RP: UOC Government [UOC] Freedom Cake

[Andrew]

The Assembly Dome in Motoyoshi-cho was buzzing with activity, the rumble of voices as the galleries were filling with citizens, merchants and investors. Small groups of Fifth Expeditionary Fleet soldiers, mostly cadets and the children of key officials were permitted leave from the fleet for the session. Downtown traffic had be rerouted, as motorcade's brought assembly representatives and other VIPs to the Dome.

The Crowned Prince, Motoyoshi Tio arrived early, his stood at the front chatting with Motoyoshi Mayumi, the Director of Motoyoshi Fleet Yards.

"I am honored you could come today, Mayumi." Tio said, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder.

Mayumi smiled slightly, "I am here for my daughter's brother...This day has been a long time coming. It is just a shame that your mother will not be here to celebrate it."

Tio said nodding, "Mother has made her choice; absolute power corupts, absolutely. We all just have to live our lives. As you know, this is not the first time she has selected power over her family. Kiyoko and I are proof of that."

Mayumi said quietly, "Your adopted parents would be proud of you Tio, remember that. I am proud of you too, you are the closet thing to a son I have. My door is always open, perhaps after today we will be able to give Kiyoko the burial of a hero as she deserves."

Tio smiled, kissing Mayumi on the cheek. "I will see you later..."

Tio walked to the throne that was at one end of the Assembly table, his seat faced the smaller decorative throne at the other end, the chair of Prime Minister Ayana who had yet to arrive.

Members of the assembly began to drift in, taking their seats at the table. Additional seating had been provided for Taisho Motoyoshi Saito and the limited number of Fifth Expeditionary Fleet admiralty that were permitted to leave the fleet to attend.

The assembly dome, was littered with Blackcoats, some visible, some not. Additional security was being provided by former elements of the Tange Pledge family, still holding most of the control within the cluster, but becoming those that the people look towards for their voices to be heard.

A large black box was carried in, it had gold strapping with the seal of the UOC upon it, it was set down infront of Tio, who opened it a crack, looking inside and then closed it after being satisfied that its contents were intact.

 

[Kim]

Ayana had spent her morning gathering together files and messages from her constituents over their opinion of the growing hostility despite the armistice. Her assistant had hurried her out of the house and into a vehicle to get the Prime Minister to the Assembly dome mostly on time.

The ride there from Residential district 48 gave her some time to look over everything but there was still too much going on at once. She felt overwhelmed by it all as Edana forced her supervisor to eat some tamago onigiri. "Ayana-san, you really shouldn't go to something this important with an empty stomach! You'll spend the time talking focusing on your stomach growling!"

"...I guess your right, Edana. Could you pass me a couple and some tea?" Ayana said quietly in response, her assistant was right.

After a few minutes of driving, the car transporting Ayana arrived. The Prime Minister quietly exited her vehicle and walked quickly into the Assembly Dome with her assistant a few paces behind her carrying Ayana's briefcase.

Ayana's expression was rather neutral as she entered the Assembly Dome, until she saw Tio as she approached the table. She paused for a moment before she walked over to him, "Tio... I'm sorry to hear about Kiyoko..." She was uncertain of what else to say as she looked at the Crown Prince.

 

[Andrew]

Tio smiled slightly, nodding to Ayana. "Thank you." The assembly had arrived in it's totality, Tio however was waiting for Saito and the others to arrive.

He quietly whispered to her. I would be a liar if I did not admit that I feel nervous, that I have not considered changing this course we all have chosen. I fear however, that if we do not take it, we risk undermining the very fabric of this world; our Jiyuu; our freedom. He sought comfort, his hand finding hers. He walked her to her chair, quiet, maintaining his posture. He inquired. Are you ready? Today could be the hardest days of our life following our tribulations and exodus from Taiie.

As the seats of the assembly filled, there was much talk, they knew what was to come. It had been coming for years. It had been coming since their mistreatment on Pisces, since in their mind that the government had failed them. Many were not ready yet, some wished to drag things out for an eternity to never face it. Others, were ready months ago, and were upset that the day had not come sooner. Moreso, all of them were excited and scared all at once. Excited for the new opportunities they would pursue, afraid of what will happen when their decisions, the silent polls, the continued planning after the dissolution of the Bakufu, came to bear.

Tio most of all understood concequences, as he walked the Prime Minister to her seat, he could not help but to take her scent in, savoring it, knowing full well he would either be able to do so forever, or this day would be the last. He loved her, he knew that now; they had never been together, maybe never would now, that prospect scared him. The potential of death was there. They knew the risks, nothing would be wasted as they partook.

The freedom cake was to be served, and perhaps their fate would be the better of the two possibilities, it is what they carried with them. It drove them to this. Hope.

 

[Toshiro]

At this point, Saito filed in. While she did her best to look fresh and prepared, she actually felt quite tired...since the SMX arrived in the northern frontier, and since the Hanabusa just vanished, she'd been completely altering the fleet's status, future plans, and boosting security in general. She still wasn't done, but she felt that the UOC was somewhat more prepared for attack now, enough for her to depart her office and attend.

She was lead to her seat, and bowed to the Prince before being seated. She was in a somber mood, and still felt too much guilt about Kiyoko's demise to talk to Tio directly.

 

[Kim]

Ayana held Tio's hand gently, as she sat in her chair. "I'm as ready as I ever will be, Tio. I'm terrified of the prospect that tomorrow may never come but this is the right thing to do." She looked up at the Crown Prince with inquisitive eyes, she was uncertain of their future as much as she was uncertain of how she felt towards the man before her.

She smiled softly, despite herself. "Everything will be okay, at least I know we've done what we could to make things better," she said quietly as she gave the Crown Prince's hand a gentle squeeze.

 

[Andrew]

After escorting the Prime Minister to her seat, Tio returned to his place at the other end of the table; he walked slowly, going over his speech again for what was to be probably the tenth time since he first wrote it. He stood, the room fell quiet, the eyes of the Assembly representatives and those in the gallery falling upon the young prince. They all knew what he had to say; it had been on their minds now for a long time.

"We have struggled to get where we are today; it has been a journey worth noting, one that will likely be told to Jiyuuian generations to come. A story, that for the most part has been one of trial and tribulation, from our exodus from Taiie because of the SMX, and the central government's inability to provide defense for the outer colonies, to the mistreatment, and separation of families on Pisces station after the attacks." Tio paused, running his hand over the seal on the chest.

"Today, thanks to the dedication of the fleet; the soliders to which many of us here on Jiyuu and the other colonies are related to either by genetic or associative line, we have created a group of colonies: The United Outer Colonies." Tio looked down, "We have come a long way from those cramped halls on Pisces, and it was because of our own resourcefulness, our ability to interact with our neighbors the Lorath whom we have helped, and whom have helped us."

"We all are either from Yamatai, descendants of Yamatai, or are in the likeness of those who live within the central core. " He held his hands apart slightly. "Distance, has created a divide. During the war goods rarely flowed our way, so we had to build mines, we used what we had and we made something of ourselves." he trailed off, picking back up after a brief pause. "Distance also changed us, our culture drifting away from the solid imperial foundations, moving towards a society who works cooperatively, democratically, and in unison with the intergalactic community."

"When attacked, we did not reach out, but reached in. Overcoming great odds we defended our worlds and won. We stood strong, it has become a proud, honorable experience to live within the culture here. We built schools, our economy has begun to flourish as our peaceful resolve attracts and encourages corporations to settle here." He shook his head slightly, "Sadly it seems the rest of the Empire, feels like we are the misfits; not only were we neglected in the past, but our voices demanding peace have been drown by the war cries...It is for this, for peace, for the ability to determine our own destiny, that it has come time for us to declare ourselves independent."

"Independence does not however mean war; as colonies we were children, but we have grown into a nation with a culture, with an identity. We wish to show our parent that we are prepared to fend for ourselves." Tio nodded slightly. "We wish peace with Yamatai, as we wish for peaceful relations with the rest of the international community. A peace not dictated by a central authority, but by the needs of our citizens. A monarchy governed by a constitutionally entrenched democratic assembly, as we have now, but in maturity."

"We are not the first to grow up, the empire was also the womb of the Democratic Imperium of Nepleslia. A nation, built upon the courage to stand for themselves, a dear friend that I sat across the table from not to long ago." Tio then addressed Saito and the other Motoyoshi, and ranking soldiers who attended from the fleet. "The Fifth Expeditionary Fleet has long since been our protector, most of its soldiers are residents of these colonies. So, for all intensive purposes, they are citizens of this new nation, sadly their hardware, despite it for the most part, being manufactured by our hands, and composed of our resources belongs to Yamatai, our parent, and hopeful ally. It is out of kindness that I hope Yamatai will not rip our protectors from us, but Motoyoshi Fleet Yards will no doubt provide if that is not possible, we have been creative in the past and can be again."

"Anyone wishing passage back to the core worlds will not be stopped, you will be given warm farewells in hopes that you will at least come back and visit." He smiled, opening the chest, he pulled from it their new flag. Carefully folded into a triangle he placed it in the center of the table and nodded towards Ayana. "I give the floor, to your Prime Minister and Head-of-State..."

A roar of clapping sounded from the galleries, and in the square outside. They awaited the words of Ayana, cheering and celebrating their sovereignty.

 

[Toshiro]

Saito realized what this could mean, however, and while she hoped for the best, she prepared for he worst.

She used her connection to sever the 5th XF nodes of PANTHEON from the control of the others, and did the same to vessels under her control which were NOT technically part of the 5th. The last thing she wanted was an enraged smeone somewhere ordering the 5th's own ships to attack them in anger...

I pry for peace as well...but I cannot guarantee that our parent nation will let us go...Chiharu...and Kiyoko guide us.

 

[Wes]

Priority Message to Taisho Saito from Taisho Yui:

Explain to me why you just disconnected from Star Army Command.

 

[Kim]

Ayana rose from her seat, she felt the fluttering of the butterflies in her stomach as her eyes roamed the faces of those gathered in this assembly. She had never felt so terrified in a place as secure as this... she had felt greater fear at the hands of the SMX in the Bard Cluster but never here, not at Jiyuu.

"My friends, we have finally decided to act out as we intended for the well-being of our homes, and our families. We are not blind to the harsh cruelties of war nor the need to fight to defend it, but we deserve a chance for peace. We have decided on the need to rebuild and foster the strength we needed to comfort and care for our own.

Today is the day we declare our independance from our parents and set out on our own. It will not be an easy path but for the sake of our people and our future we most create our own way. We can never forget the blood that has been spilled to get us where we are today and we most continue our efforts to build, create, prosper.

We have heard your cries for change, your protests... we have heard all of your words. And I hope that we can continue to serve your interests. I wish I could find more words to assure you of our good intentions, but I hope I will let my actions in the following days to speak for me. Thank you for your support for this new future." The liliac haired nekovalkryja bowed deeply to those gathered after offering a bright, confident smile.

 

[DocTomoe]

Meanwhile... in the Nyli system.

With the announcement of UOC independence, the Lorath Matriarchy made a flinch decision to mobilize the LSDF in a defensive line around the full perimeter of the Nyli system. Countermeasures from interdiction to aether-dampening were activated, and communication messages were sent to Saito, Tio, and Katsuko from the Lorath Xiaah, requesting audience to discuss the matter which now put the Lorath in the middle of a situation which they were unable to take a side on.

For now however, the Lorath planetary holdings and ships continued to transmit a friendly signal to the Star Army of Yamatai and PANTHEON, the Lorath would continue to honor their agreement, at least for the time being. However, the Lorath also transmitted a friendly signal to the computing systems aboard UOC held ships.

 

[Toshiro]

Upon the announcement, multitudes of civilian ships began to gather in the staging area. IFF signals would ID them as from all walks of life and profession, united in one common goal.

To defend their homes should push come to shove.

Due to the declaration by the Prince of the UOC's Autonomy, and the fact that the 5th XF has defended, been staffed by, and survived because of them, The Fifth requests that they be granted the freedom to become the UOCCF(United Outer Colonies Command Fleet).

Separation was done so as to prevent any premature action from Star Army Personnel perceiving a non-existent threat to the Core Government as a result of this. Only a precaution until we can talk about all of this...but no one wants a fight here, civilian or military.

 

[Andrew]

When the Prime Minister finished her speech the galleries burst into applause, which faded, as they began to sing.

We were so far from home.
So far from home.
But we were still here, still waiting.
Wishing that someday we would all be free.

We found out that home was here.
No so, far, far away.
And we are here, we do not fear, and no longer waiting.
We are free, we are free, free to be home.

Tio made his rounds, slowly moving from Assembly representative to another, shaking their hands, thanking them for their time. Finally he got to Ayana, he smiled at her slightly, as they began to repeat the song.

I think they choose an anthem...One less thing we have to hammer out.

 

[Tyler]

Caine would arrive a little late to the festivities, having had a little trouble finding a way there. He still bore a somber expression, seemingly unable to find any form of a true smile or even grin. His long golden hair pulled back into a neat ponytail with a dress uniform instead of a normal one, his blue eyes glancing around. Yes he was nervous about all this and being around so many Motoyoshi at one time, how could he not be?

He'd been in the gallery the whole time and smirked slightly at that, a promotion of peace. That was exactly what he'd been thinking about for the descent to the planet. He found the crown prince and politely approached him, "That was very well-spoken." he complimented him after bowing. "It's nice to finally meet you Tio-sama." Caine said.

 

[Kim]

Ayana smiled again as she looked at those that were singing and then looked at Tio with a nod. "Yes, there is a lot of work to be done still and... we have to tell your mother," she replied quietly back as she noticed Caine's approach. She moved away from the Crown Prince to talk to the other representatives for a few minutes while he concerned himself with someone else.

"If you get a chance, Tio, we still have much to talk about."

 

[Toshiro]

Saito rose, and approached Tio, before speaking in a hushed tone....

"Motoyoshi-Shogun-sama...I have disconnected us from the Core Fleet's PANTHEON network to prevent a hasty response on their part...when Mistress Yui-Taisho asked me why, I told her that the 5th XF wished to become your Military force, and that was a precaution to prevent a hasty action before we could peacefully speak on the matter...she has yet to reply."

 

[Andrew]

Tio reached for Caine's left hand and gave it a firm shake. He said quietly, "The pleasure is mine, it is good to see you, feel free to get in touch in a day or two."

Tio nodded, as Saito approached. He said, "Well then, Taisho-shogun, looks like we wait and see. I am glad you could make it." He then pointed in Caine's general direction. "Take care of him, eh? He meant the world to my sister."

A good precaution, Mayumi mentioned earlier about, wanting you to contact MFY's ordering division. Remember, we aren't out for a fight, we are aiming for peace. Our people are counting on us.

He did not stay with the Taisho, he continued, shaking hands, talking to people until he felt he could excuse himself, heading towards the Prime Minister's private offices.

 

[Tyler]

Caine gave Tio's hand a good firm shake as well and pulled back when Saito showed up. He stepped back for a moment to let them have their moment of privacy to share whatever information they had, feeling the light buzz of telepathy going on. When they finished and Tio moved off to handle other pleasantries, Caine offered Saito a light grin and bowed his head to her out of respect. "It's an honor to see you again Taisho." he said.

 

[Kim]

Ayana had managed to sneak away from the crowds of people and make her way into her office. Her assistant left her alone with some tea and paperwork. The Prime Minister stared at the paperwork in front of her feeling incredibly in over her head. What have I gotten myself into?

Tio found his way into her office, closing the door to at least attempt to drown out the sounds of celebration outside. "Sorry to intrude, I figure if I shake another hand, my own may fall off." he smiled, admiring Ayana sitting at her desk.

Ayana smiled brightly at the smiling face of the crown prince. "I figured it'd be safer and more... quiet in here. I'll join the party when I get more of these proposals done." She was wearing a very simple black dress, one of the many that seemed to fill her wardrobe and her hair was pulled slightly back, and pinned back with a simple silver barrette .

Tio walked behind the desk, his hands falling softly on her shoulders. He bent forwards his face next to hers. "Why don't we have our own little party, and I can help you with the proposals in the morning."

She turned her face towards him, a little surprised. "We can but... I'd hate to not have something ready to show your mom and... Yui-Taisho."

Tio said quietly, "The speeches were broadcasted..something tells me, they wont be interested in seeing it applied to paper..." he sighed, "Showing them, will be the steps we take to build the UOC up into a prosperous, civilized nation."

"Protecting ourselves by building up our defense fleet will be a challenge. But, where do you want to go for this little party thing?" Ayana asked with a soft smile. She was concerned that maybe he was still grieving and needed some fun time away from it all. But his promise of help with the much needed ground work in the morning was good enough for her.

 

[Kim]

>ON

"Where?" he paused a second, thinking it over. He answered, "I heard about this certain brew pub just outside the city once, apparently it is owned by the most powerful woman in the colonies now." he chuckled lightly, standing back up straight, hands still lightly rested on her shoulders.

"Oh, I wonder who such a woman would be but you up for shaking more hands today? It's the danger of public celebration, more attention... would you be up for something quieter ?" Ayana asked softly as she took into consideration the notion that she was going to have to rub palms and toast just about every round this evening.

He grinned, "I was thinking of a more private party in the brewery, not the pub...unless you can think of somewhere else?"

"I was thinking that I live in District 48 and that can afford a little bit more privacy and peaceful setting on the beach. I haven't had a chance to entertain since I've unpacked unless you'd prefer someplace else?" Ayana smiled as she looked up at Tio.

"Alright, shall we?" he offered his hand towards her, stepping aside slightly to allow her to get up on of the chair.

Ayana's smile brightened as she took the offered hand. "Sure. I'll ask Edana to bring me my paperwork in the morning so we can work on it then."

Tio smiled, his fingers entwining gently with hers. "I just realized my car is at the spaceport...." he chuckled, looking towards the door. There was still the sounds of celebration outside, the assembly was having a party of their own.

"I'm pretty sure we can get a cab back to the district, it'll help us finalize our public transportation plan ideas?" Ayana suggested playfully as she gave the Prince's hand a light squeeze as she rose from her chair.

He laughed, "Alright..." he lead her towards the door, trying to get around the crowds of people, there was loud music, champagne everywhere, a few of the government aide's were standing on top of the table. Tio chuckled.

Ayana couldn't help but giggle as she saw how big of a party was going on. She didn't relish the notion of clean up tomorrow but she knew that chance to cut loose and have fun was really what the public needed before the real work began.

He cut down one of the side hallways, reaching one of the side exits only to emerge into the massive crowds in the streets. There was people everywhere, the city was awake and there was no question in that. Finally they reached the cab stand just outside of the capital dome. Tio opened the door to one of the waiting cars for the Prime Minister.

Ayana smiled her thanks as she carefully slid into the cab and adjusted her skirt down under her. "This is a little crazy but local business should be booming."

Tio closed the door and got in on the other side, the driver inquired to Ayana. "Where to Madam Prime Minister?"

"District 48, 26 Mizunosei Boulevard, please," Ayana replied brightly back as she half watched the celebrations going on outside with a smile.

"It is good to see things in such a way..." Tio commented, looking out the window of the cab as they drove away from the capital buildings. "I believe it makes it all worth it..."

"It does but I can't help but wonder about the hangovers in the morning or having to clean up. But I guess these are things we can consider for public works projects," Ayana responded with a light chuckle as she watched Tio's face for a moment before looking back out the window. "Public holidays are definately something they have missed."

"Well, I am sure the city can handle the clean up, something tells me they will have some help from the citizens, after all this is their home now." it was not long until they were outside of Motoyoshi-cho and heading towards the 48th district. "So, you live on the beach?" he smiled, his hand settling lightly on her own.

"I thought it'd be a nice change. I love farming but I felt another living perspective was needed, it's quite peaceful in the early morning," Ayana commented thoughtfully as her eyes returned to Tio's face from the festivities beyond the window.

He moved his hand from hers as they pulled off the expressway and began heading towards her home. They pulled up to the house, and Tio transfered money electronically to the cabby's account.

"Thank you, try to enjoy the festivities if you get the chance, Sir," Ayana said politely with a smile as she opened her door, taking a step out of the cab with a little bit of a stretch.

26 Mizunosei Blvd was architecturally similar to the other houses on the street. It didn't stand out as anything very expensive or really unique, it was a modest looking two story house with a pointed, slanting roof; red brick and dark brown shutters outside the windows. The front garden looked newly landscaped- the freshly laid sod was just starting to grow. In another week or so, the lawn would have to get mowed.

Tio looked at the house, he smiled. "I like it...a testament that you have a home, rather than just a place." he walked over to her as the cab drove away, his hand taking hers again. "Lead the way..."

Ayana smiled again as she gently lead him towards the door over a cobblestone path through the center of the yard. "I'm looking forward to getting some fruit trees planted out front but I want to give the soil a chance to recover from all the construction before I start tearing holes out of the yard." At the door, she pulled a key from her purse and unlocked the door.

Tio massaged her hand with his thumb as he held it. "That farmer likes to come out in you; I am glad you have a green thumb." He peeked in as the door opened, quietly waiting to be invited in.

She pushed open the door with a smile, gently tugging Tio forward with her hand. "Please come in." The foyer of the house was set up rather simply. On one side of the door was a coat rack and against the wall on the opposite side was a small shoe rack against the wall with a small key rack hanging much higher above it. On the wall directly opposite of the door was a small end table with a mini arch of rosemary growing around a thin arch of wire in a black ceramic pot.

Tio moved along with her, the door closing behind him. He looked around at the decor, the place felt very different but in a good way, it was warm and inviting. He loved the smell of rosemary, looking to her he smiled, his eyes searching hers. The realization, that they were finally alone set in.

Ayana lightly blushed as she looked back into Tio's eyes. "I...I can give you the grand tour if you'd like. It's nothing as grand as the palace but it's home and... it has a great view. "

He smiled, he had another view in mind, if he could manage it. In the meantime, he nodded..."Well then, show the way..." he leaned forwards and kissed her lips lightly, seeing how she would respond to him this time.

Ayana was pleasantly surprised by the kiss and didn't immediately retreat like she did last time, in fact, she actually returned the kiss before she murmured, "No rush. We have time and no distractions."

He smiled, and whispered "For a change..." he kissed her again, this time more deeply, his arms wrapping around her as if they had been apart for so long, he needed to touch her, to feel her against him. His right hand moved to cup her cheek lightly as they kissed, the other remained on her back rubbing gently the upper part of her spine.

She shivered as she pressed against him, uncertain of herself as they kissed. She felt her heart race as she placed her arms around him as well, hugging him tightly as she enthusiastically returned his passion in her own kisses. It felt so reassuring to feel his warmth against her skin, but her uncertainty made her breathlessly pull back away from Tio, and look at him with a deep blush on her cheeks. "...you confuse me," she whispered softly.

He gave a quiet laugh, "Oh? Oddly I consider that to be true in reverse as well..." he massaged her cheek lightly. "How do I confuse you?"

"I..I'm not sure if I am Prime Minister for my own merits or because the Crown Prince has taken a fancy to me. Am I just a warm body for the night? That's why I'm confused, I see this handsome, powerful man taking an interest in me and my career is something I never fathomed it would become. Is this all just until someone else catches your eye?" Ayana said very quietly, unsure if she really wanted to believe the rumors that she had been hearing.

Tio sighed, "Got a place where we could sit down?"

"...Yes, of course. I have a den," Ayana turned as she lead Tio towards a large room to the right side of the house...

>PAUSE

 

[Andrew]

Once in the den and seated, Tio said to Ayana quietly. "We both know a lot has changed in our lives since the rise of the Motoyoshi. You were a farmer, I was an educator, devoted to my desk at the University. I was young, I was resourceful...I admit, I probably found myself laying with one too many women." He said, focusing on her. "We have become more than we ever imagined. You are not where you are because of me, you brought yourself to this...."His hands fell gently upon hers. "What we are, and how we feel are two separate things. Those people out there, were celebrating what we are, the journey it took them and us to get here."

"I have fallen in love with you, it was the consequence of getting close to you. Your career was well on its way towards here long before I laid eyes on you." He sighed, "Are we to throw away what we feel because of what we are?"