Sakamoto Ryoma

[Stuffz]

Personnel on the bridge was working with diligence. Among that hectic but well organized mess, they noticed a few officers leaning over a large console, studying a stellar map.
Ishikawa cleared his throat and his eyes searched for the admiral. He quietly advanced into the bridge.
The circle opened up as the officers were leaving some space to the group.

"Ah... Ishikawa. I'm glad to see you made it back in one piece." Said Sakamoto.
"The news aren't quite good. The two other spearheads didn't have much success either. Several units were lost on both sides... We are heading to Myoko to requisition units to cover the losses."
"Admiral Sakamoto," Umi bowed, "You have already been informed of the situation?"
Ishikawa nodded. "I'm sorry that we couldn't do more. The resistance was quite strong."

The admiral gave them both a reassuring look.
"We followed your actions on the tactical grid array. We still can access to it, but i expect our credentials to be revoked anytime soon."
He made a gesture towards the console.
"Have a look. Nagata's force are regrouping in Fuji orbit"
Ishikawa glanced over the console. "Do you think they will attack us?"

Sakamoto smiled, as he had planned this thoroughly.
"They have no reason to. This heavy unit is following the mission that was assigned to its crew a month ago. They have no reason to suspect we are onboard."

Ishikawa nodded, a little bit relieved. "Ah. Very good. What are the further plans then? We won't be able to surprise them again..."
Sakamoto nodded gravely. "Sadly, yes. It didn't go as planned."

"Told you." almost whispered Junko mischievously.
Ishikawa gave Junko an angry look before turning back to Sakamoto. "There still must be a chance though."

"Sanada Junko." said the Admiral, noticing her.
"I thought i requested you to calm down in your quarters."
"And as you can see i'm perfectly calm now." replied the woman, withstanding without failing the calm gaze of the admiral.

Ishikawa understood she would rather die than losing that stare contest and quickly said something before things would get even more tense.
"I'm responsible for her presence. And I'm sure she will act calm now, otherwise you can hold me responsible for her actions." He stopped for a moment. "Could I however .. ask what she did while I was gone?"

"Hmm... The officer Sanada didn't appreciate to not be assigned to one of the spearheads. But i needed to keep some forces here to cover the light carriers cruising in Shikoku."
He turned his head to look at Junko.
"Then... She began to yell when she saw here things weren't going as expected."

She pouted. "I didn't yell."
"Sure you didn't." replied Sakamoto in a dry tone. "What did you say again when we lost track of Ishikawa's bomber?"
"Pffft" replied the woman before walking away angrily.

"Here we go.." Sakamoto added without surprise.
"Concerning your question, we are currently waiting. Our next move will depend on what course of action Nagata will choose."
Takada spoke up "Hai, I would expect him not to take very long to declare action against us publicly. How long would we have 'time to rest', repair our ships etc. by your estimate, Admiral?"

He turned towards one of his specialists.
"Hard to say." Said the officer.
"Nagata is known to be straightfoward.. But Nagata isn't himself anymore, as it seems... Either way, they took prisonners. Sooner or later they will track down the responsible person." that said, he gave a look at the admiral.
Finally he added : "Twelve hours? A day?"

Sakamoto grunted. "There aren't a million ways to act right now. We must secure our assets by leaving Kusari. And wait for a favourable moment to strike again."

"That will be for the best. Do you need me here? Otherwise I would go and get some rest."
"Take some rest. Those gentlemen and i will follow the evolution of the situation."
He then nodded at Takada :
"Takada-san, feel free to retire as well if you need to rest. The last hours must have been difficult, especially when you were forced to turn against your own brothers."

Takada saluted. "Hai, Admiral. My loyalty remains with you, and will do what I must if I can."
He nodded benevolently. "And i thank you for that. I'm afraid the next weeks will be quite difficult for we all."

"You have chosen to do what is best for Kusari. I will recover for the next while." She turned and followed Ishikawa out of the bridge. Meanwhile, the admiral got back to the stellar console, discussing with his staff.

"Well, he didn't seem too angry." He stopped once they made it out of the bridge. "Junko?"
The woman was nowhere to be seen, as it seemed.
"hm. Umi-san. Did you see where she went?"

She shook her head. "I did not. I'd have to repeat your question of how she's stayed at such a rank."
"hmph. She's a good pilot. Just not very diplomatic. Maybe she went back to her room." He sighed. "I'll go look for her. You can come along if you want."

It was obvious Takada wasn't quite tempted by this perspective. "I would rather avoid her I think. Perhaps we can speak later, but for now I will find somewhere to relax and think."
"That's fine. Have some rest. I'll see you around."

And with that they parted. Ishikawa on his way to find a grumpy Junko and Umi trying to get some rest.