Okuma Plateau is one of the minor samura settlements in Planet Tomioka. Some 400 kilometres from Tomioka central spaceport and main urban settlements, Okuma was a developing waystation between the "capital" and some of the more exclusive resorts and villas being built in the east coast. However, the Blood Dragon invasion of the planet had made Samura evacuate said projects, and Okuma became more of a staging point for mercenaries and other irregular workers, a frontier settlement managed by Samura. The plateau slightly barren aspect had a great contrast to the dense forest expanses downhill, and it provided a natural defence against raiders in the area.

The landing pads of the settlement were active, with freight and personnel transports coming and out, as well as some fighters standing by for any action on the horizon. Guard patrols with armor sets displaying the Samura logo kept watch on key points, as Kusarians and few other visitors from other parts of the galaxy made their way to whatever was on their mind that day.

A new arrival was heading to the big saloon near the centre of the settlement. His clothes had caught less dust than his peers yet, but they indicated someone who was prepared to get in the wild and fight, like many of the other mercenaries. This wasn't the place for high tech droids, or powered up techy assassins and bounty hunters of the home worlds, but a place for the experienced and resourceful men and women of arms, looking for a fat contract and a dangerous adventure.

He entered the saloon, and spotted one of the bartenders polishing a teapot with trained movements, waiting on the slow day of business.
The visitor approached the bartender, and after a few greetings, showed up a cloth with a mark, a brand of a group.


The other mercenary, Yonomori, replied with only a serious nod and a grunt, not much in the mood for small talk.

The trio engaged in a conversation for an hour or so, as news and matters were discussed at length.

---

Tsugaru had heard the concerns of the Fisherman and the Hogosha with an attentive ear.


Shimoe picked up the holopad, and after reading it, signed his name under. The Hogosha had joined up with the Tsugaru Mercenaries, and to the efforts of Samura to liberate the planet of the Blood Dragon influence.

The leading members of the Mercenary group were gathered at their operation quarters, waiting for the arrival of a offworld transmission. Although still a minor element in the company, Hiraku had been called as well to attend, the reason being that it would probably an acquaintance of his.
Hidemaru is obviously present, as well as the old soldier Yonomori. Unusual for Shimoe's eyes was the presence of the two children of the Mercenary leader, the elder Tsugumi daughter, and her younger brother Tsuyoshi, who had recently returned from their assignments elsewhere.
Soon a chime came from the communications room, and a hologram projection began to flicker in the table they were gathered around. A figure of a slender woman began to form.

---

From her side, the woman now had a wide view of the conference room on the other side, many faces surrounding a table and looking at the camera.
She could see Hidemaru Tsugaru at the centre of the view, the man she was to contact.

"Kon'nichiwa gentlemen." Said the woman and with grace she bowed. "My name is Yukari Yakumo, council member of the Hogosha Association."
Shimoe bowed in return to Yukari. Yonomori remained silent, but produced a serious stare to Yukari visage.
Tsugumi Tsugaru, is Hidemaru's oldest daughter and she bowed respectfully in return to Yukari. In Tsuyoshi Tsugaru case a slight blush appeared when he saw Yukari. A smile went through Hidemaru's face when he saw that. He turned his sight to Shimoe.
"Hey Shimoe, you are a lucky man."
Surprised, Shimoe asked "Why is that?"
"Rumours said that the Hogosha Association is under control by some pretty ladies. Seems the rumours are true." The mercenary answered amused.
"Well, that’s right..." - Shimoe obviously didn't want to talk about such a topic right now, because Yukari was waiting.

"When you are done with your little unnecessary talk, can we continue?" Yukari asked in a serious tone.
Shimoe replied "Gomen'nasai Yakumo-sama. Dozo, proceed."

Yakumo makes a hand gesture, and an additional image shows up beside her. A map of the closest regions to Okuma -
"We discovered a Blood Dragon outpost 625 miles from your position. A former Samura water dam, Sakashita Dam, that was disabled and evacuated. It has taken over by Blood Dragon forces and reactivated. In addition, our reports indicate they have set up new installations on the area.
It appears they are using the dam to produce their own energy and to purify water. With such a facility the Blood Dragons will try to expand their territory faster than we could expect.
Your mission is a stealth and sabotage mission. Today we want you to infiltrate the facility and the dam, then placing several explosive devices on important objectives."
-* The map zoomed in, revealing a schematic of the dam and the alleged new facilities. -

"The facility has basic defenses, concrete walls and guard towers with a spacing of 300 meters. They are heavily armed, so avoid them on any cost. The area of the dam is surrounded by a barbed wire fence and guard towers.
From our initial scout reports, one way to enter the facility leads you through the culvert system. The second way to enter the dam would be by taking cover by a nearest rock group, here, and cut through the barbed wire fence and entering the dam area.
Of course, avoid the guard towers and detection by security will greatly help your success.
Operation should be composed by two teams, and act at nighttime. Speed is of the essence, so you need to strike both objectives at the same time. If there are guards to be killed, choose a stealth kill.
Corpses should be hidden, so you won't get unnecessary attention. Be efficient and quick.
Equip yourself with everything you need. We have delivered you firearms, grenades, combat knives, goggles with night vision and infrared function, other essential equipment resupply for your operations.
The last but not least, it's the explosive devices to be used. They have a remote function, but also a timer with a max of 120 minute. Once you arm the first bomb, you have 120 minutes to conclude the remainder of the operation.
Each team will have two sets of bombs at their disposal. Find the best spots to place them and neutralize the facilities, and get out. If you manage to set the bombs quick enough,
you will detonate the bombs with remote control and call the evacuation crafts. Should you get captured you might die in honor once the bombs detonate.

One more thing. We deduced this new facility complex is using the dam power to supply itself, but we couldn’t figure out what is its true purpose from remote observation. Should you be able, recover any information about the Dragon’s projects in the Sakashita area.
If you succeed you will be awarded with a sum of a hundred million credits, quite above any sort of payment you get on your business here in Tomioka. Will you take up on the job?” - asked Yakumo, measuring their response.

---

Hidemaru stood silent during the explanation, keeping attention to the minimum needed details. He had already in his mind decided to accept the Hogosha offer and blow up the place to smithereens. The thought of the enemy being given leave to usurp and make use of his side assets annoyed him.
“Wakatta, Yakumo-sama. If it is a demolition job, we can do it easily. Not really the best at them sneak in and out deals, but we will get it done.”

"Very well, nothing else was expected from you. Once the mission is done, you will contact us immediately, Shimoe-sama. We bid you good luck. Sayonara."
When she finished her last words, the hologram projection vanished slowly.

The mercenary leader turned his attention back to the other members surrounding him.
“Having said that, I will now assign elements to each teams.”
He took a look at the ones gathered, and the few sheets of papers that were laid in front of him.
"Seems there is something complicated going on that facility, so I’ll handle that team. Shimoe-kun will come with me, show me those skills he’s supposed to bring to us. Get me Morishiba and Irina, and a few more men to close up that team.

As for the dam, Tsugumi will take up that challenge. Yonomori and Tsuyoshi will back her up, plus any more soldiers she needs to that can fill in that craft. We have some more variety of choice in terms of equipment, but don’t go overboard with it. Never know when we will be lacking supplies.”

In serious manner Tsugumi said "Don't worry father, we will get this job done with ease."
"I can't wait to get this job done!" Tsuyoshi replied eagerly.
Hidemaru's son got immediately interrupted by the old soldier Yonomori "Don't try to impress that Yakumo! You doing better to focus on your mission."
Slightly ashamed, Tsuyoshi answered "H-hai, you are right."

"Listen up everyone. I want you to make yourselves familiar with the new equipment, before the mission begins. That’s all for now." Hidemaru turned around to the table and started to study the facility area on the paper map.