Somwhere in Chugoku

[Thor]

Somewhere in Kusari Space

Now what is it exactly that you are offering Commodore? intoned the man across the onyx table. And be quick about it, I dont have all day. The finely dressed man leaned back in his chair and stared straight at the Naval Officer. His golden uniform, made of the finest silks that were the pride of Kusari, was neatly pressed and decorated with numerous commendations. A distinct contrast to the man he sat across from, whose own blue wool uniform looked like it had been worn for quite some time. Despite the tension in the room and the Kusari mans intent gaze, Commodore Adamson did not reply right away. When he did, his voice was even and measured.

You know what we have to offer, Masaru-san. I must say Im surprised to see you so reluctant. That is not your reputation. A small smile flicked across the Commodores lips. The Dragon Officer stared at him for a second more and then a smile crept onto his face as well.

And Im surprised to see that you play these games so well, that is not your reputation. He smiled. Leaning forward he picked up the papers before him and motioned to one of his aids who promptly produced a pen. In a quick and graceful gesture he affixed his signature next to that of his counter-part and the deal was complete. He turned his gaze back to the Commodore and said Now when can we expect the first of the shipments?

The first transport has been dispatched already, Masaru-san. The Porter will arrive in Honshu two days from now. He replied. The money will hit your accounts tonight after I verify the numbers.

Excellent. said Masaru. I have no doubt that everything will go as promised. Masaru motioned to a man near the door who picked up a tray. He moved swiftly to the table and set it down. Quickly he offered Commodore Adamson and Masaru a pair of small ceramic cups in the shape of dragons egg with a greenish liquid inside.

Saki? said the Commodore raising an eyebrow.

No. laughed Masaru. Tea. I am still on duty. Raising his cup, Masaru said To new friends and old enemies. And drained his cup.

To new friends repeated Commodore Adamson who drank his own cup. The green liquid burned as it went down and almost made the man cough.

Now to other business. Said Masaru, his voice returning to serious tones. There is still the issue of the missing government recon squadron. Im afraid that the dosi know you are here. The Commodore shifted in his seat and let out a sigh.

I was afraid of that. Was all he said.

I would love to join you for dinner, Commodore but I am afraid that time is of the essence and we must go now. Every minute we sit here greatly increases our risk of being found. Masaru began packing all his files into a small briefcase while his aids began to expertly pack the remaining gear. And Im afraid this ship of yours is far too big. Why they sent you here to us in a Dreadnaught I will never understand. He finished stuffing papers into his satchel and turned toward the door. The Commodore gestured to one of the marines posted at the door.

I understand completely Captain Masaru, we have to get underway ourselves. Turning to the marine he said. Show the Captain and his men to their ship. The marine saluted smartly and moved for the door ahead of the Dragon Captain and his men.

Commodore, on behalf of the Blood Dragons, I thank you for your hospitality and your generosity. Masaru said as he reached the door. May the stars be kind to you.

And to you as well, Captain. Returned Adamson. I look forward to meeting again some day.

We will Commodore. Replied the dragon. We will. And with that they were gone.

On his way to the bridge, Commodore Adamson reflected on the deal he had just made. In exchange for protection of Liberty shipments in Kusari space and an alliance if the war with Bretonia spilled over into Liberty, he had promised a small fortune in credits and arms shipments. Furthermore the Blood Dragons had demanded sizable shipments of food and medical supplies as well. How they were going to keep the Kusari government from discovering these shipments were beyond him but Captain Masaru had assured him that he would handle everything. The credits were easy. Smuggling weapons and supplies in with consumer goods to Honshu was something else entirely. If the Kusari ever found out it could hasten the war that Adamson was sure was on the horizon. Pushing these dark thoughts aside he stepped onto the bridge of the LNS Valhalla just in time to see the sleek Dragon Cruiser pull away and enter cruise.

Situation Report he called. The answer was quick in coming.

Sir, the BDC Bushido had departed. Tactical holds no contacts. All decks report ready sir. Reported Cmdr. Snow, the Valhallas capable first officer.

Very good. Said the Commodore as he sat down in his chair. Helm, take us to the Omicron Delta jump hole, full ahead. He could feel the slight jolt that accompanied the ships acceleration.

Ahead full aye. Reported the helmsman. ETA is 13 min.

Several minutes passed by as the crew went about their duties. Commodore Adamson let his mind play over again the meeting with Masaru. If this mission was successful, he mused, then maybe we have given Liberty the edge they need in preventing a war with Kusari. At least the advantage if it came to open battle. His thoughts were interrupted by Cmdr. Snow who was looking over the Comm station and conferring with the Ensign at the controls.

Mr. Snow, what is it? he asked.

Turning the Commander said Sir, I dont know but the Comm is acting strangely. The sensor returns look distorted. Im having a diag run but the equipment looks fine. He looked down to verify some readout.

Tactical, the Commodore called out. Whats your status? He called up the Comm display on his own terminal.

Nothing unusual sir, though I am getting a lot of interference. Possibly an anomaly. The Lieutenant replied.

Helm, ETA to jumphole? asked Adamson.

Two minutes. Came the reply. Something wasnt right. Adamson could feel it. Looking at the Comm display he saw it a second too late.

TAC, mines to port! Shouted the Lt. as klaxons peeled out their warning. Too late.

Helm, hard to starboard, full reverse yelled Adamson but his command was cut off by the sudden, bone shattering jolt of a mine explosion. The entire universe rocked like a drunken sailor as the floor became the ceiling and the bulkhead rattled like tin cans. Several seconds went by before Adamson gained his bearings again. Somehow the helmsman had managed to stop their forward flight and they hung motionless with mines just meters from the hull. Out the view port more mines glinted in the dying light of the distant sun. Suddenly the Tactical console rang out an eerie warning. It took a moment for the Commodore to realize the sound meant incoming torpedoes, and that the lieutenant at tactical was slumped over unconscious.

Helm, evasive action! Maneuver epsilon! Get us out of here! he shouted above the noise. He vaguely heard the acknowledgment from the helm. He started towards the tactical station but was beat to it by Cmdr Snow.

Countermeasures away! He cried. Multiple bogies! Theyre all over us! said Snow. The Valhalla lurched backwards away from the field of death and swung around only to find several vessels bearing down on her from the void. Death flashed from every point. Oh my God. Thought the Commodore.

Battle stations! He cried


Chapter two...let me know what you think

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<span style="color:#CCCCCC">&quot;BOLT FROM THE HEAVENS&quot;

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&quot;Nobody ever won a war by dying for his country, you win wars by making the sorry SOB's die for theirs!&quot;