finished Corro turned back to his datapad and the few papers surrounding it. "The AI can direct you to anywhere you want while you are aboard. Now if you excuse me I need to make sure my battlegroup doesn't jump into an asteroid belt.â€

ON: Namiko Carrier Wing, Bard Cluster

The entire Namiko Carrier Wing lurched back into existence within the Bard Cluster intact and accounted for. The trip had taken seconds and was uneventful. Each of the vessels began to form up into their eventual combat formations when they entered Murf.

Corro watched the tactical readouts from his command chair. His empty right sleeve lying in his lap, while his left hand propped up his chin. The operation was off to a smooth start, what was left was to prepare the weapons and armors for immediate deployment and get crews to general quarters. "Tactical, issue the fleet to Combat Status Yellow. Start general quarters procedures.â€

ON: Murf Systen

To the heavens above, I pray. I pray for the strength to carry on. I pray for the knowledge that I'm correct. But most of all, I pray for our lives.

The Murf system seemed silent enough. Its asteroid belts drifted in lazy circles, unaware of anything to come. Fields of debris and rock clouded visuals and other sensors. Drifting amongst them waited a fanged terror, hungry for blood and triumph. It was almost perfect.

The Namiko Carrier Wing bore into the Murf system with arrow-like precision. The hyperspace ripple tore into realspace just above a patrolling Mishu Ghullfrashirv destroyer. The fleet still had the element of surprise, despite the encounter in the Bard cluster. As the Namiko Wing roared into Murf's space, the YSS-Heihachi and YSS-Gorobei unloaded with a full barrage of weapon pods and positron accelerator cannons. The withering fire and the surprise of the charging vessels caught the destroyer with its shields at a low power. The weapon pods created marks in the hull while the positron shells tore open great sections of the smaller vessel. A few seconds after receiving the first barrage, the destroyer went up in a brilliant white flash, as its reactors went super critical.

"Launch the Namiko's armors!â€

ON: Murf System

The following barrage tore through the Galeatean Belt. Both Star Army and SMX ships opened up with guns blazing. The thousand year old asteroids shattered from the aether and positron cannons coming from both sides. The Katsushiro and Kyuzo barely avoided the positron tunneling cannon shots from the newer gunships at the rear and above. However the Mishu Blrakkrashiverinth battleship made a full artillery barrage. Out of the 12 remaining Arashis on guard with the Namiko, only the Shichiroji, Kiraria, Gorobei, Happoghara, and the Kargi made it through the withering fire. The Arashis fell with piteous displays of power before the Blrakkrashiverinth's might.

The bridge onboard the Namiko rocked as the shields flared up around the ship. "Grrrrr, dammit all to... Where's our return barrage! Fire!â€

ON: Murf System

As the power dimmed and the red emergency lights activated, Corro's head hung low. "We still can fight... We haven't lost everything.â€

ON: Murf System

There was a look of disbelief of Hikomaru's face as he felt a burning sensation tear through his abdomen. The Kylie armor separated into two halves as Jaq's aether shot pierced through the lower torso. Hikomaru's mind went blank milliseconds after the shot impacted, but it was long enough to see his legs slowly drift away. The Kylie then exploded in a flash of light, disintegrating both pieces and Hikomaru.

The Mishu destroyers opened fire with reckless abandon. Their main guns and sub weapons all firing off at any targets that presented themselves. The Katsushiro and Gorobei banked wide to avoid the fire, returning with what little remained of their own weapon systems. Unfortunately the Katsushiro took a stray shot to the aft which crippled the Arashi's sublight engines. The escort vessel careened into an asteroid before coming to a rest, energy flaring from its smashed hull. The three Irims began firing full barrages into the cluster of Mishu ships, paying little attention to the armors that mingled amongst their targets. Both the Namiko and New Anisa attempted to retreat from the struggle.

Caine's long slash along the destroyer cut deep into its hull; portions of the ship began to decompress from it. By firing with his railgun inside it, Caine added fuel to the devastation, tearing apart conduits and corridors. The Onimusha took aim at this destroyer and unleashed a fusillade, blowing the opposite side of the Mishu vessel to shreds. Blossoms of energy erupted from the ship's hull on Caine's side.

Camellia's armors easily corralled one of the destroyers and began to herd it into the Irims' line of fire. The nimble LAMIAs were shredding the sublight engines on the rear of the Mishu vessel.

Jaq floated breathless and in disbelief "What... What have I done?" He had just killed a squad mate. His mind raced with the consequences. A shot flew by his head and snapped him out of his stupor and back into the reality of the battle that was waging around him. "A-armors... Concentrate your fire on this ships sublight engines, then work on the main weapons systems." Jaq stumbled over the comm to his squad. It was all he could think to do.

Camellia, along with her armors flew about the Mishhu destroyer's engines like a swarm of enraged bees, weapons firing wantonly as they ushered ship to it's impending doom. "Like that! Keep it up." She said through her comm. "Jaq, Caine, status reports."

Caine put another long gash in the hull and dodged back to avoid the blossoms. "I'm alright. Let's take 'em out, keep their attention off the Namiko and the New Anisa." He said and sent a command out to his wing having them attack the sublight engines of the destroyer. By keeping themselves in between any two destroyers they attempted to evade their shots so they'd be attacking each other. Caine attacking as well but doing so tactically. He moved invisibility knowing their sensors were probably addled too, his wing was playing a dangerous game of baiting the destroyers to fire at each other trying to strike the nimble Lami.

The destroyer being directed by Camellia's armors suddenly ceased firing at the quicker suits dancing around it. A brief pause was then followed by a forward barrage of positron tunneling shots at the Onigumo. Heavily damaged from the previous fight, the Irim had been unable to replenish its shields to full capacity. The anti-matter paused for a brief second before puncturing the protective field. The beams carved gashes into the already heavily damaged vessel. There was a series of sub-detonations inside the Irim, before it blew apart in a mass of energy. Seconds later a lance of aether energy from the Umibozu pierced through the Mishu ship, sending its reactor into critical meltdown.

A pair of destroyers teamed together to put the Kambei into a death spiral. Their weapons using pin-point barrages to cripple the Arashi's weapon systems. The Neko commander of the vessel ordered ramming speed and the escort vessel took off at the nearest destroyer.

Upon its success with the destroyer nearest to Caine, the Onimusha turned its attention to the next closest. Another barrage pierced the ship's shielding and tore open the front end of the vessel, spilling its disgusting occupants into the void and causing its to shut down.

Jaq's armors focus primarily on preventing any pods that might still be roaming from getting close to the Kyoto carriers. The LAMIAs had drawn a line in space and were defending it heavily, despite their commander's condition.

"Ma'am! This one's gonna blow!â€

The New Anisa broke off from the main carrier wing. The Umibozu advancing behind it to escort it from the Murf System. Behind them the heavily damaged Namiko began to prepare what it could for combat. Flanking it, the Gorobei and the Onimusha also readied themselves to face the reinforcements.

When Caine and Camellia arrived aboard the retreating New Anisa, it became painfully apparent they were the last ones to come aboard. The hanger bays were locking down once they had made it aboard in preparation for the hyperspace jump.

The bridge crew reentered the bridge to take their positions, ignoring the partially disrobed Captain and First Officer. "Tactical engage what's left of the ion drives. Bring what we have left of the weapon pods online. Ready the last of our missiles.â€