The Voyages Of Saitō Dōsan

[Abolisher]

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Accepting Fate

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Saitō Dōsan received a transmission from the Blood Dragons. When they told him to join an attack on New Tokyo, he knew he couldn't decline - he couldn't afford to ignore every call. The Dragons had people everywhere. They would find out, eventually.

But Saitō Dōsan had a bad feeling this time - something was off. There was of course, no reason for a large attack on New Tokyo, and no need for a vessel such as the Kagetsuchi to be involved in such a mess.

"I would be wise to question such an order..."

Perhaps it was a suicide mission? The Dragons would dispatch of both a successful yet unusual (to put it lightly) captain in the most honourable manner - a glorious death in battle with the core forces of the KNF?

He pulls down his communication device to the entire ship.
"We have been betrayed. Those of you who want to live, prepare to disembark at Hikone."

Katsuyori turns around to face him, in surprise.
"What? You can't be serious captain!"
"When have I ever lied?"
Katsuyori had no answer to that - she couldn't remember a time when the captain had lied in the past.

The doors to the bridge slid open, and in rushed the engineering team from the engine room.
"If this is your last stand, we will die with you, old man!"

"Fools... This will be the end of us..."

"No, not if you're in command." Some of the bridge staff were stirred by this brave outburst by the 'dirty men from below decks', and hesitantly also volunteered. But Saitō ensured the majority of the crew - whether they liked it or not, were left at Hikone.

"Katsuyori, this is where our paths diverge. Look after my crew for me, they are your responsibility now."

And before she could object, he calmly reached out and injected her, so that she fell asleep.

"Live a long and fulfilling life, Katsuyori. This is where my own is destined to end..."