Trent moves to sit down at the chair opposite of the Shogun Sum-Gok-Li, then looks at the Sidewinder Fang. "You're well informed, but it is no longer something I no longer drink. This isn't really by choice however, I hope you understand, its a medical thing."
Trent leans back into the chair. "You want to know why I am no longer in The Order huh? Well, fighting the Nomads day in and day out, can be accomplished in The Order that is for sure, but there are bigger problems than the vanguard the Edge Worlds. We have bigger problems. For you see, I have a theory of what is coming, and its going to be much worse than all the Houses being at war simultaneously."
Trent then stares at the ceiling of the Shogun's office. "It is my theory, that when a full blown war breaks out between Liberty and Rheinland, the Bretonian and Kusari war will grow more desperate on both sides. Pushing both military forces to the brink of collapsing under pressure. The political lines are drawn, but the Nomads are beginning to move. The Order thought that my theory was just a worst case scenario that wouldn't happen. Truth be told, I think so to sometimes. But it is happening.
Think about it, the four Houses are preoccupied with a war with themselves, the Nomads and the Wild have been growing in activity. Does this remind you of something? This is an echo of the Nomad War. But this time, there is no toy to save us, no miracle. Our military might as a race is being smashed as time passes, and the Nomads have to just sit back and watch.
It is my theory, that the Nomads, have a presence in the Kusari government. There is also the unknown threat of that Gallia government... They could play a role in things to come... Until then Shogun, humanity could be in the sights of extinction once more."
"If your theory is correct, then the Order itself is compromised by its 'relationship' with the Hogosha. They are in league with the government. We do not allow for such compromises to be made."
Sum gets up and looks out the window, small rocks drift past - with little else to see within the dark nebula.
"Less then twenty years ago, one of the Kusari Governors was controlled by a Nomad. The result was...well you know all about that."
"Less than a year ago, the leader of the Farmers Alliance indulged his dark side, and joined terrorists known as the Phantoms. He was declared a war hero by the Emperor, whilst I personally witnessed the Phantom's acts of cruelty and terror performed inside Kusari."
"Now The Wilde fly freely in Kusari, and many KNF pilots do not even recognise them for what they are. They are clearly not being briefed by High Command."
Sum turns to face Trent.
"So you tell me Mister Trent, that you have a 'theory' that the Kusari government is compromised? I would be most interested in hearing about what your own theory is based on - given the only contact you have had with Kusari in the last few years has been through the Hogosha."
Trent sits up and move towards the window that the Shogun is standing next to and gazes out of it. Sighing with exhaustion.
"Again this is a theory, but there was a strange discovery out in Omicron Delta several months ago. I was a part of flight 197, a reconnaissance flight wing that travels to certain areas and record as much data that can be found and report back to the intelligence division. What we found was, strange.".
Trent hands the Shogun a data pad.
"As you can see, there are two heavily damaged Kusari Naval Forces fighters. They were stripped of their weapons, cargo... and we never recovered any remains of the pilots. This got the Intelligence division working pretty more in the Kusari zone, but we never picked up the mother ship or the launch site of that pair of fighters. But they had to have launched from somewhere."
Trent turns around and walks to the other side of the room.
"When it comes to Kusari itself, have you noticed anything strange about the military? They haven't made a major push into Bretonia, they have however been pushing their supply lines and manpower to the brink, even they have to realize that their stockpiles are going to be pushed into the red in the future. One other thing has been bothering me is the Liberty forces. There has been some tension there... do they plan to invade Liberty too? That however, is a mystery to me and The Order."
Trent sits back into his chair.
"There are too many what-ifs. But, Kusari is up to something."
"I shall run these ship scans and compare them with our own files. I can tell you very soon if the ships you found are new, or older models consistent with the time of the Nomad War. If they are older - then what you have here is evidence of something new in Kusari, something we havent seen before."
"As for what Kusari is up to? Well Mister Trent, this may simply be the calm before the storm in terms of KNF strategy. It makes sense to at least consolidate their holdings before attempting to take any of Bretonia's settled planets."
Sum's gaze fixed on Trent.
"And first on the list is Leeds. I have been told that is your home planet. Tell me Mister Trent, have you any desire to return home?"
"I may not care much for land, or territory these days especially during the War. But Leeds is my home. What man doesn't want to defend their home? After all, your trying to restore your home right? Our agendas aren't that different, its just the location"
Trent then chuckles to himself quietly.
"Besides, Tobias would be out of business if Leeds gets taken over and would have to join the fight too. That would be dangerous for the female officers on the ships that I assure you. If the Kusari ships don't get him, the women will!"
"So you will be offering your services as a Freelancer to the Bretonian Armed Forces? It would be the honourable thing to do, to defend your home in such ways as you are able."
Sum leans forward in his chair.
"But my curiosity is not yet sated Mister Trent. You say you have left the Order? The Order operates outside the laws of the Houses, and is the keeper of many secrets. This is to be expected from a covert organisation."
Sum smiles.
"So how is it that one of their top Colonels simply leaves the Order? A handshake and a gold pen for services rendered?"
The smile abruptly disappears, his eyes narrow, fixed on Trent.
"I for one would like to know why YOU were allowed to leave alive. If there is one thing I know about covert agencies - it is that no-one EVER leaves them. You are either on a mission, or you are a traitor to the Order to be hunted down. This is the price to be paid for maintaining secrecy."
Trent senses the tension in the air and replies without even thinking.
"That sounds like experience coming from your mouth there Sum, you sure you weren't in the Order yourself? I'm not a Freelancer, a Freelancer searches for missions. But I'm already on a mission. MY own mission."
Trent leans forward.
"Me and the Order have an understanding, some of them think my theory could happen... but want to keep a low profile on it. A lone freelancer is less interesting than a lone Order pilot don't you think?"
Trent leans into his chair.
"A gold pen, heh, I got some gold in my left arms with some titanium in optronics for good measure. I've lost a lot to the Nomads, friends, colleagues, my arm. I don't intend to lose any more than that, and I don't intend to let the Nomads take anything from anyone."
Trent stands, glaring at Sum.
"So whats it to be, was it a mistake coming here? Or do I have to get feisty?"
Sum meets Trent's glare, then his manner softens and he smiles.
"Hah! If you and the Order have an understanding, then we too have an understanding."
Sum sits down, relaxed. Clearly he had put Trent on the spot to get a reaction from him.
"Do not misunderstand me Mister Trent. We have had 'former' Order agents come to us in the past - and have had to deal with the troubles they brought with them."
Sum pours himself green tea.
"Seeing as you are not being hunted by the Order, I do believe we can be of some assistance. What is it the Dragons can do for the esteemed Edison Trent?"
Trent also relaxes but doesn't lose his stern look.
"I need one of your fighters to blend in, access to any information about these Aoi Iseijin, and some quarters. I can take care of the rest."
Trent sits down.
"I'll share any leads I get with you, and I'll scratch your back, an put a dent in the Naval Forces. They've killed some of Tobias' friends. I don't want him forced into the fighting."
"Here is a suitable fighter for you, fit it out as would befit one of ours. Quarters shall be made available to you on all of our bases. Information on Nomads is best gained here in Ryuku. It is not too far from Kyoto, and serves as a reconnaissance point towards Nomad space."
"For what it is worth Mister Trent, I wish you the very best in your efforts here."