Paved With Daggers

[Zapp]

[color=white]Seiran Dust Cloud, Kyushu system
Present Day

The KNS Kataki plowed through the blue mists with apparent ease, though in reality it was some of the most treacherous space to navigate. Radiation was not a problem, but the sensor-scrambling soup made for tough going, especially coupled with such poor visibility.

"Captain?" said the most junior of the officers on the deck, the comm officer. "Do you hear that?"

"No. What is it?" Sachiko asked, not too interested. On patrol in this mess, certain... delusions weren't uncommon.

He simply stared blankly ahead. "Officer?" she inquired, concern growing. Then he whispered one word.

"Ouya."

Her face went pale. It was the name of her brother, who had gone missing on a patrol -- the entire wing had fallen off radar in Tohoku, and search parties turned up no sign of their ships. Some of them went missing themselves. All efforts were abandoned, and the system was sealed off except for the most veteran of pilots, who continued to keep a vigilant eye out.

Concern turned to wonder. "Officer? What is it?"

In response, he got up from his seat, walked over to the helm controls, and set a new waypoint over the protest of the helmsman. With a stern word, Sachiko made him acquiesce. The course was set, and then Sachiko heard it too... the whispering voice. It was comfort and peace, because she heard her brother, who she had missed very much. And then...

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