Perspective

[Meiun]

So, I fly back to Dublin and meet up with Dexter. The ol' boy gives me this rap like he doesn't remember because of his age... and all of that. Well, that ended quick when we pulled the bartender aside and asked for his perspective. Everyone bows to bartenders!

"How about a lap?"
"Naw, I'll be late. I need to get up to... my next appointment." I said, and desparately tried to hide details. I chose my words poorly.

"Ah, where ya going? I've got some folks up in Kusari space scouting for the sector scuttlebutt. You have anything to add?"

One thing's for sure, nothing slips past this old crow. His eye has always been sharp, and he had me on the line. So, I was just straight with him.

"Look, Dexter, I need a fighter, clothed and shined. I can't really tell you more than that right now. But I'll send word to you as I can. What do you say? For old time's sake?"

"Sure, sport. You've earned it. No hard feelings?" Dexter extended his hand.

Whew, that was close. I grabbed that Cavalier and jetted out of there as fast as I could manage. Dexter had it fit with a superb shield and I threw in the modifications I had salvaged off of the Dauntless.
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I arrived at Kyoto under heavy suspicion! My every move was monitored from the moment I left the Hood. I'm sure Dexter had spies about, as did KNF. Luckily my years as a pilot and trader have opened up a wide map of options for evasive and speedy travel.

Kyoto is an obscure place. After chasing the Blood Dragon's livery boys off of the Cavalier, the Daimyo greeted me on the landing pad.

"Konichiwa, Meiun Hazaken. You are welcomed among the Kenin of the Blood Dragons."

I bowed promptly, reliving my Kusari heritage in my mind, "Konichiwa," I really didn't know what more to say. I was led to a briefing room surrounded by intense security. My eyes quickly took account of the side arms and Wakizashi visible by their wielders... and yet I felt welcomed and very safe.

"I understand you have experience with the KNF?"

I'm no fool. I knew that the Daimyo had full access and knowledge of my past. "Hai," I replied.

"Wise. To boast of one's past is to invite defeat."

"Agreed. Shall we proceed to the mission briefing?" I said in trepidation.
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We flew out to Tau-31 via Planet Malta. The wide route used to cover our tracks. It was a quiet run and gave me time to gather some info on the fellas I was flying beside. All told there were 27 of us on the mission. Two Dragon gunboats, and 9 Dragon fighters.

I'm the decoy... of course. That's why I have the light fighter, and why it's bretonian. That's also the small bit of information my fixer failed to brief me on... but I had suspected as much. No problem.

My job, in essence is to lure the Bretoni guarding the Tau-29 gate off to the Tau-29 jump hole. I, of course, am Kusari by birth. My accent is fairly thick still despite all my years away from Kusari space.

"This is Bretonian Cruiser Alpha 4-2 to Bretonian Light Fighter Iota 1-1. What is your destination?"

"Uh, Hai. This is er, uh. Harro." I blew open the afterburners and high tailed it back toward the hole. I didn't kick the cruise engines because I wanted to make sure they pursued.

"To all Bretonian in system! Kusari hijacked light fight running toward Tau-29 jump hole. Pursue and open fire. Repeat, open fire!"

The first of them to pursue me, a heavy fighter, locked on to me. I evaded and kicked in the cruise. Missile lock. Evade. Cruise. I've played this game one too many times, pal. Acting confused and erratic, I pulled off through the trade lane, then turned toward planet Harris. This allowed me to get a good count. I made out 4 gunboats, 6 heavy fighters... and a cruiser! Evade! Good thing I'm in a light fighter!

On a private channel I sent the info to my party awaiting on the other side of the jump hole. I crippled my ship just as I got in range of the jump hole by uncoupling the cruise and choking the engine, sending sparks and smoke out the tail... and old trader trick.

"Bogey is taking fire! Pursue, pursue!" I heard over the system comms.

"Now, now, now!" Swarmed by heavy fighters, blitzing gunfire from heavy turrets, missiles, countermeasures, and mines everywhere... Then, in through the Jump Hole; salvation. The battle ensues.
I'd have paid a million credits to see the faces on the bridge of those gunboats when 11 Dragon ships came pouring through the jump hole. My mission here was a success. Private channel message incoming, "Arigato, Meiun-san. Head through the jump hole, sir."

I didn't want to leave them there, but I was in a light fighter. The plan did not call for me to engage, only to lure... It wasn't a trap to kill Bretonians, this whole mission was a decoy. The Daimyo made it through the system unnoticed. Those brave Blood Dragons fought hard, to the death for many of them, and the others I'm sure were detained and questioned... all for the sake of their Daimyo.
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I returned to Dublin swiftly. Onboard the Hood I grabbed a suite, entertained some friends, and awaited word through Interlink. Dexter and I had a several long conversations about honor and duty. His insight struck me, "Observance of perfection inspires."

Indeed. I have been inspired by the Blood Dragons and their perfect execution, and their unselfish loyalty, to their own abandonment, for the sake of their Daimyo... I am inspired.

The Daimyo would later tell me, "The control of information is the key to planning." I did not know the Daimyo's destination, or his purpose. I knew only my part in his plan. Dexter Hovis and his network didn't have a clue as to the Daimyo's whereabouts the entire time I awaited word aboard the Hood.
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Back at Kyoto 9 days later I met up with the Daimyo and his Kenin. After a brief ceremony with this small party, I was thanked with access to the Talarca Light Cruiser! I presented my credits without hesitation, and promptly contacted Baer to let him know the mission was a success and to uphold our end of the agreement as Zoners.

The Daimyo presented a brief outlining his desire to purchase certain Fury models... I asked no further questions; his credits were good.

Our time together nearing an end, I wanted to take a moment to express my thanks and admiration to the Daimyo and his Blood Dragons, but quite unceremoniously, "Your time here is done, Meiun-san." And he was gone.

I climbed aboard the new Dauntless... oh, what a sweet ship! Unmatched in its class for manueverability, solid turret coverage at all trajectories, really cool wings! I couldn't wait to fly her. I had hired two crewmen to help me fly her to Freeport 11, after a short stop at Toledo for outfitting.

...and that's how a Zoner gets a Talarca Cruiser. Now, she's ready to be called upon for Freeport Defense anywhere in the Sirius Sector. Inbetween, I am free to fly her using the star data charting equipment used in the original Dauntless. This time, the crew was hand selected by me. No more trigger happy fool at the helm when I'm trying to sleep.

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Perspective||DSV-Dauntless||Apocolypse||Razalgul||Joe.Smith