RP [Reds] Welcome Back to Fujiko

YE 46.4.21
Fujiko Development Corporation HQ Tower
Shenhong City, Fujiko IV

The Executive Board of the Fujiko Development Corporation was hastily assembled for an impromptu meeting called by Sun Horatio. As the members of the board and their assistants shuffled into the room to take their seats, they were greeted with Horatio already sitting at the head of the table in the middle of writing something. On the table, there was a volumetric display the displayed the follow items on the agenda of the meeting:

- Report on Jun and Nellrun Development Initiative
- YE 47 Fujiko Development Corporation Preliminary Budget
- Territorial Administration Services Membership Reforms
- Establishment of the Fujiko Underwater Polo League
- YE 46 International Relations Conference Review and Assessment
- Post Osman Assessment

There was heated discussion about the Jun and Nellrun Development Initiative. Infrastructure development and economic growth targets were highlighted, but there were disagreements of for the reasons of experienced logistical issues. The political fighting only got worse when it was time to address and adjust the preliminary budget for YE 47, addressing funding allocations for key projects and operational costs. Emphasis was placed on ensuring financial stability, supporting critical initiatives, and attempts to direct funding to their each Director-General's personal projects.

The tension among the Executive Board lessened when they finally moved on to the Territorial Administration Services Membership Reforms. Now that they had several years of data and feedback, it was time for begin adjusting how membership fees were collected, consequences for those that didn't pay them, getting ways for more Reds and non-Reds to pay them, and what services were actually used and how for each tier.

The vote for the establishment of the Fujiko Underwater Polo League was a curveball no one expected. Underwater polo with environmental suits was popular on Rufusland and Ukmirt, but the proposal to use a derivative of AquaGenesis Fluid to eliminate the need for it by Director-General García quickly got the initiative the greenlight. Anything that promoted and got more sales of the fluid was always a good thing for all involved. The board afterwards got more serious as they assessed the outcomes of the recent International Relations Conference. Key takeaways were identifying potential areas for collaboration with other factions inside and outside of the Yamatai Star Empire. But added caution was required should they operate anywhere near the Democratic Imperium such as Nellrun.

With the discussion on the IRC 46 over, there was only one item left to discuss: Osman. For the last ten minutes, the board viewed battle cam and augmented reality recordings of the various operations the 1st Fujiko Expeditionary Unit had undergone while on Osman. They witnessed the opening combat of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion at Jacobstown, where mercenary light infantry charged recklessly at a well-fortified hillock, forcing the events that would later unfold and data related to the aether rupture storm of the crashed NMX ship. They saw the valiant efforts of the Combat Logistics Battalion, whose dedication under fire ensured what supply lines were established were maintained despite overwhelming odds. But the truly harrowing events were saved for the last, as if to make a point for all involved.

"Not like this! NOT LIKE THISSSSSSS!!!!!" the screams could be heard from the paralyzed Nepleslian Red scout identified as Serviceman Apprentice Karl Rudd according to the recorded augmented vision of a scout captured by a NMX Nightmare Type Mishhu. Streaks of purple particle beams screamed from Type 45 Particle Beam Rifles could be seen, unable to get a proper angle on the woman with the corner of the building now providing cover.

The predatory grin on her face as she dragged the poor man along the ground cemented the dread of the scene playing out as she knew there was nothing they could do to save him now. Perhaps also there was a more sinister reason for the grin made aware to the viewers as they aware they watched the flashing warning within his sight of his Phoenix Preservation Protocol (PPP) was malfunctioning, the very thing designed to spare them the horrors that would await them facing the NMX and defeated. The recording freezes right as the Nightmare Type is in the middle of delivering a punch into Rudd's visored face.

"What are the statistics of the PPP's during the campaign?" Sun Horatio asked as he looked over towards a tall silver haired woman sitting behind the Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing representative, Michael Brown. Wearing a crisp militaristic uniform and with an air of efficiency, she responded promptly.

"Most most data comes from Charlie's battle at Dawnton, sir. Among those that were confirmed to be killed, there was a 55% failure rate in the nanites activating or fully burning the body and equipment. NRM's Engineering Division is in the process of determining what had gone wrong. As there are signs of tampering in recovered nanite samples, we are suspecting that the Nightmare Mishhu might have detected the minute signals from the captured scout, discovered their purpose, and managed to suppress their activation in an attempt to prematurely activate them. If Charlie Company had organic signal intelligence capability, we might have been able to give you a much clearer hypothesis to present." the woman said, looking Horatio right in the eye.

Sun Horatio frowned a bit at the explanation, but there was nothing that could be really done about it now. "Are there any bakenekos on the investigation team?" Horatio asked, using the nickname the Reds had assigned to the Nekos formerly of the NMX. Calling them NMX Cats all the time was tedious so one militia decided to name them after a Yamataian yokai as both a means of respect and disrespect depending on the tone and context used. The term quickly caught on afterwards.

"No." the assistant replied back quickly, already aware of the members of the team responsible for the nano augmentation's creation.

"Then find one familiar with the Mishhu's methods of using signals and telepathy yesterday." he said before he looked back at the last playback and stared right at the Nightmare Type Mishhu. With a flick of his wrist, the volumetric display showing the recording turned off. Monsters... the Kikyo Sector was full of them. While they were certainly happy to comply with Yamatai's wishes, he had no intention to remain passively underneath them. But they were going to need to figure how to adapt and fight said monsters beyond just cybernetics. That was too... Green.

Unseeable by the others, he looked over the salvage the 1st FEU was able to secure fighting with the NMX on Osman. Aether particle beam weaponry, more X Particle Beam Rifles, DNA of human thralls (along with just about any other Osman human they were able to recover), long dead battle pods, tiny amounts of Osmanium, etc; the expedition wasn't a complete failure. Though was quite certain he was going to have to please the Star Army of Yamatai somehow when their SAINT catches wind of aether and scalar based weaponry. One step at a time Horatio thought to him.

Closing the list on his augmented vision, he turned over towards the assembly individuals from the Fujiko Development Corporation's Executive Board representing all of the various parts of the corporation such as the Security Directorate, Terrestrial Administration Service, and Internal Security. It was hard to read their expressions, but it was clear enough all of them were on edge since being called to this impromptu meeting called after the return of the 1st Fujiko Expeditionary Unit from Osman eariler than expected.

He then shared a battle report compiled after the Battle of Dawnton to every Director-General's personal volumetric display or connected digital mind implant. A rather directed compared to other after action reports, it clearly captured the frustration and disdain members of the 1st FEU were feeling right after the battle that exposed a trend first set with the Battle of Jacobstown.

Classification: Crimson Alpha
To: Force Commander Stevenson
From: Lieutenant Commander Eric Smith

Operation Hard Hedoro After Action Report

YE 45.9

Sir,

//For Reds Only// This campaign has been a complete shit show, sir. But regardless of the operational loss of Charlie Company, the Battle of Dawnton can still be a learning point for the 1st FEU and the Nepleslian Reds a whole. I am reminded of an old adage from the earliest days coming from the first re-capture of New Detroit: "If it's not Red, it's dead." We must mitigate the effects of our less then stellar allies by seizing leadership opportunities when they present themselves to us. At the moment, that only allies worth talking to are the NDC and SnS. Our fellow "Yamataians" are proving to be unreliable, which we might be able to mitigate in the future if we actively train together. But they have to be willing... //For Reds Only//

Charlie Company of the 1st Expeditionary Battalion's fate was already sealed in Operation Hard Hedero well into the operation thanks to the utter lack of coordination with our allied forces. Particularly without our own supposed allies within the Yamataian Star Empire: the Elysians and the Interstellar Patrol. Both possessed far superior equipment (namely power armor) than was fielded by Bravo and Charlie Companies. The final nail for Charlie company was put into place by the Elysians abandoning their push into the commercial district without contacting Charlie Company and the Interstellar Patrol elements remaining in place despite their advantageous position to act as a relief force.

Thanks to the efforts of Bravo Company (despite being under assault from parasite infested hosts) and the arrival of the 64th Combat Aviation Battalion's Bravo Company, Charlie Company was not a complete lost. From interrogation of prisoners (a lot of comfort foods were used) and debriefings of our personnel, I highlight the following points:

- Bravo and Charlie Companies should have stuck together. They instead opted to provide support to their allies instead of operating as a single unit.
- The scattering of 1st Expeditionary Battalion has had a massive net negative effect on our companies. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Mechanized Infantry Companies have been forced to push more aggressively than intended due to the lack of armor and artillery support needed to properly function. When Charlie encountered the NMX forces, they also lacked the number of infantry to counter attack. While the NMX are a battle hardened force, Charlie was denied the force multipliers of intel and heavy fire support that would have allowed them to properly hold their ground long enough for Bravo Company and anyone else acting as a quick reaction force to the NMX flank.
- The lost of Lt. Kimura's driver to their own stupidity divided Kimura's ability to properly lead. The platoon ensigns under her showed little initiative to pick up the slack or competency in their understanding of standardized battle drills, further worsening.

The following should be implemented at the earliest moment:
- Develop and improve coordination with our allies.
- Our forces should fundamentally only concern themselves when operating together and our allies secondarily.
- Rally our forces back into a battalion sized element. Should that remain impossible, redistribute armor assets from Delta company into Alpha and Bravo Companies. Their leadership has shown competency in their tasks and drills.
- Establish our own surveillance operations and recon assets. We should not be reliant of days old information to dictate our movements.
- Vastly improve the driving competency of vehicle drivers and emphasize the importance of not turning out. Execution of repeat violators or the most rebellious among us might be required to make the point.
- Charlie's surviving ensigns should be removed from any leadership roles and regulated to positions better suited for their aptitudes. Their genetics have failed the crucible of combat.

May this be a learning point for our unit in this campaign. We can only rely on ourselves and we cannot use the incompetence of others to justify our own deficiencies. I have attached the operational plans and assessments you have requested. Much of the information is reliant on what has been proved by SnS. But we must verify this first hand and get a better grip of the NMX's movements to increase the odds in our favor.

For the Reds!

Lieutenant Commander Eric Smith

1st FEU S3

"The performance of the 1st Fujiko Expeditionary Unit has been less than stellar." Sun Horatio said out loud, largely to himself before he looked in the direction of the Security Directorate's Director-General, Alexander Cage. The, a tall and disciplined man with his hair done up in a high and tight fashion typical of Red officers, immediately stiffened up as the focus of everyone was now on him.

"And before you say it, the lack of coordination with the other factions seems to be only a portion to their deficiency. The Elysians' actions don't surprise me at all, they are a people completely full of themselves. But the Separa'phans do with their Interstellar Patrol."

"Sir, the Interstellar Patrol had shown unexpected deficiencies in their coordination with the rest of the coalition. Their lack of support not only at Dawnton but also their method of deploying their forces at Jacobstown has been a glaring issue. The Elysian forces' abandonment only compounded our difficulties. Moving forward, we must prioritize developing independent operational capabilities and reducing reliance on unreliable allies." Alexander replied back, clearly disagreeing with what Horatio was implying in his statement. In his opinion from the reports he had receive through out the operation, the deficiencies in everyone compounded with the FSDF's own deficiencies creating the situation they found themselves now.

"Are you really saying the fact that our field commanders made little attempts to organize the hot mess that was that coalition was solely the fault of the Interstellar Patrol?" Horatio replied with a raised eyebrow. Lt. Kimura struggled to lead due to her misplacement as a combat commander, Lt Daeng was forces on personal glory for himself and his charges, Lt. Harrison was killed in action, and countless other officers of the FSDF (in reality the Nepleslian Reds) repeatedly showed signs of thinking only for themselves and not taking the initiative to take charge. Even his battalion commanders such as Lt. Commander Srisai seemed to be way too willing to default to the decisions of their main benefactor with little objections.

"Not solely, sir, but their failures significantly contributed to our struggles. Our commanders faced immense challenges trying to coordinate with allies who either abandoned their posts or failed to provide the necessary support. However, I do acknowledge that our own command and control structures need improvement to better manage such coalition operations. The scattering of our assets across the planet did not help matters as well. The 1st FEU was trained to operate as a cohesive unit, not an unit of detachments sir."

Horatio nodded his head, liking what he was hearing. An officer/executive being loyal to those below them was a good thing, but so too was the ability to have accountability and reflect on past mistakes. Something the Reds around the YE 20s were severely lacking, focusing first on just results and then eventually just on surviving as they continually got blindsided and suffering from desertions.

"It's important to remember that while the lack of coordination from coalition members was a significant issue, our own command structure and asset distribution were also at fault. Strengthening our independent capabilities is crucial, we must also work on fostering better communication and trust with our allies. Joint training programs and advanced communication systems could be pivotal in preventing such issues in future operations." Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a middle-aged Yamataian man dressed in a sharp Yamataian fusion of a kimono and a business suit spoke. The various Director-Generals present nodded in agreement as it feel into the general strategic vision Horatio had already set for the FDC.

"Very well, let's compile all of this into a comprehensive improvement plan of the FSDF. Refine the FSDF's command and control procedures are of an utmost priority. Drill them hard if you have to. Let's ensure that our security profile and future operations avoid the pitfalls we faced on that patch of dirt Osman." Sun Horatio said looking at Alexander before he looked over towards the other side of the desk.

"Director-General Kiyoshi, develop a diplomatic outreach program with the SnS, New Dawn Conclave, and our fellow Yamataians. Let's see if our esteemed Senator of Fujiko is able to connect us with the Star Army of Yamatai. I have a feeling we are going to need to push the timetable of gaining some operational insight into their organizational experience. Waiting for those that enlisted to inevitably not renew their first enlistment contracts we can tap into is going to take too long." he said before he looked at the volumetric display in front of them to cross out the 1st FEU as the last item of their agenda.

YE 46.5.7​

Defense Base Hepburn
Fujiko System, Fujiko IV

It had been a month since the 1st Fujiko Expeditionary Unit had made its return from Osman. Being the first Nepleslian Red "corporate security force" to leave Yamataian space and advance the faction's long-term goals, there were a lot of dog and pony shows the members of the unit were subjected to both boost morale/legitimacy of the Fujiko Development Corporation as the sole representation of the Nepleslian Reds and to generate the media required for their more long-term propaganda. The two main targets were the local Nepleslian Red population and the Yamatai Star Empire as a whole.

For the Nepleslian Reds, local media (namely the Red Star News Network) heralded the actions of the 1st FEU in the same light as the faction's earliest soldiers during their founding, like the soldiers that marched into New Detroit for the first time. The network ran a continuous stream of glorified narratives, painting the expedition as a heroic saga of bravery and sacrifice. Documentaries showcased dramatic reenactments of battles, emphasizing the unwavering courage and strategic brilliance of the Reds. Interviews with returning soldiers were carefully edited to highlight their pride and resilience while downplaying any accounts of fear, doubt, or the inadequate state of Reds' standard tactics. The message was clear: the 1st FEU were the torchbearers of a proud legacy, their deeds destined to be immortalized in the annals of Nepleslian history.

For the Yamataians, numerous articles were submitted by Red Star highlighting how the Reds are productive members of the Yamatai Star Empire willing to step out of their comfort zone to fight the Mishhu and expand into the greater galaxy on their own. Such articles conveniently omitted some of the details of the Osman Campaign in an attempt to cast the Fujiko Development Corporation (and the Reds as a whole) in a better light. The campaign was portrayed as a just action against the Mishhu, glossing over the significant losses and the brutal realities of the conflict. Stories of camaraderie with local Star Army of Yamatai Rikugun soldiers were exaggerated to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect. The Reds’ ability to operate independently while supporting the larger goals of the Yamatai Star Empire was emphasized, presenting them as a valuable and reliable ally.

But regardless of how the FDC was spinning the actions of the 1st FEU, they still needed to restore their sustained losses between their landfall and withdrawal from Osman. One such individual was Jack Radcliffe.

Gestating within his bioforge for the last 14 days at a Prometheus Class Clone Facility on-base, he could feel the warmth of the aquagenesis fluid sustaining him and the constant tingling of the nanomachines helping his accelerated growth by building and expanding his body. He could hear the constant hum of the bioforge at work with the occasional hissing of machinery and filtered air entering the liquid. Not that he had any real conscious understanding of what any of these sensory inputs meant, of course.

No, Jack's first thought was a desire to cry out once the nanomachines severed his umbilical cord from the bioforge. The sudden disconnection left him feeling vulnerable and adrift, a primal urge to scream for comfort and security overwhelming him. But there was a sense of confusion when he found himself unable to do so, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Panic set in, and his breaths came in rapid, shallow bursts as he began to hyperventilate. Just as the fear threatened to consume him, a faint whisper could be heard in his mind. "Be calm," the soothing but masculine voice intoned, resonating with a quiet authority. The young clone's body responded instinctively, his racing heart slowing as a wave of tranquility washed over him. The darkness behind his closed eyes gave way to a vision, the sterile blackness replaced with the stark utilitarian decor of greys, blacks, and reds of the room he was in.

A tall and imposing figure walked forward towards Jack, each step deliberate and echoing with authority. Dressed in an ancient military uniform dominated in red, the ensemble was richly adorned with medals and insignia that spoke of a storied past, each decoration symbolizing a campaign, a victory, or a sacrifice. The fabric of the uniform, though aged, was impeccably maintained, its crimson hue vibrant and commanding respect. The epaulets on his shoulders gleamed with gold thread, catching the dim light and reflecting a sense of timeless valor.

The dark-skinned man's facial features seemed to be permanently masked in shadow, an enigmatic quality that rendered his expression unreadable no matter what angle you looked at him from. The shadows clung to him like a shroud, obscuring the finer details of his visage while hinting at a presence both commanding and otherworldly. His eyes, however, pierced through the darkness, two orbs of intense focus and wisdom that seemed to hold the weight of countless lifetimes.

"Who am I?" Jack finally said, his voice tremulous and uncertain. The region of his brain primarily responsible for language had been stimulated and encoded with the ability to make use of Trade, but he was still merely a newborn, capable of only a toddler-level understanding. His brain was a blank slate, written with the muscle memory and basic knowledge typical for a one-year-old, yet devoid of personal identity or history.

"You are a child of the Reds," the figure replied, his voice carrying a weight of history and authority. "Before you ask, I am merely a ghost of the past. A phantom of what we once were and what you can possibly be again if you embrace what it is to be a Red. I will reveal who you are when the time is right, but for now, there is much to learn first." The man's hand extended forward, an invitation shrouded in mystery. "Do you accept?"

Jack didn't really understand most of what was said, but something within him told him it was alright. With a tilt of his head, he reached forward to grab the man's hand. In response, his vision faded to a white background displaying the Fujiko Development Corporation's insignia before it slowly mutated and morphed into a stylized Tymian Empire Star with one of the arms of the white T missing on the left.

"You will see me again soon, child," the man said, his voice echoing as Jack's vision transitioned to a creche classroom full of other children. They sat attentively, a light-skinned, curvy woman standing calmly in front of them. In place of their names, a shortened serial number floated over their heads if one thought hard enough to assess who an individual was. The children found this to be a much quicker way of identification than to waste too much time looking at specific details as all of their virtual avatars looked the same as another besides obvious differences such as male/female body shapes and hair/eye color.

"Welcome! Today marks the beginning of your journey," she said, smiling confidently. Jack listened intently, his young mind absorbing her words with a mixture of curiosity and determination. The serial numbers floating above the children's heads shifted as they began to communicate with each other, a silent exchange of thoughts and introductions facilitated by the virtual interface.

The woman continued, "You will undergo rigorous training. You will be honed to tactical precision. You will learn to fight, to lead, and to survive. But more importantly, you will learn the values that define us as Reds: loyalty, honor, and sacrifice."

Jack felt a stirring within him, a flicker of understanding as the words resonated with something deep in his core. The lessons began immediately, a blend of virtual physical exercises, general education, history lessons, and strategic simulations designed to instill the principles and skills necessary for their roles.

Days turned into weeks as Jack and his peers progressed through the intensive training program. The virtual environment adapted to their growing capabilities, presenting increasingly complex scenarios each day that tested the knowledge being written into their minds was properly received. Jack found himself excelling, his innate talents and the implanted knowledge guiding him through each challenge with a mixture of instinct and learned strategy.

Throughout the process, the presence of the dark-skinned man lingered in Jack's mind, a phantom mentor who appeared in moments of doubt or confusion. "Remember, child," the ghostly figure would say, "you are more than just a soldier. You are a beacon, a symbol of what we strive to be."

As Jack's understanding deepened, so did his connection to the other children. They formed bonds, a brotherhood and sisterhood forged in the fires of their shared experiences. They were not just clones; they were a mixture of both new iterations of existing Nepleslian Reds and new individuals, ready to take on the mantle of their predecessors. Jack found a particular bond with a fellow clone named K-765A7 (or K7 for short), whose strategic brilliance and sharp wit complemented his own strengths. Together, they often led their group through the most challenging simulations, their camaraderie growing with each success and failure.

One evening at the age of 15, as they were winding down before their sleep cycle, Jack approached K7. "Have you ever wondered who you were before this?" he asked, his voice low to avoid waking their sleeping comrades. Jack figured from the lessons of the processes of Nepleslian Red cloning that they were likely clones based on another individual.

K7 glanced at him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the dimmed lights. "Sometimes. But mostly, I think about who we can become. Our pasts might shape us, but our futures are ours to define."

Jack nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. I just... I feel like there's something I need to remember, something important."

K7 placed a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. We're not just individuals; we're family."

Jack just nodded with a grin and proceeded to go to sleep, advancing to the age of 16 as they have always done at the end of each cycle.

At the age of 18, after waking from the last sleep cycle, he found himself within the very same room he was when he first gained consciousness but now it was different. The room was larger, the colors more muted, and the air was thick with anticipation. Jack stood in a line with the other now-grown clones, their similar faces set with determination. The woman who had once welcomed them as children now stood before them again, her presence just as commanding but with a new gravity to her demeanor.

"You have come far," she began, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space. "You have grown, learned, and fought. Today, you take the next step in your journey as true Nepleslian Reds: choice. Each of you were an individual that once existed. You may accept that heritage of your own or may reject it to forge a new path in life. A Red at their core is of course an individual."

The phantom of the past reappeared, his uniform as ancient and imposing as ever. He walked down the line of young men and women, his gaze inscrutable. When he stopped before Jack, there was a moment of silent acknowledgment, a recognition of the journey they had both taken to this point. The others vanished from his sight as the man focused exclusively on Jack.

"Jack Radcliffe," the figure said, his voice deep and resonant. "You have proven yourself time and again. Now, it is time for you to understand who you truly are and what your purpose is." he said, his facial features hard to distinguish with the usual shadow always cast on him. But despite that, there was a hint of a grin of pride as he looked at Jack. He extended his hand once more.