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

Eucharis Bridge

"You claim that the Lorath are making us look bad, but what would really look bad is to throw away the lives of these people who have only recently regained their freedom. Secondly, we have a legal basis for not turning them over. And third, I have brought us into a somewhat neutral territory to avoid violence, rather than displaying destroying our pursuers, even though they already sent mines after us and even though we now have every right to sink them," Hanako told Helen. "Besides, we got the evidence we needed with our scans. We will see how the eyes of the universe judge the Lorath when they find out what happened up here. The Lorath have only solidified their reputation as complete idiots by nearly bringing on a war on themselves over recapturing a few POWs. The most humiliating thing we could do is let the Lorath have their way instead of us getting our way. If the eyes of the galaxy are on us, let them see this today: that challenging the Yamataian military is suicide!"

To the Lorath, Hanako sent: "You lose. Go home."

Eucharis Bridge

"I am only reporting what I know as an intelligence officer, Shosho." Helen spoke, with an apologetic tone to her voice as she frowned heavily. It was hard to be an intelligence officer sometimes.

Butulonzen System

There was a momentary pause from the Lorath, frankly, they were dumbfounded by just how obtuse the Yamataian Princess was. Though, after that pause, the Lorath issued a response, one that was also sent to the Gartagens which were watching. "Shosho Hanako, while your claim of victory through your stunningly brilliant and impressive statement is acknowledged, we must contend your claim. You are holding convicted criminals. They are our responsibility, they are our people to judge for their crimes. They are not something steal and claim 'Finders Keepers' over. We would like to conduct peaceful talks in hopes of arranging for the return of the prisoners, and would again request that we engage in legitimate negotiations with arbitration. Shosho Hanako, you have an option at this time; either we can talk peacefully, with hopes of reaching an amicable solution, or, we can make it clear today that the Yamataian government is the same as ever, a gang of thugs, bent on getting whatever they want, while disregarding every attempt to handle the situation in a civilized manner." It seemed, the Lorath stance was clear, and sure enough, they were trying to get the attention of anyone who would listen.

Eucharis Bridge

Hanako got back on the line with the Gartagens. "We appreciate your hospitality and patience in this tense situation. This is a bonding opportunity for us. I will recommend to my government that your understanding an kind gestures are rewarded with significant 'thank you' gifts that suit your nation's needs. If you have something in mind, please let me know, I will wait for our escort and go home to Yamatai. In the meantime, I request that you make it crystal clear to the Lorath that they should leave your space immediately.

The golden-eyed Shosho let out a brief sigh once the transmission ended. "I think Yui is rubbing off on me. I would really enjoy a mug of tea right now. Perhaps some cheesecake. Oh, Natsumi, can you see if you can contact the armor team and see how they are faring? And also Sune."

Eucharis - Bridge

Experience was a funny thing sometimes, it sometimes hardened people, it sometimes softened, and sometimes it allowed people to develop a perspective that was distinctively different than that which others may have. For Helen, while she did feel a smug sense of pride in regard to being part of an Empire which could make a greasy smear out of anything that got in her way, there was also a distinctive feeling of embarrassment brought about by Hanako's behavior. What she saw was a squandered opportunity to solidify international bonds at the cost of a meager trio of convicted criminals. She had personally killed far more people than that for far less of a gain for the Empire. What really bothered her though, was Hanako's way of dismissing the situation.

While Helen knew the Lorath were wanting to rattle a saber, she also knew that they had a way of baiting others into rattling it for them. In this case, she knew what would come. First the Matriarchy would play the role of the victim, then the Matriarchy would make an appeal to the international community and likely round up support, then that would be where trouble would truly start, as the Matriarchy would use their new found stance as a reason to start building their 'Defense Force' again, while dumping funding into their research and development programs. From the perspective of an analyst and operative, Helen could not help but to be bothered.

"I could go for some cheesecake too." Helen spoke, offering a shrug to her own concerns. There was nothing that could be done. Her Empire had made its stand, the Lorath had their high horse saddled and mounted, and the most she could do was file a situational analysis with SAINT, which would likely be stuffed away in a digital folder within the vast archives held within the cyberspace of PANTHEON.

One thing was for certain though, the old ways of the Empire would have worked quite well for the situation... execute the criminals, and deliver their mostly charred corpses to the Lorath, with a scathing note attached. It would have made a clear message, and, it would have solved the problem overall. Helen's own thought was enough to make her smile, a nostalgic smile that was better suited for the reaction to reading an old book, or listening to a song from her youth.

Butulonzen System

While the crew of the Eucharis went about dismissing the Lorath, an open-banded message was transmitted from the lead Lorath ship to the Gartagen Navy; "Gartagen Union Navy, the Lorath Self Defense Force requests that safe harbor be provided until further orders can be delivered from the Matriarchy in regard to our next course of action. While we are here, we have been authorized to provide representation on behalf of the Matriarchy for continued dialog, and to convey our respects as an apology for breaching your space. We have also been instructed to issue pardon to your Navy as well, since we are understanding of how intimidating the Yamataian space fleet can be to those new to the interstellar political arena. Most especially while they are in the process of using your space as a venue for kidnapping and theft while using your Navy as leverage."

The Gartagen Commander listened to both communiques from The Eucharis and the Matriarchy lead ship.

Fleet Marshal Bernatinoz Scowled. He was no diplomat. He was a warrior tasked with defending this region of space, a region of space both of these ships have disrupted.

"I am going to STRONGLY suggest both parties dock with the star fortress, or send down a diplomatic group so that we may hash out this incident." He stated on both channels.

A private message was returned to Hanako, set to high encryption (geared towards Yamataian encryption methods) "Make no mistake, Were it not for the respect and good will of your people, this would be a very different discussion. As I said Sai Hanako, we will attempt to come to a fair and just agreement in this dispute. We are your allies and no matter what no harm will come to you, your ship our your crew. With all due respect..one warrior to another, I am not too amused by this."

At present the Gartagen fleet was now in between the Eucharis and the Lorath Battle group, and had just closed to optimum firing range. Over 100 war ships were in formation with several hundred Sundancer interceptor wings baring down on the.

The Entire Western Defense fleet was in this system, and more support groups were in route. The Union Solar Navy was far from intimidated by the Lorath or The Yamatians.

"I have read the records and stories of your Race, Lorath. Now I was instructed to give your people courtesy." As the fleet Marshal spoke, the Lorath would detect that Gartagen weapons were finished cooking, and missile battery's were primed for launch.

"Now I have been told that Lorath Star ships are a bit more advanced then Gartagen Star ships. Suffice to say, considering I have two hundred, and you have...four. I am far from intimidated by anything at the moment."

"Now we are willing to mediate the situation in an effort to avert a War between you and the Yamatians."

There was a very brief wait before a transmission would come through to the Gartagens, and the lingering Eucharis "Gartagen Navy, your offer of mediation service is graciously accepted, and more so, your position is respected. We hope that the Yamataians will cooperate, if not, we are still appreciative of your efforts." Clearly, the Lorath were going to be cooperative, and more so, they were going to embrace the Gartagen attempt at diplomacy, and as any Fyunnen would know, diplomacy did not come easy to those who were inclined for violence.

Bridge


"Right away, Shosho" Natsumi replied, bringing up the long range communications system. She called up two sets of contact information. First she sent a request for communications with Chusa Jalen Sune aboard the YSS Firebird, then leaving that window as she awaited a response, she called up the away team and sent a message,

After a bit of pause, the Eucharis would receive the following message from Takeyu Nayacesen:

"We hope the Yamatians are willing to speak as well." Came a quickly reply from the Gartagen Fleet Marshal.

It was at this moment That the fleet Marshal opened a channel on an open frequency so that all parties involved could hear. "Eucharis. The Lorath have stated they are willing to discuss the subject in a peaceful manner. Under the current treaty our two peoples have, you are allowed to leave at will and go about your business as needed.

Lorath Ships. If you wish to open up diplomatic dialogue with the Gartagen Union you are welcome to stay."

"As far as this conflict between you and the Eucharis goes, we simply do not care, and have nothing to do with it. So there are your options. Negotiate, or leave."

The following audio message came in response to Natsumi's query.

An apparently synthesized voice said,

//Encryption active//
//Message begins//

Click to expand...

A second later, Sune's came across the speakers.

"Eucharis this is Firebird. Firebird actual speaking. We are arriving at the Ether system. We have contacted the Gartargen Solar Navy, they have granted us entry permission. They also report that Ether is in lock down and their forces are on High Alert.

Firebird entering system in Condition Two, will proceed to planet Ether. What is Eucharis status and ETA?

Firebird out."

Click to expand...

Sune's voice ended and the AI continued.

//End of Message//
//End of Encryption

Click to expand...

Eucharis Bridge

"Please inform Captain Jalen that he is asked to render some support to the Eucharis away team on Ether, and that we will be waiting here approximately two hours for our escorts," Hanako directed. "I will be in the wardroom."

The Taisa rose from her seat and floated out through the door to her side, opening blast shutters as she went to get some tea while she waited it out.

A Prosecutor, Two Tyrants, a Carrier, and several frigates and destroyers formed up on the Eucharis. The took a defensive posture in an effort to show they had no intention of any one attacking this ship.

The Euchris would receive a transmission from the Battle group leader. "We have been instructed to escort your ship to its desired destination. You send us the coordinates, and we will tag along and keep you safe Eucharis."

Wardroom



Hanako was seated at the table with the liberated Occhestian guests. "The Yamatai Star Empire has granted you political asylum. You are under our protection. Due to Lorath interference we cannot spend more time searching for Occhestian Separatists and will be going back south. Unfortunately the information I can offer you is limited at this time."

When the Gartagen transmission came in, Hanako replied: "Thank you for your escort offer. Please accompany us to the Ether system."

Bridge

Things seemed to be quieting down, unless the Lorath decided to start shooting, which was about a zero chance unless they had some serious reinforcements coming to offset the Gartagen fleet.

Natsumi relaxed in her chair a bit, keeping an eye on the sensors as she went about checking over various systems. She wondered if they were still going to remain in system for the next two hours as planned and wait for the escort group, or if the Shosho would take the Gartagen's up on their offer of an escort back to Ether.

"Our Hyper-fold drives are charges, and we have plotted a jump solution for the Ether System. We will synchronize with the Eucharis energy pattern. Until then Eucharis, it will be a pleasure to escort you." The Gartagen Battle group leader stated.

Wardroom

Hanako picked up a phone and dialed the intercom. "Bridge, this is Hanako. Please fold to the Ether system and let Sune, the away team, and the Seventh and Eight fleets know we're heading there."

In the meantime, Hanako got herself a slice of that cheesecake she'd been craving, and forwarded the scans of the planets the Lorath were attempting to start terraforming to the Scientific Studies Service for analysis of what was going on with them.

Bridge

Ramiro quickly punched in the coordinates to the Ether system. As he did so, he looked over his shoulder at Natsumi. "I got this one."

Once the coordinates were punched in he began charging the fold drive. As it charged he sent a communication to the necessary fleets. Once the alert came on his screen to inform him that the fold drive was finished charging, he initiated the fold.

"Entering fold," Ramiro broadcast, both to Wardroom and to the Gartagen Fleet.

The Gartagen fleet sent back electronic blessing. The Battle group sent to guard the Eucharis would synchronize their fold activation with the Yamataian ship.

Bridge

Beginning to get responses from the other Yamataian Fleets, Ramiro realized that the Gartagens were unaware that the fleets were headed towards Ether.

"Gartagen Fleet. Be advised, Yamataian Seventh Standard Fleet and Eight Standard Fleet are inbound to Ether intended as original escort of YSS Eucharis. They have declared their intent to fold just outside of the system."

Bridge

Hanako returned to the bridge just as the ship arrived back in the Ether system. "Put us into orbit over the base we set up," Hanako directed.

Next, Hanako opened an audio channel to the YSS Firebird. "Captain Sune, please report to me aboard the Eucharis."