321 After Settlement. While New Tokyo inhabitants were enjoying the night during the Sakura festival, a tragedy was about to unfold.
Mercenaries and soldiers were silently surrounding the Imperial Palace, waiting for an order that would change Kusari for the worst.
The occupants were taken by surprise.The Shogun himself soon committed Seppuku. Yet, the glorious Imperial Guard couldn’t allow such an infamy to go unpunished. Fiercely lead by Kozue Okamura, they fought back the traitors of their lords and skillfully escaped the Imperial blockade.
Soon, they headed to the Galactic north, sharing a common will for revenge.
The now Samura backed Emperor had to face unrest and hostility, thus forcing him to reform Kusari military. Kusari Naval Forces were born.
That navy was loyal to the new imperial family, and therefore became the sworn enemies of the recently consecrated Blood Dragons.
While the line of conduct of the warrior caste didn’t change much between the reign of the two dynasties, Kusari Naval Forces depended exclusively on the Samura Keiretsu, which lead them to be used as a tool to protect the giant’s interests, just like the Hogosha.
The Emperor’s words were the undisputed truth. The Kaigun didn’t contest the decision to invade the house of Bretonia, nor did they rise against the decision to begin a conflict with the Gas Miner Guild.
Fall of the Empire and Creation of the Republic:
Among the admiralty, a few officers were beginning to have reservations about the decisions made during the last years. One of them especially, the Admiral Takahashi Mikako, wasn’t seeing how the line taken was benefiting Kusari as a whole.
More and more resources were engaged in a seemingly unending conflict in Seto. Meanwhile, the Emperor took the decision to open another front-line in Sigmas. Kusari core space was slowly deprived of the military resources needed to ensure the house’s protection, making the situation perilous.
After having consulted a few trusted subordinates, she took the decision not to follow the order given to send the remaining forces Kusari had at its disposal to Seto system, concerned about the future of Kusari as more and more reports were mentioning the gathering of powerful armadas in the Taus.
As things were escalating between the Gauls and the Taus fleet, members of the Naval Forces decided to betray the Emperor Kogen Jien, busy overseeing the invasion of planet Leeds himself at that time.
Taking advantage of his absence, they participated in a coup that led to the creation of a Republic in Kusari, which soon sued for peace with Gallia in order to avoid the invasion of the outmatched house.
Era of the Republic:
The Kusari Naval Forces, following the creation of the Republic, was in a severely weakened state, allowing pirates and criminals to operate broadly in Kusari. Groups such as the Farmers Alliance backed up by Samura were also branded as Criminals by the emerging Republic, leading to unrest in Kyushu system.
While the Empire era Naval Forces were tied closely to Samura Keiretsu, the Republic era Naval Forces attempted to keep a multilateral relationship with the chief bodies of the two Keiretsus, thus releasing themselves from the influence and the political maneuvers they used to suffer.
The house of Kusari warrior caste is slowly rising again in strength, freed from the leash that was restraining them in the past, and ready to battle for Kusari people welfare.
Refoundation of Kusari Empire:
Following the end of the great civil war, Kusari Naval Forces found themselves facing an identity crisis, after the reintegration of this hardcore of war veterans that returned to House Kusari with the Emperor. Wounds caused by the war marked both sides and there is no doubt going beyond resentments towards the re-foundation of an indomitable military will be a challenging task.
Naval Forces' new political status and the preservation of its influence gained during the Republican era might as well cause difficulties within the higher spheres of power in Kusari. Only time could tell if the Naval Forces were to accept to return to a status of complete subordination to the Emperor and its backing Keiretsu, or were to attempt to become an independent actor in House Kusari political game.
These difficulties were certainly uneasy to resolve while Kusari has the necessity to repel internal enemies and to reform its military might, as the specter of war casts its shadow on the Sigmas. The emerging conflict with the Federal Republic of Rheinland in 826 AS over the system of Sigma-21 and the easily colonized Planet Saigon were the first challenge for the reunited Naval Forces. Forced to repel a former friend on own soil, all doubts about the Reformed Empire of Kusari quickly disappeared. After the successful defense against the Rheinland offense, the Emperor declared larger investments into the Naval Forces.
By 827 AS, the Naval Forces were at a new peak of their might and by orders of the Emperor invaded Gallia, causing large amounts of damage to the Gallic fleets and local infrastructure. With a peace treaty signed in late 827 AS, the Naval Forces rebuild their might and are eager to defend Kusari's new gained resources in the Tau sector.
Constructed in 825 A.S., Fort Wakkanai is a large Naval facility situated strategically at the edge of the Unyo cloud to serve multiple roles, as a listening post towards Gallia, a staging ground in northern Kusari and as a training facility for new pilots bound for the nebular theater of the Sigma cluster. Most importantly though, Fort Wakkanai plays host to the Naval Operations Headquarters, a sizeable institution of the Naval Forces' command structure handling all incoming data flow from Naval Forces operations.
KNF projects itself across Kusari. From Honshu to Kyushu and from Hokkaido to Kepler, Galileo and Sigma-13 (there only staying within range of the jump gate). Recently, the Naval Forces project Kusari's might in the Taus.
On the western front, the furthest KNF base is the Battlecruiser Akatsuki in Tau-31. Main tasks of this spearhead vessel include securing the Tau-31 junction towards Tau-23 and giving KNF forces a staging ground at Kusari's new outer border.
On the eastern front, in Honshu, Kansai research station mainly provides space for a variety of classified projects and experiments. The facility serves also as the headquarters of the Tokubetsu-keisatsu-tai, the Naval Forces Secret Police.
In addition to Kansai, the Battleship Hamamatsu, the currently latest and most advanced Battleship the Naval Forces have at their disposal, is stationed, playing a huge role in the defense of civilian traffic and keeping a close eye on the recently pacified Sigma-21 system.
On the north front, the furthest KNF base is the Battleship Matsumoto in Rishiri. After the Gallic conflict, the Matsumoto was relocated to Rishiri from Hokkaido and plays a major role in the defense of Kusari's interests in Rishiri from Gallia and local unlawful elements.
On the south front, the furthest KNF base is the Battleship Myoko in Shikoku system. Located in a strategic position near Deshima, a BHG base, to monitor all of their activities in Kusari. Myoko also launches patrols into Kepler and Galileo systems, to secure all traffic that is going from or to Kusari.
In Kyushu, the infamous Battleship Nagasaki is responsible for the protection of civilian traffic and the overseeing of the recent Tottori Gate Construction efforts financed primarily by Samura.
Battleship Sado has recently been relocated to Tohoku system to increase Naval Forces presence in this dangerous system, and to provide a strong outpost for 66th.
Naval forces also may be spotted in sigma-sectors providing necessary protection for Kishiro or Samura convoys.
Expeditionary Interest
While facing a possible second wave of infection, cautious Naval Forces Expeditionary Groups, since the end of the Kusari-Bretonia conflict, have been sent out to the Omicrons to seize the resources and the knowledge hidden in that dangerous area.
As highest Officers of the Kusari Naval Forces, they may manage recruitment affairs, organize training sessions, lead diplomatic meetings and grant permission for special operations. The Admirals answer directly to the Imperial Shogunate and the Civil Diet.
Abbreviation:Ko.
Kaisho - Vice-Admiral
The Kaisho are responsible for tactical decisions and are a key figure of the command bridge on Kusari's battleships. They have a seat in the Council of the Rising Suns, can manage recruitment affairs, organize training sessions, lead diplomatic meetings and grant permission for special operations.
Abbreviation:Ka.
Kaisho-ho - Rear-Admiral
The Kaisho-ho reflect all the honor, pride and sense of duty of the Kusari Naval Forces. This rank is a not only the highest bestowed upon an officer by High Command but a title and position of trust.
They can manage recruitment affairs, organize training sessions, lead diplomatic meetings and propose squadron changes to an Admiral.
Abbreviation:Kh.
Middle Command Itto Kaisa - Captain
Itto Kaisa mark the highest position within the Middle Command, they respond directly to the High Command and have been entrusted to lead any squadron - including warship squadrons - in combat. May lead training sessions or diplomatic meetings.
Abbreviation:Ik.
Nito Kaisa - Commander
Nito are allowed to apply for the title of 'KNF Senior Flight and Combat Instructor' and conduct training sessions. They are experienced pilots in combat and have proven themselves through many hours on patrols and many skirmishes fought. They may act as commander of multiple fighter craft squadrons.
Abbreviation:Nk.
Low Command Santo Kaisa - Lieutenant Commander
This is the highest rank of lower command, These officers perform as leaders to their wingmen and work as a link between the Middle and Low commands. As front-line officers, they serve to maintain discipline and morale in major engagement zones. May request relocation of their own squadron with permission from Middle Command.
Abbreviation:Sk.
Itto Kaii - Lieutenant
Officers of this rank have proven themselves in combat and have been deemed noteworthy for the promotion track. Can command any officer below their rank.
Abbreviation:Ii.
Nito Kaii - Sub-Lieutenant
Have received commissioning scroll to act on behalf of the Reformed Empire It is the second step in the Kusari Naval Forces after proven total knowledge of Kusari star maps and Kusari diplomacy, alongside some combat experience.
Abbreviation:Ni.
Santo Kaii - Ensign
First step in the Kusari Naval Forces, these pilots are in training and must prove their knowledge of Kusari's star maps, diplomacy and undergo a combat trial. Santo Kaii do not display their rank since they have not yet achieved one. It is during the time at this rank when a pilots fortitude is tested the most, to ensure that they are committed to duty and fit to fly alongside the Brothers and Sisters of the KNF. May only pilot Wyrms, Chimaeras or Wyverns.[/color
In an environment in which the smallest mistake can cost lives, this fighter takes maximum advantage of years of Kusari research and technology all distilled down and compressed into to one deceptively small package. That, along with its recently modified power systems, makes the Wyrm a superior value in its class.
J17P - 95P "Chimaera" Kusari Navy Heavy Fighter
"The serpent's tooth," this ship is the razor-sharp maw of Kusari military knowledge and technology. The Chimaera heavy fighter, a further development of the Dragon, demonstrates the coalescence of form and function, blending unbeatable offensive and defensive capabilities and significant cargo space. In the hands of an experienced pilot, this ship is not so much a weapon as it is a force of nature.
DI-3 "Wyvern" Kusari Very Heavy Fighter
Proudly asserting their dominance over the keiretsu, Kishiro's Wyvern Very Heavy Fighter is set to become the new cornerstone of the Naval Forces' strike craft operations. Utilizing the most advanced Gallic computer systems and armor plating combined with cutting-edge Kishiro reactor and engine technology, it is one of the deadliest fighters to grace the modern battlefield.
The introduction of the Wyvern has not been without its drawbacks, however, with traditionalist Kusari pilots being wary of the new Gallic technology, and a few simply refusing to pilot the vessel altogether. Nevertheless, as Kusari rebuilds its military might, the Wyvern has been introduced without delay, and its critics within the Naval Forces ranks dealt with harshly.
J50P-B3 "Umibozu" Kusari Bomber
Named for the demonic Yokai of legend, a terror of ancient seas known to capsize the vessels of those who dare approach it, is a fitting guardian for the borders of Kusari. Commissioned to Samura Heavy Industries in 813 A.S. by the Naval Forces to meet the needs of the ongoing war in within the dense asteroid fields of the Taus, the Omibozu is the product of lessons learned by the experience of a hundred battles to deliver the fist of the Emperor on any and all fields.
In 817 A.S. the Umibozu phased out the reliable but increasingly obsolete Kishiro Catamaran, confirming once more Samura as the contractor of choice in building military craft for the Naval Forces.
Capital Vessels - Warships
T-833-GB "Ahoudori" Kusari Explorer
The first ships of the Kusari Explorer line were built in 490 A.S., a period when space exploration was considered very important for the House of Kusari, the Explorers were equipped to spend long months and even years charting distant star systems for possible resources to be exploited by the state.
The initial design was adopted by Samura, and through it, the Gas Miners Guild who found great use of the vessel in their continuing mission of charting the expanses of the Crow nebula to seek out new pockets of resources to feed Sirius' ever-growing energy needs. The Explorers of modern times have been retrofitted with superior military grade hardware and shielding to ensure that the Guild's finds would not fall into the hands of claim jumpers. Additional modern Kishiro amenities and superior sensor packages have produced a vessel that is as comfortable as it is hardy; as such the Explorer has found a valuable after-market for Freelancers and wealthy Kusarians alike seeking to find the next hidden jump hole, or luxuriate in its firepower, with a measure of comfort and security.
Kusari "Ashikaga"-class Gunboat
In an effort to better enforce the will of the Emperor, the Imperial Navy and Kishiro Technologies developed this ship. With her small hull profile, this gunboat is agile and highly maneuverable compared to other gunboats. In large numbers, they are particularly devastating.
Kusari "Takeda"-class Destroyer
Commonly referred to as 'The Hatchet' by the Bretonian Armed Forces due to its evident shape, and ability to cleave a fiery path through defensive lines, the Kusari Destroyer is often mistaken for a heavy Gunboat at range. While fragile in comparison to its heavier counterparts in the destroyer class the Kishiro-built vessel easily outclasses many vessels twice its size.
Kusari "Komainu"-class Battlecruiser
A joint project between Samura and Kishiro, the Kusari Battlecruiser was designed to fill the gap between light destroyers and heavy battleships, and provide heavy support in asteroid fields where battleships are often unable to operate due to their size, but where destroyers might be outgunned by heavy cruisers. The ship possesses advanced scanners and a completely new reactor design from Kishiro, allowing it to detect enemy warships at long range and suppress them with fire if they venture close. Samura's second generation quantum multiplexors fully integrate the ship's various systems into a central command nexus that improves tactical reaction times and improves the ship commander's situational awareness. A precision designed hull structure and next-generation engines from Samura allow this ship to suffer punishing damage yet survive for the return journey home under its own power.
Kusari "Tokugawa"-class Battleship
Engineered by Samura Heavy Industries for the Naval Forces following the coup of 321 A.S. the vessel was built to serve as a hallmark of the new dynasty. Surpassing contemporary Houses' counterparts in size, it is the highest symbol of Kusari military power and it has, in following Kusari tradition, a very extensive lifetime for a hull of this type. The ever progressing march of these massive war vessels into Bretonian territory despite all efforts at opposition stand as grim tribute to the vessel's original craftsmanship and Kusari's ability to blend the artisan lines of tradition with the deadly efficiency of modern innovation.
Logistical Support Ships - Freighters - Transports
J20P - 21F "Drone" Kusari Freighter
A second joint project between Samura and Kishiro, the "Drone" project followed the success of the Akegata Transport project. Ordered by the Emperor himself, these projects were meant to push Samura and Kishiro toward closer cooperation and more standardized methods and parts. Utilizing both Samura and Kishiro specific expertise, the Drone is one of the most technologically advanced freighters on the market today. With strong armor and powerful engines developed by Samura and state of the art scanning equipment and power plant made by Kishiro, this freighter is the best of what Kusari shipbuilding has to offer.
J90P - 54HT "Big Dragon" Kusari Transport
This venerable workhorse has become a mainstay in the Kusari hauling fleet. Built by Kishiro in an attempt to push into the Samura dominated cargo ship market, this ship has been widely sold. Sturdy and reliable, the Big Dragon can be seen all over Sirius carrying Kusari cargo to the furthest reaches of the sector. Kishiro has used the production of the Big Dragon to model its mass production techniques, which has allowed them to vastly expand their production capacity.
The Big Dragon has also been a huge seller on the Kusari commercial market and has found its way into all corners of Kusari, being used by pilots of all stripes. It is even rumored that some have been integrated into the fleets of the GC and Farmers Alliance.
K7: P-19T "Akegata" Kusari Container Transport
A rare, joint project between Samura and Kishiro, the Akegata Transport was ordered to be produced by the Emperor as a way to push both companies to improve relations, and to develop standardized parts. The Emperor's plan was to have each company bring the best of its skills to the project, developing a Kusari transport that would ensure the protection of the economic interests of Kusari. Samura used it's expertise to develop the engines, hull, and superstructure, while Kishiro developed the state of the art scanning equipment and power plant. The Akegata class is the product of the collaboration of the best minds Kusari has to offer. The Emperor was so impressed by the success of the project he ordered the K7;P-19F "Drone" Kusari Freighter to be produced in the same way.
After the fall of the Empire, the Admiralty decided to reform the structure of the Naval forces. All existing wings were disbanded in order to ease Kusari military's reorganization. The legendary Katana Wings were absorbed by the regular Naval Forces; The Imperial guard simply ceased to exist. However, with the end of the civil war and the restoration of Kusari Empire, Kusari Naval Forces may experience more drastic changes.
66th Special Expeditionary Battlegroup 66th Tokubetsu ensei-ka
The 66th division was founded with the objective to effectively replace the 113th division, which somehow went rogue and turned against the Empire.
In order to increase the operational means of this new division, Ministry of Defense provided it significant assets, like the Naval Forces old Exploration Wings, one of the first battle-cruisers to leave Kure shipyard, along with a destroyers escort for deep space research missions.
For alien research, 66th division used a Fearless class destroyer that was found in the omicrons and repaired on Kure shipyard, its scanner arrays being specifically outfitted to locate alien life on mid and close ranges.
With that in mind, 66th division became the new line of defense against aliens and others external threats.
While this division is still attached to the Naval Forces Admiralty, it actually has a large latitude in its prerogatives; Mostly because its members are often in the outskirts of Kusari zone of influence.
Naval Secret Police Tokubetsu-keibi-tai
Centuries ago, the Emperor felt the need to keep an eye on the ever-growing Naval Forces and, by Imperial decree, a Kempeitai cell was directly attached to the Naval Forces.
Being independent from the military hierarchy, the cell quickly became the eye of the Ministry of Defense. Responsible before the Emperor of the Naval Forces loyalty, they were also actively gathering intelligence on this Warriors caste's members and entitled to arrest and punish anyone suspected of treason.
While the Tokkeitai have been disbanded shortly before the rise of the Republic, the organization quickly was reborn from its ashes.
The organization's methods have often been seen as despicable and immoral, its members ready to go beyond ethical codes or military and civil laws to achieve their objectives.
Little is known about Tokkeitai's internal organization. Their members are however known to never use ranks in operation, even if it's almost certain the organization has a hierarchy chain.
Another distinctive trait is their constant use of call sign to designate themselves. Some came to the conclusion Tokkeitai members indeed lost their birth name when they joined the organization.
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