RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 17.3] Peoples of the North

Bridge


As the Eucharis slipped back into hyperspace and safety, Natsumi leanes back in her chair and let out a sigh. She was glad to be away from the mines and proude she had fended them off and prevented any from striking the ship.

With the ship traversing the across the cosmos Natsumi began a check of the weapon systems, making sure everything was still properly functional in case they nedded to shoot at the next system.

Ether - Cave

"Looks like no one's home," muttered Takeyu as he stepped into the area ahead of his squad-mates and stopped just a few feet in front. He released a drone it's hanger to scout the room, while he looked ahead and noticed the sign with the research tag on it.

"Let's check that out," he said and gestured with his hand toward the door.

Bridge

After a through scan of the system, Hanako was ready to keep moving. "Alter course to take us near that ominous green nebula and past the star system there, not into it but close enough to do some long range scans. After that, we will return to Ether to retrieve the away team," she ordered. Next, Hanako sent a message to the YSS Firebird to go to Ether where they would meet.

Cave Complex

Misato moved into the room watching for anything to move. "Sir maybe we should check out that tank, in case it is a trap, if not, we might be able to get it running and have the others anther weapon at their disposal." She kept her Gauss rifle trained on the hulking beast of metal as she launched two of her drones to investigate the tank. Something didn't feel right in this room, and she didn't want to be the last to know when an ambush hit, again.

LM-NE-02 System

Much like the previous system, the Eucharis would detect very minor radiological, subspace, and gravitic disturbances... though, one thing was notable, a trace of organic matter, more than a trace really, it was a distinctively notable organic signature reading, localized on one of the habitable worlds... though, detailed scans would reveal that the organic readings originated from an organic waste dump, with substantial number of urine containment tanks.

Aboard the Eucharis - Bridge

"... Tanks of piss... how appalling." Helen commented, as she sneered at the sensor readings. Though, those were not the only readings she was able to pick out. "Shosho, detecting a sensor spike, consistent with Lorath sensor systems."

Outside of the Eucharis

Before the intelligence officer aboard the Eucharis was able to elaborate further, a quartet of Lorath Self Defense Force ships emerged from behind their stellarium shrouds, as if sheets of inky stellar blackness were pulled from over a set of Lorath Raptor-Class ships, arranged as if they were points on a diamond in a deck of cards. A signal would soon originate from the Raptor-Class placed at the business end of the Plumeria-Class ship.

LSDF Raptor-Class Ship said:

"YSS Eucharis, this is the LSDF patrol ship 'Ky'ene'. We have been dispatched to intercept your ship for the purpose of informing you that the Matriarchy formally requests that you return the convicted prisoners which you are holding aboard your ship. If there is a failure to comply, we have been authorized to detain your ship until arbitration can be provided by two neutral parties, or until the convicts are returned to Lorath custody."

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It seemed, the Lorath were out to make a point, while refraining from taking steps which would lead to full-on conflict.

Eucharis - Bridge

"ああ、私に性交。" came the rather crude utterance from Helen as she watched the sensors, and heard the transmission come through. "I have four Raptor-Class ships on sensors... Unable to determine weapon charge status."

Bridge

Hanako got on the intercom. "This is the captain. Set condition one throughout the ship. All hands to battlestations."

Next, Hanako transmitted the following text to the intercepting ships.

"Lorath vessels: We do not recognize your jurisdiction in this space. You will keep your distance from us. Do not attempt to follow. Any aggressive action will be taken as an act of war by the Lorath Matriarchy against the Yamatai Star Empire."

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"Belay the last fold order and proceed with fold operation as originally ordered," Hanako told the bridge crew. "To the Butulonzen system."

Bridge

Natsumi went to work right away as the call to battlestations was issued by Hanako. She was again glad she had kept her tactical systems up and it took just a few moments to re-energize the the weaponry and bring the shields up to protect the ship.

"Weapon and defense systems standing by, Shosho" Natsumi said, awaiting the order to lock targets and open fire, if needed.

Butulonzen System

The Eucharis arrived outside the Butulonzen system in Gartagen space after another fold jump.

A message arrived from Star Army Command:

You have authorization to fire on any Lorath ship that follows you into Gartagen space. Seventh Fleet is available to support you.

Signed,

Taisho Ketsurui Yui

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"Charge the main cannon," Hanako ordered.

Eucharis' sensors would detect what appeared to be a full fleet of Gartagen ships of all classes and sizes in combat ready formations. The weapons and defenses were activated.

Fighter wings were loose and from what could be seen, the system was other wise on high alert considering the limited information that had been given.

"Yamataian Star Ship, this is the Western Defense Fleet command." A male voice called out on audio only.

"We were not made aware of your arrival. We detected some unusual readings in deep space that matched your energy patterns. Please power down your weapons and make us aware of the tactical situation. I repeat We were not made aware of your arrival. We detected some unusual readings in deep space that matched your energy patterns. Please power down your weapons and make us aware of the tactical situation."

Bridge

Hanako rose from her chair and looked at the viewscreen as she opened a video communications channel. "Respected Gartagen representatives, we are currently being pursued by hostile Lorath warships who are attempting to capture my vessel for illegitimate reasons. If they fold into this system I am authorized open fire on them. If the situation escalates we have our fleets standing by."

The Gartagen voice replied. Scans from the Eucharis would be able to tell the transmission was coming from a Prosecutor Battle Ship in formation with three additional battleships around it, and a mixture of escorts.

"I suspect in order for you to come here into our space unannounced and in violation of our non-aggression pact you must have been under duress. We will not allow any Yamataian to come to harm in Gartagen space. Please maneuver your ship to our formations so that we can better ensure your safety."

The voice paused then continued speaking. "Keep in mind this is Gartagen Territory, so our jurisdiction, the same would apply to our vessels in your own territory. If The Lorath come in guns blazing, I assure you they will regret it. But I am receiving orders to attempt to mediate the situation. If the Lorath with to talk then they will be allowed their say. Rest assured that as allies, no harm will come to you, your ship our your crew as long as we have a say in the matter. Now, power down your weapons and get behind us."

It was becoming quite clear the Gartagen Fleet Marshall was getting quite annoyed at this situation.

Butulonzen System

With the engagement of the Eucharis' fold drive, the Lorath Self Defense Force ships were quick to respond, as they immediately conducted an analysis of the fold to deduce the point of exit. While the Eucharis exited first, the LSDF Raptor-Class ships closed the distance using their wormhole jump drives, which soon resulted in their appearance near the Eucharis, and the Gartagen ships.

Upon arrival in the Butulonzen system, the Lorath ships were quick to issue a statement;

LSDF Ky'Ene said:

Attention, Gartagen Union Navy Fleet;

We wish to announce our intentions, we have pursued this Yamataian ship which has conducted an act of aggression against the Lorath Matriarchy by seizing Lorath material goods. We seek to detain this ship for the purpose of seeking third-party arbitration for the purpose of attaining a resolution to our conflict.

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Though, as the Lorath made their transmission, they were also quick to respond to the Eucharis' hostile stance, as they brought their shields online, deployed ablative armor, charged their weapon systems, and brought their graviton beams online, yet, did not activate them. Though, notably, what the Lorath Raptor-Class brought to the table were a quartet of aether dampening field systems which went into effect in unison, as the four ships began to launch fighter-bombers with the intent of multiplying their force in the area. Notably though, the Lorath did not fire the first shot, nor did they intend to.

Bridge

After Ramiro had plugged in coordinates to the Butulonzen System into the fold drive and activated it. Upon arriving he moved the ship forward and turned it around in assumption that attacking forces would come from the rear.

"Hei, for future reference," Ramiro called over to Natsumi as a chart appeared on her screen. "As the Shosho said, and ready all weapons."

As Ramiro said this he began measures to finalize Condition 1 throughout the ship.

Unlike what happened with Hanako's arrival the Lorath ships would find them selves targeted from hundreds of Vectors.

The Fleet Marshal spoke on an open frequency, so that Hanako could hear what he had to say to them.

"I have to advise that your power down your weapons. If you do not we will be forced to open fire on your ships. We have no interest in destroying you, nor do we have any intentions to let you seize the Yamataian star ship."

"If you wish to fight then you have chosen the wrong territory."

The Fleet Marshall then decided to cut to the chase, and spoke to both ships in one statement. "Ladies and Gentlemen, BACK YOUR SHIT UP. If you want to talk this out, then we are willing to mediate this dispute. If you want to fight, then you both have a serious problem on your hands because we will not permit combat in our territory. We offer the option for a peaceful solution."

Thousands of fighters, and hundreds of ships began reforming to move in between the Eucharis and the Lorath.

"Yamataian and Lorath Ships, stand down."

Butulonzen System

"Gartagen Union Navy, we respect your sovereignty, and will comply with the command to power down our weapons. We will however maintain power to our defensive systems and field projections." Came the quick reply from the LSDF Ky'Ene. As the reply was sent, the quartet of LSDF ships powered down their weapon systems, though, their shields remained active, as did their aether dampening systems.

Eucharis - Bridge

"They're persistent, aren't they?" Helen spoke as she scowled darkly at the matter of the Lorath pursuit of the Eucharis. "They're not going to let up, not since they seem to have the high-ground in this situation, even with the Gartagens looming over our heads." Helen spoke, as she put on her AMES suit. "Though, the Gartagens also seem kind of irate... who's side are they on anyways?"

Eucharis Bridge

"We will honor the Gartagens' requests to power down weapons. Power down the main cannon and anti-starship guns," Hanako instructed the bridge crew. "Keep ready to fold. We can outrun the Lorath if necessary. We are going to readiness condition two."

Hanako looked to Helen. "I cannot see how they have any high ground at all. They appear to be attempting to provoke the Empire into a war for the pettiest of reasons. I highly doubt three Occhestans are worth this to them. Perhaps their military is bent on martyrdom; however, neither I nor the Empire has an interest in fighting unnecessary wars."

Bridge

Ramiro reprogrammed the CFS to divert all power from the weapons, making sure to balance speed and shields are 50% each. Using this time to his advantage, he got up and quickly put his AMES suit on, per procedure. After sitting back in his seat he took a deep breath.

"I haven't felt this tense since I had to stealth fly us through that field of dead ships when the NMX attacked North Gate."

Bridge

"Thank you" Natsumi replied to Ramiro, making sure the blast shutters were all lowered into place, then started powering up the main cannon as he dealt with the CFS. She triple checked her status screens, all of the Eucharis' guns were status green, battle computers checked out, targeting sensors online and everything was charged and ready to go.

Natsumi's eyes darting over her displays. She could see Eucharis' location, where the Gartagan fleet formation waited and where the Lorath ships had entered the system.

She took a deep breath, this very well could be her first ship to ship engagement. 'steady, Natsumi!' she thought to herself and let the breath out slowly, forcing herself to relax and calm. If it happened, it would happen and all of her training would come into play. She would be ready and not let the heat of the moment get to her, cloud her abilities. She was a trained soldier of the Star Army, skilled and bred for battle. She would not fail her ship or her Shosho.

She was about to announce the main cannon was ready to fire when the order to power down was given. She complied with the order immediately and returned the main cannon and anti-starship guns to their standby modes.

"Weapon systems powered down" she said and glanced back at Ramiro, taking his cue to don her own AMES suit before returning to her station once more.

Eucharis - Bridge

"That's the trick." Helen explained, as she eyed the Lorath ships through her sensor displays, she knew the designs were inferior to the Plumeria-Class, but she also knew that it was not by much of a margin. One thing was for sure, Hanako was right, they would certainly be able to out run the Lorath... but not their plan. "Their trick in this situation is to make us look bad, not to actually fight us. They could care less about the Occhestians, or our flight through their space. This is about a symbolic gesture. Symbolic gestures are something which the Lorath fixate upon, heavily. In this case, the symbolic gesture is if we'll show them enough respect to give them three people they've claimed. They know we won't return them, and they're counting on that to make us lose face. That is why they followed us here into Gartagen space, that is why they're bothering to even negotiate." Helen elaborated, as she hid a bitter smile behind her AMES helmet.

"They just came away from the International Relations Conference with new friends, and a sense that there is more to our corner of the universe than the Empire, and no doubt, they want to see how the Empire will behave when the eyes of every nation are upon us. Right now, the Empire is playing into their hands. We have the Seventh and Eighth fleets en route at this time, in response to four Raptor-Class ships. It makes us look bad, and it is going to hurt us more than if the Lorath suddenly appeared with a ten-thousand ship fleet. What we need to do is avoid a needless war, while also looking graceful." Helen explained, it was clear to the intelligence officer what was going on, she just hoped Hanako would listen. It was a very simple matter to take care of... find a middle-ground, negotiate, and refrain from pulling the Empire into a disgraceful mess.

With the Lorath and the Euchris both powering down their weapons the Fleet Marshal exhaled and then spoke to both. "Thank you both for seeing reason. Now, if you wish to resolve this conflict we are willing to at least mediate. If you'd rather not negotiate mutually then I would suggest the Lorath begin leaving." He stated flatly.

"We can solve this issue the proper way, so simply move on. But it is up to you. We will not force either of you down to the planet to talk to somebody they do not wish to speak to. But we do recommend it."