Tarbert Mansion, Planet Harris, 10th May 828

[Empire of Kusari]

The day the Kusarian delegation was making their way to Tau-31 and the orbit of Planet Harris became a small power display from Kusari's side. Despite the announced heavy escorts, the Bretonians did not anticipate to find two Destroyers, four Gunboats and a whole squadron of fightercrafts accompanying a heavily retrofitted 'Oasis'-class. Among the small fleet were vessels and many pilots veteran to the first Tau war, though many of them also enjoyed the hospitality of Bretonia under the banner of the Exiles.

Once the delegation found its way planetside, one of the Destroyers and its escorts turned around, temporarily bolstering the Akatsuki and her fleet until the conclusion of this meeting. The Destroyer remaining in a far orbit of Planet Harris was none other than the IKN-Wakamiya, a dated but famous Kaimon-class Destroyer which found its main engagements right here: around Planet Harris. As ordered by the Admiralty, following the introductions, the Kusarian escort forces remain fully quiet and avoid any direct contact with the Macduff battlegroup unless they were to get hailed by them first. Additionally, they were granted full permission to assist the Bretonians if the need arises.

---

A couple of days later, when the meeting finally was about to start.
The Kusarian delegation - consisting of Genrō Itō Shunsuke, the personal assistant of Toshinori-san merely referred to as 'Shirai-san' by the other members of the delegation, Admiral Okamoto of the 1st Major Fleet of Kusari and a seemingly civilian man well into his eighties, the crest of the Imperial family visible on his chest - took their seats.
Three of the four displayed a calm but confident aura. The old man on the other hand let a sinister smile show for a mere second, surely noticed by Miss Mountbatten as he was eyeing her directly. Admiral Okamoto was glimpsing at the Natio delegation, as the sole Admiral who even heard about them, he had a special interest in this profusely confident little nation which declared a war on one of the four main colonies.

The delegation listened quietly to the opening phrases of the Bretonian hosts, signaling their wish to talk right afterwards. Seeing Crayter gets the first word, Shirai-san quickly prepared to make notes.
When it was finally their turn, it was not the Genrō to take the first word but the old man. He started to talk right away, skipping the formal bow or any other form of tradition. Was it out of spite towards people he considers unable to honor Kusari's values or due to his age? Only he would know.
"Fushima Sadafusa of the Fushima Shinnōke, the oldest cadet branch of the Imperial family. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."
His voice was almost shaky, yet calm and firm sounding.
"We thank you for starting off so.. quickly.. but I am afraid we will not yet address the Helios issue."
He ended his speech and Admiral Okamoto took over without a break.
"It would appear that the Crayter Republic felt uncomfortable about more than the Helios, our planned installation in Tau-31 seemed to displease you. Following your words, are we right to assume all concerns regarding this plan have been solved internally by the Crayter Republic?"
By his tone it was apparent that a sharp tongue was hiding behind the facade of his almost emotionless face, a sharp tongue just waiting to be unleashed.