NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: this will start as rescue mission but will get more interesting :)
they're Asian humans both with long black hair. Arisu is 25 years old and Kaede is 18.

it also takes place three months before the disasterous events of Mysterious Planet chapter 3: Critical mass

ic: The two female crew of the New Kirisuban warp shuttle Tenshi (angel) thanked the Kami as they looked over the damage to their landed ship. they had managed to lose the alien ship which nearly blew them out of the stars but the price had been high.

they were now stranded on a nameless planet in an unknown system with no means of repairing their damaged engines. Kaede in a moment of dark humour had given it the temporary name of Angels fall which made them laugh for a little while.

most of their ships systems were shot as well and they only had a limited supply of battery power.

looking round them it seemed that the forest went on forever but there was water and signs of wildlife.

Lt Arisu Toda and Ensign Kaede Sato were alive and the emergency transponder was sending their distress signal.

Now all they had to do was wait for a rescue.

The TIS Streaker was a first; a ship almost entirely crewed by dolphins, or more correctly neo-fins. She had a few humans to keep an eye, make sure nothing went too badly wrong. Thus far, however, the 'fins were proving to be wise-cracking hotshot pilots. Their other faults hadn't yet materialised.

They had been cruising through a fairly average system, with nothing much to recommend itself, except one planet in the habitable zone, worth investigating for possible colonization.

Swinging past for a closer look, they detected a signal. From it's omnidirectional nature and repetitive content it was construed as a call for help; until a translation came from the Library terminal they would not know more.

Sensors immediately began active scanning for ships. It turned out to be largely unnecessary, as in crashing the unknown unfortunates had cut an impressive swathe through a forest, detectable in long-range photos.

Streaker would come in to land. Lucky Jim, the dolphin captain, had ordered it. Landing a prudent distance away, a party would then be sent to investigate and offer assistance. At this stage of their descent they should be visible to any sensors remaining on the crashed vessel.

A lone Zephyr-gunship was scouting the area for possible resource eploitation in the foreseeable future, but came across the distress signal of the crashed ship. The attack gunship carried a crew of merely ten, but duties were duties, and if a distress signal could lead to possible advantageous results, than the crew would check it out.
The acting commander of the team, Xyphros Gand, ordered for the gunship to vector in towards the planet. Smashing through orbit, heat glaring off of the energy shields on the outside of the craft, the gunship veered through the bluish sky, sailing above treetops, closing in on the signal.

using a thruster assembly Kaede started a camp fire as Arisu came back with more firewood.

"I never thought I'd have to camp out" she remarks to her Lt. as she passes her a paper packet containing emergency rations.

One of the few remaining working sensors on the shuttle beeps and Kaede checks it.

"I think another ship is approching the planet but I can't be sure" she calls out "these sensors are shot and all i can pick up is an oxygen nitrogen atmosphere"

A breeze began to whip up and disturbed some flowers growing nearby. they grew all over the planet and no-one yet knew their properties. the pollen they contained was released and was now airborne as they floated unseen in the air.

Kaede takes two plasma pistols from the shuttle in case they need to defend themselves and sets them to a stun setting.

"Uh, Captain?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Working vessel detected. Coming in faaaast. Heading right for the signal. We'll be there first, but there are only minutes in it. Seems to be quite small, and working alone. Probably a military craft, no PosIdent on it yet."
"Very well. Things may be about to get...interesting."
Streaker came down in a beautifully controlled manouevre, using a minimum of fuel and with a minimum of sound and fury, most of it in the upper atmosphere rather than close to the wrecked ship. With the appearance of another unknown she had retargeted to land right by that ship; at once a group of 10 'fins in their walkers issued forth. These were truly All-terrain vehicles, and at the moment were configured for hard vaccum. Largely because they hadn't been planning to land, but nonetheless a potentially useful precaution.
Translation efforts had been successful, so they began broadcasting, by radio and through loudspeakers: "We are the Terror Incognitia Ship Streaker, responding to a distress beacon from the New Kirisuban Shuttle Tenshi. How can we assist?"

The Tenshi's radio was shot but Kaede could still hear the loud speakers at a distance.

she had holstered the plasma pistol and went looking for the source of the noise.

"I'll be right back" she tells Arisu but they both had already breathed in the pollen and didn't realise that they were speaking their mother tongue, the first sign of the infection.

Kaede locates their rescuers and although she's thinking in english her words are coming out in Kirisuban and she's starting to feel afraid.

"hello" she says "I'm Ensign Kaede Sato from the New Kirisuban exploration fleet. We need transport back to one off our ships or to one of our worlds" as she comes into view of her rescuers.

###

back at the shuttle Arisu eats some of her rations and starts to feel light headed. She lies down by the fire so the feeling could clear but with her tiredness she falls asleep.


ooc: any crew who dosent have breathing gear on or sealed suits may well be affected by the pollen. the first sign is reverting to your own language and given a long enough exposure the subject may well start seeing and hearing things as well as having mood swings.

by now this pollen will be all over the landing site. its a mind altering substance and the flowers which produce it are everywhere on the planet.

its not normally detectable until its released by the flowers and only if you have working scentific scanners or sensors.

"We are some 'fins of the Ship Streaker. We have human accommodation for the human crewmembers.
How many are you and will you need any assistance to come to our ship? You can see it just that way" pointing with a leg of his walker.

Somehow Kaede was able to understand what the 'fins were saying but couldn't reply back in english the words still coming back in Kirisuban.

"my companion is over here. theres just 2 of us" she says and looks surprised to see Arisu slumped by the fire.

she runs over to her and checks her over with the medical tricorder shaking her head.

"wake up Arisu" she says to her unconconcious companion trying to shake her and getting more fearful by the second. The fear could even be seen in her face.

ooc: if any of the 'fins have medical training they'll figure out that Arisu is in a bad way and needs medical help fast. it looks like a coma but its the pollen doing its work.

Whatever was wrong was clearly recent, and swift in onset, purely from the reaction of Kaede. Akeakamai (henceforward known as Ake for my convenience...) gave a rapid stream of orders to his 'fins.
Two gently but firmly lifted the sick one, and began taking her to the ship. One told Streaker to have medical personnel ready in full protective gear, and to seal off the part of the ship she would be taken to.
One spoke to Kaede, asking her if there was anything she simply had to take with them, and telling her, politely but in no uncertain terms, that if there was she must get it now, and if there was not they would leave immediately.

Kaede took the medical kit from the shuttle leaving everything else. she still had the medical scanner and ran it over Arisu as they walked back to their rescuers ship.

She only had basic first aid training but she could read a medical scanner well enough to help out.

"i'm coming" she says in Kirisuban not feeling that well herself..

Even as they reached the ship, the Kirisuban still walking looked in a bad way. The ship's doctor and his best assistant, both 'fins in walkers like the rest, came out to meet them. Having some experience of exobiology, the doctor began immediately with questions, while one at least was lucid enough to answer:
"Have you noticed anything as out of the ordinary around you?"
Meanwhile his assistant, even as they brought the strangers into a hastily cleared weapons pod, in a form of quarantine from the ship, was beginning to work out the symptoms.
(OOC: Which will be....?)

The Amazonian gunship, finding a small patch of relatively open area near the site of the Kirisubans, though not having a clear visual, opened up it's laser ball turrets and cleared out some vegetation with sweeping beam fire that vaporized shurrbery and small trees, clearing the open for the gunship's landing.
Emerging from the gunship were five of the ten soldiers, donned in the traditional hard gray armor suits of the Dominion, battle rifles slung low across their backs as they walked out into the open.

"Doesn't seem that bad. Keep your atmospherc filters on and follow me." ordered Gand as he began slowly walking towards the position of the beacon.

"don't know, ships sensors fried" Kaede mumbles "i feel sick. got headache, i tried to talk in english and it came out in my own language"

she stumbles along and collapses to the deck..

ooc : further info on the pollen. it's the vehicle of a virus that was left behind after viral weaponry tests which took place on the planet 50 years previously. the virus remained even after the tests ended.

"Whatever it is, it's something environmental, thus why they both succumbed so close together. Likely to be airborne. Either a chemical contaminant or fast-acting biological.
Give them generic immune boosters and anti-virals. It doesn't look like an immune over response, or toxic shock, so it won't do any harm. We're unlikely to have anything specific against this particular virus.
And get sensors checking closely some air samples to give us some pointers.
Oh yes. Give both something to knock them out. Consciousness is a burden they don't need right now."

Sensors were indeed trained on air samples. Looking at fluorescence, at charge, at size and shape, at aerodynamic flow, and a few other exotic properties of gases. They soon reported that the air was laden with viruses; largely attached to the pollen. Sample viruses were taken to be identified, or if necessary sequenced.

Attempts to stabilise the Kirisubans continued, focussing on protecting their core body functions and enabling their immune systems.

Meanwhile the ship's sensors kept a close eye on the armoured patrol from the other ship, which they had locked with a discreet targetting solution should it prove necessary.

"I'm picking up soem lifesigns somewhere ahead." reported Gand to his men following him, "stay on alert, weapons out."

The five-man team continued the advance, slowly and quietly moving through the undergrowth.

as the Kirisuban women slumbered in the quarantine area the medical attention had stablised them for now.

As expected, the virus was unknown to Incognitian medicine. At least now they knew, however, that it was a virus, attached to the pollen.
The computers were already extrapolating what form antibodies would take to the virus, and beginning to synthesise all of the best guesses that didn't model as damaging human bodies.
Success or failure was anyone's guess for now. It was decided that one of them needed to be conscious, to answer one vital question; where to take them home. Kaede had the hypnorific withdrawn, and would gently wake; hopefully able to answer the one question with at least a star system.

Kaede's eye flickered open and she looked at her rescuers with glazed eyes.

Still she was able to understand the question and replied softly "our homeworld is called New Kirisubo. its near Seaquests homeworld.

Our mothership the INKS Kagemon is based at the planet Unity for now"

bumped

ooc post in da other threads and im entering

ic the havoac a sephrion star destroyer was patrolling by the unammed planet

sir an shuttle of unknown orrigen is down their

prepaire two shadow legoin sqauds full sqauds
aye sir two drops ships peeled away from the
ship


on board the dropship allright you apes this is a mission of mercy to assit straneded people minnimal chances combat the drop ships started entiring the atsmopere

ooc2 think wh40k space marrines

OOC: Welcome Sephrioth, just..it's kinda hard to understand what you're writing. Could you possibly put in at least punctuation, and maybe some capitals?

IC: Looking through charts, the Incognitians found New Kirisubo. The captain's voice came over the tannoy; "We are making a long, uh, side-trip. We go to New Kirisubo. Let's take these two home, and do a bit of diplomacy at the same time, uh?"
He added a Trinary haiku about journeys and discovery; this was, alas, untranslatable.

The Streaker prepared for departure. As she did, her sensors detected a new arrival, with drop-ships peeling off towards the surface; and there were still unidentified marines around.
"This is getting all too hot people. Unless they make contact, in a friendly way, we're bugging out. Ok?"

ooc: hi Seph.

i hope your landing party is wearing helmets or gas masks because they'll be infected if they don't.

ooc yah ant t.i i deployed 2 sqauds of my elite space marines

ic allright you apes time to hit dirt side the comsnder said as the dropships lsnded

"Ok folks" the Captain made another announcement "we're leaving. We haven't heard from either of the alien crews, with friendly or hostile greetings. Almost as if they don't know, or don't care, that we're here. So it's not worth risking it. We've retrieved the downed crew, left nothing valuable in the wreck - so to get to the point... ALL HANDS, ALL HANDS, BRACE FOR IMMEDIATE TAKE-OFF"

The Streaker lifted gently, then ever faster, as she headed for the nearest transfer point.

ooc: anyone still on the surface will find the crashed shuttle as well as a good chance of taking the infection with them if they remove the shuttle and take it with them.

the transponder is still going so its going to attract more potential rescuers

ic: Kaede tried to look round as she felt the ship lifting off.

"where are we going?" she asks the 'Fin weakly

The medical attendant answered gently;
"There is nothing for us here. We are heading directly for your homeworld. We're taking both of you home."

By this point a first attempt at synthesised antibodies was ready; these were even now being given intravenously to the two patients. These would be improved with time, but even to start with they would help, more than the antivirals and immune boosters.
In another 48 hours, they would have specific antibodies to the virus; hopefully by then the patients would be over the worst.

Kaede shakes her head and says "if you can't cure us before you get us home we won't be able to return home. Its standard Kirisuban quarintine procedures."

her fear seems to be increasing again as the virus fights the antibodies and she begins to loose conciousness.

The attendant thought, but did not say "If you survive long enough for us to take you home, you'll be okay."
He actually said "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, rest, let your body fight."

Kaede nods and says "i'll try and rest". she rolls over on her bed and closes her eyes exhausted by her bodies struggle.

she's soon asleep on her own...

At the moment, with antibodies coursing through their bloodstreams, the patients gave all the appearances of a high fever. Obvious efforts were being made to counter the symptoms of this, even as the activity of the antibodies was the cause, at least of the raised temperature.
It appeared from the readouts that the antibodies were having an effect. As yet it was uncertain whether they were driving the virus back, but it was certainly not advancing.

as the women slept the virus was being driven back but it was about to mutate to a fully airborne infection on the planet as well as on the ship.

as the mutation took place a control beeped on Arisu's bio-bed. a display showed the shape of the virus changing..

The attendant paid little notice.
When his colleague in the bio-lab called to say that the trial antibodies were declining in effectiveness, however, he did pay attention.
They swiftly worked out that it was a change in the virus; and altered the configuration of the computers working on it accordingly. It would be a matter of hours before a modified antibody would be available. At the same time, the Captain was alerted that the virus was changing, and the effects of this were as yet uncertain.
It was reaffirmed that ANYONE having any contact with anything that had been in contact with the patients, including their air, was to be in full containment, and go through a full decontamination procedure before re-entering the main ship. Unknown viruses were unpredictable, and the results were rarely pretty.

time passed as the women slumbered.

they were still feverish but the virus was being defeated slowly but surely.

as their body cells were being changed by the virus and then reclaimed by the antibodies a see-saw battle was taking place.

Still it looked like they would win it eventually if they could hold on.

their lifesigns were beginning to fade as their heart and lungs were taking damage..

The medical attendants were keeping a close eye on the womens' progress. On present form, the best that they could say was that it was going to be close.
Even as victory was in sight through the body as a whole, the protection of the core body organs was failing - there was a risk that their lungs and hearts would fail, even as the virus itself was defeated.
In response, preparations were made to support these organs. If necessary they could be kept on support machines until replacements were grown; though this would take a heavy toll on the ship's medical resources.

the life support mechanisms were having an effect as the next ships day came round.

The women were stable again but they were still a long way from New Kirisubo even at maximum warp.

The medics were currently absorbed in their own private battle. With vital processes mechanically stabilised, they had time to work. They were still forcing a decline in viral counts in both womens' bodies. And the antibodies were improving all the time - getting more effective, getting more specific, so they could be used in higher concentrations without risking massive side-effects.
Barring a new twist by the virus, a full cure was in sight. They just had to keep fighting.

the shuttles battery power finally ran out and the ship powered down completely stopping the weak transponder signal.

No-one else would recieve the signal now and just maybe the infection would stay on the planet.

Just before their departure, the Incognitians had left a satellite. In a geostationary orbit, broadcasting on every channel, in every known language.
It said only, that an unknown virus was in evidence on the surface; that it appeared to spread by airborne transmission, and advising all species to exercise extreme caution.
It was expected that some gung-ho fools would ignore this warning - but for prudent spacers, their best effort had been made.

by the end of the next day the women were showing improvement and Kaede and Arisu had even woken briefly although Arisu had very little idea of what was going on around her.

Now only a week away from New Kirisubo it looked likely that the virus would be beaten and the anti-viruses were pushing the infection back further and further.

"What progress?"
"Well, sir, we're currently hunting out residual reservoirs of infection, to make sure the virus doesn't come back. It's tricky, because we can't be sure that the shape it's in in the bloodstream and elsewhere is the form in the lungs, say. But symptoms are declining steadily, and unless something else pops up, they'll soon be over it; just need bed rest to recover."
"Very good. Very well done. At that stage, you and all your assistants will have to take a very well earned rest. Now, the Navigator tells me that New Kirisubo is about a week away; once we're there they'll be out of our hands and back with their own people. If they're not recovered, you may need to look at preparing them for a move."

The next day Arisu and Kaede were looking better and wanting out of bed although they were still very weak and pale.

"You've been barely conscious for days! I'm afraid there is no way I'm letting you out of bed, at least until we reach your homeworld. Not a chance.
If you want something to do, you can tell me a little about your nation and people as we go; we have never encountered New Kirisubo before, and would like to know something about our destination."

Arisu answers as she lies back in bed.

"Kirisubo is an earth like green planet with a human population. We're an honourable people and although we are warriors we are at peace with our neighbours and the galaxy.

thats why we explore and keep looking for possible colony worlds"

"Well, that all sounds very reasonable. What of the seas? Does your world have seas? And what kind of creatures swim in those seas?"

OOC: This is a dolphin, after all...what the local swimming is like is _very_ important :D

Arisu replies "1/3 of our planet is seas and lakes so you'll have no worries there and they're full of fish as well"

an exhausted Kaede drops back to sleep again.

"Well, we shall have to be careful; there may be the wrong salt balance or something; but to swim in an open ocean once again - we have been in space a long time. And we have VR, but it's human designed, so the echoes are all wrong."

At this stage Streaker was preparing to duck out of hyperspace and announce their arrival openly, and slowly, in normal space. Best to give local defences plenty of warning.

the asteroid bases of the Kirisuban defence fleet picked up the Incognitian ship very quickly.

three hideously overweaponed and heavily shielded starships approached them dropping out of warp.

A hail goes out from the lead ship "This is Captain Yakano from the New Kirisuban Starship 'Defiant'. Please state your purpose for visiting our world"

ooc: this is what they look like

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/nihongaz/cracker.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/nihongaz/capsize.jpg

"Captain Yakono, we are the Terror Incognitia Ship Streaker. We come to your system to return two officers of your forces, picked up in responding to a distress call on an uncharted world.
Incidentally we are interested in establishing relations with your nation.

Would you like to talk to the Lieutenant and Ensign of the Shuttlecraft we rescued?"

the view screen comes into life and an asian woman in her mid 30's appears on screen. She wears the all dark red uniform of the defence fleet, has long black hair and wears a katana in a belt sash.

" 'Streaker' we can guide you into our shipyard and if you make sure your shields are down I'll transport over to see our officers.

You have our thanks for rescuing them and i'm sure we can discuss establishing relations after you dock"

"We have no reason to distrust you; all shields are down. Feel free to join me on the bridge."
Lucky Jim must make an odd sight to his counterpart; a powerful-looking, deep grey dolphin, in a gunmetal spider-like walker. That much was not his problem.

Over the Tannoy; "Doc, if those patients can walk, get them up to the bridge. We've got visitors."

Captain Yakano replies "I'm on my over to your bridge. Yakano out"

the screen goes black and a minute later two columns of sparkling light appear near the view screen.

after a few seconds they resolve themselves into Captain Emiko Yakano and a security officer with a holstered plasma pistol.

the Kirisuban Captain locates her opposite number, bows and says "Samurai-Captain Emiko Yakano at your service"

###

by this stage Arisu and Kaede were out of quarentine and able to walk to a lift from the normal sickbay which led to the bridge.

they arrived while the Kirisuban captain was introducing herself

"Captain Lucky Jim. And here are your officers.

They were extremely ill with a viral disease when we found them; but have made a full recovery and come out of quarantine in recent days. Fortunately one was well enough when discovered to tell us where to bring them home."

Stiffening up when they recognise a captains insignia they reply "ma'am Lt Arisu Toda and Ensign Kaede Sato from the INKS Kagemon reporting for duty"

Captain Yakano smiles and replies "Captain Jim, I thank you for returning our officers to us and we can find out the full story later.

If you follow us with your FTL drive we can dock together and discuss the other things you mentioned"

she hits her comm badge and says in kirisuban "its time to return home with our new friends. warp 2"

the first Kirisuban ship jumps into warp space followed by the other two.

"Captain if you set course for the large asteroid to your right and kick in a bit of FTL drive thats our base behind it"

"Helm, take us into hyperspace; follow the Captain's marvellously precise directions."
The second clause of this was, of course, in Trinary. Anyone who knew neo-fins would have seen a clear smirk on the face of each crewman on the bridge.
As hyperdrive kicked in, Streaker stayed in Level D - with anything higher they'd soon be through the system and out again.
Smoothly slipping out of hyperspace the Captain asked "Where should we dock, Samurai-Captain?"

with the view screen activated Captain Yakano points out an large enough docking port on a very large docking pylon, one of 10 in the area of the base.

the other Kirisuban ships had already docked and she says "its the fifth port down on the left hand side"

"Very good. Helm, 5th down, left side."

Streaker edged in, needing only one burst of thrusters to dock smoothly.

"Right, Captain Yakano, your call."

as the Streaker docks Captain Yakano suggests "is there an office or a briefing room we can talk in along with Lt Toda and Ensign Sato.

in the meantime i'm sure your crew would appreciate some shore leave. I've authorised to allow it"

"My crew love you already."
Over the tannoy:
"Arrangements will be finalised; talk to the XO; provisionally all hands not on duty are permitted shore leave."
Turning back to the captain:
"Yes, of course. This way."
A short way up a corridor, they reached a small but efficient briefing room.
"Once again, I am in your hands; what do you wish to discuss."

The Kirisuban women take seats at the table and Captain Yakano begins by asking Lt Toda and Ensign Sato how they came to be on the planet, what happened and the co-ordinates of the infected world.

as the story unfolds Kaede tells most of it and adds at the end "if it hadn't been for Captain Jim and his crew we would have died on that planet and a lot of other ships could have also picked up the infection"

Turning to Captain Jim she says "You asked about setting up relations with your homeworld and mine. I can make the introductions and we can start to get to know each other now.

What is your homeworld and its species like?"

"Incognitia is the name of both the star and the most-populated planet. It is a middling, yellow sort of star; and a middling terrestrial sort of planet.
Our nation, Terror Incognitia, is mostly humans much like yourselves, though more racially mixed than you seem, on a brief acquaintance. However, due to the Uplift Programme, we have growing numbers of neo-fins, like myself, and neo-pans, based on old chimpanzees.
Our system is highly developed, with populations on all the major moons and asteroids, as well as artificial stations and the space elevators. But we only recently discovered hyperspace, and are beginning to explore the galaxy, looking for friends and trading partners.
Our government is democratic; our society meritocratic and egalitarian; our emphasis on profitable trade."

Captain Yakano smiles and says "I'm sure that Arisu and Kaede have already told you about us.

We have an equal and fair society and also seek peaceful contact with other races and planets despite the impressions our defence ships must have given you.

Our moon isn't populated yet but thats a long term plan. We also value trade despite our reputation as warriors"

"We find both essential to a thriving nation.
Now, while I would love to negotiate a treaty with your nation, I must accept my limitations.
If it were possible for me to leave a party here, to discover more about your nation, while I returned home to retrieve a diplomat, who could then sign something, if signing anything were seen as appropriate, that would be great.
If it would be possible for traders to come here without a formal deal, that would also be good news to take home."

"i could agree to that arrangement while you get an Ambassador to New Kirisubo. then we could send one off our own to Incognitia.

Your traders would be welcome here and if theres a market for their goods they should do well" Captain Yakano replies

"That is wonderful. I shall be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements."
<a short burst of Trinary, the 'fin language.>
"My apologies. To translate:
A lovely thing to see:
through the paper window's hole,
the Galaxy"

OOC: The haiku is actually by Issa, but 'fins like the haiku form, so it fits.

with the initial meeting concluded Captain Yakano arranged for a shuttle to dock at the pylon ready to take her, Lt Toda and Ensign Sato to the Defiant.

Shore leave arrangements were finalised and a few possible sites were picked out. Most of them were on the shore to suit the 'fins need to swim and for fresh fish.

The 'fins decamped. A skeleton watch were left on board; the remainder went down and frolicked. They didn't care where they were; they swam, played and scared the living daylights out of the local wildlife.

On their return, Streaker departed for home. The party staying in New Kirisubo were headed by Akeakamai, with a brief to immerse themselves in the local culture (rather than the local waters...) and made up of those who had manned the ship while the rest went dirtside. Or, as 'fin spacers called it, splashside.

Streaker was returning home at speed, to collect a diplomat. The few hyper-space capable merchant traders in Incognitia would also get the message that they could trade.

A pair of figures beamed down from the Defiant each woman dressed for the summer weather in shorts, a tankini top and each having a shoulder bag of essentials and a change of clothes so they could enjoy some leave themselves.

the comm badge on their tops gave them away to the other 'fins as they recognised Ake.

they waved to him Kaede and Arisu looking a lot better and fitter than they had been.

"how are you finding your leave so far?" Kaede asks him.

"It is fascinating; we have a mix of cultures on our own worlds, but this is the first truly foreign place we have visited.
We almost have to remember to stop and rest occasionally.
Speaking of rest, you two are looking very well. Good to see you looking healthy for once" this last with a twinkle in his eye, and a mildly wicked grin. The women might be able to make that out, even as unused to 'fins as they were.

Arisu smiled and says "I had doubts that I would ever see my homeworld again but we have you to thank for it.

I'm sure you're having fun and we plan to have some as well.

Kaede removes her comm badge, sandals and shorts to reveal bikini botoms. she puts them into the bag and starts to swim while her companion talks with Ake.

Within moments Kaede was gently assailed by 'fins. She had met the conditions - entered the water, talked about fun...now she was going to have fun whether she liked it or not.

"We did our duty, no more. Our nation has a long history, back to pre-spaceflight times, of seafaring. As an Incognitian ship we could no more ignore a distress call than we as 'fins could avoid swimming. The very effort would be painful."

"that tickles" Kaede says laughing as she plays with the 'fins before taking a breath and diving with them.

"We find it hard to leave people in distress as well. we may be warriors but our code also includes compassion and the honour in righting a wrong or doing the right thing" Arisu replies as she moves her bare feet through the soft sand of the beach and relaxing.

"Well, let us talk of lighter topics. Honour and illness are no topics for the beach! We have enough time when care forces itself on us in life, without needing to add to it.
What is the biggest festival in your country? And is it likely that we'll be here for it?"

"the new year festival is the main one and then theres also Gempuku day when boys and girls who have come of age go to their local temple and go through the ceremony.

After they become adults they then take their place in society and the kinomo's that young girls wear need to be seen to be believed. the brighter and more colourful the better.

We also have the festival of the cherry blossoms in late summer and you might be around for that"

"Good. It's all very well, the language and the art and the history. But I think you don't understand people until you see them celebrate. My own people have few set celebrations - a mark of our recent beginnings. Mostly we join the humans' celebrations; though we have an additional rite of passage left over from before the Uplift process completed, when a young 'fin was told what reproductive grade they were, at least intially, and became an adult."

"i'm sure very culture has a coming of age ceremony" Arisu replies "its a universal thing no matter what your race is"

seeing Kaede having fun she slips of her shorts and removes her comm badge ready to swim herself already in her swiming costume.

"I don't want Kaede having all the fun" she says chuckling and runs into the sea diving in

Ake could see her point of view;

so the fact that he dived in right next to her, just as she came up for breath, and deliberately sent spray everywhere...was entirely conicidental, of course.

the women and the 'fins played for a good while enjoying the salt water and the chance to see fish swimming in the blue water.

Kaede and Arisu hadn't been so happy in a long time and they were determined to keep enjoying themselves.

Sadly the women were unequipped to join the 'echo game', an old 'fin favourite, but from their point of view it was probably no different to just free play in the water, so the 'fins felt no shame.
Eventually they returned to their walkers, feeling much better for the freedom of the sea.

Kaede and Arisu dried theyselves off and got back into their shorts and sandals.

"Ake, we've booked into that little Inn thats on the shore if you need to find us" Kaede said as the sun was about to set "Maybe we'll see you after dinner."

They wave as they leave the beach and go to their inn.

The 'fins dropped by, after the usual dinner time, "just to say hello". In truth they were eager for the company. Arisu and Kaede were both good companions, and there were all too few 'fins on this planet for comfort. They had never been so out of touch with their people, without feeling they were going somewhere, i.e. in a spaceship; it took some getting used to.

Ake explained some of this to the Kirisuban women.

Kaede nodded as they shared drinks and said "we feel the same away from our homeworld and space is very lonely. We miss the chance to do things like visiting a bath house or an Ai-jin and you really need close friends"

She looks over at Arisu whose chatting with some other 'fins over drinks.

"Is Arisu a very close friend of yours? If so, how is it that you were given the same posting? Or did you become friends after being posted together?

I mean, I know that in our Navy it is unlikely that you would be posted together."

"we met on the Kagemon and got to know each other there" Kaede replies "its common on our ships for people to pair off and same sex marriages are quite common.

We are lovers and in our culture thats considered normal and has been for centurys.

Sometimes a posting pulls lovers apart but thats part of being in the exploration fleet. We haven't got round to having families on ships yet but that has to happen eventually once our ships get bigger"

"Our people have no problem with same-sex marriages; however any relationships in the same chain of command are highly discouraged on board ship.
It's okay on merchant ships, and tolerated in exploratory vessels, but warships - no. Those found to be in relationships against regulations are given different postings. It is seen as bad for discipline."

Kaede nods and says "it seems to work for you but if the exploration fleet dosen't want to lose valuable officers when they have children they'll need a way to keep families together.

Our defence fleet dosen't seem to have that problem. I served a tour of duty on a Tempeku class ship before joining the Kagemon and my Captain there had no problems with that idea.

the ships chief engineer was her lover and she lost him when she ordered him into engineering to close down a leaking nuclear auxilery reactor.

She loved him but still did what was needed to save the rest of the crew. He was a hero for what he did as well"

"That is where we differ, and why we have different rules. I am sure many of our people would do the same, but some would not, and in some situations, there isn't enough margin for error. In some ways your method would fit better with our idea of trusting people to meet high standards rather than regulating in low ones, but..."

"we know what we have to do" Kaede replies softly "Bushido demands sacrifices from time to time and i would have given my life to save Arisu if it had been necessary"

she looks over at her friend and says "honour also demands compassion as well as honour and duty. Compassion also means doing the right thing or righting a wrong for us. Honour is nothing without compassion"

"Our nation has more of an emphasis on the individual; it means that in htose things where we work together, we have to sacrifice more, I guess.
Does everyone in your society accept Bushido?"

"it used to be confined to the warrior class but everyone accepts some aspects of it now" Kaede replies.

"For the Samurai its practically a religion and something they practice from early childhood. We may have changed from what we were on earth all those centurys ago but although technology has changed Bushido hasn't. its the one constant standard in Kirisuban life"

she drains her drink and pours more wine into her cup.

"Interesting. There are very few things that all of our society accepts; we are a very varied people; your people seem much closer-knit, much more similar to one another.
Of course that may be my ignorance."

Kaede shrugs her shouders and says "my homeworld isn't an idealistic paradise yet. Poverty may have been wiped out and we have great equality but there will always be people who want to fight against the government to gain power without responsibility.

the latest group is Red October and it worries me although they are small in number"

"We not long ago finished fighting a group that wished to end the Uplift programme, and was prepared to kill all the 'fins and 'pans in the process.
What does this Red October group want?
There are always mad dissidents. What I meant was that within the normal variation our society seems to have a greater spread of views than yours."

"the same as most terrorists. the overthrow of all we believe in and the establishment of an old style Communist state" Kaede replies.

"we've never had political parties in the normal sense and we inherited our governmental system from the Kirisuban Empire on earth.

We do have a strong parliment and there is elections to it. Democracy is strongest at the lowest levels and the government serves rather than strongly controlling things.there is freedom of speech but we've always united to combat any threats to our nation"

"There I was thinking that once poverty had been eliminated Communist groups would wither. They seem to have done so in our society, at least. That is interesting, that they have not done so here.
Though possibly the dissidents among us had a different focus - Uplift - and so they didn't resort to a dead ideology."

"I don't really understand their reasoning" Kaede replies drinking more wine.

"we'll defeat them although and restore harmony to the nation" she adds.

"Oh, that much is certain. Yours is a strong society. From our brief time here, we can tell it is stable, it is vibrant, and it will be a long time before it need fear any internal enemies."

"Ake, you're correct in that assessment" Kaede says slightly slurring her words.

Arisu notices and says softly to her "take it easy with the wine or i'll have to carry you back to the inn"

She swaps her wine for a coffee and says "have this instead otherwise you'll be no fun tonight"

Kaede replies "Ok darling" and starts drinking the coffee.

Strangely enough 'fins had quite a capacity for alcohol. Ake was amused that the Kirisubans, like all humans, were showing the effects so soon.

Arisu was able to keep up with the 'fins drinking but decided to make her current drink her last.

Kaede looked at Ake and asked "how come you're not even tipsy yet? are all 'fins able to drink us under the table or its just you?"

"Oh, I think you'll find I'm tipsy; just I rarely if ever go beyond that. Metabolism or something, I guess - it is certainly something we all share. On the other hand there are other intoxicants we find rather more effective than humans do. Most of the time we'll amuse ourselves with watching the drunk humans though. One of many things we tend to find funny."

Kaede smiles after sipping at her coffee and says "I'm glad to know we're not the only species that makes a fool of ourselves when we get drunk or intoxicated.

it seems to be a universal trait"

"Ah, but we feel less shame about our actions when intoxicated. Possibly because we have less capacity for feeling shame, or possibly because our stupidity when intoxicated doesn't involve anything shameful. Still haven't worked that one out."

Kaede chuckles and takes another sip of her coffee before looking at the menu on their table.

"I'm feel like a snack" she says and looks over the bar food.

the menu had quite a range with fish dishes, normal Kirisuban food such as rice and vegetables, sushi and soups and even other processed foods such as spring rolls, beefburgers and big fat chips. The desserts were cheesecake, and a chocolate gateaux tonight.

She stops a waitress and orders a vegetable filled spring roll and a portion of chocolate gateaux.

"do you guys want anything?" she asked while they have the waitresses attention.

"Raw fish? The humans eat raw fish here? This I have to try. My already high opinion of your people just went up still more."

Kaede orders a portion of sushi for Ake so he can try it.

Arisu settles for the cheesecake and other 'fins also order.

when the waitress leaves the table with their order Kaede says "sushi is one of our nations favourite dishes. its served with a side order of vinegar treated rice as well"

the first orders arrive with a small plate of sliced sushi, a little rice and some pickled vegetables for taste for Ake and the desserts.

"have you used chopsticks before?" Kaede asks

"No, but I'm sure my walker's manipulators can handle it. They really are quite versatile."

This he proved by attacking the sushi with chopsticks. He ate slowly, not because he was having trouble with the implements, but rather to savour the fish.

a few minutes later the rest of the meals arrived and Kaede took the time to enjoy her deep fried spring roll.

Arisu was still chatting away to the others while enjoying her cheesecake

Kaede says to Ake "at least you know theres something on the menu here that you like" before she takes another bite.

"Well, mostly we eat entirely separately from humans; our preference is very much for fish, and raw fish at that; and with the fish we usually eat, the smell alone drives humans away.
Finding a human people that consider raw fish, not just edible, but quite a delicacy! This is unbelievable luck. This is one thing we shall certainly push to take home."

Kaede finishes her spring roll and smiles before starting on her piece of chocolate gateux.

"Sushi works best with fresh fish but works just as well with replicated fish. I'll get you a book on the subject before we leave so you'll know how to prepare it yourselves.

We've only got a few days before we have to return to the Defiant and then hitch a ride back to the Kagemon. We were told that they recieved our distress signal and found your satelite warning them of the infection.

they know to expect us so our time here will be short"

"That is a great pity; we have appreciated your company. We will look forward to the chance of meeting you two again, hopefully in happier circumstances than last time.
Is your nation planning to do anything about that planet, do you know? And would that be anything my people could assist with? We would not wish for others to fall into the same trap."

Kaede says "theres no way that planet could be colonised. Captain Yakano told us what the Kagemon found out when they send another warp shuttle to investigate it.

they found your satelite and decided it was off bounds"

"It is something of a mystery though, is it not? And a challenge. If it were possible to remove the virus, somehow...it is the sort of challenge my people might appreciate.
We would be careful, as we already have some knowledge of the virus, and we would not be likely to face any competition for the planet."

Kaede replies "Virology isn't my field but even I know once a virus has infected the air you can't get rid off unless you replace the air. It may work on a ship but on a planet theres no way to do it"

she sips at her coffee and ponders

"Well, it is certainly something we should look at. I believe our scientists came up with bacteria that could consume viruses; and would multiply until their food source ran out.
Perhaps they could be adapted to work upon this virus; let loose on the planet; and left for a century or so."

"It might work" Kaede concedes "and with your satelite warning everyone else away you'd have no competition.

It did look like a promising colony world when we crashed on it although"

"Our scientists would have to see if it were practical; and our government see if it were desirable.
At the moment we have little idea how many inviting colony worlds there are without deadly viruses, so we are not yet able to decide in any case."

Kaede drank more coffee and finished off the cake happy with life.

"I suppose everyones after colony worlds" she says "what about one of the moons on the meantime. you could set up pressure domes and an artifical atmosphere"

"That would establish our claim in the system. We had not really surveyed the system before we were heading for your distress signal; so we would have to review the data already gathered."

"i suppose your high command will think of that idea themselves" Kaede replies as she finishes her coffee and goes back to her wine.

"Possibly, but it will do no harm to throw the idea in ourselves. It is sometimes amazing what High Command can miss that is obvious to those of us in position."

the friends pass the time by swapping space stories until its late and the bar starts to close up.

Kaede says "we'll better return to the inn before they lock us out but we'll see you tomorrow i'm sure".

Arisu helps the half drunk Kaede up from her seat and back to their room.

After putting her to bed she gets ready herself and even in her current state Kaede still manages to make sense.

"Arisu, its a pity we have to leave so soon" she says "i like those 'fins" as she kisses Arisu.

The 'fins likewise withdrew to their accommodation; though they proceeded somewhat more steadily to get there.
"Kaede and Arisu; good kids. We're lucky we found them."
"They're lucky we found them, more like."
"Eh, both."

the next day Kaede and Arisu had recovered sufficently and started the day at the beach swiming in the blue waters. the sun had just rose and played in the water so they would be wide awake for breakfast.

it was waiting on the shore for them. a flask of coffee, two cups and a sealed container with two bowls of maize porriage in it.

bump

OOC: Been away for a bit, and while it's fun playing with 'fins, I think it's diplomat time, so...

IC: One of the first hyperspace capable warships in the Incognitian fleet, the TIS Redoubtable carried a name with a long and honourable history in the service, going back to the age of sail. The current bearer of the name was a cruiser-class vessel, and at the moment she was also carrying a diplomat.

Claus Nomara was an experienced admiral in the Incognitian service. Long lack of contact with other nations left Incognitia with no professional diplomats, and only archaic procedures; so he had been selected to talk with the Kirisubans, taking the first hyper-drive equipped ship under his command.

Redoubtable was now sweeping into the outskirts of the New Kirisuban system; broadcasting a message to the Kirisubans, aimed primarily at the centre of the system, explaining who they were, what their purpose was, and asking permission to land and instructions on where to do so.

two system defence ships came out of warp and Captain Nomi Yoshinaka answered the hail welcoming their visitors to New Kirisubo.

"If you follow us in we'll escort you to the Tairo" she says

"Thank you. We will follow you in to dock."

"Admiral Nomara, if you set course 075 point 6 you can follow us in on impulse. the orbital dock isn't that far away.

In the meantime feel free to transport across to my ship and we can get to know each other better.

Yoshinaka out"

"Very well."
The Redoubtable turned to the course given; moments later the Admiral appeared on the lead Kirisuban ship, accompanied by two staff officers, each in a standard deep blue set of shipboard fatigues, or what might elsewhere be called combats, and carrying service sidearms.

"Captain Yoshinaka? Admiral Nomara. I have been selected to represent our people here."

the female captain bows in welcome to the Admiral, a female guard with a holstered plasma pistol beside her.

Both women wore the dark red defence force uniform and the Captain who looked in her mid twenties smiled back as she replied "Admiral, welcome to the INKS Shogun Katsushiro. If you follow me we can have some tea and a chance to talk in peace"

"Thank you Captain. Lead the way, please; a cup of tea somewhere quiet is a much better reception than I usually get"

The Admiral was finding largely female crews a bit of a shock. He was entirely used to women in uniform; they had been a full part of the Incognitian military for time immemorial; but they were still short of half the forces as a whole. But most of the Kirisubans were women.

Nomi dismisses the guard and leads the Admiral to her ready room just off the bridge.

All the bridge officers were female, Nomi's XO nodding when she sees her.

Nomi says a few words in Kirisuban and the slightly younger woman joins her commander.

"Admiral Nomara, may I introduce my XO, Commander Yuko Tsu" she says as they sit at her desk and the door closes behind them.

The Captain speaks to a panel in the wall and 3 cups of green tea are dispensed by the replicator appearing on a tray.

"Greetings, Commander.

So, Captain, now that we are here, what did you wish to talk about?"

Captain Yoshinaka takes the tray over to her desk and replies "I only asked you over for tea. its not everyday a visiting diplomat comes aboard your ship. I know the pressures of first contact and tea helps it along.

and call me Nomi. we're friends here. From what I heard the 'fins are really enjoying themselves by the shore"

"Ah, I appreciate the thought Nomi. Please, call me Claus. I admit to having some concerns; I have no experience as a diplomat. In fact we have no diplomats at present, as we have had no recent contact with other nations.
I am glad the 'fins are doing well. This is their first solo venture, and we all have so much invested in the Uplift project, we all hope deeply that they succeed."

"Claus, from what i've heard they've done a good job so far" Nomi replied as she sipped at her tea.

"I'm sure you're wondering why theres so many women on our ships. It all goes back to the time when the colony was first founded 300 odd years ago. We started with equal numbers of men and women but we soon discovered that more girls were being born than boys and we've never been able to reverse the trend.

We may not have a lot of males but we manage all the same"

"That is good to hear; the 'fins are like our whole people's child. We are watching them make their first steps beyond the nest, and all hoping for their success.

I had noticed that there were a lot of women on your ship. I had never heard of such a difference occurring without intervention by highly skilled biologists. Your society has obviously reached a balance your people are happy with, and I think that more than that should not be asked, even if we could."

"we may not have a normal family structure but it works. i had two mothers who raised me and I have no idea who my father was. I also have a younger brother whose in the defence fleet as well" Nomi adds sipping at her tea.

"you'll find the Tairo easy to get on with when you meet with her. Ms Fujiwaki isn't your typical politician"

"What is a 'normal' family structure? I'm not sure there is such a thing, and our society gave up on such an idea long ago. There were teething troubles, but we now have a more open, flexible and ultimately more stable and loving system.

With due respect, how did Ms Fujiwaki achieve the post of Tairo without being a politician? Despite my great respect for many members of the Terrorgens Council, they are politicians, almost to a man."

"Ms Fujiwaki was the education secretary before she was chosen by the parliment to be the next Tairo. we have a form of parlimentary democracy where the people elect their own members of parliment and local councils run towns and cities. its all based on the system we took from the Kirisuban Empire on Earth.

Off course there is guidance from above as you would expect as well. we have laws that apply to everybody."

"Democratic with the rule of law, that much sounds very familiar. I am glad our peoples seem to share some such basic principles, it will greatly ease relations.

In addition, that the leader is chosen not by direct democracy is something we can sympathise with. I look forward to meeting the Tairo."

Captain Yoshinaka's comm badge goes off and a bridge officer speaks in Kirisuban to her.

"Wakarimas" she simply replies before saying "my helm officer just told me that we will be arriving at the orbital dock in twenty minutes so you won't have to wait long"

"Great. I want to know so much more about your people, your society, your nation; but most of that will have to wait until after the substantive negotiations, sadly."

"knowing this will help you" Nomi replies "our society is built on the pillars of Duty, Honour and Compassion. in addition our warrior class also has the code of Bushido which formalises those pillars as well as giving them extra responsibilities such as standing up for the weak and oppressed and righting wrongs where they find them.

an ancient proverb goes 'with great power comes great responsibility'. Our government works on that principle"

"Sometimes I wish our society were so unified; the only things we agree on are that we should have a democratic government, and that we should be one state. There are groups that would find your society a second home, and others that would like nothing less. There is for example no such agreement on a code.

Our government works on the principle that less is more. It essentially runs Defence, Exploration, Uplift, Law Enforcement and Order, and a basic social safety net; all else is left to volunteers, charities, and primarily the individual."

"I see" Nomi replies as she feels the ship slow down, judging the vibrations of the deck plates and finally nothing.

"we've arrived at our platform and have stopped. we can leave anytime you like"

"Thank you, Nomi, I am very glad to have met you; and I would love to stay and talk. But, duty calls. The insane thing is you and I know our nations will be friends, but it still has to be said officially."

Claus stood to leave.

"I thank you again for the quiet cup of tea, and perhaps our paths will cross again."

He then briefly communicated with Redoubtable, and a moment later was gone.
His official escort was waiting for him there; a couple of aides, some Marines. They gathered together and used a skiff to approach the dock; some things had to be done the old fashioned way, no matter how convenient transporters were.

Admiral Nagano the head the of the defence fleet was waiting for her opposite number at the docks airlock.

The Admiral led the way out of the airlock, followed by his aides and escort.
On seeing the Admiral he stopped and saluted, recognising someone at least as senior as himself.

Admiral Nagano returned the salute and bowed herself.

"Admiral Nomara, welcome to New Kirisubo. I'm Admiral Nagano and I'll be part of the meeting with the Tairo"

"Thank you Admiral, I have felt very welcome to New Kirisubo. Lead the way."

"If you follow me I'll lead you and your party to the talks" Admiral Nagano replies "the shuttle is this way"

the winged shuttle, a minature version of the ships docked round her was ready for the journey to New Edo and the Tairo's palace.

The small party followed onto the shuttle, and seated themselves for the descent.

the journey was brief, the shuttle landing in a large garden. security was visable but discrete as Admiral Nagano led Admiral Nomara and his party into the large house.

the admiral led them through several corridors until they reached a sliding wooden door. A pair of guards were there wearing a short sword and a plasma pistol each.

Admiral Nagano speaks to them and they slide open the door to reveal a small middle aged woman sitting at a desk.

"Admiral Nomara, may I introduce the Tairo, Ms Aiko Fujiwaki"

Nomara, uncertain of protocol, bowed. Somewhere along the line his aides had been hived off into another room - they would not be needed here. The escort had been left outside.
"Ms Fujiwaka, I bring greetings and good wishes of health and prosperity from the people and government of Terror Incognitia.
We became aware of your people only recently, and are now interested in opening trading and diplomatic relations."

The Tairo returns the bow, smiles and replies in perfect but accented english "as are we Admiral. I thank you for the greetings of your people as I welcome you in my peoples name. Please forgive the security but there will always be enemies of the people around.

Please sit and we may begin"

she moves a chair for him and sits to the side of the desk in a comfortable chair just like the Admirals.

Sitting as invited, the Admiral replied:
"Thank you. It is, I confess, a great relief to my people that the first nation we contact around another star is interested in peace. Ever since the realisation that hyperdrive was technically possible we have been preparing to fight an alien people.
And yet the first people we encounter are peacefully inclined, and in many ways much like ourselves.

Initially we are interested in trading agreements on tariffs and the like; along with a non-aggression treaty. I am empowered to negotiate anything up to a full alliance, however that would require ratification by the Consilium.

I apologise if I seem blunt, as diplomacy is not my trade."

Admiral Nagano also sits down as the Tairo says "we have always been interested in peaceful contact although we have always been ready to defend ourselves.

Some of my people are warriors but we also practice the ways of peace.

Trade between our peoples would be good as would be a non-aggression pact.

We both need trade and I would be happy to offer reduced tarrifs to your traders if our traders can get the same when they visit your homeworld.

with the universe being hostile a NAP is always good to have and maybe in time we may have an alliance."

"On tariffs our nation offers tariff free trade if we can obtain the same; if not we will set our tariffs to match yours.
And a non-aggression pact suits our aims perfectly. We know little of the state of play in the galaxy at large, so while we don't wish to make enemies, we don't wish, just yet, to commit to alliances we don't understand."

The Tairo replied "free trade is an interesting idea but we can certainly agree to a NAP for now. We have free trade with our co-dominium allies so I can't see a problem with granting the same status to your traders and vice versa.

In time we may become allies but the future is always uncertain"

"We have long practiced trade as freely as possible; so while we accept that others will impose tariffs, and will impose our own to maintain a level playing field, our strong preference is for free trade whenever that can be achieved.
I see no pressing reason to prevent an eventual alliance, but as I say we wish to test the water first. It does not do to leap before looking.
In that case can my aides discuss with yours the treaties, and then we return to sign them; or are there issues that should be dealt with directly between ourselves?"

The Tairo smiles and says "I'm sure my people and your people can thrash out a pair of treaties. Admiral Nagano will be dealing with the NAP and my finance minister will deal with the trade agreement.

We can then look over what they have come up with and sign them if we are happy with them"

"That sounds reasonable. In that case I thank you for seeing me at such short notice."

"Admiral you might as well enjoy yourself while you are here. life isn't all work and no play in New Kirisubo. We also make life simple for everyone" the Tairo replies.

"it makes sense to have you here in my home while the talks continue. we may not have to do that much but your negotiators may need to speak to you from time to time. one of our guest villas should be large enough for you and your party with all the comforts we know off until we conclude our business"

"Thank you. I am sure that will more than suffice for our modest needs. I would greatly appreciate sampling somewhat of your culture while we are here; not least to take back a greater understanding of your nation when I return to mine."

The Tairo speaks to one of her guards who then returns with a maid dressed in a yellow kimono.

"Admiral, Emiko can look after you and your party" she says as the young woman bows in welcome to her leaders honoured guests.

"Thank you."
The Admiral rose to depart.
"In that case I shall be speaking with you again, if all goes well, only when we have a deal."

The Tairo bows and says "i look forward to a deal as well"

Emiko led the admiral to a small house a few hundred yards away that was furnished the classic Kirisuban way with tatami mats on the floor, shoji wood and paper walls and sliding doors. the chairs are off the low variety, stools or padded cushions.

after removing her own sandals Emiko shows them round the 6 roomed bungalow, the house having a little kitchen, a bathroom, a main room and 3 utility rooms that could be used for anything from sleeping in or having meetings. one was already taken by Emiko as her living quarters.

in perfect but accented english Emiko says "I'll also be your cook and house keeper while you are here. if you need anything all you have to do is ask me"

The three men were impressed at the elegant simplicity of the Kirisuban dwelling.

As was only natural, it was agreed the two aides would bivvy together; the admiral took the remaining room.

"Thank you very much Emiko; I think for now all we want is to discuss between ourselves what we have seen today, and where we go from here."

Emiko smiles, bows and starts preparing the next meal in the small kitchen.

she sings softly as she prepared the replicated fish and noodles for the midday meal. she slices the fish before dipping it in a light batter and deep frying it. while she waits for the noodles to boil she also prepares some vegetables into strips also battering and deep frying them.

lunch would be ready for when it was required.

Tearing themselves away from the smell of the food being prepared, the three men sat together.

"What do you think?"
"They seem genuine. We've heard from the 'fins, who've been picked up by Redoubtable. They've had a free rein, and have seen nothing untoward. Apparently there is an active dissident group, quasi-Communist, but no major civil disturbance. The people all seem very open, genuine and friendly."
"As I thought. Excellent. In that case you, Humphrys, will push for an open trade agreement; you, Straughan, work on an agreement that will be non-aggression for now, but with clauses only requiring mutual agreement to turn it into an alliance. Let's get the business out of the way, take some time off and then go home with the good news."
"Yes sir!"

about 20 minutes later lunch was ready and Emiko carried a large tray with 3 bowls of noodles, a bowl of battered fish sticks, a bowl of battered vegetables, a bowl with a sweet sauce for dipping, a pot of green tea, cups, chopsticks and knives and forks.

she left the tray in the room for the visitors to help themselves and went outside to work on the herb garden outside the back door of the kitchen.

She liked tending the garden and picked out some herbs for the evening meal.

The men were...uncomfortable...with having an attendant. Everyone had labour-saving appliances, but in Incognitia it was unheard of for an individual to serve another - except in really expensive restaurants and hotels.

Nonetheless, they fell on the lunch Emiko had provided. Soon, however, the Admiral called out to Emiko, knowing she was nearby;
"Emiko, will you not eat with us? There is plenty, and we would be glad of your company."

Emiko heard the admiral while she was weeding the herb garden and went to him.

she slid open the door, bowed and replied "Admiral san, i'd be honoured to share some tea but i've already eaten earlier."

She's already got a cup and closed the door behind her entering the room.

"To be honest with you, Emiko, we are unused to having a maid; we will be more comfortable if you stay to eat and talk with us."
"So, Emiko" Straughan piped up "how did you come into this line of work?"

"i went to college to learn this job and my mother and older sister are also in this trade" Emiko replies after kneeling on a cushion and pouring herself some tea.

"i'm surprised that you find having a maid uncomfortable. its normal for us since important people have a lot to worry about although the Tairo does cook for herself from time to time.

our traditions goes back 4,000 years starting on Earth and although things have changed being a house keeper is still a perfectly valid career for some people just as being an Ai-jin, a love person is for others.

its an extension of the hotel industry but more generalised. I would do more than a normal maid but I enjoy meeting new people and the challenges they bring"

"That is interesting; a reminder that our cultures are very different in many ways.
Most of our people would see being in your job as a failure, in their own terms. And yet you seem perfectly happy; and we would accept that we have no right to judge what is right for you.
And yes, important people have things done for them, but not on a personal, one-to-one basis, rather that these things are simply done, so to speak."

"Life should be simple" Emiko answers sipping at her tea.

"whats your hotels like?" she asks adding "my service to the Tairo is simple as well. she has enough to worry about as head of state without needing to worry about other simple things like cooking for herself"

"Hotels are; well, apart from the truly expensive ones, pretty much everything is done by machines. Cooking, cleaning, check-in and check-out, all automated.
Labour costs in our nation are very high, which is part of the reason, the other is that very few people wish to do these jobs. That means that the wages in this sector are higher than many, to retain good staff. After all, if you hire someone to provide a service, they must want and enjoy the job, otherwise they will not serve well, and not be worth hiring."

"very true" Emiko says "but having all those machines mean you lack the personal touch. We still have machines here but they don't do everything and we still prefer to cook our food the old fashioned way"

"Well, many people still do their own cooking, because they want to. But the mechanical substitutes are indistinguishable; only a skilled chef can make better meals. So economic pressure prevents all but the best eateries from employing human staff."

Emiko drinks more tea and replies "your ways are different just as ours are but I still think your people are missing out on something. enjoying the simple things in life like a cup of tea, a freshly cooked meal or seeing a cherry blossom tree in flower makes life worthwhile. technology isn't everything and its needs the human touch to make it your ally"

she smiles slightly enjoying this conversation over lunch.

"We haven't lost sight of the simple pleasures; many people still cook for themselves, and I am certain that a major pastime amongst our people is visiting gardens or countryside to appreciate the tranquility. We just have a different emphasis."

"then we are more similiar than we appear to be" Emiko replied as she tops up her tea and offers a refil to anyone who wants it

A quiet chorus of "Thank you" accepted more tea.
"So how is it that you speak such excellent Anglic?" (OOC: They speak a variant of English, hence the name).

"my people have known English since once it became a commonly spoken language on Earth and we when traveled to the stars the language did as well.

everyone here knows it and so it seems does most of the galaxy" Emiko replies topping up their cups.

"Makes life a lot easier. Though we have capable computer translation, the only language we usually deal with is the 'fins Trinary, and that is more poetry than a usual spoken language."

Emiko puts the teapot back on the table and drinks more tea.

"is there anything in particular you want for dinner?" she asks

"Sampling more of your fine version of the local cooking will be fine, I am certain."

Emiko smiles and says "I'll be honoured to surprise you then. most of our cooking revolves round seafood or vegetables but we also use beef and chicken as well.

that was only a light lunch you just had. tonight will be a feast"

"Thank you Emiko. At some point we will have to return to the work of negotiations; for now, I can think of little better than relaxing and enjoying your cooking occasionally."

Emiko drains her little cup of tea and replies "It looks like we've both got work to return to. I'll be around here if i'm needed"

after finding out whose taking which rooms she bows and leaves the men sliding the door behind her.

she could always return for the dishes later and heads back to the garden to harvest some fresh herbs for dinner.

There was general agreement that Emiko was, in the words of an ancient history book "a Good Thing".
Nomara remained where he was; his two aides returned to work, hammering out diplomatic deals for their people.

with the Kirisuban negotiators also wanting an agreement work progressed quickly.

Admiral Yuriko Nagano swiftly outlined her terms for the NAP and a basic agreement that Kirisuban and Terror ships would also render aid to distress calls from each nations ships and worlds.

the Finance Minister Ms Koyuki Takamoto was in agreement with the principle of fair trade and she was in favour of dropping all taxes and duties between the two nations. She did request that Terror traders didn't 'dump' goods in New Kirisubo and vice versa.

"surely theres no point in bringing a shipment ashore if you've got no buyer for it. We can have part of the orbital docking facilities set up as a trading venue so our merchants will have a place to carry out business"

While a deal had been expected, the willingness of the Kirisubans to offer more than acceptable terms was gratifying. A deal fully acceptable to Incognitia had been laid out within days.

Emiko that evening served a feast just as she had promised.

there was a vegetable based soup for starters followed by bowls of rice, cubed chicken with a sweet dipping sauce as well as a bowl of cubed beef for people who didn't fancy the chicken.

she had baked a cake for dessert with jam and cream sandwiching both halves together and green tea finished of the evening meal.

Emiko joined them for dinner even although it was against Kirisuban custom but what her guests wanted also counted as well

OOC: Sorry, this thread slipped my mind for a bit.
IC: Wolfing down the soup, the men were soon attacking the chicken, with every sign of enjoying it greatly.
"Today's progress?" the Admiral asked.
"The Non-Aggression Pact is in place; with an agreement to answer one another's distress calls on top."
"All we had hoped for. And the trade agreement?"
"Free trade permitted. Some vague wording against dumping of goods in each others markets."
"Acceptable; we won't be in a position to with our limited FTL merchant fleet for some years. And anything we'll buy after an interstellar voyage would likely find a market here anyway."
"So, we sign?"
"Yes, I'll send a message to the Tairo that we are satisfied with both documents and prepared to sign up to them as treaties."

Emiko smiled when she seen the Tairo's guests enjoying the meal and content with the progress they had made.

The sun was setting as they ate so the lamps would have to be set outside the house after dinner.

she ponders this as she eats her rice with chop sticks not being that hungry anyway after the soup course. she wanted to keep some space for the cake as well.

The men continued eating steadily, as their minds turned from the scale of politics and alliances to contemplating the view.

In many ways they were happier with that; the mundane, the simple, the beautiful.

Emiko finished her rice and started slicing up the cake leaving half of it for later if someone wanted seconds or a piece later on.

she cuts four large slices putting them on plates for when everyone was ready for them and then poured the tea.

"its the setting sun beautiful?" Emiko says softly to Admiral Nomara

The cake met with approval, the men stopping to savour it.

"Yes, it is indeed beautiful. Our nations benefit is more important, on the grand scale; but my personal benefit has been seeing the beauty and tranquility of your nation for myself.
Our nation has much beauty, but tranquility is something we have lost, in many ways."

Emiko replies "we never lost the need for simplicity even when my people lived on Earth. the simple pleasures of life will always be needed and i'm sure that your people will find their tranquility again.

We work hard but we also recognise the need for a balanced life"

"Oh, a few individuals always do; but as a people we are not good at stopping, or at taking a step back, or appreciating the simple things."

Emiko eats some of the cake and replies "maybe your people could learn from us"

"Emiko, as we have seen in the last few days"
came after a mouthful of cake
"Our people can learn much from you. What we are yet to discover is what your people can learn from us."

Emiko smiles and nods replying "maybe that is the case but we are always learning new things about ourselves and others.

For example I don't even know what you do for entertainment and I wouldn't be a very good host if I neglected that"

"Our entertainment? So many things. A big one is team sports; most of which are one form or another of football.
Also vastly popular are musical pastimes, both watching, playing and dancing to music, in a whole range of styles.
The biggest event is the annual Cup Final, for the Football Association Cup. Teams from all over the country take part, and at the final the best two compete for the glory of being champions of the nation."

"we can do sports and music here as well. a lot of our music is traditional string music and drumming.

Sumo wrestling is very common and we still play rugby union, a sport we took over from Earth.

I have a samisen and could play for you if you like"

"I would like to hear that.

And that is interesting; rugby is one of the "footballs" that our people play, both league and union. Perhaps a few of our teams could play yours?"

"maybe we could. I was a scrum half in my schools ladies team so I do know about it".

she rises and returns from her quarters with a samisen, a long necked string instrument which resembles a long guitair.

she kneels down again and after getting comfortable starts plucking at the strings playing a relaxing tune.

Waiting for a pause in the music, Nomara then said
"Once again, the sublime beauty of something your people seem to take for granted is...breathtaking.
I am not sure our people know this....samisen...but I am sure that there will be those who wish to learn it."

"i'm sure there will be" Emiko replies gently taking another sip of her tea.

feeling relaxed herself she knew her duty as a hostess. to keep the admiral and his men happy during their stay.

"Would you be able to play a little more? Perhaps some of the oldest tunes you know, that may be far enough back to belong in our shared heritage?"

The Admiral had long since decided that once, his people and the Kirisubans must have shared a history. Who knew what, and how far back; that story would probably never be told.

Emiko says "this tune goes back to about 1450 AD and was composed in honour of the Terror Incognitian allies at the time. their great wooden ships inspired the composer"

she plays a piece that would remind the listener of tall wooden ships if they knew what they were.

As spiritual descendants of the men the piece was composed for, it would be hard to overstate the impact that simple statement had on the men.

This piece was more beautiful than the last, and though they would probably never admit it, brought tears to the eyes of all three.

"We have lost...so much. Not least of our history. Our nation sent us with no mention of Kirisubo having had contact with our nation in ages past, which means they didn't know. Our people have lost their history beyond the century before they left, so while we hope to remain true to the traditions of our distant ancestors, we simply don't know."

"Emiko, I can't thank you enough."

Emiko smiles slightly and replies "I can get you information on our history with Terror Incognitia as we know it.

You forebears aided us in battle against the Han empire and the Austians. we maintained our links for a long time but its unclear how we lost contact.

The best guess is that Kirisubo entered another isolationist phase prior to the 20th century and our links were lost when that happened.

If you excuse me I'll get you a mobile terminal so you can see for yourself"

Emiko returns quickly with a small laptop terminal and sits beside the Admiral as she speaks into it.

"computer, show me any information related to the alliance between the Empire of Kirisubo and Terror Incognita"

The computer thinks and replies in a female voice "working. specify time frame."

"1450 AD and beyond" Emiko replies

a file opens with an ancient eyewitness report from a survivor of the first time Kirisuban and Terror ships met. Two Kirisuban warjunks none of which had cannon fought to the last man before being defeated. A picture also appears showing two typical ships of the period. the engineer was quite concise since he watched it from the shore.

"we didn't have a good start but things soon changed when Terror joined the northern alliance" she adds

"Amazing...we know nothing, simply nothing of all this.

All this information was lost to us when the Archive was lost; when we left Earth, our records were in one ship, to keep all organised and together. And that ship was lost, losing us all but legend beyond living memory of the departure.

So what was this northern alliance? And how did your people forgive this attack?"

Emiko hits a few buttons on the keyboard advancing to the next file.

"according to this the northern alliance was Frozopia, Ostia, Kirisubo and yourselves. When you joined that we accepted you simply because you were now an ally. my people are warriors and they accepted the attacks as part of war. there was nothing to forgive since they died bravely in battle.

then Terror forces joined in the attack on Aust"

she hits another two keys and a map appears of the area at the time.

"Emiko, I now know the greatest gift your people can immediately give mine; access to your historical records.
Our people would give much to regain knowledge of our past. After all, you have just told me more of our history before we left Earth than our scholars know.
Such knowledge is priceless."

"feel free to use my computer then" she says "knowledge should be open to anyone who needs it and i'll set up an account for you to access the public archives"

she calls up an electronic form and enters the Admirals name and the adress of the villa as well as her e-mail address.

a few minutes later an e-mail pops back to Emiko with the Admirals account details, a generic password he can change and she shows him how to access the records remotely.

With no disrespect to Emiko, the men are now lost to her until it is time to sign the agreements; they have found a doorway into a world long thought lost, and are bent on drinking in as much of it as possible in one sitting.

Emiko clears up the dishes and prepares their quarters rolling out the futon beds and unfolding the quilts and pillows as she works quietly in the background.

she then lights the lanterns at the front and back of the house happy that the Terror Incognitians have discovered something more valuable than agreements.

a window into their past..

The men were oblivious. They had uncovered a new twist, this time a civil war in their history, triggered by a war with...Angermanland. It seemed this had reshaped the government, leaving it in a very familiar form. They were just beginning to explore the ramifications, but the debate was already flowing.
"Ah, Emiko, thank you, we may not get to bed for a while. Please don't let us keep you up."

Emiko smiles and says "theres still plenty of cake in the kitchen and theres also a drinks dispenser there if you need anything. I'll be around for a good while yet anyway"

she leaves the men to their research and returns to her room getting changed into a sleeping kimono and speaking into a comm badge keeping the Tairo updated as planned.

the Tario seems happy with how the Incognitians are settling in and agrees that an agreement will be swiftly hammered out.

"it looks like we'll be allies again just like as in the past" she tells Emiko.

The three men finally settled in, long into the early morning. Even then, thoughts raced around their heads. This was...too much to take in.

the next morning as the sun rose Emiko's alarm clock went off and she rolled out of her futon bed getting showered and dressed in a clean kimono, this time a red one.

after tying the Obi and turning it round to the right position she started to prepare breakfast.

soon the smell of toast, eggs, coffee and tea were coming from the small kitchen and Emiko brought a tray to each bedroom leaving it for the men to take when they wanted it.

"o-hayo gozaimasu" she says to the men as she opens the sliding doors gently not wanting to disturb them too much.

Bleary eyes were the rule all around.
"I should have learnt I can't stay up as if I was twenty any more."
"I think that goes for all of us this morning."
"Thank you Emiko, you're an angel."
"We sign today, right?"
"I think so. So eat up and make yourselves presentable."

Emiko leaves them to breakfast and then gets her own, a bowl of replicated rice porriage.

the Tairo and her staff were also up and around, most kirisubans being early risers.

today would be remembered for a long time as they renewed the old ties between their peoples.

Smartly attired in full-dress uniforms, though still a little bleary around the eyes, the men were still reading more history on their way to meet the Tairo. One man would read, the other two make sure he didn't walk into anything as they listened.

The Tairo was ready for them having read over the agreements and happy to sign them. she was wearing a smart pale blue skirt suit today.

back at the villa Emiko cleaned up after the night before still finding stray crockery and cups

The Admiral bowed
"Good morning, Tairo. We hope you are as satisfied with our agreements as we ourselves are."

"I had a look over them earlier and am ready to sign" she says returning the bow

"Wonderful. Just as an aside, can we arrange to take a copy of as much of your historical archives as is achievable back with us?
Emiko has introduced us to your histories, and we have learnt much already."

"off course you can. before you leave you can have full access and archive what you can" the Tairo replies before offering a chair at her desk to the Admiral.

she signs the four copies of the agreements and hands the Admiral the pen.

The Admiral signs.
"Thank you. I don't know if you know how much this means to us, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"to know where you are going you must know where you came from" the Tairo replies.

"now the offical duty has been performed feel free to stay in the villa and continue your research. At least I can help you with that and perhaps one of our historians can also help you out"

"I thank you for the offer, but we are not historians. Better that we take all the information we may, and take it home to our own universities to begin to understand it.
Any historians of your people who wished to come with us, and assist with this, would be most welcome; but we really should be going home."

the Tairo nodded and replied "i'm sure that there may a few who would want to travel to your world and assist your historians.

i'll let the University of New Edo know of your offer"

"Thank you. It will take a little while for us to be ready to depart, and we can always wait a few days more."

back at the villa Emiko has cleaned the place and and was going through a cookery book wondering what to do for lunch while drinking some tea.

###

the Tairo smiled and said "I'm sure you want to get back to finding out more about your past. I will tell the archive to arrange copies of anything that mentions your nation and you will have them before you leave"

"You are more than helpful; a trait that seems to hold true for your whole nation."
The Admiral stood to depart, accompanied by his aides.
"We must bid you a sad farewell, then, Tairo."

"Admiral we may well meet again" she replies.

the Tairo bowed and let them leave getting back to the latest report on her desk about Red October. the agent that had infiltrated them had managed to get news out off a plan to obtain a viral weapon for the group.

This would complicate things since they also had other cells in New Kirisubo and they weren't all infiltrated.

"tea, green" she says and her replicator hums into life giving her a fresh cup of green tea which she drunk while she pondered this.

the word had also been sent to the Universty and it wasn't long until the Tairo's secretary recieved her first response. Professor Yukiko Omura was interested and as one of the top historians on the planet she was certainly qualified.

The men returned to their vessel; they now awaited only a historian, and had made it known they would accept any historian coming with the Tairo's approval, thus hopefully easing the process. They could leave as soon as the relevant scholar was aboard; they had transferred the relevant information, using all available communication bands, and clearing all the ship's storage space.

by the time a few hours had passed the Tairo had looked over the list of interested people and selected Professor Omura.

she informed Admiral Nomara that she would be on their ship by the end of the day sending ahead a picture of her so they would recognise her when she was shuttled aboard.

By that evening Professor Yukiko Omura had arranged cover for her classes, found a friend that could look after her dog and had packed a case ready for her journey.

within the hour she was being shuttled to Admiral Nomara's ship and they were requesting permission to disembark a passenger.

ooc: Yukiko is young for a professor only being 25 years old but she is very bright and cheerful. she's 4' 9" tall of slim build and has the classic asian looks of most Kirisuban women. she's quite pretty as well

"Welcome aboard, Professor."
Thankfully the picture had prepared them for an attractive young woman, rather than a dry and dusty old man.
"Bridge, ready for departure."
"Tower, this is TIS Redoubtable. Permission to depart?"

the Redoubtable was given permission to depart and a Tempeku class defence force ship was ready to escort them out.

Yukiko smiled and bowed wearing a smart looking trouser suit.

"thank you for the welcome" she replied in perfect but accented English "i'm sure theres a lot of translation that needs done as well"

"Indeed, we have effective machines, but they never match capable human translation for accuracy.

Without wishing to be rude, we expected someone much older for an eminent professor."

"age is no barrier in my culture although we revere wisdom and old age as well. i was the best that my people could send so here I am" Yukiko replies.

with her case and laptop computer aboard she asked "I'd like to start work as soon as posssible. Has a cabin been assigned to me yet so I can make a start?"

"I am most sorry, I have neglected my duties. Of course, if you could follow me?"
He led her to a comfortably appointed cabin, with a small room for working and relaxation, and a bedroom just behind. Showing her where the power, and link-up to the ship's network were for her laptop, he said
"If you want I can leave you now, and call when it is time for dinner."

Yukiko smiles and says "I'll be ready for dinner when you give me the call. i just need to unpack first and get organised.

Thank you for everything Admiral. I've never left my own world before so this will be a big adventure"