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RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 11.2] Chiharu Star Fortress

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Chiharu Medical Center

The doors to a lift heading up opened and Sune stepped in.

"There should be no long lasting physical effects from her experience. I recommend that you see about getting her to meet with a counselor to help her deal with the psychological aspects of her experience."

Sune pushed the button for level 3 when Takeyu stepped in, and the doors closed and the lift ascended smoothly. When the doors opened, it only took a moment to see which way her room was.

Sune walked down the hall until he arrived at her room, the door was closed so he gave it a gentle knock.
 
When Hanako approached Helen, she thought inwardly; What? Am I going to get a hug too? Most people think black panels mean a hug will result in a stab. Indeed, no hug, just shop-talk... and that suited Helen just fine.

"Taisa... it smells rotten." Helen stated simply as she heard the assessment. "While I was within the Matriarchy, I was able to gain a keen insight into the way the colonies functioned in regard to social behaviors, ideologies, and their state of vigilance... and they are quite vigilant, eyes always outwards." She started as she set out the pieces to the puzzle, moving them about in her mind. "It has been too long for the NMX to have been involved in the black-out, they would have already made their strike, or would not have bothered at all with a blackout, in favor of decimating the UOC's fleet capacity in a head-on battle. A direct confrontation allows the NMX to herd the UOC's assets together to make it all the easier to eliminate them, reducing the commitment needed to take the remainder of the colonies. This blackout leaves pockets of resistance, and places the UOC's assets on high-alert... that is entirely counter-intuitive to an NMX plot." Helen stated as the start of her assessment.

"As I said, I've grown to have an understanding of the people out there. They're a peace-loving lot, but they're nervous about it. Taiie is fresh in their minds, their manufacturing firms were putting out enough ordinance to supply their ranks twice over. They would have been prepared for a conventional communications blackout, it would have been an entirely foreseeable event and they would have had a contingency plan. I figure the blackout was likely intentional, maybe something executed by their own leadership to snap their populace into a state of alert, possibly to lure the NMX into some sort of baited trap." Helen looked thoughtful as she pressed her purple-clad lips together in thought, shaking her head. "Even if it were an internally executed blackout, it has gone on too long. It attracted our attention, thus our mission out there. I imagine, by now, the Lorath Matriarchy has also become involved and if anyone knows what has happened, it would be them. If you want to know what is going on for certain, I would suggest asking them. I could advise you on how to conduct such a communication for best results, ma'am."

"Though... back to the issue of the NMX fleet. No doubt they're preparing to hit a target out there. It is inevitable, considering Mitsuya, the E-7 outpost scuffle which I heard of through the LSDF, and the data we have regarding their fleet movements at Bizankro. It could be prudent to send another task-force, one with a direct confrontation in mind, which would be able to conduct defensive operations. Even if the UOC is apart from us, and even if the Lorath Matriarchy loathes us, they still hate the Mishhu more than us. If we help them defend against the Mishhu, it would likely encourage them both to devote their resources into the war, and considering our current situation, it could turn the tide favorably. At the very least, we could help them lift their blackout so they could see the NMX coming."

Helen's explanation was lengthy, but informative, at least she thought so. She wanted to make sure that every possible view on the topic was covered, and she wanted to make sure to provide the Taisa with a full scope of what the situation could be. Helen figured, it could be the difference between coming out of the situation sitting pretty, and coming out of the situation with a bloodied lip, and limping back to a star fortress... like they just did.
 
Chiharu Medical Center

Takeyu nodded at the response he got from Yaichiro, and was glad. "Thankful for that, and somewhat surprised really, heard to many horror tales of how slaves are sometimes treated," he shook his head and rode the elevator down with Sune.

When he exited, he followed Sune over to the door and looked at it.

Inside, Layven had just finished getting changed. She was wearing a light blue dress with a red cowl, a small light red hat sat on the edge of the bed. She didn't know who had sent her the dress, but honestly she didn't care, as it was better than the bloodied shirt and shorts she had been wearing the night before.

When the knock came, she stood up straighter. "Ummm, c-come in," she nervously said. Wondering if it was another doctor or a nurse who wanted to check in on her.
 
"Sorry to interject, but this is potentially very relevant. I designed a star-orbiting power generation station for the 5th XF's infrastructure before they defected and formed the UOC...If the NMX repurposed them and added stealth systems, it is possible it could power the kinds of stealth systems you're talking about. They must have moved one or made a new one at Mitsuya after I left."

Yaichiro added to the conversation, since it was such an important piece of data if true. Already the idea was turning his stomach -- not only because his devices might be aiding the enemy in subjugating the UOC, but also because they could have been used to wipe out the Task Force.
 
Manabu was surprised at the sudden embrace, eyes wide for a moment before he felt himself grin and accept the quick hug with joy. "I look forward to earning the distinction, Taisa!" With a salute, he watched her go for a moment, smiling to himself. A moment later and he was back on his way to the medical center.

Even with the shape his hand was in, which is to say decidedly un-hand like at best, being Yamataian afforded him certain luxuries: namely, that his body had done a fair job at knitting itself back together and he didn't necessarily need to rush, bleeding and bleating, to an emergency station. So, Manabu took the time to enjoy his walk about the star fortress, eyes everywhere and skirting over everyone. His pace was leisurely, not lazy, and always towards the med center.
 
Medical Center

Sune opened the door slowly, "Nayacesen-San, it is Jalen Sune from the Eucharis. I just came by to check on you as I promised. I brought you a visitor." he said as he entered the room. He stopped a few steps into the room. From where he stood Sune took a moment to observe Layven. "I see they gave you something nicer to wear than a hospital gown."
 
Cargo Area

Hanako gave Michael a smile and a thumbs up before returning to her conversation with SAINT officer and engineer.

"We will definitely need to go back into the UOC for further investigation," Hanako agreed. "We should test the stealth station hypothesis. As far as the blackout, I do not think the UOC or a UOC subfaction would have caused it themselves. We may be dealing with something more powerful. We need to visit Jiyuu next, to see what remains of the capital system. As for Lor, I would like to visit but it may not be prudent."
 
Medical Center

Layven cocked her head curiously to one side when she heard him say 'visitor' Who? she wondered and then blinked when Sune mentioned her clothing. She smiled and spun around in place, then stopped with her back partly toward Sune. “Well, hospital gown isn’t bad, better than what I was wearing before,” she smiled nervously.

She noticed someone behind Sune, a set of boots that got her attention, though she couldn’t see around him. “Who did you bring?” she asked curiously as she noticed motion behind him. Takeyu entered the room and walked around to the left side of Sune, he then stood there for a moment.

Layven’s eyes went wide when she saw him, though she couldn’t believe it at all. Her hands up to her mouth in shock, she stared for a moment as small tears appeared. “B-brother?” she asked and Takeyu knelt down and nodded his head.

She burst into a run, arms out and tears running off her face as she ran up and hugged him, the small tears turned into a more child-like cry, as Takeyu stood up and held his little sister. He placed his hand on her back, “I’m happy to see you too Lavvy,” he smiled as she cried into his shoulder.

He then turned toward Sune. “You’re free to stay if you want sir,” he offered.
 
"Taisa, then it seems we will be needing more ships to rebuild the task force." Helen spoke as her face carried an expression of thought. "I would suggest science ships to track down the stealth platforms, a hospital ship to possibly treat civilian and military personnel wounded during the blackout, and possibly some ships outfitted for logistics for the purpose of providing additional aid as a means of showing good will... of course ma'am, I would also suggest having some infantry transports available if the need arises to assert control over the situation."

"On the topic of the Lorath..." At this topic, Helen decided to be careful in her approach. It was a difficult matter to juggle the valid viewpoints of both sides of the diplomatic landscape, and with that juggling act, it produced a need to spin each side's view into an image that would appeal to the opposing side. "It would be possible to communicate with them with relative ease if communications are conducted with proper procedure in respect to their cultural habits, while also presenting our task force, and possibly yourself, in a favorable light."

"Taisa, ideally, it would be best to approach the Lorath in a manner which acknowledges their capacity to impact a combat theater or instill influence in a situation in general. Merely coming to them, stating that the Empire would appreciate their assistance in our conflict with the Mishhu would likely soften their attitude since it would be interpreted as a sign of mutual respect. When the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet approached the Lorath in such a capacity, it resulted in a strong rapport, enough so that the Lorath entrusted their society into the care of the fleet... and we all know where it went from there." Of course, Helen referred to the formation of the United Outer Colonies, with the Lorath Matriarchy so closely attached to them. "Simply put, they just don't like being told something, when they could be asked."

Helen figured that she explained the matter well enough, though, one thing did come to mind, and it did cause Helen to add one more bit of advice. "Furthermore, Taisa, if they do not seem receptive, I would recommend three words which would likely aid in future contact with the Matriarchy; 'I am sorry'. Who knows, it could go a long way, ma'am."
 
Medical Center

Sune smiled at seeing the reunion of Takeyu and his sister. It was the first real good thing that he had been part of since they left for UOC space. However, it was not long before part of him felt as though he was intruding on what should be a private moment.

Sune shook his head, "I thank you for the offer, Nayacesen-Heisho, but I do have some other errands to attend to. I am very glad to see your sister is doing better.

I do have this though for your sister." He said holding out a KS Card. "Something to help her out, it has 10,000 KS on it."
 
Kiko walked out of the cargo bay with another bow and headed for her quarters to change into something more suitable for target practice.
 
"Taisa...if they are using my design, the system relies on wormhole technology to siphon hydrogen from the core of a star for stellar-grade fusion. Anti-Wormhole missiles should force them to switch over to Aether or recycle helium into their reactors for backup power. It would also disable the Link Device weapons. I can't tell what other upgrades they may have installed, though we should assume they expanded the Production and Repair Bays to service that many ships."

Yaichiro pondered his next words carefully, and selectively.

"...I've also become suspicious of an information leak of some type regarding our missions, but have never found conclusive evidence. The odds of that CFS collision happening mission before last were functionally infinitesimal unless the enemy craft knew exactly where we would be and when in our flightpath and aimed for us. I admit to mild paranoia regarding intelligence security, but I just think we should be on guard that much more...and being selective as to just who is aware of any second Task Force mission.

We also might want to send a warning to the Fourth Fleet. The scout we encountered from Bizankro may potentially have been probing their southern line. If I were the NMX, and a Star Army fleet lost their Taisho, I'd prepare to hit them hard while they were weakened if their borders were accessible...and if the NMX are truly using these places as cloaked staging areas for an invasion, they could attack the UOC core systems on one side as you suspect...or just as easily the weakened Fourth Fleet on the other. I guess it depends on if they want to finish taking over the UOC before assaulting the Fourth Fleet or not."
 
Medical Center

Takeyu accepted the KS card and then looked at his sister. "Thank ya sir, it'll help her out, though I had already planned on giving her access to my account, with a limit of course," with that he slide the card into his pocket, he would show it to her later after Layven had calmed down.

He looked at her and just had to wonder how much pain and torture she had gone through, then again, perhaps he didn't want to know. Not knowing is sometimes better, and easier, than knowing, he thought to himself as he carried Layven over to the bed and set her down. He planned to spend the next hour or so talking to her, and calming her down further, before taking her out to a nearby park.
 
Medical Center

Sune looked at the two siblings, and a brief pang of pain came when he thought about there never being a happy reunion for him and Raia. He dismissed the emotion, and made sure to keep his face neutral.

"Well, every little bit will help, its not like I have much to spend my salary on.

If the two of you are free, I would like to invite you to dine with me this evening. Say 1900hrs at the Blue Lotus Restaurant." Sune offered as he turned to leave the room.
 
Medical Center

"Thank you sir, we'll see you then," Takeyu said as he placed his hand on Layvens shoulder and attempted to calm her down with a few words.

Calming down for just a little bit, fighting back the flow of tears. She looked over at Sune. "Umm t-t-thank you," she said nervously.
 
Medical Center

Sune smiled and with a brief wave walked out of the room. As he made his way through the medical center though his mind was working on a problem. Far too often the Medbay was either destroyed or access to it cut off. There needed to be a way to strategically place the supplies to save lives elsewhere on the gunship.

Once he left the building, he set off to find a clothier. He figured while here he would expand his wardrobe.
 
Cargo Area

Hanako nodded seriously to Helen and Yaichiro's suggestions. "We should discuss this more when the crew is assembled, prior to relaunching the ship," she said. "In the meantime, it has also come to my attention that I may be under investigation for the loss of so many ships under my command. Should I have to stay, rank dictates that Yaichiro would be in charge of the ship, with Helen as second in command. In the meantime I will be doing some shopping to rebuild my belongings."
 
The thought of being in command again made Yaichiro...apprehensive, to say the least. The first crew he'd ever commanded had to be left behind in the UOC, while he returned to the Star Army on an otherwise completely empty ship. Furthermore, since the mission might involve fighting enemies abusing his own work to slaughter and subjugate, he worried about if he could be objective or not. Part of him wanted to go to Mitsuya again and try to destroy that station, but it was not tactically sound...

"If it comes to that, I'll do my absolute best, Taisa...oh, and remember that those kimonos I got you are to be replaced as needed. That was part of the gift -- for when things like this happen."
 
"Taisa, since it seems that the majority of the responsibilities involving the Eucharis at this time focus upon engineering, a subject which I am not well versed in, may I accompany you during your shopping venture?" Helen asked, it seemed like the polite thing to do, after all, she was intending to do it herself as well.
 
Bridge of the YSS Yamato

Sorano walked onto the bridge, one of the security personnel near the door called out "Admiral on Deck." as he came to attention.

"As you were." She said crossing over to Chiyo who stood up as she did.

"Morning Taisho, what brings you to the bridge? Is there a problem? We have a shuttle ready to take you over to Chiharu per your request." He said in a calm voice.

"Ikeda-San, I am concerned about our security here. So I want you to position the following vessels at a point beyond the FTL sensor drones along the flight path of the Eucharis, and the other Task Force vessels.

I want the carriers Shōkaku, Shinano, battleships Defiance, Hlíf along with six of our Eikan-class Cruisers and six of the Chiaki Escort Destroyers. Have them underway in the next hour, and keep them at those coordinates with hourly status reports to the Yamato."

"Are you expecting an Attack Taisho?" he replied.

"No, but it occurs to me that the NMX might have decided to follow the Task Force back. I just want to make sure none of them get here. Most likely there will be no sign of the enemy in which case the carriers can use the time for drilling their pilots.

You can reach me via the Chiharu's AI Kontan should anything come up that needs my attention." Sorano replied, then turned and left the bridge. Five minutes later she was seated on her shuttle bound for the Star Fortress.

-------------------------------------
Shopping Sector

Sune found his way to the shopping sector of the Star Fortress before he had come up with a viable solution to the problem of storing medical equipment elsewhere safely.

He stood in front of the directory of shops. Looking at the legend he was able to find where most of the clothes shops were located. So he took the closest sliding sidewalk and enjoyed looking around at the people. It was almost like visiting a shopping center back on Yamatai. The only obvious difference was the absence of children and teenagers.

As the shops went by he spotted a bookstore, he had never been one invest in hard copy of books but he decided that perhaps he would pick up a couple to check out after he was finished shopping for clothes.

Sune noticed that the shop he wanted to visit was coming up, so he prepared to step off the slide walk. He did so with practice ease, and walked up to the shop. He stood for a minute or so looking at what was in the window displays.
 
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