Naval Operations Headquarters [Message Dump]

[Ophiuchi]

To: Machi-Bugyos Kenzo and Hara, KSP HQ, Osumi
cc: Taicho Sulu, Matsue
ID: Chujo Chijin, Yokohama

Konnichiwa,

I must extend humble and utmost apologies to the State Police for intruding upon civil matters in New Tokyo today, with unforseen and tragic consequences.

I regret my decision to intervene without a direct request from the KSP Officers on scene. There was much confusion, as several independant Hogosha and a number of traders were also in orbit of New Tokyo at the time.

I also submit myself to you, Taicho Sulu, for whatever inquiries or disciplinary action the Admiralty and Emperor may see fit to order. If necessary for the good of Kusari, my old friend, my resignation will be on your desk within the hour.

Affidavit begins:

The Chujo.Chijin launched from Roppongi after a briefing by IND Executive Staff on the status of their plans to construct new facilities in the Oita system, and was enroute back to Yokohama Yards.

Sensors informed the Bridge immediately of the presence of one hostile vessel, a pirate transport registered as the "ColecteurdesAmes". Further sensor readings were heartbreaking. This "Colecteur" was laden with human cargo, without even the benefit of accompanying food rations or water.

There seemed to be prolonged and confusing chatter over system comms regarding the disposition of this heinous slavetrader. I seem to recall offers of bribe money by the Colecteur, and an uproar from both the KSP and the Hogosha vessels present. I regret that I did not pause to observe and assess the situation before acting.

However, my sushi rose at the thought of those poor souls aboard the ship. I ordered Weps to target the slavetrader, and demanded the immediate release of the slaves. I did so without contacting the KSP for permission. I was in error. I accept full responsibility.

The Chijin activated both Inferno batteries, and took the transport's shields down in seconds. The trader's captain still did not comply, insisting that he had "paid 2 Million" to be allowed to leave. I was incensed by this preposterous claim, and ordered another inferno volley to take her regenerated shields down again, pursuant to dispatching Marines to board the vessel.

The Chijin then closed to within 200 meters of the vessel, sortie bays open and full of Marines with breaching gear; when to my surprise and dismay, the Colecteur powered engines and flew directly towards us, making a broad turn, almost grazing Roppongi, and attempting to reach the Shikoku tradelane.

It took several minutes for our crew to secure the boarding parties for full thrust speeds, and the possibility of weapons damage to Roppongi Station prevented us from engaging immediately; but the KSP vessels were quick to respond and disable the lane, and the Chijin again came to bear on the smuggler.

Still, the Colecteur did not heave to, and again reversed course in a close flyby. Our turret crews were able to track the vessel, keeping her shields low while the Chijin swung about in the direction of the Shinjuku lane.

We began to close again on the fleeing transport, when to my horror and amazement I realized that the Colecteur was veering towards New Tokyo, and was about to enter the planet's atmosphere.

I accept full responsibility for ordering all weapons hot while still 600 meters aft of the smuggler, reasoning that the rescue of some survivors was better than watching their total cremation during atmospheric entry.

I wish to commend and salute the valiant KSP, Black Dragon, and Indepedant Hogosha pilots who quickly responded to rescue as many survivors as possible. At the risk of their own lives, they flew perilously close to the planet's atmosphere and the burning debris.

The Chujo.Chijin's full complement of SAR Teams and Space Marines also performed heroically and selflessly during the aftermath of this tragic event. They are a credit to their Emperor and People.

Of the Colecteur's complement of crew and cargo, only 1200 slaves and two crewmen were recovered, found in 10 pressurized compartments which were miraculously blown clear of the destroyed transport. Almost 3000 souls were lost.

End Affidavit.

I humbly await your orders.

/signed

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<span style="color:#339999">Reg Waverly * Moira &quot;Kentigearan&quot; Waverly * Fnordette Sophie Noir</span>



<span style="color:#66CCCC">Sophie's on the Square * Veranda Incognita</span>