Inside the Tortured Sister

[Col_Lodden]

At the landing pad, the crews of the two Kusari ships made after flight sequence checks and at Takata's command descended from their ships into the huge, otherwise deserted bay, heavy boots creating strange metallic echoes in the brightly lit cavern.

In the near distance several figures strode purposefully across the bay floor..."Takata San! Good to see you." Proclaimed Sovreign Espi...."Welcome to our Palace! Ha! We shall be safe here in our discussions, away from prying eyes!" The pair shook hands in the Corsair way.... a measure of respect to the host leader.

"Many thanks Espi, Good to see you, it's been too long..." The pair appraised each other briefly. Then, with curt nods, agreed to move on.

"Sovreign Espi, I would like to introduce you to Commander Yamakazi of the Kempeitai, he has worked hard to obtain this meeting over many months, and whilst I was initially reluctant to assist, he has eventually persuaded me of the potential gains to be had."

"Sovreign Espi" .. Yamakazi leaned forward and grasped Espi's hand in the same way Takata had..

"Commander...." Espi shrewdly eyed the Kusari. "Welcome to our ...accomodation. Shall we proceed to the meeting room I have prepared? Refreshments await." And indicating a side door... "Your pilots can find relaxation in the crew room over there."

.......In Cantine 12, Coffee was poured and the leaders now sat around the table in the centre of the stark bunker.

Takata opened the meeting..."Gentlemen, please allow me to summarize the situation as I understand it, we may then discuss and see if there any advantages to be had from mutual cooperation."

"Essentially it is this...and I will be quite candid. Kusari is at war with Bretonia and the Kempeitai have been assigned the task of attempting to negotiate a presence on a base in this locality from which to launch countermeasure attacks on Bretonia as well as intelligence gathering missions and cargo disruption to enemies of the Emperor.

In return for this, the Commander believes he can offer great benefits to the Corsairs and would like the opportunity to outline his plan...."

Takata paused. "Yours is the table gentlemen. I believe I have fulfilled my promise to bring you together....I will stay for the duration of your discussions but will join or leave the room as required, I have brought you together in good faith. Please respect that."

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