[center][h3][b][u]The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center]

Those who had been paying attention to the social media and news of Musashi would have noticed an interesting trend. At one point there was a large degree of activity on those mediums that were encouraging an increasingly less isolationist stance for Musashi. Musashi had to interact with the outside world, but it had to do so with peaceful methods and intentions. Those who investigated the source of these messages unerringly came to the conclusion that they came from one source.

After the Laioning Crisis the social media and news scene changed drastically. Suddenly three distinct sources were pushing their agendas via those mediums. And increasingly they portrayed the galaxy beyond Musashi as a dark place. Propaganda suggested joining the army in preparation for the wave of darkness that was spreading throughout the galaxy. Other messages implied that Musashi had to act, and immediately, if it was to save itself from the barbarians who were even then at the gates. Even the peaceful anti-isolationist propaganda from before the crisis was taking on an increasingly nationalistic slant. It seemed that Musashi would stand alone against the horde of barbarians.

Those who were especially perceptive would note that those very messages changed the very night that members of the Imperial family met with representatives from the Dominion. There were three distinct messages being played out over social media and news. The first was that the Dominion were barbarians, but one’s that Musashi could work with. The second was that, although the Dominion and Confederation was barbaric, Musashi could and should work to civilize them both by othering a hand of friendship. The third message stated that Musashi should strive to work as equals with both the Confederation and Dominion. Interestingly enough all three messages also strongly supported some form of intervention in the Second Imperium. Only time would tell which of the three messages the people of Musashi bought into.

[center][h3][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center]
“Very interesting” The Emperor of Musashi said after Yuki had finished summarizing the meeting the three potential heirs had had with James Conrad and the others from the Dominion. As he looked down on the prince and princess of Musashi from his throne the Emperor asked “And what are your thoughts about the foreigners’ proposals?”

“We can trust them to uphold any agreement with us for only as long as it benefits them” Shoichi answered before Yuki could even open her mouth. “Having said that, I believe that having them aid us in invading the Second Imperium would be most useful. We can also use them as a counterbalance against the Confederation in the short term.”

“We should not view the Dominion simply as a tool” Yuki said with a shake of her head. “They have offered us a hand in friendship. If they simply wanted to use us they would have had no need to offer up portions of Earth. I agree with Shoichi in that having them aid us in stabilizing the Second Imperium would be most beneficial, but I also believe that the Dominion is trying to negotiate with us in earnest. Let us view a defensive pact as an opportunity at an even closer friendship; however, I cannot stress enough that we will have to work to allay Confederate fears of us allying with the Dominion to invade them.”

“And why would we ever want to do that?” Shoichi demanded, sneering at Yuki.

“Because they may launch a preemptive strike if they think we and the Dominion will form a single front against them.” Yuki calmly responded.

“Hah! Let them! Then the Dominion will HAVE to help us conquer the Confederation.” Shoichi didn’t bother to try and hide his smug smile. “You are so devious Yuki.”

Yuki scowled at Shoichi for a moment before forcing a neutral expression back onto her face. “I feel that, before we commence any military operations against the Second Imperium that we speak to the Imperial Remnant to ensure that they don’t decide to intervene.”

Shoichi frowned as he said “It wouldn’t do to fight both the Remnant and Second Imperium at the same time.”

“I agree” Saeko spoke up for the first time. “Let us ensure that the Remnant doesn’t stick its nose into our business.”

“We need to plan for the aftermath of this war.” Yuki commented. “How will we rebuild the Second Imperium’s government and in what form?”

“Rebuild?” Shoichi was shaking his head. “What’s the point of invading if we simply return what we took? No. We assume direction control of the planets we take.”

“Are you mad?” Yuki demanded. “We could never maintain direct control over all those worlds.”

“Not to mention the very real threat of cultural contamination.” Saeko added. “Perhaps we could divide the Second Imperium up into semi-autonomous territories that answer to the Emperor?”

“We will address this topic at a later date” The Emperor said with a raised hand to stifle any more debate. “For now our occupation policy will be left to the senior military officer in command at any given star system. As for the other items proposed by the Dominion… Musashi shall agree to a defensive pact and will gladly accept their offers of territory on Earth. Shoichi” The emperor turned his head to look at the man. “You are to have our armed forces prepare plans for the invasion. Yuki: You are to negotiate with the Remnant to ensure they stay out of things, then oversee our operations on Earth. Saeko: You are to make sure that the Confederation does not become a nuisance and aid Shoichi and Yuki in whatever ways you feel are necessary. You have your orders.”

The prince and princess each rendered a low bow before taking their leave. They each left with varying degrees of happiness and confidence, each already planning for the future. Each trying to guess the future move of the other. One thing was certain: war would soon envelop the region.