Attention, unidentified ship. State your business or you will be destroyed.
As the asteroid base diverted 3 patrol ships towards the new contacts' approach vector, a familiar voice started broadcasting on a Chrysanthemum code to all ships in the area, causing the Storta to release the lock-on.
Kyoto Base, I am Aosoraki of the Kiretsu. I have arrived late for the hearing. Requesting landing clearance.
Ah, Miss Kureshiwa. Bring yourself in. Someone is waiting for you.
As her vessel lowered its shields in preparation for docking, two Consortium vessels flew out at an unsafe velocity. The Seijin did not turn to look. Instead, she focused her vision on Zetsumai, who seemed to be yelling at the mechanics to remove the refueling equipment on the double. When the platform was clear, Aosoraki entered a 6-digit code into her vessel's computer. The proximity sensors were activated and only Keisotsu and her knew what was going on. The radiant young woman descended from her cockpit and approached her friend, smiling.
Reaching out into her shoulder, she gently combed a small lock of hair over Zet's ear, and greeted her:
O genki desu ka, oneesan?
Zetsumai smiled, but then smirked over at two guards over her left shoulder. Aosoraki looked without subterfuge. They seemed to be murmuring about them, but it didn't matter to her. She was already used to the indecency whenever men were at power.
"I am sorry I did not show up earlier. I hope the old fool's mind was not yet consumed by expensive shoshu. Was that half-man annoying?"
"Oh, very. And I think the Taishogun well understands my position, although he might be pretending in front of the crowd."
"Ah? Do you think the Consortium can offer them more than us? The Dragons abide by honor, shouldn't credits be something immaterial in such a meeting?"
"Let's hope they live up to those morals, Aosoraki."
The woman paused. She seemed to be stressed by the escalating tension, but not enough to waste it in a futile display of emotion.
"We will be ready, one way or the other."
"I am here for you, sister. I will attentively participate in the next session if you agree I should."
Suddenly, Misoraki turned her head to her right. Realizing what had happened, she looked down and closed her eyes. She thought to herself, softly pronouncing the last word: When will they stop being so clumsy..?
Keisotsu noticed one of the Dragon guards had incidentally triggered the proximity alarm in Aosoraki's Blossom. Clumsy indeed, she thought. Perhaps they will be clumsy enough to reveal their true intentions? Or could their hearts be more pure than what we expected?
"It is a cold universe until you know God as your Father, and then it becomes a home. Even the next life simply becomes the Father's house, home."
—David Pawson
