[center][h3][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center] “Conrad-sama, the Emperor has made a decision” Princess Yuki said as she entered the room and bowed to James. This time she had come alone, except for the pair of guards she had left out in the hall. “He has agreed to a defensive pact with the Dominion and gladly accepts your offer of territory on Earth.” She paused before adding “And he has given the order to prepare for the intervention in the Second Imperium.” As Yuki walked in alone James gave a small bow and slowly took off his mask. When Yuki James began to nod before answering “That is wonderful news,Yuki-Denka. I’ll have to inform Faust about this. Though, Yuki-Denka who would I speak to in order to coordinate our attacks against the Second Imperium for the full effect?” “Shoichi has been tasked with preparing our armed forces.” Yuki said with poorly disguised disdain. “But if you really wanted to strategy you would be better served discussing the matter with some of our generals or admirals. I know that Admiral Lian will be assigned a portion of the front. He wouldn’t be a bad choice to speak to.” She gave a slight shrug. “But as I said, military preparations were left to Shoichi. I’ve been ordered to speak to the Imperial Remnant, to make sure they stay on the sidelines, before heading to Earth.” “Thank you very much for the information I shall have to speak with some of them and shall I notify Faust of your visit so he is better prepared or do you plan on sending Rong-San ahead for you.” James asked raising his eyebrow slightly. “No” Yuki said with a slight shake of her head. “I’d like to meet with Faust-sama personally. And I’ll probably have something else to keep Rong occupied anyways.” She paused for a moment before adding “It is my hope to obtain permission to move one of our fleets through Remnant space to Earth.” “Hopefully Uther is as welcoming to you as he was to myself. Though if this is all I do hope you have a safe journey Yuki-Denka.” James said with a small smile. “I thank you Conrad-sama” Yuki said. “Now if you would excuse me I have some last minute preparations to make before leaving for the Remnant.” She rendered a low bow before taking her leave. [center][b]***** ***** *****[/b][/center] “You requested my presence?” Admiral Lian Yunxu asked as he entered the room. The admiral swept into a low bow, removing his mask as he did so. “I am Admiral Lian Yunxu, formerly commander of all Musashi navy forces near the Confederate border.” He didn’t seem concerned with revealing his face to Kau Rong and Morinth, who were present. In fact he turned to the woman as he rose and gave her a respectful nod. As James turned around he smiled underneath his mask and said “Hello, Admiral. Indeed I had hoped to speak to you about the upcoming invasion plans for the 2nd Imperium and what the main strategy was so that I may further report them to Faust and those within the Dominion high command.” “Certainly” The admiral said as he found a seat. “Yuki-hime had indicated that you might want to speak about that.” He frowned for a moment before stating “We are still in the process of determining our strategy. We do have plans that we made previously, plans that most of my peers and I would prefer to pursue. Hopefully Shoichi-denka won’t interfere in our operations too much.” Lian placed a small cube on the table before him and, by pressing a button on one of its surfaces, had it project a map of the Second Imperium in the air before them. “What we would like to do is charge into the Second Imperium with overwhelming force, sweeping aside all hostile navy assets we can find till we reach this point.” He dragged his finger along a line roughly halfway through the Second Imperium’s territory. “We have good cause to believe that the Second Imperium’s defenses will quite small due to their ongoing conflicts to their north.” He paused for a moment to clear his throat before continuing “Once our navy has established a defensive line here we will take our asserting direct control over the planet's behind our line. In all likelihood we will focus our efforts on critical planets in the short term, seeking to establish supply lines and take important defensive and industrial sites. Past that what we do will be determined by the Second Imperium’s response.” James nodded as he put his hands on the table “Morinth, how you think the Dominion High command will handle the invasion. If I recall you had served within the military before becoming a Justicar.” James said turning his head. Morinth gazed at the table before standing, pointing along the Core imperiums northern border. “In all honesty, this plan had been worked out long ago by Faust, albeit this was before any help of Musashi existed. My own observations was along the northernmost front, Dominion warships would blockade the Horde while smaller elements skipped the occupied worlds, instead hitting shipyards, space stations. Really anything that would allow the second imperium to operate outside a planet.” She looked around the table, “Though I could see various Dominion fleets dedicated to hunting the Imperiums ships branching off.” She sat down and looked about the room, “This plan however hinged on the Core Imperium not interfering. If they were to do so, we would be strained to maintain lines of supply.” “Well, hopefully Yuki-Denka will be able to get Uther to stay out of the war. If we’re not lucky and he does join the Varangians may join in in the defensive war. But in either case it seems as though we’re set for a full strike against the Imperium. The other problem however would be the Barbarians that lay outside the 2nd Imperium. Admiral does the Empire plan to deal with the threat as well or are you planning on a defensive strategy once you reach that line.” James said as he grabbed the bottom of his mask where his chin would be thinking. “Personally I would prefer to set up a defensive line and consider what options we have” Lian answered after a moment. “But I’m fairly certain that Shoichi-denka and Admiral Soh would like to simply keep pushing north and fight an offensive war against the barbarians. To be perfectly honest though I have not been informed of what our post war policy will be.” Kau Rong let out a long sigh before commenting “The Imperial court is clearly divided on what to do.” “Clearly” Lian agreed with a sigh of his own. “I suspect we will ultimately end up conducting an offensive campaign against them.” “And Morinth do you believe the Dominion will push into the barbarian lands or simply hold them at bay?”James said as he turned back to Rong and Morinth “Well.” she said, shaking her head. “This plan was devised before Earth was even an option. A major force was deployed to earth along with a large naval group in reserve in case there was any betrayal by the Core Imperium. I’m honestly not sure if the Dominion would push into Horde lands. Even though the Dominion force is vast, there is still much they would have to consider.” “I’m certain that Yuki-hime would prefer to form a coalition of sorts to deal with the barbarians. Spread the cost of the engagement across a number of affected countries” Rong commented. “But given the political climate in Musashi right now.... I’m not sure she would see much support for her plan.” Lian was already shaking his head “I doubt either Shoichi-denka or Saeko-denka would go along with that idea.” Morinth nodded, “Why not try and get the Core Imperium to join in this? Perhaps persuaded to by the collective threat that the Horde possesses?” “Yuki-hime was considering that” Rong said with a nod. “She’d even contemplated trying to get the Core Imperium to join in the war against the Second Imperium, although she was shut down by her cousins. Still… if the Dominion was willing to support her I’m sure she’d be more than happy to try and recruit the Core Imperium into our anti-horde coalition.” “While I believe a coalition would be the best way to deal with the Horde I don’t think it would be right to interfere with Internal Musashi politics. That being said perhaps I could speak to Saeko-Denka or Shoichi-Denka about the issue. But I believe asides from that the invasion plan looks fine and unless you wish to bring anything else up Admiral. Morinth and I should report this to Faust and the Dominion.” James said with a smirk underneath his mask “I have some matters I need to attend to as well” Lian said as he rose to his feet. “So I will be taking my leave. Should you need to discuss this matter further” He said as he put his mask back on, “You may want to consider speaking to Admiral Kirisaka as I may not be available.” He rendered a bow before making his exit. “Shall I give you your privacy?” Rong asked, one hand poised to put her mask on. Morinth sighed and turned to Rong, “Sadly I suppose so.” she said softly. Her attention was quickly changed to James as she stood up. “Alright Conrad. Lets get this over with.” Her back was turned to him quickly as she exited the room towards the holo-room. James was surprised as she walked out, “Anyways it was a pleasure to have you here again Rong-San. I suppose I should go and give the report now. I hope to see you soon.” James then stood up and followed her out of the room and toward the holo-room ----holo room----- This was a place James had seen once before. Inside Morinth had already prepared the two was between them and the Maledict. “Here’s hoping he is actually there.” She said while activating the device. A rough flicker of light indicated a connection but Faust’s voice was not the responder, “Hello.” the voice simply said. Morinth was quick to reply, “Yes, I need to speak to Faust.” Followed by a pause, “I am unhappy to report that Faust is currently unavailable. Certain matters have come to his immediate attention. He has ordered me to take any message regarding the situation in Musashi. These messages will be sent post haste.” James nodded as he took off his mask and held in his arm. “Simply inform him we have spoken to the Musashi about their general plan for the invasion of the Second Imperium. We’d like to speak with Faust about it. As well Yuki plans to meet with Faust after she’s spoken to Uther so do inform him of that. Anything else to add Morinth?” James said as he turned towards her. Morinth for once, seemed to agree with James fully, “Indeed, what he says is the truth.” With an professional tone, the voice replied, “Yes sir, I will be sure to deliver this immediately.” “Then I believe that is all.” James said swiftly and ended the communication. [center][b]***** ***** *****[/b][/center] As James entered the holo-room he gave a small bow before giving a quick glance around the room seeing as no one was around he took off his mask and greeted her “Hello, Saeko-Denka. If we may speak about some issues I’d be most honored.” James said with a smile. Saeko didn’t immediately respond, her gaze was evidently fixed on the incredibly realistic hologram of some massive wall that seemed to stretch on forever. She made a gesture and suddenly Saeko and James were standing in the midst of a forest of cherry blossom trees. “What is it you would like to speak of Conrad-dono?” As James rose an eyebrow he was confused as to what Saeko was doing. “I wanted to speak to you about Yuki’s proposal on a coalition to defeat the hordes.” James said while looking around and admiring the fauna. “You are not permitted to refer to her without honorifics” Saeko sternly said. She turned to look at James, her face still hidden behind her mask. “And what is this about a coalition to defeat hordes? What hordes?” “Apologies Saeko-Denka I meant Yuki-Denka’s proposal that the Dominion,Musashi and the Remnants form a coalition to deal with the Barbarian hordes that lay beyond the Second Imperium and will become an increasing threat once the second Imperium is destroyed.” James said as he stood at attention looking toward Saeko. “Ah the Remnants” Saeko seemed to ponder something for a moment. “They are little more than the decaying remains of a dying culture. There is nothing to gain from dealing with them.” She slowly shook her head as she turned away and started to walk through the holographic forest, gesturing for James to walk with her. “They are weak, just like the Second Imperium. We will not need their aid and obtaining such ‘aid’ will serve only to weaken our own ability to educate these barbarian hordes.” James once again raised his eyebrow confused “Saeko-denka, what do you mean educate?” James followed her through the fake forest. “It has always been, and always will be, the duty of the cultured and civilized to spread their culture to those who are less fortunate.” Saeko answered. By this point the pair had walked a distance far further than was capable given the room’s size, yet despite walking in a straight line they had yet to bump into any sort of wall. “It is to the benefit of all when this is done.” James began to nod slowly “That is very true. So then I take if after the war the Empire will take all the planets it occupies?” James asked while trying not to notice they’ve begun to walk around the immense holo-room “How else would we share our culture with them?” Saeko answered with a question. “I suppose you are correct. Saeko-Denka shouldn’t we have hit the end awhile ago?” James asked confused as to how they could keep going. “One would think” Saeko said before letting out a soft chuckle. “However the human mind is surprisingly easy to trick. We believed that we were walking in a straight line while this room actually tricked us into walking in circles.” She sounded quite amused. “Even I am unable to reach a wall despite knowing about the trick.” The cherry blossoms began to fade away after she made a gesture, leaving the pair in a dull room. “And here we are, right where we started.” James gave a soft chuckle to the thought of a Human mind. “Indeed the Human mind is very easy to trick, Though I suppose it is the way our god had intended otherwise we may one day rival him.” James said again with a soft chuckle. “The gods need not resort to trickery,” Saeko disagreed, “ when they can control all within the universe. We are but grains of sand in comparison.” She paused for a moment before saying “As much as I would love to continue our conversation, Conrad-dono, I fear that I have an appointment that I must attend to. We shall have to speak another time.” [center][h3][b][u]Confederate Embassy, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center] The embassy of the Sovereign Star Confederation had risen rapidly from the moment construction had begun, and even now the higher levels were still being added as officials started their move into the building. The sense of urgency had been present from the very beginning, and with news of the Dominion meddling in Musashi’s affairs things had only become more frenzied. Throughout the glass and marble building people moved with purpose even as the paint dried, and the new Chief Diplomat kept his foot on the accelerator. Steve Woolsey, former Chancellor of the New British Republic, had been a most unusual choice for the position. Generally ex-Chancellors were considered VIPs to be guarded, but the circumstances of his appointment as Chief Diplomat to Musashi had been extraordinary to say the least. After his resignation there had been a wedge driven into the British parliament, with some demanding him restored to the position and others outright calling for his arrest. It became clear to the party that a resignation was insufficient, and in a final effort to distance him from his own nation he’d been ‘generously’ offered the position. It was that very same Steve Woolsey who now sat at a desk older than the nation he represented in a temporary office overlooking the atrium at the center of the building, contemplating both his position and the task at hand. Soon enough he would meet with Princess Yamamoto Saeko, niece to the current Emperor, though he could only guess at why. The Princess had called it an ‘official meeting’ but Woolsey had his own suspicions. With news of the Dominion opening relations as well things had become tense, a situation Musashi no doubt hoped to control before a repeat of Liaoning. A notification appeared on the holographic screen before him noting the Princess had arrived, and with a shrug Woolsey donned the ceremonial mask that’d been provided to him for operations within Musashi. A simple yet lustrous black anodized titanium with a golden torch inlaid on the forehead the mask war far from ostentatious, but it held a very clear meaning. The door opened, allowing a woman wearing a fine silver and black hanfu to enter. Her face was covered by a simple silver plated mask in the image of a young woman, the eyes and mouth were made out of what appeared to be obsidian or a similar type of stone. The woman rendered a low bow as she said “I thank you for agreeing to meet with me.” She slowly rose from her bow as she introduced herself. “I am Yamamoto Saeko, princess of Musashi.” Giving a bow of his own and removing his mask Woolsey replied in kind, “It is my pleasure Princess, I am Steve Woolsey, former Chancellor of the New British Republic and now Chief Diplomat of the Confederation to your great nation. Please,” he gestured to the padded chair across from his desk, “Take a seat.” “Thank you Woolsey-dono” Saeko said as she sat down. For a moment she considered keeping her mask on, but ultimately decided to remove it. Yuki had spoken to her, at length, as to what she should do and speak about and, while it didn’t quite mesh with her goals for the future, the Emperor had been clear that he wanted no trouble from the Confederation at this time. “Do you know what they call you here in the Empire? ‘The most reasonable man in the Confederation.’” She let out a soft chuckle, before speaking again with a more stern voice. “Before we begin I would like to make it clear that what we are about to talk about should be considered confidential and that leaking the contents of this meeting to outside sources would be considered a hostile act.” Woolsey eyed Saeko for a second before replying, “Of course Princess, the Confederation understands the need for discretion in its dealings with other states and, of course, would expect the same from Musashi. As for any who accuse me of being reasonable, well I fear for the galaxy if common sense is held on a pedestal these days.” Interlacing his fingers and resting them on the desk Woolsey finished, “So what bring you here today Princess?” “I fear that the refugee crisis has grown beyond Musashi’s ability to tolerate” Saeko said after a moment. “Yesterday the Emperor ordered Musashi’s armed forces to prepare to intervene in the deteriorating situation in the Second Imperium.” She paused for a moment to let that sink in. “I am here now to allay any fears this action may cause in the Confederation.” Woolsey raised an eyebrow, “That certainly is news Princess, though I would hesitate to call it entirely unexpected. The severity of the crises in the Second Imperium has been known for quite some time and many have speculated on the feasibility of bringing an end to it.” Woolsey paused for a moment and caught the princess's gaze, “But still, I am surprised that you have decided now is the opportune moment, so soon after our mutual blunder. Mmm, perhaps it is that you’ve received some promise of aid from another nation?” “There were a number of factors that are forcing our hand” Saeko said. “And many of them stem from our recent war with you.” She frowned before adding “But I will not lie. We have managed to obtain the aid necessary to open up options otherwise denied to us.” She paused for a moment, her frown deepening. “At one point we could simply ship the refugees to our border with you. This is no longer an option. To make matters worse the number of refugees has been on the rise for the past few weeks. Perhaps worse is that our war simultaneously emboldened and made desperate a number of influential individuals in our armed forces. These individuals are, overwhelmingly, pushing for a war with the Second Imperium.” “And so,” Woolsey smiled, “You wish to inform me that that this war you mean to embark upon is merely a result of pressures that have manifested themselves and the pushing of minor factions within your armed forces? That in no way does this hint at a more aggressive attitude and policy within your nation's government?” “You are free to come to whatever conclusions you would like” Saeko answered. “But know that the Emperor wishes your country no ill will. We will honor our treaty with you.” She paused for a moment before reluctantly adding “And we may be willing to expand upon that treaty.” Woolsey perked up at that, after all it was unexpected that Musashi would approach him, rather than the other way around. It was a hint as to just how totally their pretense of isolationism had fallen to pieces, “Do elaborate Princess.” “We… might… be willing to consider a defensive treaty” Saeko said with clearly visible reluctance. “Of course we would expect your country to officially recognize our actions in the Second Imperium and take no action whatsoever to hinder our efforts.” Woolsey nodded, “An intriguing offer to be sure Princess, but not one I can answer at once. Such a proposal will have to be brought before the Cabinet, and I will ensure that such is done as is my station. Should they be amenable to the idea I will be in touch.” Woolsey made a small note of Saeko’s offer, verbatim, on a sheet of physical paper before him, “ Is there anything else you feel it prudent to mention at this junction Princess?” Saeko seemed to consider what Woolsey had just said before responding “Oh yes. I suppose Yuki-nee would be most displeased if I forgot to tell you. The Dominion has agreed to work with us in regards to the crisis in the Second Imperium. That, of course, has no bearing on our relations with the Confederation. Well then,” She continued on as if she had just told Woolsey what the weather was like outside, “how has your stay here in Musashi been thus far?” Woolsey again raised an eyebrow at the blatant nature of what seemed to be a statement that ran contrary to the delicate avoidance of the issue the Princess had previously shown, but merely shook his head slightly. Looking past Saeko at the frenzy of activity outside for a moment he replied, “Well enough, but I fear I haven’t seen much of it at all Princess. There’s been much to do and a man only has to much time after all, I’m sure after the opening ceremony things will calm down though.” Woolsey paused and smiled as if something had just come to him, “Speaking of Princess, will you be joining us on that occasion? It’ll be quite the event if things go as I imagine they will.” “I…” Saeko suddenly seemed unsure of how to respond. “I do not know. Unfortunately my duties may require me to personally attend to some matters off world. But should I be in the area I would be honored to attend.” “Ah,” Woolsey held his smile and stood, “Very well then, I imagine that sums up what you had wished to discuss today?” Taking a bow he finished, “I look forward to our next meeting.”