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Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 05-18-2009

Name: Mikako Takahashi
D.O.B: June 20, 784 A.S:
Height: 5' 10"
Eyes: Auburn
Hair: Black
Attire: Uniform
Classified: KNF Officer Record
Childhood:
Takahashi was raised on Kyushu by a humble farmer (Makoto) and his loving, if often absent, wife (Otsuka). With the industry failing, the takahashi family had turned to less honourable means to support
themselves.
Otsuka ran cargo for the hogosha, just simple items at first; h-fuel, engine parts. But as the market collapsed, Otsuka found herself more willing to start moving riskier goods. With Otsuka often away, Makoto
did most of the child rearing, and, as times got harder, he found himself in space, in a police craft; missing his family, and risking his life.
These forays from home left Mikako under her nanas care, and much to her own devices.
She would rush home from her delinquent exploits, to hear her fathers thrilling tales of terrible pirates, death defying stunts, and protection of the kusari people.
Both Mikako and her father were persistently plagued with worry for Otsuka, but she would always return home safely, and they would be there waiting at the dock, beaming and relieved.
Mikako was eleven when the nomad war shook the galaxy, most of what she heard was how gaijin would use kusari misfortune as an opportunity. The Takahashi family were forced to relocate, to avoid the alien terrors.
Parents:
812 AS december:
It was during a long patrol, that Makoto stumbled upon a transport coming out of the taus.
Scanners revealed that the ship was carrying illicit arms and artifacts. After asking the pilot to halt and identify, he heard a familiar voice, shot with static interference from the nearby star. The suspect ship engaged cruise, and he gave chase, after a trecherous chase through an asteroid belt, and 2 systems; Makoto eventually managed to disrupt the suspects engines, and destroyed it's arms. Upon boarding the vessel, he was struck dumb, as he was greeted by the lovely Otsuka; pointing a 12-gauge at his head:
"you fried my comms system honey: now i'm gonna have to use yours.."Otsuka was erratic: one moment apologising, the next, ordering Makoto to drop his weapon and cuff himself. After sending a coded wave, Otsuka tried to speak candidly with Makoto, on the nature of her work:
"I'm sorry Makoto, i'm just doing what has to be done, i can't afford jail time right now! Our daughter can't either! i'm going to have to leave you out here, i'll alert the police after i'm clear.." her speech was cut short as a freighter slid gracefully alongside the old transport. "i'm sorry i can't explain further, i still love you; please, do the Right thing and don't shop me in; for the sake of our daughter." Otsuka then pistol whipped her husband; who lost consciousness, whilst she began transferring her illegal cargo from the battered transport, to the new arrivals freighter, with the help of the arrival pilot.
It was hours later when a fellow officer came to Makotos' rescue. Time to think about his wife; he had always suspected that what she did was 'off-radar' but he never suspected how deep she was in.
When asked what occurred, Makoto admitted that a soft-curved-criminal got him by the balls, probably Gc or
dragons. Some fellas at the station laughed, others we're less kind. Makoto decided that he couldn't possibly risk such an encounter with his wife again, to say nothing of the shame he felt of being fooled for so long; the only option he could entertain, was getting away from her, somewhere he could work for long stretches, and attempt to regain his honour; the military.
Mikako and Otsuka saw Makoto for one more tension filled week, before his papers came through. He spent this week trying to make up lost time with his daughter, and pretending that nothing had happened; but when his eyes met Otsukas', the spoke of betrayal. That evening Mikako heard her parents screaming at each other one last time, and he father left for service.
813 AS: It was weeks later, in when Otsuka was on world, that they received the news: A stern looking woman in uniform stood in their dining area, bearing a white sealed envelope; they both knew what it meant, and immediately broke down. Tears ran red streaks down their faces, and Otsuka beat her forearms 'gainst the sturdy messenger: wailing and denying the fact that her husband was lost to her forever. Mikako was a well of greif, she couldn't move, except for the twitching one suffers when sobbing in grief. A week later the funeral was held, a formal affair, Mikako stared at the stern faced uniforms through a sheet of tears, scarred, composed, noble: these were the officers her father had been, these were the pieces of her father that remained. As she looked to the her fathers cask, floating in space, the cannons consumed his remains in one incandescent moment, as the crowd shielded their eyes from the light, Mikako could swear she saw her father out there, ethereal; smiling down on her, and protecting her still.
Otsuka and her daughter coped as best they could, Mikako took her flight lessons, and ran hfuel to the taus and liberty. It was during these long moments in space, alone, that she could hear her fathers' voice, like background comm traffic, soothing and comforting her, if not a little eerie. But things weren't the same since father died, and so Otsuka and Mikako grew further apart, both unable to shake the uncomfortable stigma: Otsuka blamed herself, and feared her daughter would find out what had transpired, whilst Mikako saw her mother become more withdrawn and melancholy. One long haul trip, Mikako heard her fathers voice a little clearer than usual, he said "don't blame her for this; it's not her fault. O, Otsuka if i could have known, if you could have told me.." he faded out, as usual, as though Mikako was hearing his
thoughts given voice. It was then she decided to make sense of this, so she finished her run, and stopped at the nearest officers bar.
--
Mikako often muses upon what her father says, and sometimes she thinks that he joined the navy: knowing that he would die; that it was the only honourable way out of a bad situation. And what was it her father had been trying to say about her mother? That she has somehow wronged father?
And of course, Mikako holds a gutful of hate for bretonia; effectively a nation that took her father away. She'd like to take ten-fold what they took from her.
She believes in Kusari superiority and dominance, and holds to her fathers virtue of honour. As Mikako follows her fathers footsteps more closely, his ghost becomes more tangible to her, and the further she slips from those moral standards: the fainter his voice and image become. Of course she won't voice this to other citizens, but she does keep a data-locked diary, in which her references to him are vague, much like his input and appearances.
Experiencing a bit of a 'rough and tumble' childhood, she is sometimes a little stern; but makes a conscious effort to obey etiquette. Mikako also has some sympathy for the AFA, and of course has grown up with the familiarity of Kusari brands. She would also like to find out one day what happened between her parents, and she may one day confront her mother on that matter.

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 05-26-2009

--Progress report -takahashi, mikako--
--24 05 817 as--
Well, after chatting with some of the navy lads for a while,
and almost drowning in wine, i picked myself up and headed toward akita.
After some excruciating testing, and no small amount of nagging from father;
I found myself as a recruit in the police force, and the sergeant didn't want to make it easy for me; so sent me on a solo patrol, which took me through honshu, new tokyo, kyushu, shikoku, tau23, and leeds.
Along the way met a few suspicious vessels, 2 of which managed to avoid scan completely. Which i feel ashamed of, but the searge say's "a few always slip by; we can't catch everyone in one day.." whilst i did manage to sway a zoners choice of location, from southhampton, to a molly base via dublin. There was some satisfaction in knowing that those engine components would not end up being used against the kusari people.
A navy officer offered assistance whilst i was waiting for a vessel dubbed 'mr butch' to appear, but the meaty ship dissapeared from scanners. It was later when a smuggler dubbed l'egalite was making his way through the system, that i could have used some help. The smuggler was flying a large transport, and would have made short work of the wasupu, but i tried to reason with him anyway, which didn't get me far, after many clicks of chase i lost him somewhere in tau 23. The ship was carrying conterfeit software, and didn't fire on anyone in kusari space. I did meet a few friendlys though, notably a few zoners, who were happy to submit to scans and questions; one ship even brought a huge cargo of precious deuterium.
Of course, wave after wave of dragons plagued the lanes, and so i brought about 20 of em back to akita.
I realised that the KSP were seriously undermanned, as the sergeant had me cover such a large area; it seemed i didn't stop scanning and chasing for the whole double shift. It made me think that the rumours about lpi can't be true, they must be as busy in liberty right?
Of course father had his two creds to contribute at my every move, but he was pleased with my reasoning; firing always as a last resort.
--end log--

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 08-16-2009

--06/08/817 as--
I was stationed at hokkaido, protecting samura intrests and generally cleaning up the place; i started my patrol as usual, looking disspassionately forward to sweeping the systems in silence, occasionally picking up what the ksp might have missed. Spreading my wings, and heading back homeward; i began duty.
After moments, a thick static noise filled the cockpit; i swear i could hear
screaming. I hit the comm a few times to make sure nothing was wrong; but the light was red, no-one could have called. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, as a feeling of malice filled my tiny ship. Scanners came to life erratically, showing a Vince.Piccio[101st] within striking distance. Iff showed outcast, but my instincts told me something was wrong here;
upon scanning the ancient looking sabre, i found no life signs, and a strange blue glow was emanating from within the cockpit. Fathers words of advice fled me, I cried out in desperation, as the disembodied voice filled my head again;
increasing my fear: delighting in it . I'm ashamed to say i tried to flee.
Upon entering new tokyo, i managed to get a hold of myself, and turned to face the inevitable and unknown. I tried and tried against the entity, as it cut and weaved all around me, i attempted to adapt but the enemy flew like, well, like something otherworldy. Only managing to dent it's shields, i knew the time was upon me; my chimera aflame, equipment sparking and smoking, a final feeling filled the cockpit; a great despairing, suffering horror filled me. One breif moment of terrible silence, as the ship exploded in a deafening roar.
Broken and weeping, floating in my escape pod toward narita, i heard one last message from the voice. "brave samurai death does not find you this day".
i was spared, and since then have been trying to block out the memory of those horrible feelings, that seemed to invade my mind, whilst on the slow road of attempting to regain my honour.
Blackbox Info

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 08-27-2009

26/08/817
Things began quietly; with my patrol beginning in honshu, i made my way back to the myoto.
A short while after entering shikoku i happened upon a blood dragon in a Nodachi; "Hirosho horatami" who was picking off police craft, and generally ruining my peaceful day.
Of course i began by asking their business, and asked them to release the pilots they were holding, but my requests were met with cold denial. Horatami then went on to suggest that the empire was based on assasination, defiling the names of samura and the knf; this would not do. We battled in the saiun cloud, with a swarm of ineffectual gc, dragons, ksp and bounty hunters dogging our steps.
Horatami had me worried when their snac hit, and shields collapsed; leaving me open. But eventually, after an honourable duel, the nodachi was overcome by the speed of the chimera, and so i took to the prisoner to junyo; where i hear their case was pending; and Horatami was bailed. No doubt the dragon escaped custody, but we will find them another day, and convince them of the truth, to stop spreading their political lies. After releasing Horatami to the ksp, i found fathers watch whilst clearing out the ship; it was a poignant reminder of father, and of my duty to the empire.

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 11-03-2010

>>>Cryer receipt of services record:
Patient: Mikako Takahashi, Kyushu.
Summary of medical procedures (abridged).

Day 240, 806 A.S:
Stomach pumped, Saline Solutions administered, Circulatory system flush.

Day 121, 801 A.S:
Bone repair: Lattice fracture; left femur. Break repair and bracing: left radius.

Day 180, 808 A.S:
Neural Input/Output equipment fitted.

Day 156, 817 A.S:
Active Naval Forces Pilot: Legal verification for resuscitation received.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation.
Cranial fracture repair: frontal bone, zygomatic bone.
Artificial Ocular replacement (right eye) '€“ cosmetic (standard).

Day 274 817 A.S:
Fracture repair: parietal bone. Ocular equipment diagnostics and repair.

Day 286, 817 A.S:
Tissue damage and area trauma; lower right back.
Organic kidney replacement (right).

Day 355 817 A.S:
Cranial Repair: occipital bone replacement (reinforced). Break repair: right clavicle. Artificial skin applied (facial, right arm, shoulder, and chest).

Day 356 817 A.S:
Saline Solutions administered, Circulatory system flush.

Day 374 817 A.S:
Cranial fracture repair: parietal bone.

Day 484 817 A.S:
Limb replacement: Left arm (Polymer-alloy bone replacement, Myomer muscle replacement, dermal sheathing). Artificial skin application (Left Hand).

Day 568 817 A.S:
Shrapnel extraction. Artificial lung replacement (left). Cosmetic repair: torso, facial.
>>>Record Ends.

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 11-05-2010

Isami surpressed his anger at his Shoshos reservations:
"Hai Taisho '€“ I know this source seems unreliable, but we cannot afford to ignore this scale of threat."
"Ignore!? I have not ignored this information Shosho, I have assessed and disregarded it. Do you think me stupid!"
"Eya, No Taisho : but the evidence...surely-"
"This 'evidence' is worth less than the word of a Chrysanthemum. Such numbers are ludicrous: no - E wing reports have satisfactorily placed Gallic forces behind a vast minefield, involved in their own civil war; they pose little threat to our current plans. Now rid yourself of this nonsense and prepare squadrons for redeployment."
"Hai sir, arigato" Takahashi bowed again, maintaing a facade of etiquette as she boiled beneath the skin and made her exit.
The Taisho had gone mad! that was the only way she could rationalise it. To ignore these images of the dread-fleet was ignorant to the point of madness. Commiting so many ships to the front at this time was tactical insanity: she had gone over the boards a thousand times; fearing she were stupid or mad herself, to miss something obvious. But Mikako saw no hidden potential that could make up for the deficit that would occur, civilians would be near helpless after any police were eliminated. She resolved to herself, she would not do it: she would not go to the front, nor order the units under her command. She would defy the Taisho and deal with the consequences upon his return.
Her mind spun back to her afternoon with Heihachiro as unthinkable scenarios played out and plans started to germinate.

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 05-21-2012

*Ryoma Dialogue by Yaoquizque.
818 A.S -- Days before the the Tau Offensive...
Takahashi eyed the tactical plans speculatively, after her meeting with the Taisho she surmised that caution was wise. After some deliberation, she decided to share her results with someone outside of the taishos circle - someone she could trust.
Ryoma stood a little surprised at being woken at such an hour by such an unlikely guest. Takahashi displayed a moment of amused embarrassment as she realised her imposition. "I am sorry to disturb you Shōsa. I would not do so if it were not urgent. May I come in ?"
*Ryoma came back from a difficult patrol in Tau 23 a few hours ago. He finally managed to get some sleep. He glanced with uncertainty to the woman standing near the window. It took a while for him to finally recognize her*
*He suddenly stood up and stood to attention* "Errh... Shosho... Ah... My apologizes, i wasn't expecting you."
"Do not trouble yourself, it is my fault that I did not check your flight status. I need to speak to you on a matter of Kusari security Ryoma, I believe i can trust you ..you may wish to take a seat." *The shosho quickly began inspecting the room, lifting furniture and hangings. * "this will do." she said, satisfied she could find no listening devices.
*Ryoma relaxed somewhat and sat* "My apologies for the mess here...If you want a tea, i should have some somewhere..." *He then glanced at her, somewhat frowning* "Hmm... Takahashi-dono... You look troubled..."
"Hai I am less than serene Ryoma. Before i go any further, you know that I have been a loyal soldier, and love kusari. I think you do too, which is why I am telling you that the Taisho has given orders that I must defy. He has gone mad Ryoma, seeking to pull too many assets into the leeds conflict: leaving the core virtually unprotected. "
*He gave her a stern look* "If you are coming to me to seek a confirmation regarding what path you should take, or to seek forgiveness, i cannot help you. You and only you are accountable of your actions before Kusari Empire. That said... What do you mean exactly by "too many assets"?
"Hai: gomen-nansa - you must see it to believe it ." *After clearing a few things from a table, the woman reached into her uniform, drew out and unfurled a tactical map marked with ship designations and movements* "and Hai, I will take full responsibility for whatever happens upon the Taishos return. But i will need your help and that of officers you can trust.". She proceeded to activate a display showing the reconaissance data on the gallic fleets approach.
"Hmm..."*He stares at the map, frowning*
"Is the Emperor pushing to finally get a noticeable victory out of this bloodbath?"
"Hai - I believe so, the final offensive is being made - but at too great a cost." *she points at wing movements from honshu and new tokyo, highlighting the fact that no reserve could be called upon to move in *
That leaves a handfull of heavy units in the Empire. *He nods* That operation could work.
But i agree. The risk is high. What... What do you have in mind, Shosho? *He glances suspiciously at her*
"Hai well, I have been ordered to the front, along with those under my command, I am not going to Seto, I am going to stay here and defend our house and people. if necessary, I will seek to intercept leaving forces and convince them to stay."
Clearly, you are talking here about treason and treachery. *He stops, thinking for a while* The others members of the high command? What is their position?
"Hai, this could be seen as treason, and I will not pretend that I have not wrestled with the notion. But my conscience is clear - in knowing that I will be doing what is right for kusari. my loyalty to our house remains the same. " *she looked to the ground before speaking on* "the other members of High command may be part of the Taishos madness. I know that Kagakagari has ordered a great number of his subordinates to join the front. And Ryu has not attended a high command conference lately, he has remained outside of this mess- I can only assume that he is cautious and will not send his men to seto. "
We have an unknown and a known then... And the known won't side with you. This situation is perilous... I think... The priority would be to identify who are our foes and are allies here.
We cannot advance, fearing to be backstabbed at any moment.
Then... How to retain enough warriors to defend the Empire.
Because if that relocation plan is fully done, we will never be able to defend ourselves against Dragon, GMG, Outcasts... And who else *he shrugs softly*
"Hai - it is a delicate situation, and I wil not lie to you - it may end with violence. This is why i need level-headed people like you who will stay loyal to the Empire - no matter what the taisho says. I know of a few who will stay loyal, but Kagakagaris men are devout - they will not bend: it is with them i foresee violence."
*He allows himself a quick chuckle* That was always a problem... The loyalty to the individual is different from the loyaltly to the position or the title. You should keep your intention hidden for now, act is if you were following that injection from the Emperor.
Keep behind those you think who can be reasoned with.
Once enough of those you don't trust will be moved, then maybe we will have a small chance to succeed.
"Hai exactly" *Taka laughed relievedly* "That is a wise course of action. I am glad that you see clearly Ryoma, I took a risk coming to you today. Soon the last of the seto forces will move, and we may have to face our own. could i take you up on that offer of tea now?"
*He gets up and starts to look uneasily in the drawers* I know i had some... Somewhere. If i can ask... Why are you taking that risk? *Cleans quickly two bowls and finally prepares some tea. He finally offers her one bowl* Here.
*Taka bowed her head * "Arigato, It has been made clear to me lately that the taisho has become increasingly paranoid. His plans lack his usual care, and I have information on Gallic fleets poised to strike in frightening numbers. It must be obvious from our movements that we are undermanned, soon the dragons will take advantage - it is only a matter of timing. It is for these reasons that I came to you now, this one movement will affect the forces forever and it is only now that it can be executed."
*He sighs* This war cost a lot to Kusari people. I'm afraid it's not over. What can i do?
"All i can ask of you is to stand fast, speak to your fellow officers and find out who is loyal to Kusari, and who is not. When the time comes: we will have to use force against our own. I want you to stand with us. The only solace i can hold to is that I have asked for restraint. No kusari units will be firing on escape pods, and will be aiming for engines and weapons. We do not want any unecessary loss of life. "
I will... However...I do hope we will be able to follow the old code and deal with this without involving any civilian population. This includes the IMG. Will you order to open fire premptively? Or only in self defense? I must know. And so must my men.
"Hai, I do not wish any civilians involved, though i fear the Chujo may have additional support. I will ask for pre-emptive fire on the Chujos vessel - in order to disable it. any other units should not be targetted unless they commit to fire."
Where and when do you plan to do this?
"As soon as the Chujo takes his forces through Kyushu, headed for tau 29"
*He sighs once again* I wonder when i will have time to find some sleep with all this *Smiles poorly* Hmm *He thinks for a while* Did you ask some support outside of the naval forces? I know this may sound wrong but..
"Eya, no, i could not trust Gaijin and did not want to endanger civilians. I have asked for non-combat support from some police and kishiro. In order to gain lane control and control traffic. And Hai, it is a tiresome burden, but it will all be over soon." *she rose and straightened her uniform.* "Arigatou for hearing me Ryoma, I will leave you to take some rest, I would not have you exhausted for the fight to come."
I cannot, sadly. I must see my subordinates and my fellow officers. I know a few who can be trusted. I have to decide for the others, and it cannot wait *He is already looking for some stims*
"Hai, very well. I will contact you soon - stay sharp, I will see you out there Ryoma."
*He follows her to leave the small quarters and salutes her after he closed the door. He then walks out quickly*

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 05-21-2012

>>>Cryer receipt of services record:
Patient: Mikako Takahashi, Kyushu.
Summary of medical procedures (continued).

Day 820 - 817 A.S:
Dermal sheathing: facial, torso - left side.

Day 910 - 817 A.S:
Dermal sheathing: Torso, complete back.
Rib Repair, right side: 5 & 6.

Day 01 818 A.S:
Circulatory system detox. Organ replacement Kidney (left).

Day 63 - 818 A.S
Shrapnel extraction. Organ repair: Lung (left).
Spinal shattering: Vertebrae replacement; thoracic 5,6,7 (reinforced).
Rib replacement, right side 5 & 6. left side 5,6,7 (artificial).

Day 139 - 818 A.S.
Dermal sheathing: Entire (left side) and Skull.
Left arm repair. Elbow replacement: (left) artificial, reinforced (custom: heat resistant).
>>>Record Ends.

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 09-08-2012

Nagatas bunk room on-board the Matsumoto.
For the admiral and Nagata it is late, their shifts ended two hours ago, they have spent just over an hour in each others company.
Nagata rose from the small bed pulled on his trousers, then sat to pull on his boots. Sitting upright in the bed, Takahashi had exposed the workings of her left arm. The forearm lay open and lax against her thigh as she adjusted something unseen within the stretched sprawl of wires and pipes.
Yuri winced '€œDoes that not hurt?'€
Mikako gave a brief distracted giggle '€œno my love, not really: though it is strangely uncomfortable; like someone playing your tendons like a shamisen.'€
Yuri laughed and nodded as if he understood, but he could not. '€œI cannot understand why you do not just get that thing checked out Mikako, surely they can save you all this effort?'€
'€œHah! No: I have spent more than enough time with doctors and I can do it myself. Besides, then I would miss these run-ins of ours.'€ She looked up from her work at her jest and met her lovers gaze. Yuri smiled in assent as he tugged on his last boot.
*****
Junko was busy thinking about the kiss she was now owing to Hideaki - for having lost that duel - while she was heading to Nagata's quarters.
It was the second time he asked her that report concerning the activity in Tau 23, and, since she didn't want to get yelled at again, she intended to either give it to him now or leave it on his desk.
That way he would stop annoying her.
Lost in her thoughts, she knocked absent-mindedly and opened the door without waiting for any invite or acknowledgement.
*****
Suddenly, preceded by the briefest of knocks, the door opened. Mikako quickly pulled the sheet to her naked chest with her good arm and glanced obliquely toward Yuri, who awkwardly paused as he buttoned his shirt. Junko Sanada stepped through the threshold hurriedly.
'€œKaishō I '€“ Oh! Erm....Gomen?'€ '€œimportant intel on the outcasts sir. Sorry to have disturbed you.'€
Mikako coughed. Nagata spoke '€œVery good Commander, This is a little unexpected: I am on Kyushu time, it is three a.m for me.'€

Takahashi, Mikako - Bakamono - 09-08-2012

Takahashi had been invited to a convention in the Tau systems. The subject was war, something there seemed to be no shortage of opinions on. Seldom about the finer points: Always plans-of-attack, spurious guesses at relative strength and dreams of domination. Would-be generals and desk-tacticians already spending the prizes they would win, defining uses for assets still controlled by the enemy.
Takahashi had heard and seen nearly every breed of warrior that Sirius held, and expected the convention to be suitably tense.
Desperate to escape the confines of Matsue, she had brutishly nominated herself for this mission. The familiarity of the cockpit was comforting, even if it wasn't her fathers ship, she was glad to be flying again. Her twin escort of similar chimaeras paralleled her trajectory, she radioed through. '€œSusuki two '€“ what is your status'€
The familiar tock of an open line preceded the static surrounded voice '€œThis is susuki two wing leader. We are clean to ten clicks, all systems are green.'€ The banal routine of status checks and radar reports kept the pilots busy as their formation cruised into the Taus.
*******
The aliens appeared as if from nothing, their light filled hulls shimmering and pulsing like a reactor. There was no warning, no diplomacy or chatter '€“ simply fire.
Purple light lit the darkness, shields squawked before the familiar drumming of battering hull concussions. As fast as was humanly possible, the wing went evasive '€“ desperate to clear the barrage. But their enemies were not human: Susuki two exploded; a scream echoed over the line '€œFy..*crk*Naaa!'€ pieces of his pod and body hurtled and bounced off Mikakos cockpit, Susuki three was on fire. '€œAdmiral...I am sorry.'€ Wan turned his craft and spread his entire mine compliment across the wake. '€œI die free!'€ he screamed as the largest of the alien ships, collided with and shattered, his vessel into splinters. Mikako could see smaller 'oni' circling Wans pod, before blasting it to pieces.
'€œFather, where are you when I need you?'€ Mikakos prayer went unheeded as she felt the creeping inevitability of destruction. Quick as she could manage, she jettisoned her flight-recorder in the hope of leaving some clue of her fate.
Hull panels were shorn away, fire licked through from the rear, the reactor shuddered and sparked, displays flickered and exploded. In a matter of seconds the craft was no more '€“ susuki one was destroyed in tau twenty nine.
The aliens lingered momentarily, blasting larger chunks of debris as they darted about. Minutes passed and they moved on, slipping through the asteroids and ice like aqueous spectres, as a pod with the faintest of life-signs careened through the belt. Tiny and inconsequential as dust.