RP Concluded Mission 2.0 - Pearl and Engine

YSS Yukika II

Yuki perked a bit at Cytari's callout, but to be fair she couldn't fault it. Doubtless she should have given the order herself, but she wasn't prepared to complain so long as it got the needed result. And with that in mind, being the results-oriented Nekovalkyrja she was, she simply nodded to give the imprimatur of the woman sitting in the big chair.

"Shoi Nakamitsu, it sounds as if the captain needs every hand she can get. If you can get over there, do so, and take whoever you can spare!" A brief pause, as her eyes flicked about the displays. The tide of the space battle, at least, seemed to be turning. Certainly not out of danger, but she was slightlyh less worried about disappearing in a puff of vapor. "And at least one medic, there are sure to be injured," she added. I really hope not, but hope isn't a plan, she told herself grimly.

Cytari was pleased to hear that unmistakably gruff valhallan accented trade. It put a pep in her step, knowing that the Iron Company was about to support her Captain and crew. She arrived back in her secret little corner of engineering to check on extremely important classified equipment that she referred to as her baby. Granted she was a bit perturbed, but that was an issue to sort out later. Shoi Shinono had control of the bridge, but had seemingly failed to pass tactically relevant information to their Commanding Officer in the field. As one of the senior staff officers onboard it was her duty to fill things in, especially where it involved things of an extremely time sensitive nature. There likely would be complaints about it from someone, but she knew she made the right call. That knowledge and confidence came with over a century of combat experience. Sure there might be some small mistakes she would make in shifting to the Star Army of Yamatai, but this was absolutely not one of them.

With all in order she exited the secured area of the engineering space and slapped the sign that read "Authorized Personnel Only - Violators may be subject to war crimes." She now set herself to checking on crew of the Engineering Department to see if they needed any assistance, this time in person. She was pinged directly by Nakamitsu to which she responded to him only, "Negative Shoi Nakamitsu, see if Shoi Shinono needs anything. She has the bridge and might have something important for you. If not, reach back out and I will find something. Chui Akhai out."

YSS Yukika II, Bridge

The silver arrow weathered the storm, taking acceptable minor impacts to it's shielding, in order to avoid breaking off or slowing down- And thus giving the enemy a clean, main-gun shot on the zealous scout vessel. The inertia control system stopped the lithe craft from ripping itself apart, but it was not perfect. The crew could feel and hear the strain that Operator Tae Tsuguka was wringing it through, trying to keep up with several conflicting demands.

Bombarding enemy fire, gathering battlefield debris, the virtual cones of potential battery fire from friendly forces- They were all considerations which weighed heavily upon the grey matter of the priestess of blood, darting and dancing her silver steed through opening and closing, forever temporary gaps of relative safety- Attempting to edge closer to the escape pod's trajectories, but never quite able to line themselves up for a useful length of time, without putting either the ship or the survivor's pods into a lethal line of fire-

<"Acting Shosho Shinono Yuki- That pursuing gunship is going to hit the pods, trying to fire on us."> Communicating via virtual ghost, the tengu's voice was a cold and pure breeze over the jade-haired neko's shoulder. Less a criticism of the order, and more keeping the designated command officer informed, whilst Tae attempted to edge closer. With great effort, they were very much trying to perform both tasks at once.

Operator Tae Tsuguka had ceased her vocal declarations of the heading changes, not simply because her throat had become dry- but because the frenetic, repetitive and dance-like modifications to their direction had long since become an annoying, pointless canticle that gave no real benefit to the acting captain's visualization of the battlefield situation. The information was instead purely fed through the Megami Futaba as a pure-blooded datastream, that could be translated as a twisting and coiling arrow on the navigation screen.

And what it showed was a nest of hornets. A hopelessly twisted mess of red warning strings and amber friendly fire zones.

<"If... If breaking off and acting as a distraction is not acceptable, perhaps... this simulation?...">

Too mentally overworked to explain her plan manually, but the hologram was clear as day.

If the engineering crew rapidly reloaded the torpedo tubes, continuously sequencing them after firing- They could create a fan of lethal space for the enemy, a defensive buffer where they'd be too busy dealing with the seeking projectiles to line up their own shots- But the cost would be taxing the loaders with live ammunition whilst Tae was pirouetting the entire ship like a ballerina's heel...

As the battle raged on and the tide shifted, Katara issued a decisive order. The U.N.N Seojun maneuvered over the X.S.S Soth'oth's dorsal surface, positioning itself as a blockade against any incoming SMX vessels. The timely arrival of the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet’s reinforcements had completely altered the course of the fight. Katsuko, standing on the bridge of the Seojun, watched the unfolding chaos with a mixture of pride and frustration.

The YSS Yukika, despite its small size, stood out as the hero of the battle, racking up the most kills on the field. Katsuko couldn’t help but feel proud of her daughter and her crew. Their bravery and skill had held the line when it mattered most. As another SMX battleship retreated, slipping to the edge of the system and engaging its hyperspace drive, Katsuko continued to monitor the battle, frustrated that her own ship was sidelined from the fight. Yet, hope surged as eight more ships entered the system ~ all bearing Star Army IFF. The Asuga-Class tugs had arrived to tow the battered hulk of the YSS Battle of Ayenee Capital City back to the Sharie System for much-needed repairs. Now, with the enemy in retreat, Katsuko waited for the Yukika's boarding party to check in, hopefully they had finished capturing the Soth'oth. This would be their day, as it should be.

More and more of the SMX’s remaining ships began a desperate push toward the edge of the system's hill sphere, scrambling to engage their hyperspace drives. It was clear they were now in full retreat, aware that the battle had turned decisively against them. The blockade formed by the U.N.N Seojun and the overwhelming presence of the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet's reinforcements made it impossible for them to get anywhere near the X.S.S Soth'oth to assist their stranded comrades. The SMX, once menacing in their assault, now scrambled for survival, their fleet shattered and their path to victory cut off. Disruptive distortion waves rippled off the Norian flagship's engines overwhelming the enemy ship.

"Katsuko to Yukika, what is the status of your away team? Do you require anything of the rest of the fleet?"

Wreck of the XSS Soth'oth

"Just how many of these creeps does this ship contain!?" Yingzi pondered out loud as she continued. Too focused on firing on the masses while paying attention to their IFF systems, she merely continued her hypothesis in text for the boarding party. "The dimensions of this craft are comparable to the Fuji Class or Urufu Class but these numbers make me under if this vessel serves as an assault troop transport."

Just then, her full attention went towards an advanced type making a full charge on her position, feeling emboldened that the initiative was favoring the mishhu. Both of the anti-armor pistols were directed at her foe. While it would not survive two aether bolts designed to handle heavy power armor to its face, forcing her out of her spot and forced to retreat spurred on more of the squids to focus on her. She never thought she would need to remember what Sensei Mizumitsu said beyond the discipline drills for exercise, here she was needing just that.

"GET SOME FUCKERS!!" she said increasingly becoming more pissed off but also focused to what was around her and was occuring to her allies. The captain was in trouble and needed heat off of her.

She holsters both of her heavy aether pistols and draws her aether nagamaki nodachi as a wave of tentacles made their way towards her. The reach of the weapon kept them partially at bay as she swung to remove tentacles from eagered mishhu looking for blood.

"Roger!" Morris replied over the comms in acknowledgment of Roy's information. (Push forward, spears up, and drive em off her!") The yeomen began to press even harder, even as the SA troopers had been retreating. Some of the men grunted as they forced the abominations back at the ends of their blades. A few managed to get through-screeching in anticipation of the coming slaughter, only to be pulled in by strong arms as daggers, axes, and hammers flashed, hacking off tentacles and pulverizing organs, sending out vacuum enhanced sprays of ichor that froze in strange, flowing patterns. Aside from the occasional flash from a pistol or rifle at point-blank range to finish off a downed opponent they stepped over, they let no bullets fly. The yeoman-sergeant slammed his own hammer into the beak of one as attempted to pull his shield-and himself-out of the formation of men, shattering completely before one of his fellows followed up with a vicious strike from a spear into the soft flesh of its lower body-heaving it back. They were getting closer to the embattled Tachiko, she just had to hold on.

"Nearing downed friendly, check your fire and watch where you stab!" Once again their spears flashed, lancing out at the mishu grabbing the neko as they closed, Morris's own hammer came down once again on particularly bold gribbly-shame it ended in a cracked carapace; it was enough to trigger a vacuum effect-sending yet more of its lifeblood spraying outwards. ("Think I prefer fighting them in vaccum-they die easier!") Someone remarked as they made their attempt to force the Mishu to disengage her so they could get the skirt commander out.

YSS Yukika II

Yuki didn't dare close her eyes. She took in the reports and data from Tactical, chewing on them like a particularly thorny puzzle. The enemy was on the run, or at least most of them were. Victory seemed at hand, and yet someone had to be the last to die in any battle and she had no interest in filling that role. A shame not all of them seemed inclined to run and fight another day, she thought with no small irritation, watching the data speck of the long remaining gunship that grimly clung to them.

Tae's idea had merit, to be sure, but it could use some spicing up, too. In fact, perhaps it was time to go all out and leave nothing in reserve. Things seemed on the precipice, with just the slightest nudge needed to end it decisively....

"Break toward them," she said aloud finally. "Rapid continuous fire on torpedoes and comets. Go right down their throats." Her words were sharp and clipped as she thought briefly about all that could go wrong, and then pushed it out of her mind. The mix of rapid fire and electronic countermeasures should at least give the enemy pause, and make them wonder if the prize was worth the effort. Ideally they would not expect to be confronted directly, and simply break off to join their comrades in retreat. "I want our magazines empty!"

She shook her head deliberately and left Tae to her task, unwilling to disrupt the battle trance more than she already had. "Captain, Yukika II, the enemy is on the run out here. Reinforcements are en route. What is your current status?"

YSS Mazu Labs

While the battle outside the YSS Mazu raged on, Yuko Ketsurui-Motoyoshi was busy in the starship's science labs, stationed at one of the ship's sensors. She was attempting to assist the tactical team by analyzing the ship’s targets. "Boom, goes the Mishhuvurthyar," she muttered as the sensors picked up the destruction of enemy ships, though she didn’t let it distract her for long. The blue-skinned Nekovalkyrja refocused on analyzing the targets to send valuable intelligence to the higher-ups on the ship.

YSS Yukika II

Cytari's palm slapped into her face, slowly dragging down when she did not hear someone respond to Katsuko's call. "Fuck my life," she sighed. The chief engineer sent a message directly to all away team members with high importance, "If anyone is alive and capable of sending a response, respond with current status. Taisho Ketsurui-Motoyoshi is inquiring about your current status." Immediately switching gears she responded to Katsuko, "Taisho, Yukika II. Our last status was that the away team needed reinforcements. We have not received response from last check-in." She then sent a separate message directly to Katsuko, "Taisho, our Captain, Shosa Motoyoshi went with the away team. After the emergent call for reinforcements we have not had a response from her."

There was a very finite gray area of how their Captain going with the away team under the radar should be handled. When a Taisho asks what the hell was going on, albeit in very polite terms, you bloody well better respond. Let alone the fact that this Taisho was Ketsurui-Motoyoshi Katsuko, you bet your ass if she asks you better answer her question. Consequences of whatever came next would be a hell of a lot better than if Cytari had done nothing at all and ignored the inquiry.

She was now a hair's breath away from losing her mind, thankfully the bridge was doing their part at their watch stations masterfully. In terms of combat she could not be more pleased. It was the finer details that officers with less experience in a military setting could miss, that they were missing. In the grand scheme of things it did not much matter as long as she kept on her toes to fill in the gaps. "That new first officer cannot get here soon enough," she screamed internally while changing her course of action. "Carmine-Hei, Chief Engineer. Haul ass to get yourself on that away team the bridge is sending. We need our best medic to go with them and you are it." A few moments later Carmine responded, "Hai Chui, enroute."

That taken care of she shifted to the next part, making sure the away teams power armors were ready. "Keizo-Hei, Chief. Finish final prep for power armor squads one and three, departure imminent. Shoi Nakamitsu will be leading them over. If he does not show up, Team Leader for Squad One will lead them over." Obara responded promptly, "Hai Chief." Cytari paused, took a brief sigh and shot out the next message directly to Nakamitsu. "Shoi Nakamitsu, Chui Akhai. The armorer will have squads one and three's power armor ready for your departure upon your arrival to the designated area. Nito Heisho Carmine will be the medic going with you."

She sprinted to the engineering spaces where the equipment for the shields were as she felt the ship surge. "Bridge, Engineering. All spaces manned with personnel on hand to fix equipment should automated measures fail. Nail the bastards." If this was their last stand, so be it. She could not be more proud to be serving with them, if they went down, so would she.

Wreck of the XSS Soth'oth

"Situation dicey!" Roy responded to Cytari's inquiry, his pre-Yamataian way of speaking creeping into his manners under duress. "4-4 reporting Tachiko heavily injured." The sound of ceaseless gunfire was evident from Roy's transmission but so was the death throes of their enemies as they tried and failed to breach through to get at the intruders. They were only piling up on each other, each fallen body making it that much harder to move past the chokepoint their own charge made.

"Reinforcements have arrived and deploying. We'll get her out in less than three pieces. Tops. How copy, over?"

As he finished his report, one of the Mishhu made a lunge and knock away his smg. It had a ton of missing tentacles, likely a victim of the grenade trap they had set up, but even with just two tentacles, Roy wasn't going to let this thing off so easily. It tried to rip his shield from him, so he did what any street urchin would have done if any one were to try and steal from him. He pulled back his free arm and just wailed on the thing's head as he shoved the Mishhu against their own ship's fleshy walls. Pain around the knuckle area used to signal when to stop before he hurt himself more than his counterpart, but encased in power armor, the beating only stopped when the outer shell of the creature's face cracked, but only so he could retrieve his silver .45 Zen pistol and fire three shots into the new weak point.

"You're wasting too much time on that thing," the leader of the 4th squad said, who was keeping the Nepleslian safe from being ganged up on.

Ripping his shield free from the now-limp tentacles, Roy put away his pistol and grabbed his smg back. "Grab one of them and try it yourself. It's quite cathartic."

Units 3 and 4 from the 4th squad held firm, keeping the enemy from swarming them, despite their attentions being split between keeping the hall clear, and getting the tentacled abominations off of their Shosa. With the arrival of the Valhallans, 4 moved forward, attempting to find an opening where she could pull Tachiko out of that twisted mess.

Yukika II

The Chief Engineer's eyes widened with the reception of grave news. "Shos!//Shit!" Cytari yelled out. "Squad 1 Leader, Chui Akhai. Change of plans, get the squads over there right now! Get Carmine-Heisho to Captain and assist with away team in getting her home. I will see about getting more medics." A resound slam echoed through the engineering spaces as Cytari slammed her fist on the nearest flat surface. If they had a First Officer onboard, she would have gone over herself. "Whatever higher beings exist, get Tachiko back to us." she whispered to herself as she prepared to deliver somber news.

"Taisho, Yukika II. The away team reported situation is dire, one severely injured. Our medic is enroute with two power armor squads, if someone could spare a medic we will need them." she switched to privately message Katsuko. "Taisho, its the Captain. Shosa Motoyoshi is heavily injured. Nature of injuries severe, but unknown." After that dreaded notification she sent a message directly to Yuki who stood watch on the bridge, "Captain's heavily injurred. Two power armor squads enroute with Carmine-Heisho. Taisho Ketsurui-Motoyoshi has been notified. I repeat, lets nail the bastards and bring Captain home."

Wreck of the XSS Soth'oth

Power armor squads materialized on the destroyed middle decks of the gunships. After a brief moment to make sure all members of squad one and three made it over with their nurse in tow, they headed off towards the sound of heavy gunfire. Carmine stayed towards the back of the formation, her primary task was to tend to the injured Captain. "Yukika II, squads one and three onboard the enemy vessel and accounted for with nurse in tow. Enroute to injured party and away team." Squad Leader 1 chimed over the comms. "Squad Leader 1, Squad 4. Anyone got eyes on Captain? We have two squads here to assist." Squad 3 entered the fray alongside Squad 4 and the Valhallans, with Squad 1 at the edges of the fray alongside Carmine, ready to burst in deep once Captain was located.

UNN Seojun​

"Nature of injuries severe, but unknown."
"Nature of injuries severe, but unknown."
"Nature of injuries severe, but unknown."

Katsuko felt an ache of helplessness as she monitored the unfolding situation, deeply aware that this was not her command, and thus, she held no authority here beyond her ability to coordinate over communications. Tachiko was hurt ~ an unfortunate part of the Star Army life they all accepted when they signed up, yet no less agonizing for a mother to endure. Katsuko couldn’t help but wish she'd encouraged Tachiko to pursue a safer path, one similar to what they’d arranged for Arisu, despite knowing the thought was unrealistic. Sighing inwardly, she opened the private comms channel. “Akhai-Chui, Katsuko. Keep me posted on her condition. I’ll work on what I can from here.”

Moments later, she sensed Katara beside her, arms crossed and gaze steady. Katsuko turned to face her, surprised by her daughter’s sudden appearance.

Katara tilted her head with a slight smile. "What, are we just going to sit here?"

Katsuko’s brow furrowed, and her confusion deepened as Katara shook her head with a chuckle. “Still reluctant to ask for help when it’s needed? No worries—some of us learned to get past that flaw ages ago,” she said, giving her mother a wink as she opened a line herself. “Bridge, Deployment Bay, it’s your move now…”

The reply came quickly. “As you wish, mother,” Jilae answered, their voice clear through the channel.

Katsuko relayed an update to the Yukika. “Akhai-Chui, the Norians are sending additional assistance. Alert the armor teams to avoid any friendly fire misunderstandings.”

XSS Soth'oth​

A minute later, the sleek form of the U.N.N Enachust, the Iausho-Class AEWS Destroyer, detached from the UNN Seojun and headed toward the the XSS Soth’oth, cutting in close to deliver Jilae and her team once more. Months had passed since they’d last stormed in with the Iron Company on Cheojin, yet the anticipation was familiar, and the memories of their hard-fought battles crept close to mind. The squad of eight moved swiftly, breaching the airlock of the Soth'oth with practiced precision. Jilae felt the absence of her old lieutenant, Tamaso, keenly in this moment; he had been her steady anchor in situations like these, before that ill-fated encounter that had left a lasting scar.

The air inside was thick and heavy with an all-too-familiar scent of decay and damp heat, a grotesque reminder of the tentacled horrors that awaited them. The Norian had their share of hideous voidspawn in their own space, beasts that would slither out from the depths of black, making them more than well-prepared to face the monstrosities within these twisted, flesh-covered halls.

Spotting Morris through the smoky corridor, Jilae grinned and called over the comm, (“Here we go again, old friend ~ we’re right behind you.”) As she took cover behind a bulkhead, she let out a spray of plasma flechettes from her rifle, tearing through the dimly lit hall with searing blue energy. Her squad moved with equal speed and precision, taking up protective positions around her, bolstering the Iron Company’s assault. (“We really need to stop meeting like this,”) she added with a wry grin as she ducked, ready to fire again. (“Oh well ~ time to bust some ugly tentacle ass.”)

Jilae’s Krysis Crixa Power Armor, model v.10, slipped ahead of the formation like a blade cutting through, her squad following her lead as they pressed deeper along with the men of the company into the ship’s grotesque, fleshy interior. It was like moving through the pulsating insides of some monstrous organism ~ a perfect environment for whatever ugly bastard lurked beyond.

Yukika II

"Hai Taisho, will do." Cytari responded directly to the private comm. With a deep sigh she lasered her focus in on getting through this. Whatever was going to happen, she would not let her emotions overtake her. She had no children of her own, but knew the weight of such a message. If it were her, she would rather know. Cytari's ears twitched when she heard Katsuko's voice come over the comms.

"Hai Taisho!" she said, as she leapt just a touch. United Norian Imperium, Valhallans and the Star Army of Yamatai all working together to take these tentacled bastards out would certainly be a sight to see. She only wished she could be there herself to witness it. "Away Teams, Yukika II. United Norian Navy assistance incoming. I repeat, Norian troops incoming to assist."

YSS Yukika II

"-Hai ma'am!-" Swallowing the weight of Yuki's orders, Tsuguka bared their teeth as they resolutely settled on ending the situation. "-Engaging!"

It wasn't that they were blind to the distress of the boarding party, or not privy to the knowledge that something horrid had befallen the shosho. It was the fighter pilot's paranoia, that the enemy retreating was merely a stalling tactic, a trap, or a reconfiguration of their lines. She had to see it in terms of cause and effect- Perhaps this was an effort to pull the Yukika II away from her own forces and capture it, whilst their PA teams were already drained, off fighting some other vessel?...

Just a pace after the next teleportation sequence had completed, Cytari had a first row seat to a rippling light show of superheated coils glowing esoteric, unnatural colours in frenetic sequence. An irate splay of volumetric warning pop-ups springing into life. The audible bow-flex of the ship's entire hull vibrating, whilst the skyscraper of steel was thrown into a series of severe lateral spins.

Nose down- Torpedos fired, full spread- ECM projectiles interleaved one-to-four- creating an arc as the ship reversed it's direction and nosed up, concurrently spinning on it's tail---

-It looked like a brief spark of fury, designed to disguise the Yukika II breaking off- But then Tae threw even more power into the turn at the last moment, so that they were maintaining their inertia, whilst factually powersliding backwards towards the XSS Soth'oth at full pelt- Once the enemy had clambered through their pile of heavy ordnance, crew rattled and half blind, not realizing they were facing the barrel of a gun and not the Yukika II's vulnerable rear- Then the red priestess would let open the aether shock cannon again-

The initial feint completed, and seconds rumbled on in slow motion- Her mental trigger impulse twitched- watching the enemy erratically dart and turn- waiting for the perfect millisecond to lay the scorching hellfire right into the pathetic wretches' path-

Space around the Yukika II

The gambit worked, and the last gunship of the fight was caught unawares when the great main gun fired. The Æther Shock Cannon tore a hole through the Mishhuvurthyar ship, bow to stern, and then it broke up, chunks of it peppering the Yukika II's shields and evoking auroræ before burning up entirely.

Aboard the XSS Soth'oth

While it may have seemed as if the gunship may have been doubling as an assault transport to the small force of the initial boarding party, waves of reinforcements from other Star Army units and the Iron Company revealed otherwise. No, it was merely the entire surviving population of Mishhuvurthyar aboard making a final, desperate stand against impossible odds.

There were flashes, pulses of light from under the pile atop her as Tachiko's sidearm discharged again and again, before stopping altogether. Whether she was out of ammunition, unconscious, or for some other reason, no more came before her rescuers arrived. Spears and small arms pushed them back, and, beneath it, was what was left of Tachiko's broken, savaged form. Her vitals were still present, even if she was unmoving when Carmine arrived.

It was not a failure of a boarding action, however. Though the cornered Mishhuvurthyar in their dead ship fought bitterly to the last, there eventually was their last. Sweeps through the vessel confirmed as much, that they'd all thrown themselves at the boarders in their last ditch defense. The Yukika's three shuttles tended the gunship's wreck, two to ferry the boarders back to their ship, and the other as a medevac for Tachiko.

Bridge of the Yukika II

"Yukika actual, this is Port Jiyuu Actual. Fifth Expeditionary Command has new orders. Immediately rendezvous and dock with the UNN Seojun and prepare to receive personnel."

Aboard the XSS Soth'oth

Nsake Tarai spotted Tachiko's unresponsive form, "Squad 3 secure a perimeter around the Captain. Kaine-Heisho, send in the medic, we found Captain." Squad 3 secured a circle around Tachiko in case any thing decided to try and poke its head back out. Squad 1 came barreling in with Carmine in tow. "Get out of my way now!" Carmine exclaimed as she burst through to triage Tachiko. The medic performed a preliminary examination for vitals with her medical scanner, "She's alive, but unresponsive." As carefully as the android could she scooped up their Captain's broken form into her arms. Members of Squad 3 secured any weapons that Tachiko might have dropped. Squads 1 and 3 formed an escort around Carmine as she performed another scan of the Shosa's limp form in front of her. "Let them know we are ready for transport. Send her first" the medic said hurriedly.

"Yukika II, Kaine-Heisho standing by with Squads 1, 3, Medic and Cap for a ride home."

Yukika II

Cytari booked it to the "Big Froggy," teleporter system like a bat out of hell. A stream of curses in Nira'las ran rampant through her mind as she sent a flurry of messages to crew. "Shinobu Heisho, secure a route from Froggy to medical," she shot off to the Security Officer. "Hai, Chui." Ejiri responded immediately before hustling to ensure a clear path." "Tanaka-Hei, get them home." the Chief Engineer shot off to Rae after ensuring that the target ship was in line of sight. "Hai Chief," she responded while preparing to start up the Big Froggy, double checking that their target was in line of sight. "Bridge, Chief Engineer. Shields down for emergency teleportation." she rushed before taking the shield down briefly so that they could teleport their crew home. With the battle over there was minimal risk to doing so.

Yukika II - Area just outside of Big Froggy

"Chief Engineer, Tanaka-Hei. Teleporter ready for transport." Rae chirped. "Go for teleport," Cytari responded after ensuring that it was safe to do so. "Teleport active." Rae responded activating the teleportation system. Cytari waited at a safe range as a "SHING!" sound emanated from the teleporter and Tachiko's form appeared. Obara was right next to Cytari ready to help carry injured out. Without hesitation Cytari waved Obara in, "Take her to medical immediately." Obara scooped up Tachiko's limp form off the pad and exited, headed directly for medical. In succession at the maximum speed the system could operate they brought over the remaining crew one by one.

Carmine was the first over after Tachiko, she ran after Obara as she saw him run towards medical with Captain. She shot a message to Cytari, "No one comes in or out unless they're authorized. Not until shes at least in the tank." Cytari nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Those authorized personnel were Staff Officers and anyone higher ranking than the Captain herself. "Bridge, Chief Engineer. Captain's onboard, medical is secured until further notice unless in the event of a medical emergency. Staff Officers or Chusa and above may enter if absolutely necessary." she relayed an additional message to Ejiri. "No one outside of authorized personnel enters until captain's stable. Man the door and keep Obara-Hei with you for support. We need to make sure no one interferes with her recovery or distracts Carmine." "Hai Chui," Ejiri responded before relaying the orders to Obara.

Cytari delegated the task of the ensuring the remaining personnel returned safely to Nsake. "Inform me and the bridge if there are any issues." she said swiftly before hightailing it to medical. After everyone had come over and the teleporter powered down Rae hopped on comms, "Bridge, Engineering. Teleporter inactive, raise shields when ready." Herself and Cytari had heard the orders from Port Jiyuu, they were to dock with the UNN Seojun. Bridge would likely want to leave the shields down, but after the emergency was over it was up to their discretion whether or not the shields were brought back up.

Yukika II - Medical

Carmine and Obara arrived to medical around the same time. "Set her down on the table, we need to get this thing off her." Carmine barked out harshly. Cytari entered the medical area and Obara left to go stand watch with Ejiri outside. Carmine saw Cytari enter, the door secured behind the engineer, and the nurse looked up at her with tears in her eyes as she feverishly rushed to get Tachiko out of her remaining clothing. A nod of silent acknowledgement was exchanged and Cytari helped Carmine get their Captain out of what coverage remained on her broken form. "I'll get the tank prepped, bring her over." Carmine rushed.

Cytari scooped up the Captain's bare form, bringing her over to the hemosynth tank. "This better work," Carmine cursed as she scooped Captain out of Cytari's arms and placed the broken women gently into the hemosynth tank. Cytari then stood back and watched as Carmine finished getting the tank started. When everything was up and going Carmine rushed to clear and sanitize the table that Tachiko had been on.

Aboard the XSS Soth'oth

With the flood of reinforcements coming up from behind, sweeping up was a whole lot easier. Kanon had confirmed that Tachiko was retrieved, still alive but she wasn't looking that good. There's something to be admired about a commanding officer leading on the frontlines, just a shame he didn't get to witness it. Though seeing the more melee-oriented reinforcements walk by, he was dismayed at not being able to witness the carnage they wrought. After shaking off envy and the longing for the feel of a classic machete in his palm, Roy and the members of the 4th PA squad regrouped to see Tachiko off before they allowed themselves to breathe easy.

Turning to the leader of the squad he had commandeered, he asked, "How's the crew, Ayane?"

"No serious injuries. Just wounded pride." There was a hint of regret in her voice as her gaze followed the transport Tachiko was loaded into.

He understood that silent feeling, but now wasn't the time to sit on it, and neither was it time to return. At least not while their minds were focused on the tragedy. "What about spoils?"

"What?" Despite the power armor the 4th squad's leader radiated a confused look.

"You know, spoils of war. Loose gear. Fancy hat."

"Do you think these things wear anything on them."

"Good point. Guess we'll have to go looking for the bigger things then." He contacted the Yukika and simply laid out his intention just so they were aware and could have the chance to protest. "This is Roy reporting in. I'm taking 4th squad for a second sweep of this derelict ship. There's a few points of interest that I want to investigate before we leave."

While he didn't expect to find much of anything, he didn't want to pass up the chance of exploring this meat-encrusted ship. He'd taken part in salvaging jobs way before he even knew anything about the Star Army, and though those were days long left behind, he felt like he couldn't miss this chance to learn something first hand. And if they happen to find a straggler or two during the unguided tour, well, that's another notch.

UNN SEOJUN​

The thrill of victory faded quickly, replaced by a quiet tension as Katara and Katsuko walked together. Between them hung the weight of lives they could only guess at, each carrying answers to the “what ifs” the other would never truly know. From YE 30 on, their paths had diverged dramatically, shaped by experiences that still left an unease between them, even if Yui and Tetsuya had tried to smooth things over. This marked their first true moment alone together. “Katsuko, I have to ask,” Katara finally said, breaking the silence. “Was it worth it? Staying behind, I mean. How has your life been?” She seized the rare chance, her curiosity too deep to ignore.

Katsuko stopped and leaned against the bulkhead, her gaze drifting upward as she gathered her thoughts. “Worth it?” she echoed, a hint of contemplation in her voice. “That depends, I suppose. I’m happy with where I am, if that’s what you’re asking. Things are… different now, though. I tried my hand in politics again, but found myself missing space. Eventually, I resigned. I couldn’t stand the bureaucracy, or those who didn’t have the best interests at heart.” She shrugged, a faint smile touching her lips. “Honestly, the further I am from it all, the happier I feel. I guess I’m better suited for a chair, though maybe not the one you pulled out from under me back then.”

Katara nodded, joining her at the bulkhead. “Politics. Not my first choice either, but I’ve managed with a great support system.” She looked around, almost wistfully. “My husband and children made it worth it. When I finally figured out my place, I was trained by the best in the field…” She glanced meaningfully at Katsuko. “Intelligence. I don’t get much time aboard ships these days, though.” She paused, then added, “Did we… have any other children?”

Katsuko’s gaze softened. “A few, yes. Akina’s return has made things a little easier.” She hesitated, glancing away as she added, “It’s tricky, working so closely, especially given the… our ranks. But with the SMX and NMX flaring up in this sector, we can justify it for now.” The mention of Katara’s husband stirred a complex mix of feelings within her—questions she wouldn’t dare to voice.

Katara nodded, catching the unsaid words. “Well, it seems the alliance held. We’ve made an efficient team, haven’t we? I hope it was worth that beautiful ship of yours. We lost a few, too. We’re supposed to be scouting, yet the squids seem determined to harass us at every turn. It’ll take work, but when haven’t we been up for that?”

Katsuko smiled, a spark of pride in her eyes. “No, it’s never stopped us before. And that ship, well… she took a beating. But she served her purpose, and that’s what counts.” She drew in a deep breath, shifting topics. “Where are you off to now?”

“We’re staying nearby. They seem very interested in this system.” Katara’s voice dropped slightly. “One of the ships we scanned wasn’t theirs, though. Something else is in play here. I will send you a copy of the scans later.”

Katsuko raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t there always?” She pushed herself off the bulkhead. “We should plan something. Our people fought hard for this; they deserve recognition. I’ll make sure we stay in touch.”

Katara grinned, leading the way toward the docking port. “Allies who fight together deserve their rewards. I’ll see what I can arrange.” She cleared her throat and took a small niranium box from her pocket, offering it to Katsuko. “Here, in lieu of… well, everything. Take care of it.” They shared a final nod as they approached the docking port, waiting for the Yukika to dock.