To: The Kusari Naval Forces High Command

[Haste]

Royal Naval Battleship Saint-Nazaire, System undisclosed
10. février, 740 AGS

Sender: Général Gilbert Lebeau, Marine Royale Gauloise.
Recipient: The Kusari Kaigun.
Topic: Rear admiral Ishikawa's arrest.

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Messieurs,

As you are undoubtedly aware, the esteemed Hideaki Ishikawa was brought in for questioning several days ago, after one of our Tau cluster patrols found your man alongside Council pilots in what appeared to be a pre-organized meeting.

The admiral was placed under my care and transferred to the Saint-Nazaire but one day ago. It goes without saying that he has not been harmed, and one could even argue that he has been most fortunate, as his otherwise overly rice-oriented diet has been replaced by our excellent Gallic cuisine.

*The General's face begins flushing as his shortness of breath gets the better of him. After a brief pause to recover, he continues.*

Now that I've assured you of Ishikawa's well-being, we can perhaps move on to the crux of the matter. I am not a man to jump to conclusions, and have already launched an exceedingly thorough investigation into the admiral's guilt - or innocence, of course. Such an investigation may take months to complete, however, and I believe I am not mistakenly assuming that the Kusari Naval Forces would be dealt a great blow if she were forced to operate without monsieur Ishikawa for a substantial time.

Naturally, I do not wish such an ill fate upon a valued ally of the Royal Navy. As such, I propose that the admiral be released into your custody. Needless to say, should our investigation prove him guilty, we demand his immediate extradition to the Gallic nation.

All that is required, for the time being, is a reply to this communiqué stating whether or not you agree to this proposal, so that we may - hopefully - arrange Hideaki Ishikawa's transferral.

Cordialement,

Général Gilbert Lebeau
Marine Royale Gauloise

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Transmission End

[WesternPeregrine]

Sender ID: Kaisho-ho Katsuo Shimoe
Receiver ID: Général Gilbert Lebeau, Marine Royale Gauloise.
Location: Battleship Matsumoto, Hokkaido System
Subject: Admiral Ishikawa whereabouts

To the esteemed General Lebeau, of the Gallic Royal Navy,

it is with great concern that I and members of the Naval Forces Admiralty have received your communique, considering the charges brought against one of our high ranking officers. It is also a source of relief, for Ishikawa Hideaki was reported missing for the past two days, and the Naval Forces have been conductive exhaustive search and rescue operations in the systems he was last known to have been. With so many assets of the KNF passing by Guillestre and other Gallic patrols, I'm surprised why the GRN didn't report to us about the arrest sooner than the current transmission.

Evidently, the charges of conspiracy come as a surprise to us, for Admiral Ishikawa has always been above suspicion due to his past records and dedication in leading tough assignments during his career on the Naval Forces.

The Admiralty will take measures to suspend Ishikawa Hideaki from his current duties and ensure stability of command where necessary. The officer may remain under GRN custody for the time being.

For the moment however, we will accede to an investigation by the GRN regarding the incident, provided that the Royal Navy fulfill two conditions:

- Provide to the Naval Forces Admiralty and the Tokkeitai, to the best of the GRN abilities, copies of reports and evidences taken by the soldier and officers that performed the arrest. Fundamentally the actions of Ishikawa, where he was found, the status of the Council pilots (were they taken into custody as well?), and what constituted as reason to suspect conspiracy.

- Allow the Tokkeitai branch of the Naval Forces to participate in the investigation and interrogation of all suspects, so as to ensure there was no efforts from the Council or other foreign entities of entrapment and slander of the Naval Forces officer name and reputation.

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I ask for a resolution regarding the Tokkeitai participation as soon as possible. As for the reports and collected evidence, it would be for the best that it is presented within a week, so as to take measures against erasure of any potential incriminating evidence within the Naval Forces.

With cordial regards,
Kastuo Shimoe, Rear Admiral of the Kusari Naval Forces

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SIGNATURE

Kusari Former Mastermind

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[WesternPeregrine]

Sender ID: Kaisho-ho Katsuo Shimoe
Receiver ID: Général Gilbert Lebeau, Marine Royale Gauloise.
Location: Battleship Matsumoto, Hokkaido System
Subject: Admiral Ishikawa whereabouts

To the esteemed General Lebeau, of the Gallic Royal Navy,

In consideration to the lack of action by part of the Royal Navy or other related agents in providing evidence to support the charges, nor any express interest in pursuing the investigation, the Admiralty concludes that the Royal Navy has not seen fit to press charges against the KNF officer in question.

The Admiralty therefore politely requests the immediate release of officer Ishikawa, and the archival of any cases raised against him following the detention.

With cordial regards,
Kastuo Shimoe, Rear Admiral of the Kusari Naval Forces

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SIGNATURE

Kusari Former Mastermind

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| The Kusari Legal Codex |
| Character Profiles | The North Star Bulletin News|