As a postscript to the previous action report: I had earlier this week been treated rudely and with disrespect by an Outcast gaijin, "Orlov" of the BLS faction of Outcasts. He lied, cast verbal insults, promised honor money and then fled to avoid combat--all in Kusari space.
As retribution I had Ito Izuki enter Omicron Alpha today and make strafing runs on several Outcasts vessels there--one a Destroyer and another a gunship (Ito is quite a capable pilot and flies our experimental ultra heavy fighter).
He used the many asteroids and jump holes to lead four Outcasts ships back to Kyushu where he hoped to be joined by allies--a bold gamble that paid off. He repeatedly strafed the destroyer, staying under its belly and using the rocks as shields, and enticed it to jump to Kyushu.
Once in Kyushu, Artisan Farmer vessels came to his aid. Eventually the KNF arrived--but by then, the Outcast ships had fled--too afraid to engage in equal combat in Kusari space.
Disrespect and trespass returned for the same behavior. Perhaps the Outcasts will realize they are not untouchable and exercise more care now.
Ito, of course, is in exceptional spirits and regaled his comrades all evening with tales of his exploits. As a reward, I allowed him a case of sake and the use of a Chrysanthemum woman who has rejected repatriation efforts. Perhaps that will break her foolish and defiant spirit--a stain on all honorable Kusari women.
I also spoke to the honorable Farmers about our Kenshin problem and they have pledged their help in reeducating him also. Additionally, two mercenaries are watching for him at the same time. it is a bad day to be a Junker named Kenshin.
Shigeo Kitamura
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
Regarding our ships, practices and areas of travel...
I was stopped and asked by a KNF officer today how I came to be flying a Kusari gunboat. I thought the answer would be of interest to others also and am providing it here as well.
As I said earlier, we paid our pledge to the Hogosha to be recognized in their ranks. The pledge was given to the Daiymo of our prefecture on planet Kyushu. In return, we not only serve with the Hogosha but are sworn protectors of the Daiymo and his holding as well.
The "Hogosha" are "guardians" and "protectors" of Kusari and the Shogunate and have been so recognized for many centuries. It is a long and honorable tradition of service. This service obligates us to help uphold the decrees of the Shogun and his daiymos and we do so freely at no charge--always purchasing our own weapons and equipment and ships to use for his cause. In return for such faithful service, the Hogosha are entitled and allowed to collect "honor money"--pledges of goods or credits or services from those who are able to give them this is not "piracy", this is our due and in giving it, the giver honors Kusari and tradition.
We also have served in the Bretonian conflict--gathering intelligence, interrogating prisoners, capturing and destroying ships and goods. primarily we act as privateers and reconnaissance spies. In doing so, we free our military brothers of the Kusari naval and police forces to go about their duties. This too is done at our own expense--no money is taken from the Shogunate or its warriors.
In return, the Guardian Black Hole Sun Conglomerate is given authority by its daiymo to issue "letters of marquee", allowing our pilots to serve as privateers against the Bretonians during the conflict. As non-regular, volunteer forces, we are able to perform missions that conventional forces cannot. What they may be, I am not allowed to say.
We are invited by the decree of the Shogun and our daiymo's decree to purchase vessels up to gunboat class at our discretion--so long as the Shogunate is faithfully served with them and we can petition for larger vessels if a case can be made for them. Our honor is attached to these vessels and they are to be used faithfully and as needed--not foolishly or dishonorably.
In future, if our actions bring us against more military assets of the Outcasts or Bretonians, we may request a cruiser for area defense. At present, that is not necessary.
Long Life to the Shogunate!
Shigeo Kitamura
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
Our government would lose face openly allying with "pirates"--though that is not at all who the Corsairs truly are. So the Hogosha are honored to maintain such a relationship alone so that our government loses no respect yet still gains the benefit of such dealings.
What does such an arrangement between the Hogosha and Corsairs bring? It keeps the Corsairs out of Kusari! We, the Hogosha, handle all trade and travel for Corsair goods through Kusari space. No Corsair has reason or need to be in Kusari and we gain additional funding for our war effort through the sale of their goods which are taken to corrupt Liberty space. Kusari thus has increased funding, a bolstered Hogosha protectorate and dealings that keep Corsairs out of Kusari space.
As importantly, gaijin Outcasts have reason for pause in entering our space. Their own enemies may be near our borders and Hogosha ships may engage them at any time. Also, the finances of the Blood Dragons and Golden Chrysanthemums are dried up stopping their terrorism and betrayal of tradition and honor.
Again, the Hogosha provide a service--at their own risk--to Kusari and its Shogun, daiymos and people.
Shigeo Kitamura
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
Today we are commissioning two covert surveillance ships. They are still in need of a shakedown and crew training but they should be helpful.
Shows of force by the Outcasts and mercenaries have made me consider upgrading Ito's UHF--though this will be a costly process and take some time. The alternative is to consider a more capable warship of some type but the political concerns deter me from this course at the moment.
I am considering contacting the Farmers, Gaians and Samura as well as other Hogosha--with a "joint ship" project for area defense. This may be worth pursuing. I also am looking to deepen our relationship with the IMG. We have many common interests and concerns.
In the meanwhile, we are feverishly raising funds and training and continuing our patrols against illegal domestic groups such as the Dragons and Chrysanthemums.
In the future, we may look more closely at a solution for the Junker presence as well.
Shigeo Kitamura
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
In order to expand our trading option I explored several systems we normally pass though in depth today. Numerous new jump holes were mapped and several future trade strategies presented themselves.
I visited our Corsair allies in Omicron Gamma and decide to boldly take a load of "items" to Manhattan to test my trade route strategy. My timing was perfect and Manhattan received a shipment in the midst of a rogue attack in Texas. All available authorities had been dispatched. Three returning military vessels passed me but I was able to evade their scanning range.
I made the return trip through Rheinland space where a rogue military officer tried to pirate me in a Rheinland cruiser as I passed though Bering. I evaded him and notified Rheinland military authorities of his actions, ship type, location and identity.
A huge battle was underway in Kyushu as I returned with Rheinland diamonds and I had to evade several Chrysanthemum maids in Hokkaido. I parked in the ice clouds and waited for their ships to clear the junp hole. I was through it before they realized I was Hogosha. Their parting words to me were, "Why is a mercenary here carrying Hogosha IFF?"
A good day--my ship and I are fully recovered from Kenshin's mercenary attack. Oh! I was also informed by Soujiro.Hiko in Manhattan that he has a bounty on me.
I must check to see how much I am worth! Hahahahahhaa!
Benjo Dokosai
Eternal life for the Guardian Black Hole Suns!
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
A KNF patrolman asked for assistance in taking down a Golden Chrysanthemum destroyer and with my aid he was able to do so. Our "gunship" is awesome--often it is mistaken by our enemies for a gunboat or small cap ship!
Before the battle was even finished, two Zoner traders asked my escort and offered ten million credits with a bonus if I would accompany them to New Berlin. As they were most respectful and generous, I obliged them and had been going that way to trade today myself.
I fought off some Wilde and Hessians and received my pay. At this point, a pilot asked if I would remain to pass some goods over to a Corsair in the asteroid field for even more money! As I waited for him, I noted on very long range scanners that--two systems away--Kenshin's pet mercenary was in Omega 15, most likely hiding in the scrap fields of Bornholm. Benjo's previous employment with the Junkers was most useful as I knew the way there as a result.
He complained bitterly at my hunting him--often complaining incoherently and sending me several text messages venting his anger and fear. There was much annoying static in his communication. I never found him in Omega 15 but I did engage a bounty hunter cruiser which tried to destroy me. i left when a second one arrived and made my way to my original destination of Omicron Gamma for more goods.
Hot sake is on me tonight at the base when I return!
Ito Izuki
For the Guardians!
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
I made it to Omicron Theta where I engaged an Outcast Destroyer, [CAF]Rotarin. He appeared directly before me with no warning!
I was joined by several Corsairs in Centurions and their weapons could not penetrate the destroyer's shields. My load out allowed me to do so and we slowly chipped away at the Outcast hull.
Finally he retreated to the Freeport--victory to the Hogosha-Corsair alliance!
I then proceeded to Gamma and spoke to several Corsairs. Quite exciting! Most have not seen a Hogosha before but all are welcoming and friendly.
I then departed for Kappa to pick up equipment for our new surveillance ships. As soon as I entered the system, I was attacked by two Nomad fighters and a gunboat. I destroyed all and returned the Nomad brain to Corsair Balstoise.Thomas as I had promised to dedicate my next Nomad kill to his brother who was hurt badly by a Nomad battleship attack.
I then returned and got the needed equipment. As I passed through New Berlin, I was engaged by Eric the Warmonger--an independent pirate in a Colonial viper. He fired from behind me while I was engaging Wild and never requested cargo or cash (I had both). He was extremely nimble in the rocks and quite good with his guns. I had to evade back and forth through the jump hole three times, finally getting enough of a lead to make it back to Kyushu. I was unable to defeat him though I put several good hits into his hull along with many more weak ones. It was too risky with the equipment I had on board to continue the fight.
I finally returned to Kabukicho and transferred the gear to our new pilot recruits.
Now I will supervise the repairs to my ship and get some sleep!
Ito Izuki
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
I have been remiss of late in communicating my thoughts and the events of the Guardian Black Hole Sun Conglomerate.
One of our covert sisters is working with the Order and Corsairs at present. After much difficulty, I have decided to allow her to train solely with the Order and Corsairs for some time so as to establish a solid reputation amongst our allies. This will also aid us in our planned future activities against the Junkers.
Several conflicts with Liberty authorities have resulted so the clan has lain quiet for a spell. That will change soon. We will resume trading and other activities with two new vessels.
Of note also, we have begun distributing the new recruiting posters about Kyushu...as follows:
For those non-Kusari, Nyuusha! simply means, "Join the company!"
Shigeo Kitamura
Long live the Shogunate and its Guardian Black Hole Suns!
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai
I am Kiku Inome, the only sister pilot of the Black Hole Suns. I have operated a covert ship for some time and recently completed joint-training with the Corsairs and the Order and its Commodore Yamamoto. My service was to show our allies that we are an asset to them and honorable in fulfilling our commitments to our allies.
It was a most pleasant experience and I gained valuable knowledge and skill for my clan.
I look forward to serving my oyabun, Shigeo Kitamura, with pride--he is my true father in spirit--and I hope to bring glory and honor to our Daimyo and the Shogun.
Kiku Inome
<span style="font-family:System">Hogosha Exile</span> The Journal of Benjo Dokosai