The Fallen Farmer Returns - Open to AFA members

[Zelot]

The nebula was thick, obstructing almost all vision, but that didn't matter to the pilot of the small Mamuru bomber. He knew the way like the back of his hand. Although it had been a few years, the pilot had supervised the construction of the base he was headed for. Cape Soya was the hidden fortress of the Farmer's Alliance. Set deep within the Hyakughou Nebula, it was the keep of the Alliance, the last fallback position of his Farmers, and from what the man had heard on Kagoshima, he assumed what was left of the AFA high command, and the general Alliance command, would be locked down there on Cape Soya. The unthinkable had happened, the Kogen regime had fallen and a new "democratic" Kishiro backed government had taken it's place. The new government had quickly outlawed the Farmer's movement, and the police and military fell in line with the persecution of those who had boldly defended the Empire.


The man at the controls of the Mamuru was born Naato Togach on Planet Kyushu. As a boy his family grew Oranges. Naato had always had a warm place in his heart for the simplicity of his childhood. Just the memory of his name brought him peace. He hadn't heard the name in so long. Everyone now called him Ze'ev Barak.


Barak's ship passed the last weapons platforms and pulled gently up to a docking bay at Cape Soya. Long ago he had some access codes installed in the docking system programs. In many ways, this was still his home. The docking bay doors opened and Ze'ev lightly touched his ship down.


Most of those stationed on Soya had never met Ze'ev Barak, though most had heard of the man. His unknown ship ID, and unknown codes had drawn a quick response from base security and a squad of armed guards awaited him when he landed. Stepping out of the cockpit, he had eight guns trained on him. Slowly he looked over them and saw the man he was looking for. Aiko Mazuki had been a security officer on Kagoshima when Ze'ev had first helped in the organizing of the AFA. He had been assigned to this base by Ze'ev himself when Soya was first being planned. Aiko was now head of security on board the station, and he was, of course walking toward the knot of men.


"Aiko" Barak said with a level voice. The grizzled security officer stopped short and looked puzzled, he muttered to himself, "it couldn't be," and his face became ashen. Barak looked at him and spoke in a soft but commanding tone. "Tell them to lower their weapons Aiko." The other man stared at Ze'ev for a moment before ordering the detail to safety their weapons. Barak walked slowly, moving to the other man. "Aiko, There will be much time for us to catch up later. But it seems I am late for the battle, and I should speak with those who are left of the Alliance command and of my AFA. Take me to the command room and summon those that I would speak with old friend." Aiko Mazuki nodded and with a quick "Hai" turned on his heels and began for the hanger bay lift. Half way to the lift, Aiko began barking alternately commands and messages into him radio.


Aiko led Ze'ev into a large conference room and asked Barak to wait, explaining that the AFA and Alliance commands were on their way, and that he needed to go check on security, with this unexpected visit already underway. Ze'ev poured himself some water and sat down, centering himself before the rest arrived.

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