Somewhere in the far outskirts of Tohoku, on the very edge of the system, spanned a warship larger than anyone had seen before. Even the largest carriers any house had produced at the time was nothing compared to this colossus. Its design at first glance was something you'd expect the Junkers to build, with its parts sampled from various remains that can be found around the nearby systems and its home. But once a pilot is far enough in the distance all the funky architecture sinks in together, from the oddly placed wings to the seemingly useless bulk of metal in the back that takes up a whole fourth of the vessels lenght, you would come to notice that the whole ship was designed to resemble one large red dragon.
Noone knows where it was built or even who built it, and any speculation is irrelevant given what a large arsenal of various faction technology was used to build it. The only fact ever revealed about it was that it acted as a home for the well unknown warrior clan, the Nesho'en.
Besides a large aresnal of crossbreed technology as its weaponry, the most crucial thing about its firepower was the large forward gun facing from within the mouth shaped hole at the head, right bellow the command bridge. Sadly due to its size, the warship was never really meant for combat, so its immense firepower becomes irrelevant unless cordinated with other warships which the Nesho'en do not posess.
The clan which fiercely train their pilots in both space and ground combat had an easy way of making income as hired blades of both the Omicrons and Kusari, though never revealing their last names to keep the clan's low profile as much as they could. The Kusari Government who was their main source of supplies had an agreement with them on keeping their identities hidden in exchange for free service such as completing their dirty work. But it payed off well. Every year the colony would make a jump to New Tokyo picking up supplies for the whole clan in the presence of a Naval fleet. Even if its not exactly suited for combat, a ship of that size strikes fear into people as a given.
The two parties kept their business in harmony for a long time, but that was soon about to take a turn for the worst.
The Kyodaina Honō had experienced a weapon system failiure about a day before they were to jump for their yearly supplies, giving them enough time to contact the KNF with a request for the extra material needed to complete repairs. In preparation tomorrow came rather quickly, and everyone was getting ready to move.
The warships captain had entered the warlords chambers, seated in the belly of the dragon as they called the center area. After approaching at a slow pace, he bowed respectfully and kneeled before tha clans leader. "Speak up". He said, giving permission to Tatsuma per tradtion. "Daimyo Tsubasa, we're almost ready to move out. Shall I notify the crew?" The captain spoke lifting as he lifted his head up. "Hai, the ships population has been prepared in advance.. you're clear to proceed." The warlords tone gave a hint of suspicion, but that was something they couldn't afford when it came to their main source of, life basically. "Understood my lord." Captain Tatsuma stood up, bowing once more before stepping out of the chambers.
There was nothing much worth mentioning when it came to the procedure of jumping the ship itself. But once they did make the jump, they weren't expecting to be greeted by what was waiting on the other side. "W-well then.. " Even the captain was shocked by the mere size of the fleet waiting for them, though just for now Tatsuma had thought they simply provided extra security as they were transporting military grade equipment and goods. "Rin-san, open the communications channel." In quick response. "Hai, we'll be online shortly." With the whole crew anxious about what was happening out there, the next few minutes were filled with silence. "We're online captain Tatsuma." The nerve wrecking sound void was finally broken, and the captain seemed to have been pulled out of a trance. Clearing his throat he proceeded to climb up the main communications platform swapping places with Rin. "This is captain Tatsuma Nesho'en speaking, I see you've brough quite a large fleet along with you. I can assume that's simply to warantee your cargo's safety? We'll have the docking bays open so that you can-..." At that moment the loud noise of heavy mortars charging up right in the defenceless warships face filled the ears of each and every member of the deck. A very deep voice spoke in the name of the Navals, though no video feed was provided. "Let's cut it short, we don't like our authority being meddled with. And while your clan is doing an, honestly amazing job at doing OUR work, and for such a long time too, we can't afford having to lose our civilian populations trust to some random no-name pilots. No matter how much the government tolerates you, I honestly couldn't give any less crap about it. So do me a favour and please mysteriously dissapear." The audio was cut, everyone trying their best to keep their cool to the situation. But that was pretty hard to do once you've heard the sound of the first mortar shell hitting. The captain had to act quick, without the weapon systems running there is no way they can last till the massive jump drive cooled off. There were not many options available for him, so the only thing he could do is notify the leader. "Pull all power to the shield generator, CUT EVERYTHING OFF! We have to try and keep this thing together until Daimyo Tsubasa gives us orders."
You would expect the crew of a ship that is almost certainly falling to start running rampart and try to evacuate. But the Nesho'en held their ground, with sweat dripping down their cheeks and tears comming from their eyes, they bravely put all of their remaining effort into following captain Tatsuma's orders. While all the mayhem was happening outside the captain himself ran for the warlords chambers as fast as he humanly could, adrenaline pumping through his whole system. There was no time for manners, Tatsuma stormed into the Daimyo's room. "Tsubasa Nesho'en-san! The Kusarians took advantage of our situation, the Kyodaina Honō is being fired upon by a whole fleet! As soon as the shields go down we wont last for longer than 3 minutes, you must evacuate!" Keeping calm and composed, the Daimyo stood up from his post, before saying anything, he turned away from the captain to reach for the blade which was suspended above. It was a black steel katana, with words Ever Lasting Flame engraved in red Kusarian letters into the blade's sheet. Picking it up into his hands, he turned away to face the captain again, aproaching him at a lightly faster pace. Tatsuma dropped onto his knees and bowed his head once approached, begging him. "Please Daimyo Tsubasa you need to get off this ship, take your guards along and make sure the Nesho'en will live on!" Tsubasa could only smile at that statement. "I would like to make this moment more emotional, but I don't think we have the time for that.. " He took a deep breath, before stating his final decision. "You are to get Shana and your daughter to the lower escape hatch. That is my last and final order as Daimyo of our mothership, and as the leader of the Nesho'en. You see what I'm holding, you know what our situation is. Cling onto your honor and fearlessness till the last breath, you are a Nesho'en!" The captain was shocked, he wanted to object but there really was no more time for debate. With heavy heart, he got up and looked straight into the Daimyo's eyes with his own filled by determination. "Hai, Tsubasa-san!"
The captain was already off while the warlord made his move to the escape pod, their daughters were unseperable friends so Shana and Himawari stayed in rooms one next to the other which made the job easier for Tatsuma. He entered Shana's room first, but found it empty. Storming out and in to the neigbouring room he found that the Daimyo's daughter went to comfort Himawari. The ship was slowly falling appart, the ocassional instance of the shield being put back online kept just enough of the Naval's firepower away to keep it running for a little while longer. The two girls were still in their sleeping garments, Shana noticing who had entered immediately stood up with a worried look. "What's going on Tatsuma-san? The whole place is shaking!" Himawari was barely holding on to Shana, tears were rolling down her eyes like a waterfall. But once again the captain had to fight back his instincts and quickly grabbed a hold of their hands. "There is no time! Your father is waiting at his personal escape pod!" Tugging them both forward he started running, Shana had picked up Himawari who was paralyzed from fear. Even as a Nesho'en she was still only fifteen years old. They shortly arrived at the agreed location, the pod was already open. It was fairly obvious that it was designed for only a single person. "There are so many things I'd like to pass on to you Shana, but our divine punishment has come too soon." Shana still holding Himawari was completely shocked and confused, overwhelmed with emotion. "But father what is even.. " She tried to speak out, but the gesture of Daimyo Tsubasa handing the blade to her made the girl go silent. Her eyes were filled with nothing but fear once her arms finally caught a grip of the sword. "Live on, you and Himawari shall be the new rising of our clan! We've lived in our confined fortress for so long, succumbing to comfort, that we have lost all sight of the Nesho'ens true meaning. Once you launch within this pod, savor the view, store your hatered, and rebuild our clan." The whole warship started shaking, the tail was starting to break off. "Now go, hurry!" Tsubasa and Tatsuma shoved the two forwards, Himawari clinging onto her friend so they could fit somewhat comfortably. Before Shana was able to say anything back, the pod closed and ejected, the two venturing further and further away as their fathers could only spectate through the small window of the airlock.
"Tatsuma, I've already ordered my guard up to the bridge. We only have a few minutes left before the damage reaches it." With a short sigh, Tatsuma nodded as he took his place on the Daimyos right side. The two haven't said a single word to eachother on their way to the bridge. Arriving, the crew was still trying their best to execute the captains previous orders, but as the Daimyo himself entered, the commotion was put to a complete halt. Even in such dire times the Nesho'en held respect for the clan leader. Tsubasa together with Tasuma, climbed up to the communications ramp which overlooked the whole bridge, still holding a warm smile, though instead of speaking to the crew, he gestured Tatsuma to stand in front of him. "A few final words to them as their captain, you deserve it old friend."
The daimyo stepped back, and Tatsuma approached. He had no long speech in mind, not like he would have the time to do it either way. "Fighters, warriors! Today we stand our ground and stare into the eyes of death itself as true Nesho'en! With honor and without fear we follow the way of the red dragon until the end!" Carrying along with the moment, the crew together with their captain and clan leader, faced the huge Naval fleet as the last few shots necessary to take them down fired. Flames engulfed the crew and in one grand explosion the colossus warship Kyodaina Honō exploded in a grand display of bright red flames. The two girls slipped away, only able to watch from distance as their whole lives burned down within seconds.
