Takahashi, Mikako

[Bakamono]

*Ryoma Dialogue by Yaoquizque.

818 A.S -- Days before the the Tau Offensive...

Takahashi eyed the tactical plans speculatively, after her meeting with the Taisho she surmised that caution was wise. After some deliberation, she decided to share her results with someone outside of the taishos circle - someone she could trust.

Ryoma stood a little surprised at being woken at such an hour by such an unlikely guest. Takahashi displayed a moment of amused embarrassment as she realised her imposition. "I am sorry to disturb you Shōsa. I would not do so if it were not urgent. May I come in ?"

*Ryoma came back from a difficult patrol in Tau 23 a few hours ago. He finally managed to get some sleep. He glanced with uncertainty to the woman standing near the window. It took a while for him to finally recognize her*
*He suddenly stood up and stood to attention* "Errh... Shosho... Ah... My apologizes, i wasn't expecting you."
"Do not trouble yourself, it is my fault that I did not check your flight status. I need to speak to you on a matter of Kusari security Ryoma, I believe i can trust you ..you may wish to take a seat." *The shosho quickly began inspecting the room, lifting furniture and hangings. * "this will do." she said, satisfied she could find no listening devices.

*Ryoma relaxed somewhat and sat* "My apologies for the mess here...If you want a tea, i should have some somewhere..." *He then glanced at her, somewhat frowning* "Hmm... Takahashi-dono... You look troubled..."
"Hai I am less than serene Ryoma. Before i go any further, you know that I have been a loyal soldier, and love kusari. I think you do too, which is why I am telling you that the Taisho has given orders that I must defy. He has gone mad Ryoma, seeking to pull too many assets into the leeds conflict: leaving the core virtually unprotected. "

*He gave her a stern look* "If you are coming to me to seek a confirmation regarding what path you should take, or to seek forgiveness, i cannot help you. You and only you are accountable of your actions before Kusari Empire. That said... What do you mean exactly by "too many assets"?
"Hai: gomen-nansa - you must see it to believe it ." *After clearing a few things from a table, the woman reached into her uniform, drew out and unfurled a tactical map marked with ship designations and movements* "and Hai, I will take full responsibility for whatever happens upon the Taishos return. But i will need your help and that of officers you can trust.". She proceeded to activate a display showing the reconaissance data on the gallic fleets approach.
"Hmm..."*He stares at the map, frowning*
"Is the Emperor pushing to finally get a noticeable victory out of this bloodbath?"
"Hai - I believe so, the final offensive is being made - but at too great a cost." *she points at wing movements from honshu and new tokyo, highlighting the fact that no reserve could be called upon to move in *
That leaves a handfull of heavy units in the Empire. *He nods* That operation could work.
But i agree. The risk is high. What... What do you have in mind, Shosho? *He glances suspiciously at her*
"Hai well, I have been ordered to the front, along with those under my command, I am not going to Seto, I am going to stay here and defend our house and people. if necessary, I will seek to intercept leaving forces and convince them to stay."
Clearly, you are talking here about treason and treachery. *He stops, thinking for a while* The others members of the high command? What is their position?

"Hai, this could be seen as treason, and I will not pretend that I have not wrestled with the notion. But my conscience is clear - in knowing that I will be doing what is right for kusari. my loyalty to our house remains the same. " *she looked to the ground before speaking on* "the other members of High command may be part of the Taishos madness. I know that Kagakagari has ordered a great number of his subordinates to join the front. And Ryu has not attended a high command conference lately, he has remained outside of this mess- I can only assume that he is cautious and will not send his men to seto. "
We have an unknown and a known then... And the known won't side with you. This situation is perilous... I think... The priority would be to identify who are our foes and are allies here.
We cannot advance, fearing to be backstabbed at any moment.
Then... How to retain enough warriors to defend the Empire.
Because if that relocation plan is fully done, we will never be able to defend ourselves against Dragon, GMG, Outcasts... And who else *he shrugs softly*
"Hai - it is a delicate situation, and I wil not lie to you - it may end with violence. This is why i need level-headed people like you who will stay loyal to the Empire - no matter what the taisho says. I know of a few who will stay loyal, but Kagakagaris men are devout - they will not bend: it is with them i foresee violence."

*He allows himself a quick chuckle* That was always a problem... The loyalty to the individual is different from the loyaltly to the position or the title. You should keep your intention hidden for now, act is if you were following that injection from the Emperor.
Keep behind those you think who can be reasoned with.
Once enough of those you don't trust will be moved, then maybe we will have a small chance to succeed.
"Hai exactly" *Taka laughed relievedly* "That is a wise course of action. I am glad that you see clearly Ryoma, I took a risk coming to you today. Soon the last of the seto forces will move, and we may have to face our own. could i take you up on that offer of tea now?"
*He gets up and starts to look uneasily in the drawers* I know i had some... Somewhere. If i can ask... Why are you taking that risk? *Cleans quickly two bowls and finally prepares some tea. He finally offers her one bowl* Here.

*Taka bowed her head * "Arigato, It has been made clear to me lately that the taisho has become increasingly paranoid. His plans lack his usual care, and I have information on Gallic fleets poised to strike in frightening numbers. It must be obvious from our movements that we are undermanned, soon the dragons will take advantage - it is only a matter of timing. It is for these reasons that I came to you now, this one movement will affect the forces forever and it is only now that it can be executed."
*He sighs* This war cost a lot to Kusari people. I'm afraid it's not over. What can i do?
"All i can ask of you is to stand fast, speak to your fellow officers and find out who is loyal to Kusari, and who is not. When the time comes: we will have to use force against our own. I want you to stand with us. The only solace i can hold to is that I have asked for restraint. No kusari units will be firing on escape pods, and will be aiming for engines and weapons. We do not want any unecessary loss of life. "
I will... However...I do hope we will be able to follow the old code and deal with this without involving any civilian population. This includes the IMG. Will you order to open fire premptively? Or only in self defense? I must know. And so must my men.
"Hai, I do not wish any civilians involved, though i fear the Chujo may have additional support. I will ask for pre-emptive fire on the Chujos vessel - in order to disable it. any other units should not be targetted unless they commit to fire."
Where and when do you plan to do this?
"As soon as the Chujo takes his forces through Kyushu, headed for tau 29"

*He sighs once again* I wonder when i will have time to find some sleep with all this *Smiles poorly* Hmm *He thinks for a while* Did you ask some support outside of the naval forces? I know this may sound wrong but..
"Eya, no, i could not trust Gaijin and did not want to endanger civilians. I have asked for non-combat support from some police and kishiro. In order to gain lane control and control traffic. And Hai, it is a tiresome burden, but it will all be over soon." *she rose and straightened her uniform.* "Arigatou for hearing me Ryoma, I will leave you to take some rest, I would not have you exhausted for the fight to come."
I cannot, sadly. I must see my subordinates and my fellow officers. I know a few who can be trusted. I have to decide for the others, and it cannot wait *He is already looking for some stims*
"Hai, very well. I will contact you soon - stay sharp, I will see you out there Ryoma."
*He follows her to leave the small quarters and salutes her after he closed the door. He then walks out quickly*