Paved With Daggers

[Zapp]

Chapter Three: ...The Paths Are Paved With Daggers

The brilliant suns of Kyushu graced the hull of the Luxury Liner. Iori Ishikawa, a pudgy businessman who had ascended to wealth and prestige through certain contacts in the Hogosha and Samura, reclined in his chair and sipped from a glass of sake. Just one on duty, and just because it was a cruise ship. The captain had to enjoy himself as well too, didn't he? Such a beautiful system. Their course was set for Tau 29, a system secured by the Naval Forces thanks to the war. He pressed a button which began the comm system.

"Konnichiwa, this is your captain speaking, if you look out a window on the port side of the ship you'll see the magnificent Kyushu luminaries. Truly one of the most beautiful systems in the Empire, no?"

It was his job to sell the moment. Instant gratification was a must on these journeys. He relaxed and let the bridge crew deal with the running of the ship.

"Sir! Trade lane disrupt in five seconds!"

He bit off an oath and slammed the comm system on again.

"All hands, hold onto something!"

Barely two seconds later the ship was jarred out of the lane. Facing it was a Kusari gunboat. The IFF was being scrambled for some reason, and the power signatures weren't consistent with the average Naval ship. What the hell was the Naval Forces doing disrupting lanes?

"Sir, they're hailing us."

Perturbed but trying to keep his cool, Iori nodded to himself and smoothed his uniform. "Put it through." A female voice, dainty yet firm, spoke:

"Konnichiwa. We have been informed that a wanted fugitive has stowed aboard your ship under false identity. He is a danger to the Empire and must be apprehended."

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