RP Concluded Mission 2.0 - Pearl and Engine

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.4

RP Location

Sharie System

Prelude​

Over a year had passed since the Alliance Fleet had established the Sharie System as their primary base and operational hub within the Kosuke Sector. Despite initial aspirations for extensive exploration, progress had been significantly impeded by the relentless Third Mishhuvurthyar War. The encounter with the formidable Sfrarabla Mishhuvurthyar Neithorngom-Class Battleship by the Lorrheim group marked merely the beginning, as they soon faced additional threats, including a predatory new gunship targeting cargo lanes leading back to Jiyuu. Despite the collective hopes of eager pioneers awaiting colonization opportunities at Port Jiyuu, not a single world had been successfully settled. The dream of expansion seemed increasingly elusive in the face of daunting challenges.

The capture of Illionite Strategist Lyran Vei by the crew of the YSS Mazu proved to be a turning point. Through astute interrogation methods, crucial intelligence was gleaned, revealing the formidable nature of the Illionites as a significant force in the region. Furthermore, it was discovered that they had established a disturbing alliance with the Mishhuvurthyar, engaging in the trade of slaves and goods. The situation grew even more dire as it became evident that the Illionites were not merely content with conventional warfare. Their insidious schemes included seeding worlds with various species, orchestrating conflicts among them purely for their own perverse entertainment.

Among these unfortunate worlds, Becurn stood as a grim example of their cruel experiments...

YSS Mazu​

Port Jiyuu, Sharie System​

In the tranquil embrace of the YSS Mazu's docked state, the tempo of life aboard the vessel softened, allowing the crew to unwind before the next wave of duties. While many of her comrades reveled in the dwindling moments of liberty on base, Motoyoshi Kaoru, a striking figure with alabaster skin tinged with a delicate pink blush, found herself ensconced in the ship's bridge, surrounded by the gentle hum of the ship's systems.

Perched in the commanding seat, Kaoru exuded an air of relaxed authority, her petite frame elegantly draped across the chair. Her sky-blue hair, adorned with frosted metallic pink highlights that gently kissed the tips, framed her face in a playful cascade, a testament to her penchant for staying abreast of the latest fashion trends. Though typically cut short, her locks swayed ever so slightly with her movements, lending a sense of fluidity to her demeanor. As the ship's chronometer struck 0200, casting a soft glow upon the dimly lit bridge, Kaoru found herself in the company of only one other—a diligent communications officer tasked with maintaining contact with the outside world. Yet, despite the solitude, Kaoru's mind buzzed with a myriad of thoughts, her analytical nature refusing to rest even in the stillness of the night.

With one hand idly tracing patterns across the armrest, Kaoru's gaze wandered, lingering on the console before her. In the quietude of the bridge, she couldn't help but contemplate the myriad responsibilities that came with her role as the second-in-command, a position she held in the shadow of her formidable mothers, the Taishos. Despite her outward facade of calm, a tempest of emotions raged within her, each thought vying for her attention. With a sigh, Kaoru leaned back further into the comfort of her seat, allowing the rhythmic hum of the ship to soothe her restless mind. In the quiet stillness of the bridge, amidst the soft glow of consoles and the gentle sway of her hair, she found solace, if only for a fleeting moment, before the next wave of duties called her back to the forefront.

"Motoyoshi-Taisa," the red-haired Nekovalkyrja communications officer interrupted, his voice breaking through the quietude of the bridge. "I have a distress signal incoming from the YSS Karasu Gin, a Reikei-Class Science Vessel NL-X5-74, in the Becurn System. They are requesting assistance as they are under attack by the Mishhuvurthyar..." Her words hung in the air, pregnant with urgency, as her concluded his report.

Kaoru's sky-blue eyes snapped open, a surge of determination coursing through her veins. It was time to spring into action once more. With a brief pinch of her eyes shut, she centered herself, steeling her resolve for the tasks ahead. "Recall the rest of the crew," she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. "Inform shimizu-Motoyoshi Taisho and see if the Fifth Expeditionary can lend us a few escorts; all of ours are still undergoing repairs. Update command and signal all decks to prepare for an emergency departure once everyone is back here."

As Kaoru's directives echoed through the bridge, a flurry of activity erupted around her. Volumetric windows materialized before the command chair, each one bearing vital information and status updates.

 

[Charaa]

Within the vast emptiness of the ship's cargo bay, silence reigned supreme, broken only by the faint echo of footsteps as Makoto moved gracefully within its confines. The dim lighting cast shadows that danced around her, adding to the mysterious aura that surrounded her figure.

In the heart of this solitude, Makoto stood, her form poised and focused, her Aether katana held firmly in her grasp. With eyes closed, she relied solely on her other senses, honing her skills as a warrior of the Yamatai Star Empire's Star Army. Each movement she made was deliberate, a testament to years of disciplined training and unwavering dedication.

As she flowed through a series of precise swings, jabs, and lunges, the air hummed with the swift motion of her blade. In her mind's eye, imaginary foes materialized, their forms shifting and morphing as she engaged them in combat. Makoto's movements were fluid yet powerful, her strikes executed with a lethal precision that spoke of her expertise in the art of combat.

With each thrust and parry, Makoto delved deeper into her training, pushing herself beyond the limits of her physical abilities. The rhythmic sound of steel meeting air reverberated through the cargo bay, a symphony of martial prowess and unwavering determination.

Despite the solitude of her surroundings, Makoto was far from alone. In the depths of her mind, she sparred with adversaries both real and imagined, drawing upon her inner strength and unwavering resolve to emerge victorious. For in the heart of this empty space, Makoto found not emptiness, but rather the boundless potential of her own spirit, ready to conquer any challenge that lay ahead.

Makoto allowed a slow exhale to escape her lips, the simple act serving a dual purpose. Not only did it help to regulate her breathing and calm her racing heart, but it also served as a reminder of the fragile balance between life and death that defined her existence as a warrior. With each breath, she reaffirmed her commitment to mastering her craft and defending the honor of the Yamatai Star Empire.

Despite the momentary respite, Makoto's training persisted, relentless in its demands for perfection. In the recesses of her mind, she visualized the deadly encounter with a Mishhuvurthyar Ripper, one of the Empire's most formidable adversaries. With a swift and calculated movement, she delivered a fatal blow, a feat that defied the conventional limitations of a non-Power Armor warrior like herself. It was a testament to her skill and determination, a glimpse into the depths of her potential as a formidable combatant.

The weight of her katana felt familiar in her hands as she continued to move with purpose and precision. With each swing and thrust, she embraced the legacy of her ancestors, drawing strength from the centuries of tradition that flowed through her veins. As the blade sliced through the air, she performed a fluid motion, guiding it through her arm in a ritualistic act of cleansing, reminiscent of the ancient customs passed down through generations.

The metallic tang of imaginary blood lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor. Yet, Makoto remained undeterred, her resolve unyielding in the face of adversity. For in the crucible of combat, she found not only the strength to overcome her foes but also the courage to confront the darkness that lurked within her own soul.

With each passing moment, Makoto embraced the essence of her warrior spirit, a beacon of light amidst the shadows of uncertainty. For she knew that within the depths of her being lay the power to shape her own destiny and carve a path of glory worthy of her ancestors' legacy.

With a fluid motion, Makoto slid her katana back into its sheath, the metallic click resonating in the empty space around her. Turning on her heel, she began to make her way out of the makeshift training area, the echoes of her footsteps punctuating the silence. Each step carried with it a sense of purpose and determination, a silent testament to her unwavering commitment to duty.

Exiting the secluded confines of the cargo bay, Makoto entered the bustling corridors of the ship proper. The air hummed with increased activity, a palpable energy coursing through the passageways as crew members hurried to their stations. Voices murmured in hushed tones, exchanging snippets of information that hinted at the urgency of the situation unfolding beyond the ship's hull.

As Makoto navigated through the labyrinthine corridors, her senses remained keenly attuned to the signs of impending action. The mention of a distress signal from the YSS Karasu Gin, a Reikei-Class Science Vessel NL-X5-74, in the Becurn System, sent a ripple of anticipation coursing through her veins. It was a call to arms, a summons to duty that she was all too familiar with.

With a steadfast resolve, Makoto quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing with purpose as she made her way to her designated battle station. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders like a mantle, driving her forward with a singular focus. She was ready to serve her empire, to heed the call of duty and stand ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As she arrived at her post, Makoto's gaze hardened with determination, her every muscle poised for action. For in the crucible of conflict, she would prove herself worthy of the honor bestowed upon her as a warrior of the Yamatai Star Empire. With her heart ablaze with loyalty and her spirit unyielding in the face of adversity, Makoto stood ready to embark on yet another chapter in her journey of service and sacrifice.

 

[Yuuki]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

"All hands, general quarters! We have a mission!" Shōsa Motoyoshi Tachiko announced over the comms. "Divert to Becurn system, immediately. Mina-san– we need to be underway yesterday!"

She pulled up the intelligence as she had it, nodding to the Analyst in appreciation. "We are going to be escorts for the YSS Mazu, responding to a distress call from Becurn. Mishhuvurthyar contact, situation unknown, other Star Army assets both on scene and en route. Set for rendezvous with the Mazu and the other Fifth Fleet escorts."

 

[Commissar Farzi]

Jumping with a start and a muttered curse Morris had been rather suddenly, and rudely awakened by the intrusion of that...rather nice lady shouting and a klaxon alarm going off, robbing him of the precious little sleep he'd managed to snag; they'd been busy since they'd gotten here-their hosts had made sure of that. Probably was still mad about the bounty on the slaggers-that'd been a shitshow unto itself; one minute he'd been having a few drinks swapping stories with a couple of their vets, and next thing he knew he'd found himself in a brawl with them and a few of the port's security-including one in power armor. As close as it was, it'd been fun; a nice change of pace-he'd only stopped when a half-dozen mass driver rifles were pointed at him. That and maybe the fact he'd thrown the armored one like a sack of grain might've had something to with that; only finding out until AFTER the fact what was going on. While it was aggravating as hell, he could understand to a point why they'd just skip to the brawling.

Oh well; didn't understand why the cats cared so much, but it was what it was.

Shooting out of the all-too-cramped confines of his bunk as the last drops of fatigue left him, he let loose a bellow of ("Alright you lazy bastards, get up and draw weapons an' armor-her ladyship's needin' us!") He still sounded groggy as bollocks, but it couldn't be helped as he tore the locker containing his gear-others doing the same; grumbling all the while. ("Quit complaining, we've had naught but busywork and drill for the last few months,") He barked as he strapped on his armor, ("There's a bunch of gribblies that decided they need to be where they're not wanted-let's make em' regret it.") At that the rather dour mood of the group suddenly evaporated; infact the mood changed from the usual bitching and moaning to a sort of energy that could be described as the sort of excitement that a bunch of youths had after their first taste of the ale; confident, far too cheerful and likely ready to enact copious amounts of violence. Not even 10 minutes later the Cohort was fully assembled and was marching towards the Mazu-he noted there were a few more security guards than usual. Morris noted Alexei was looking more irritable than normal as he fell into lockstep; the little guy had been oddly silent as of late save for running the smiths ragged. Not that he was complaining as while he was extremely competent he'd gained a reputation as a bit of a dick.

He smiled to himself at the familiarity of it all; heading off to war, pissing a few major powers off, getting into brawls with people under their client's command, and the chance of dying horribly to eldritch horrors from beyond deep space...just another day in the Iron Company.

 

[Deleted member 6144]

ALINA​

Taisho Shimizu-Motoyoshi Akina's Quarters​

A ding rang forth from Alina's communication device, indicative of something quite important that required her immediate attention. Abruptly awoken from slumber her right hand fumbled around to find the dastardly noise source. Why was it not where it usually was? Her reach extended further towards the nuisance, only to find that she had gone further than bounds of the bed she was on allowed for. With a resounding thud she landed firmly on her bum, her face turned cherry red as she instantly remembered where she was.

"Oh sweet gods," Alina silently cursed as she fumbled getting up in a somewhat composed manner. A quick glance at the message which caused such disruption alerted her that she might need to ensure Shimizu-Motoyoshi Taisho of a special request. As Akina's clerk there may be some work that would be required on her part for this particular request. Detangling herself from some sheets that imprisoned her after the fall, she stood up with the communicator in hand. "Taisho, a request has come through from the First Officer of the YSS Mazu for support from Fifth Expeditionary Fleet. Would you like for me to send a response?" she inquired in a quiet professional tone as the blush on her face remained.

CYTARI
YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

Tachiko's voice rang over the comms like a mystical call to action, immediately ending Engineering Department's meeting. Without a word Koko, Rae, and Uehara dispersed from the engineering office to their specified stations as Chief Engineering Officer Cytari followed shortly after. She ran as fast as she could to the System's and Safety Monitoring Station on the bridge, unceremoniously slamming her rear into the seat.

As each of her technician's chimed in through communications with her that they were at their station's ready to go she chimed, "Engineering Department manned and ready Captain." She glanced over system information as she awaited further orders and responses from the other departments.

 

[Primitive Polygon]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

The helmswoman was of course already at their post, hands braced to the console, with back upright. Rigid and predatory, like an inari statue. Real world concerns, such as receiving crew awareness, and avoiding the distractions of cyberspace, had until now stopped them from interfacing and interfering with the autopilot- But like a tripped switch, Tae Tsuguka's practiced hands sprung into action immediately.

"Order confirmed, Shosa! Course projection uploaded, angle plus fifteen, plus twenty six! CFS and plasma will work up to seventy five precent burn!" The oni announced clearly and concisely, fingers still furiously working at the volumetric controls. Soon enough the ship was suddenly felt to shift and creak, still a diminutive collossus of highly advanced interlocking parts, regardless of how big Yamatai ships could get. "ETA three minutes!"

A tense pause, a seizing of the hands- Everything was mechanically working perfectly, but Tae was suddenly confronted with the mental shortfall that she had no idea what formation the ships of Mazu's squadron were currently organized in. They were battle ready... which means she couldn't just go off sensor readings... and even two ships glancing sheilds as this pace would be a very short bus trip to Yomi for everyone involved.

"Navigation!- Shoi Shinono!-... Tactical uplink information from the YSS Mazu is requested!..."

Belatedly, with a begrudging grunt, Tsuguka turned on the Yukika II's honest to goodness running lights. Primitive as it was, the thought that the formation would missidentify their little hardened scout on approach, did also occur to them... Was the captain waiting to give them refined orders, to achive a clean interface? Or was she expected to make that up by herself?

 

[Nameless]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

The Nepleslian was halfway through his coffee when the request for assistance came in. The interface of his station was something he had been needing to get used to, but he knew which button was what at the very least. Enough to operate with a hand occupied with holding a mug. Navigation had provided the arrival estimate, and the captain had made it plain that they were going to respond. So that meant it was time to get to work.

"YSS Mazu, this is Yukika II responding to your call for assistance. ETA three minutes. Don't start the party without us, over." Once Roy sent the response to the ship, he switched over internal comms. "Power armor squads one through four be on standby, make sure your gear is in order for quick deployment." That should be all for now, he thought to himself. Engineering had reported in and its not like navigation needed any direction from him. What else was there to do but sit back and drink his brew and enjoy the three minutes before comm traffic picked up.

 

[demibear]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

Being second shift, Yingzi was enjoying some well-deserved rest after spending her personal time studying her findings from the autopsy on the Illionite corpse she conducted before her transfer from the YSS Mazu. When the general quarters was sounded, the dazed and confused woman fell face first from her middle bunk tripping on the corner as she attempted to rapidly get out of bed.

"Frail!!" she said as she fell. Placing her forearms in front of her face was the only saving grace from having to explain the incident to anyone else. While picking her half dressed body off the ground to put on her Type 42 uniform, she connected herself to the network to determine what information had been shared with the science officers.

 

[Miyako]

YSS Mazu ​

Taisho Shimizu-Motoyoshi Akina's Quarters​

Akina groaned, and reached about for the other woman after feeling her absence from the bed (more likely her hitting the ground), and shifted up alert. "I'll get to the bridge. Have someone bring an actual encounter suit...oh and a uniform." The request for an escort was parsed immediately, which she responded to and added an encrypted authentication to be sent to the Fifth.

"...looking good." She added, brushing her fingers along Alina's back as she wandered into the hall. She projected a uniform and lifted from the ground to float faster than she could walk to the lift.

She had time with Katsuko and many others to get more used to her body, which felt a little more hers every time she pushed it to the limits one way or the other.

Port Jiyuu, Sharie System​

The rest of the battlegroup that was being repaired at the starbase went on alert, even if there was not much most could do, save the ones that could still be powered on and used as additional fire support.

YSS Mazu - Bridge

Akina swooped into the bridge and halted scant centimeters from the fleet display. She was more than ready to take the fight to someone else, and was far more motivated by the idea of saving comrades in trouble.

"Motoyoshi-Taisa, depart at your discretion." She commed to her.

 

[Andrew]

On route to the Becurn System - YSS Mazu​

Nearly a minute after exiting the Sharie System, the communications officer reported, "Ma'am, we're receiving a signal from several Soul Savior Pods launched in the Becurn System. All are from the YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City." The bridge fell silent as everyone absorbed the news. Kaoru took a moment to process the information while the ship hurtled through hyperspace toward the Becurn System.

"Share the information with the YSS Yukika II and instruct them to prioritize pod recovery as soon as possible," Kaoru ordered, looking to Akina before slipping out of the command chair and moving to the XO's console.

Minutes passed, and as they reached the halfway point, the red-haired officer at the tactical station reported, "Detecting additional vessels in the system: several enemy ships, including three of the new Neithorngom-Class Battleships and ten unidentified gunships. We also have several allied ships in the area, all matching the classes of vessels used by the United Norian Imperium."

YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City​

Becurn System​

The independently powered turrets were astonishing in their persistence, continuing to fire despite the ship's critical condition. Each shot caused the gutted hull of the BACC to shudder, vibrations that were usually absorbed. Much of the ship was exposed to space, the mighty Zesuaium armor broken down by the impact of countless aether weapons. Although the ship's avatar was dead, the KAMI remained active, albeit damaged. Several feather drones floated around the bridge, scanning the inactive consoles and the bodies of those who had remained at their stations even after Katsuko had ordered the ship to be abandoned.

Several drones paused, forming a circle around the toppled command chair under which Katsuko lay unconscious, slowly suffocating in the vacuum. The female version of the v.10 Krysis-Crixa power armor approached, pulled the command chair away from the Taisho, and tossed it aside. "Sleeping on duty, really?" a voice chuckled through the armor's exterior comm. The Norian knelt down, placed a breathing apparatus around Katsuko's head, then lifted her up, cradling her in their arms as they began the trek back to the shuttle docked at one of the ship's access ports. "Stay with me now...can't risk you being dead in the middle of our first official battle together," Katara said as she navigated through the broken interior. Despite its critical damage, the mighty dreadnought held together when most ships would have already exploded.

Meanwhile...​

As the YSS Yukika II and YSS Mazu arrived in the system, they would of noticed that the Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought, U.N.N Seojun, had positioned itself off the bow of the YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City, acting as a shield for the severely damaged ship. Its escorts, two Tiacyatho-Class Battleships and four Migothi-Class Cruisers, concentrated on the Mishhuvurthyar forces, protecting the escape pods from the YSS Karasu Gin. One of the Migothi-Class Cruisers, the U.N.N Phatamos, used its graviton emitters to grab the science ship as it passed by. In a high sublight maneuver, the Phatamos sent the science ship crashing into the dorsal section of one of the Neithorngom-Class Battleships. The collision caused both the crumbling science ship and the Mishhuvurthyar battleship to explode in a massive cloud of debris.

 

[Yuuki]

As the Yukika II came out of hyperspace fold and burned at full sublight deeper into the system, first telemetry data, then imagery came in from the battle. The former was, mildly put, disheartening. The second one caused Tachiko's jaw to slacken, former NH-17 veteran of the horrors of Murf and Taiie she may have been. She was belowdecks with the other cadets when the Tokyo rammed the Kuvexian flagship at Glimmergold, and yet could still feel that awful lurch and earthquake vibrations that overwhelmed the artificial gravity and intertial dampers. The state of the Tokyo after that desperate, but ultimately successful maneuver didn't even begin to approach the catastrophic destruction that the YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City's name so aptly foreshadowed, and her already-extreme point of reference forever shattered.

"Science, Tactical, get on those graviton emitter arrays! Ops, scramble three armor squadrons to screen, keep one in reserve! We have pods to rescue! Intel, I need reports. All of them. All of the reports. Tac, also make sure the point defense is up, Engineering: shields, emitters, Plasma Projection System!" The orders were received, standing at the top of every console and augmented reality view—"Prioritize Pod Recovery," from the Empress-Taishō herself.

Tachiko's jaw set hard against nightmare memories of Taiie as she leaned forward in the command chair. Nekovalkyrja memories don't fade, even if it's been decades since they'd been ruminated upon. For her, though, it was barely half of one, so much time lost in the deep freeze, and the scar still was pink and angry. "None of them get intercepted by the Mishhuvurthyar. Zero."

 

[Nameless]

Roy poured over the tactical data streaming to his terminal and it wasn't looking good, but it never was when responding to distress calls. The scattered life pods, floating debris, and some far off combat, it was a scene he'd seen a number of times under different banners. "Armor squads one two and three, you'll be screening the situation. Get out there and keep a low profile while we get the life pods aboard, 10 - 12 - 2 o'clock respective spread. Prioritize marking damaged pods if you see them. Go! Squad four, we're keeping you in reserve until we get a clearer picture of the battle."

Giving out orders was not as thrilling as being out there himself. Being distanced from the action felt a little wrong. It was a little frustrating as well not being able to survey the situation himself. Even if he could see a live feed from the squads' perspective, he wasn't seeing everything. Alas it was all he could do: order around the squads and trust they know enough to respond to immediate threats without him ordering them to take cover.

When the squads disembarked and assumed their stations, he put his focus on monitoring the comms from them, waiting for any reports to come in.

 

[Yuuki]

Tachiko watched the squad's launch, on a multi-feed of a situation map and the outside camera views of the armor launch bays. Squads two and three suited up in the fast, stealthy Molly light armor, while squad one took point in the standard, more heavily armed and armored Mindy. Once they were clear and taking positions, she announced, "Tac, Intel, in addition to point defense, take targets of opportunity with the main gun, torpedo tube, and the PPS cannon, but keep the PPS gun point defense hot— we're going to scramble shuttles soon, too, once it's clear. Science, get me some eyes out there. Hurry and get probes hot before Tac has anything to shoot at with the torps! I want debris, soul savior pods, escape pods, incoming, all tagged and labeled! And somebody get the Multistruct warmed up in case we need to do some salvage or demolition."

The litany of orders came smoothly, quickly, and articulately as Tachiko's training and experience demonstrated, yet again, how misplaced her anxieties were. But that Tachiko wasn't present now. This Tachiko was in the moment. There was no need to run Yugumo business wirelessly in her mind while she zoned out on a heavy bag or speed bag, or with a bokken or shinai to keep that Tachiko quiet. The cat was in the tall grass now, tail twitching, ears perked, belly low to the ground and gaze fixed. Just as she was designed to be, right out of the tube.

 

[Commissar Farzi]

One Hundred and Forty-Four men stood on standby in one of the launch bays having bummed a ride-checking their void gear as the two ships sped toward Bercun. The AT guns, despite the formidable firepower of the Mazu had been loaded and ready to go; a little bit of extra insurance to ensure they'd be able to make it back with the pods. ("Alright boys,") Morris barked in Valhallan as he ensured his void propulsion unit was strapped tight-no sense in floating off into space, ("There's Skirts out there that need rescuing; we get out there, find em, and bring em home-AT gun's will be providing us cover as best able.") There was some general grumbling, mostly at the fact this was going to be a rescue mission and not actual combat. ("Quit cryin'-they'll be plenty of time later for smashing gribbly heads-if you need a swig grab it while you can!") He'd followed his own advice with a sip of the old Slayers mead and capping the canteen before strapping on his Brigandine's helmet. The assault variant was fitted snugly around him-it's weight reassuring.

("Alright, let's go!") They'd lept out before any of the skirts responded void packs trailing streams of radioactive plasma. ("Stay together as best able and pay attention to your transmitters-the strobe on em will pulse faster the closer you get to a Star Army pod!") There was a chorus of 'ayes!' as the cohort began its dispersal. ("Morris.") It was one of the yeomen-he recognized the voice but couldn't quite place it as he and his squad maneuvered around a piece of debris, ("Look-Norian Ships.") Huh, there it was; one of those fancy dreadnaughts. ("Well that brings back memories.") The big man replied as he checked his Scythe-full magazine. ("Any bets this is gonna go from a scuffle to a party?") The yeoman asked as he moved to the left-narrowly avoiding a stream of particles fire-likely just a stray shot and largely harmless as this range. ("I'm sure there will be plenty of fighting to go around-now get those damned pods!") Morris barked as they checked their transmitters; no rapid strobing from the lights yet, but that'd more likely than not change here soon.

 

[Charaa]

Soggy Hole​

Meanwhile, Mazumi stood behind the counter at her lounge, the Soggy Hole, aboard the YSS Mazu. The ambient hum of the ship's systems provided a constant backdrop to her thoughts as she went about her duties, ensuring the lounge was ready for the crew's needs. The sudden blare of the call to battlestations interrupted the relative calm, signaling that the ship was gearing up for imminent action.

Through her telepathic link to her androids, Mazumi swiftly issued commands to her robotic servants. With seamless efficiency, the androids began clearing the tables, replacing the assortment of drinks with water to keep the crew hydrated and ready for the impending battle. The Tennyo-bodied Nekovalkyrja-sprite also directed her androids to prepare drinks for any survivors who might need immediate care and comfort after the confrontation.

The lounge's strategic position on the ship provided Mazumi with a clear view out of the viewport, offering her a vantage point to observe the unfolding situation. Her eyes scanned the chaotic scene outside, taking in the positions of various ships and the flurry of activity around them. The Norian ship, the Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought U.N.N Seojun, had positioned itself off the bow of the YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City, acting as a shield for the severely damaged vessel. It was a bold and desperate maneuver, indicative of the dire circumstances they were facing.

Mazumi watched as the Seojun's escorts, two Tiacyatho-Class Battleships and four Migothi-Class Cruisers, engaged the Mishhuvurthyar forces with ferocious determination. The cruisers focused on protecting the escape pods jettisoned from the YSS Karasu Gin, their graviton emitters extending protective fields around the fragile lifeboats.

Her gaze was drawn to one of the Migothi-Class Cruisers, the U.N.N Phatamos, as it executed a daring maneuver. Using its graviton emitters, the Phatamos grabbed hold of the science ship as it drifted dangerously close. In a high sublight maneuver, the cruiser redirected the trajectory of the stricken vessel, sending it crashing into the dorsal section of a Neithorngom-Class Battleship. The resulting collision was cataclysmic, causing both the crumbling science ship and the Mishhuvurthyar battleship to explode in a massive cloud of debris.

Mazumi's eyes widened in shock and awe as she witnessed the explosion. The sheer scale of the destruction, the billowing clouds of debris and the bright flares of energy weapons lighting up the darkness of space, created a surreal and almost apocalyptic scene. Her heart pounded in her chest as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. Despite the chaos and danger unfolding outside, Mazumi remained resolute. She knew her role was to support and provide for the crew, ensuring they had the sustenance and morale needed to carry on in the face of adversity.

With a deep breath, she steadied herself, ready to assist in any way necessary. The battle raged on outside, but inside the Soggy Hole, Mazumi was a pillar of calm and efficiency, prepared to serve her empire and support her comrades through whatever challenges lay ahead.

 

[Miyako]

Becurn System - YSS Mazu - Bridge​

Eventually, Akina was able to put on her actual suit, dropping her projected uniform as she dropped back into the command chair. "Foray into the AO. Glory to the Empire." She ordered immediately, hoping that Katsuko was still there. I don't want this to happen again. She thought with a grim weight in the pit of her stomach. All of her real thoughts were on the battle: she was linked, integrated with the Mazu like most on the bridge.

I'm coming. She sent into the void. Even if she COULD reach Katsuko, there would be no unofficial communications going in or out at that readiness level from the Mazu.

The command carrier was at 1B readiness, and as they closed the distance to the wreck she ordered a feint, then to come about and level their biggest weapon at the largest threat the crew could find. "All ordinance fire at will. Once we reach the BACC launch our recovery operation. These squadrons..." One of the large tactical readouts flashed, "...will reinforce the fight. The rest will be getting wounded and KIA in,"

What she hoped to do was to gain the initiative and shift the battle away from her wife's ship, but putting herself between their stricken comrades and the enemy would be good enough. The targeting solutions from countless weapons bristling on the enhanced carrier all began to lay down direct fire and suppressive fields where possible.

Becurn System - YSS Mazu - Sickbay​

"Oh, fuck me." Ayano swore in a tone so solemn compared to her usual tone of salt that several other medical crew paused and looked her way. "This is going to get a whole lot worse. Think if I asked them to go home they'd let us get back to research?" The war changed how much exploration they could do, and she was treating and supervising a much larger group of people than she had before. Their sickbay, after all, was a literal hospital stuffed in a warship.

"Right, same as last time: I want each of you at your grouping of assigned beds. If you can skip to a neighbor just do it." The little Neko barked, sending her voice to the decks out of her reach on speakers.

The displays briefly flashed, "Incoming wounded." To alert anyone without a mental connection to the ship that they would be flooded with soldiers suffering from the battle. It was going to get messy, fast. Like the other fights. Worse yet, it was such a massive crew compliment she shivered and whipped her tail about in agitation thinking of how many would need their help, or were already dead.

The doctor sucked her lips into her mouth awkwardly, feeling a gnawing inside of herself as she monitored the recovery operation closely.

Mom...

 

[Andrew]

YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City​

The last of the surviving crew had made it to their escape pods. As they drifted away, they glimpsed their mighty flagship, now gutted and smashed. Its armor was broken, and it was mostly dead in space. Despite this, the KAMI continued to fire the remaining operable turrets, providing cover fire for the escape pods as they formed a huddle and headed toward the U.N.N Seojun and the YSS Mazu for refuge while the battle raged on. The crew of the Yukika II and the Iron Company, following Kaoru's suggestion, were diligently sweeping up the Soul Savior pods.

Katsuko stirred as she lay on the floor of the Norian shuttle. "What...?" she murmured, blinking her eyes open. Disoriented, she didn't recognize her surroundings but felt the movement of the craft. Fearing capture, a nightmare for someone of her high rank, she used a seat to help herself into a seated position. She peered into the cockpit and saw Katara in the pilot's seat, the helmet of her power armor resting on the adjacent seat.

"Welcome back to the world of the living, Taisho. We'll be safe in a few minutes," Katara said, hearing Katsuko stir behind her. The shuttle zipped through space ahead of the huddle of escape pods, returning to its mothership.

YSS Mazu​

When Akina reached the bridge, Kaoru vacated the command chair to allow her mother to take command. Kaoru then headed to the XO's station and restored the cloud of volumetric windows she had opened while in the command chair. "We have a comm open to the Yukika II, and I've already called for reinforcements," she updated the Taisho as she settled into place.

"Taisho, detecting several exits from hyperspace at the edge of the system. Sensors indicate more Mishhuvurthyar ships: another battleship and six of what we've designated as suspected gunships," Kaoru reported, reviewing the scan data from the battlefield. As ordered by the Taisho, the Mazu crew had already begun firing at targets of opportunity as the ship pushed deeper into the conflict. Kaoru sent a message to Tachiko: "More SMX ships on the way. We're outgunned...hopefully the rest of the 5XF will arrive soon."

The timing of the battle was unfortunate; many of the fleet's ships had already been damaged in previous encounters with the SMX in the sector. What they initially believed to be a single prototype battleship had turned out to be multiple ships.

The battlefield began to flood with a fresh swarm of the new SMX Hota-class battlepods. One of the two battleships positioned itself between the Mazu and the BACC, making the Mazu's intended destination an almost impossible feat. The Norian ships were still in action, the U.N.N Phatamos was leading a formation of its sister ships on another run at one of the Neithorngom-Class Battleships.

Spoiler: Summary of GM NPC ships

UNN

• 1 Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought (moderately damaged)
• 2 Tiacyatho-Class Battleships (1 severely damaged)
• 4 Migothi-Class Cruisers

SMX

• 4 Neithorngom-Class Battleships (1 destroyed)
• 16 Asthlacthu-Class Gunships (4 moderately damaged)
• 4000 Hota-class battlepods. (400 destroyed, 100 lightly damaged)

5XF - Reinforcements are on the way

 

[Charaa]

Becurn System - YSS Mazu - Sickbay​

Akatski glanced towards her elder sister, Ayano, who let out a string of curses under her breath. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Akatski wagged her finger playfully at her older sister. "Naughty sister, not lady-like to swear!" she teased, her tone light despite the tension in the air. On a military ship, swearing was commonplace, a raw and unfiltered reaction to the stress and intensity of their duties.
Her sister soon gave her orders, and Akatski nodded, her expression shifting to one of focused determination. The instructions were clear, and the stakes were high. She moved quickly to her assigned station, her mind racing through the protocols they had drilled countless times before. Each step was executed with precision, her movements a practiced dance of efficiency and readiness.

As she reached her post, she glanced back at Ayano, who was already coordinating with the rest of the team. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a sense of unspoken camaraderie and mutual trust between them. They had been through countless drills and real-life scenarios together, each one forging a stronger bond of sisterhood and professionalism.

Akatski settled into her role, her hands moving deftly over the controls and equipment at her station. She knew that every second counted, and every action she took could mean the difference between life and death for their comrades. The sounds of the ship, the distant rumble of engines, and the muted conversations of the crew formed a backdrop to her thoughts, but she remained unwavering in her focus.

Her sister's earlier words echoed in her mind, a reminder of their shared mission and the responsibilities they bore. Akatski took a deep breath, centering herself as she prepared for the challenges ahead. In the midst of uncertainty and danger, she found strength in the familiar routine, the discipline instilled in her by years of training and experience.

As the ship surged into action, Akatski knew that together with Ayano and their fellow medics, they would face whatever came their way with resilience and determination. For the honor of the Yamatai Star Empire and the safety of their comrades, they would stand resolute, ready to meet the challenges head-on.

 

[Nameless]

YSS Yukika II NS-X5-1212

The scrap field following this battle is a junkrat's wet dream. High-quality armor pieces, military-grade equipment, and if the hulls of the ships stay intact? Not to mention the stores of valuable materials stowed away in Yukika's cargo bays. If any of these ships carry anything like it, the scrappers would be hitting the jackpot. Well, so long as there weren't any functional military ships nearby that is. It was independent space, so it would be free game for enterprising crews.

But speaking of crews, it seemed more joined. Unfortunately it was on the opposition's side. Reports from the screening teams coincided with various flashes from the teams' feeds. "Captain, PA teams report that we got multiple enemy contacts joining the fray. They're swarming them out there. Crab-shaped fighters."

Roy couldn't help but wonder who kicked the hornet's nest all the way out here, and just how many nests were there? He'd been in space fights before as a fighter in his youth, though never against military ships and definitely not in any engagement of this scale. It looked mighty intimidating from this far away, but being in the middle of that storm was an old dream of his. A flight of fantasy that he now knows is a death wish.

Boy, he sure hoped there were more friendly ships coming.

 

[Yuuki]

"Make sure the Plasma Projection System stays hot. We need the maneuverability and point defense." Tachiko gave her commands, as usual, simultaneously wirelessly and vocally, and knitted her brow as she reviewed the updated tactical maps in her mind. "Main engine PPS cannons, main shock cannon, torpedo tube. Those gunships are upgraded to secondary targets from opportunity. If we can hit them without compromising main retrieval and rescue mission, we hit them with everything we can." Her jaw set, and her ears went backward in a feline fighting display, scenarios of destruction playing out in the theater of her mind, assisted by the situation maps and MEGAMI's simulations beamed in wirelessly, unmediated by external apparatus.

And there were friendlies coming, of course, but they were not here just yet. The small, agile Nozomi II excelled as a destroyer, its armament punching well above its weight class. Against medium-sized gunships intended as capital-ship hunter-killers or as point-defense screens against small craft, power armor and missiles, a swarm of Yui-Class like the Nozomi II were the ideal countermeasure, big enough to hit hard enough, and either too small or too large for the loadout a gunship is optimized for. Unfortunately, they weren't there yet, and it was merely a lone one, the Yukika II, in the company of a battleship, to fend them off with one hand while performing their rescule mission in the other. It was a fitting scenario, according to Tachiko's memories and principles, that there be a rematch: the loss of the original, namesake Yukika against the same foe with the same long odds, albeit smaller in scale, decades ago meant it was long coming.

"Ops, tell the reserve squad they're on deck, and have the armorer prep enough armors for a squad of officers to join an away mission." Tachiko was considering the scans and reports on the new Mishhuvurthyar vessel classes and their performance in the engagement so far. "If we get a chance to get a peek inside one of these things, we're going to take it."