Chapter 11 – Let's Make a Deal

Kusakabe was displeased that they were forced to slow their pursuit in order to allow the battleship containing their captives to catch up. He wore his typical scowl on his face as he drank another bad cup of Jovian coffee. Unbeknown to most of his men he had had real Earth coffee secretly smuggled in when they had held the moon and it taught him that no matter how advanced their hydroponics agriculture was, it just couldn't match the real thing. Now since the front was pushing against them, his supply was cut off and he was relegated back to drinking this stuff which had a consistency more of tar than of a drink.

Everything was under control though. He couldn't speed up to catch them but at least he could slow them down. He had gone too easy on the three ships so far and he thought. It was time to give the Nadesico, Cosmos, and Excalibur a real run for their money. He had given a curt order to send about thirty battleships from defending the perimeter around Io to catch up with them. They were only about a day away from their destination and any misstep on his part could be fatal to his plans. Luckily, there were chulips on patrol in those far regions he could send the battleships through.

"Would you like some more coffee sir?" one of his helmsmen asked him. Kusakabe felt like slapping the crap out of him for suggesting he imbibe more of this trash but he realized that he must keep up appearance. How would his troops remain staunchly pro-Jovian if they learned their commander preferred an Earth luxury over the hard work of Jovian farmers?

"Yes, thank you," he said expertly hiding his disgust. "How long until our guests arrive?" he asked.

"They should be docking in about an hour sir," his first officer replied.

"Good, make sure they receive officer accommodations and the finest service as long as they don't leave their room," he replied.

"But sir! These men and women are prisoners and dare I say war criminals against Jupiter…"

"Do not question my orders!" Kusakabe yelled intentionally flinging his new cup of coffee against the wall. "I have a plan and just leave it at that." The soldier calmly saluted and returned to his post.

Meanwhile, several decks down Inez rapidly tried to utilize her new found communications privileges. She had fixed some old research equipment into a high powered transmitter. She made sure to hide the signal in plenty of complex noise in order to send it out under the Jovian's noses. Since they used so much power for jump research in the lab, they probably wouldn't flinch when she turned it on.

She was preparing to send a signal to the Nadesico in a few hours explaining her situation, her plan, and what she needed their help in. It had to be brief, to the point, and convincing. Luckily, this style was not hard for Inez having written so many scientific papers. She only hoped that Ruri would be manning the bridge when it came. Some of those other fools may not recognize it for what it is.

As she was finishing her message she jumped at a rap on the glass of the lab window. Thinking she had been discovered she hastily deleted the message. She turned around trying to feign her regular scientist glare though she was scared to death. She sighed in relief that it was only that damn guard again. He waved at her and she smiled and waved back. He asked her over the intercom if she was free tonight and she told him that Kusakabe was busting her chops to get this project done but she would have more free time after that. He whistled at her and walked away like the happiest man in the world. Inez shook her head again. Pathetic. Or perhaps as Ruri would say, baka. She turned around and began starting over on her vital communication.

Earlier, Jun had regarded the lack of Jovian activity as bizarre but now he was downright suspicious. He had ordered a conference between the three captains of the ships to discuss things. That was supposed to have been an hour ago. However, Yurika was not able to attend because of her relentless obsession for Akito and at this very moment Admiral Misumaru was hunting her down in the ship since she had decided to obscure her location.

Meanwhile he had decided to chat with Erina to pass the time. It wasn't his preferred activity for the moment but he knew that they had to communicate constantly if they were going to reach their destination and get out alive.

"So how's life on the Cosmos?" Jun asked a matter-of-factly.

"Fine," Erina replied, seemingly not anxious to go into detail.

"Are all of your systems completely repaired and up to full capabilities?" Jun asked trying to be more specific.

"Yes," Erina replied not desiring to get more specific.

"How about any casualties from the last battle? Are they sustainable or do you need more manpower?" Jun interrogated her starting to get really annoyed at her recalcitrance.
"No," Erina replied.

"No? I asked you two questions!" Jun cried.

"Yes," Erina said, evidently being bored by this conversation.

Jun decided to change tactics. "Are you still in love with Akito?" he asked in a neutral tone.

"Yes…WHAT!? Where the hell did that question come from? How is that any of your business? Who do you think you are? Some big shot because you have a ship now! My private life is none of you damn business!" she said nearly yelling.

"Great, now you're speaking in full sentences we can have a real conversation!" Jun said laughing. The bridge crew of the Excalibur laughed as well as Erina turned beet red. "Don't worry Erina, I promise not to send a transcript of this communication to Yurika as long as you cooperate fully," he joked.

"You think I care? What she going to do to me? Talk me to death? So what's on your mind Aoi and make it quick," she started.

"Don't you think the level of resistance we have encountered this far is strange? I would have expected more than this half-hearted assault by the Jovians for us having penetrated so deep into their territory. I mean, with a minor course correction we could assault Ganymede in day," Jun started.

"Perhaps you give them too much credit Jun. Now that their advantage from their surprise attack in 2196 is gone and their technology is no longer mysterious we are finding out how weak and flaccid they really are. I find the level of resistance to be expected especially since most of their material is at the front at the asteroid belt," she explained her logic in a fashion that suggested she could not fathom that her ideas were wrong.

"But they could just use a chulip to send grasshoppers to harass us at least. But no, we keep getting these sporadic and half-hearted attacks. They obviously know where we are…"

"But can they catch us? They relied so much on Chulip technology for transport that they neglected improving their phase transition engines. Nergal's technology in this respect is superior and is the reason why we can haul ass without them having a prayer of catching up," Erina declared.

"I understand that but…" Jun started but was soon cut off.

"OHAIYO GOZAIMASU!" Yurika yelled giving her signature V with the index and middle fingers of her right hand as the holographic window popped up.
"Oh boy," Erina said shaking her head. "There goes our last hope of rational conversation," she muttered.

Yurika ignored her. "So, what do you want to talk about Jun-kun! Did you hear? Akito was teaching me how to cook this morning so I can finally make good things for him! I made some ramen noodles all by myself! So I hope this important!"

"Rest assured, it is Yurika. Have you felt that it has been strange how little resistance we have gotten. As a tactical genius you should no this all seems wrong," Jun started.

"Oh of course I agree with you Junny! They're obviously tracking us, probably from a ship at our rear out of tracking range," she replied cheerily.

"WHAT?! How long have you had this theory why didn't you tell us sooner?" Jun asked shocked at her analysis and her nonchalant attitude about it.

"Silly, they obviously know where we're going. Otherwise they would have suspected we were going to attack their home worlds and they would have pummeled us. We probably don't have anything to worry about until we arrive tomorrow!" she said not losing an ounce of her mirth. "But let me tell you about what Akito and I did yesterday…"

She continued to talk on as Jun and Erina gave each other a look of incredulity. After about five minutes of describing their ski trip in the VR room Jun was able to redirect her thought processes to the topic of how not to get their butts kicked.

"Well, we need to stay in tight formation. That will make us ready to defend each other when the attack comes," Yurika said.

"Yes, under no circumstances should we be separated or we're going to be picked off in battle," Jun agreed. "I also think that we should drop some probes behind us to alert us when our pursuers pass this point. Do you have anything to add Erina?"

"Do I have a choice in matters?" Erina asked.

"At least in how to keep us from getting killed you do," Jun replied.

"Fine. I would like to ask you to send back my first officer. Her tactical advice is invaluable," Erina said. Jun looked and Yurika who sat a moment contemplating the request. Jun looked at Yurika and shook his head.

"I'm sorry Erina, we can allow her to virtually participate from here but we don't want you trying to make another mad dash or taking revenge on your defector. She will remain a guest on the Nadesico for now," Yurika told her.

"Whatever. Won out," and her holographic window disappeared.

Yurika turned to Jun and said, "Sorry Jun-kun! I have to go to. I'm learning how to boil rice this afternoon! Akito is SOO good to me. I hope you have fun on your ship, bye!"

"Yeah, whatever," Jun mumbled. He decided to go relieve some stress. Despite his low-key personality and lack of aggressiveness, Jun was not a weakling. He decided to take out the day's frustrations on a punching bag down in the gym. The fighting training he had received at the Academy was not lost on him and he had kept it up since then. Hell, he couldn't fly a robot right but he could have broken off Akito and Akatsuki in hand-to-hand combat any day. Of the many things he lacked, self-control wasn't one of them though luckily for his competitors for Yurika's hand.

Thirty minutes into the routine he was interrupted by an urgent call from the bridge. "Captain, you have an incoming communication from the Nadesico. The caller has requested on using a clandestine broadcast channel rather than the main communications ones," his communications officer announced.

"Patch it through," he said wiping himself off frantically with his towel. He wanted to at least look decent for Yurika. To his surprise however, her father appeared on the screen instead.

"Hello, Captain Jun," he said. Jun instantly saluted him and the admiral replied in kind.

"Admiral Misumaru, you're communication is quite unexpected. How can I help you sir?" Jun asked.

"Jun, I have some things I want to talk to you about. However, I don't think it's wise to do it over communications, no matter how secure this channel is. I'll be coming over in about an hour so be expecting me," he replied.

"Why? What is so important to talk about face-to-face? Won't Yurika be suspicious?" Jun queried perplexed by such a request.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. Just be expecting me," he repeated.

"OK, then. Should I have anything ready?" Jun asked.

"Yes, make sure you can access all of Nergal's records on that ship. Did Akatsuki destroy them all before he left?"

"Actually, we were able to save most of the records. He just seemed to be concerned with hiding the numbers of his Peaceland bank accounts."

"I see. I will be seeing you then Jun," the Admiral said and abruptly closed the communication. Jun stood for a moment contemplating what the admiral could want from him. Realizing he would know soon enough he simply shrugged his shoulders and went to the showers.

"Yurika, I have decided that I want to go tour the Excalibur," the admiral started.

"But why? Can't you just have Jun send you the specs and you can walk through it in the VR Room?" she asked.

"Yurika, there are certain things I want to see besides just the technical aspects. For example, the crew morale and dynamics. I want to make sure everything is going as smoothly for Jun as possible. You understand my interest as a commander don't you?" he replied.

"Well, I guess so but in that case maybe we should all go together?" she said smiling.

"Yurika, you can't just leave your ship like this. It's bad enough leaving your post so much. Anyway, how can you refuse the request of a commanding officer, your father no less. I will only be gone for a few hours," he finished. He began to walk away but then turned around. "And you better give Akito some breathing room. I'm getting tired of hunting you down every ten minutes to ask you to perform your duties!"

Yurika thought about it. If her father was gone she could be alone with Akito without any interruption! Why was she being so stubborn, this was a great opportunity! "Of course I understand father, have fun," she said hugging him and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Admiral Misumaru smiled. She was so predictable. Once he pulled out the prospect of her being alone with Akito he knew she would have even sold her soul to him.

"I'll see you in a bit," he said and walked off towards the "Hinagiku" shuttle bay. Yurika waved and then went back to stalking Akito.

Akatsuki was a bit taken back at first by the kind treatment he had received. Well, at least it was kind by P.O.W. standards. He could see the hate in his captors' eyes but they were obviously restraining themselves under orders. Since he didn't think this sort of treatment was typical he resigned himself to the fact that they had discovered his identity. But what did they want from him now? Possibly negotiations. That meant his opponent was already one step ahead of him.

Akatsuki had planned to petition whoever the commanding officer was in hopes of making an advantageous deal but it seems that his counterpart had already anticipated this. Whoever he or she was, they were quite wily indeed. Now Akatsuki had to shore up his own position. What did he have to offer? Information or money was about all he could give. What did he want? His life first and foremost. Secondly, his company and finally a chance to get back at Erina. At least he was starting to think. He would have to use all of his negotiation tactics since he was clearly at a power disadvantage here.


His ruminations were cut short by a knock at the door. A guard appeared and beckoned him to come along. Akatsuki nodded, realizing his time had come. He regained his normally cocksure and pompous composure and walked out in front of the guard.

The ship he was in was obviously massive. At least four times bigger than the Nadesico. As the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened he was hit with another shock. Standing there was no other than Inez Fressange accompanied by a man who he instantly recognized as the head of the Jovian military establishment, Admiral Kusakabe. What worried him most though was Fressange's presence. She had obviously been interrogated or was working outright with the Jovians. Therefore any bluff he tried to pull they could check it back by here to verify the veracity of his claims. "Of all the damn luck," he thought.

His disconcert must have been obvious since Kusakabe smiled and began to speak. "I see you have finally met your match Chairman Akatsuki. The proud family of Nergal has been finally humbled by the forces of infinite justice and righteousness!"

"LET'S GO PASSION!" the rest of the bridge screamed out, apparently on cue.

"I find it interesting that the two men who have directed this war from the shadows finally meet face to face," Akatsuki replied. "And I see you have been taking care of my best engineer for me, how kind of you." Akatsuki did not bother to hide to venom in his voice.

"Hello, Mr. Chairman," Inez said neutrally. If this fool was thinking he could outwit Kusakabe on his own ship he was about to make a big mistake. What did she care though? He had left her on Mars for dead, why should she save his behind now?

"Please, let us sit in my ready room," Kusakabe said inviting them into a door on the far port side of the bridge. The three walked in and Kusakabe offered them seats.

"Funny, he usually makes everyone stand before him," Inez thought.

"I understand you are probably confused and maybe a bit afraid, Mr. Chairman," Kusakabe started.

"What do I have to fear from the likes of you? Death? Do you know how many enemies I have on Earth and in the UEF? I live with that reality on an everyday basis," Akatsuki shot back.

"Clearly. I see this great man does not want to humble himself, even in the most compromising of situations," Kusakabe said wryly. "Inez has told me oh so much about you. However, I think she will like being employed by the Jovian forces for the time being rather than by your sterile institutions, Mr. Akatsuki." Inez clearly frowned at this remark and folded her arms over her chest.

"I am a man of business, get to the point," Akatsuki said being aggravated by both Kusakabe's bravado and his own helplessness.

"We should talk as leaders. Inez, please wait on the bridge. I may call you in later," he said. Without a word, Inez got up and left.

After the door closed, the real negotiations began.

"I could have you killed with a snap of my fingers so don't you even think about crossing me you fool," Kusakabe snapped.

"I'm sure you would Admiral. Such a red hot temper. Killing such a valuable hostage as myself without even using me for propaganda purposes. I'm sure the government back on Europa would fully approve. This would no doubt give your enemies grounds for your removal wouldn't it?" Akatsuki said not flinching in the least at the prospect of his own execution.

"What do you know of Jovian politics or my enemies you pompous fool?!" Kusakabe replied.

"Nothing. I just know under your command the Jovian forces have been pushed back from nearly taking Earth to the Asteroid Belt, you lost the boson jump computer, and had a high profile defection by one of your commanders, Shiratori Tsukumo. It's a miracle that you haven't been executed. In fact, the only reason you are heading this mission yourself is to redeem your image and honor…."

"My image and honor? Let's talk about yours. Your right-hand woman holds a secret from you and then defects in one of your best ships to go seize it for herself. She has obviously outmaneuvered you politically seeing how the UEF has flocked to her banner instead of yours. Your last asset, your last hope of refuge, your last pride, the ship you call Excalibur has been taken from you. Apparently by one of the Nadesico's junior officers no less as one of you men revealed under interrogation. You have less than a hope and a prayer Akatsuki Nagare!" Kusakabe hissed. He was starting to enjoy this. It had been a long time since he had actually had a talented foe to match wits with.

Akatsuki smiled and contemplated his position. "If you lose this mission, you lose everything and there is no clear guarantee you will win…"

"Three ships versus the firepower of the Jovian fleet!"

"I'll remind you what ONE of those ships, the Nadesico, did to your fleet by itself. Can you imagine it fighting with two ships of later and superior design? You underestimate them Kusakabe. There could be an early retirement in your future…"

With this remark Kusakabe got up and began to stroll behind his chair. Suddenly he began to laugh. "In other words, we are both damned!" he exclaimed.
Akatsuki, not being one to lose out on the humor of it chuckled himself.

"Ever since I was a boy on Mars and you bastards attacked us with nuclear weapons I swore vengeance. Now I have the chance to choke the person most directly responsible I am actually restraining myself. Amazing!"

"You are not a man of ideals Kusakabe. Otherwise you would have seen the logic of the peace Shiratori and the Nadesico tried to make over a year ago. Face it, you are just like me. For us, ideology is only a vehicle. It's the power that matters. Why? Because we know without us humanity would flounder into foolishness!"

Kusakabe smiled. "I am not charitable Akatsuki, but I am rational. The moment you become useless to me you die."

"But until then…." Akatsuki asked intentionally trailing off.

Kusakabe sat down again. "Inez has been very helpful but I doubt she will betray her comrades. In fact, even you don't have a reason to do so besides the fact you are about to lose everything."

"Yes, you are right. The reason we both feared peace is that we realized our power is greatest in war. In peace those fool politicians take over and people get complacent and begin to say foolish things like 'Down with Nergal!' We can't have that can we?" he asked.

"But you understand that once I seize whatever this artifact is, the Jovian army will be unstoppable. I will crush the UEF and then send you out the airlock!"

"Really? Ask yourself this Kusakabe. If you were to conquer Earth now what would you do?"

"I would punish the UEF! Take over the economy and raise Jupiter to the glory she deserves," he declared standing up in a fit of passion.

"And how would you run things?" Akatsuki asked. "Face it. Since the Jovians have always existed under the threat of war, your economy is only geared towards military industrialization. You have no idea how to manage a complex and diverse place like Earth. Your power would slip and your empire would break into warring factions before you could even establish your grip firmly."

"How do you know that is the inevitable result!"

"Because I know. But then again. If you had some help, perhaps you could possibly retain control of the situation. What if you had an ally within Earth's economy and politics that could help facilitate your rule? Wouldn't that make things easier on you and help you make sure you would not lose your power in Jupiter?"

"Surely you are not suggesting that I ally myself with you Akatsuki!" he said laughing heartily. "I'm not a damn fool. I know you'll stab me in the back sooner than later."

"Then face this reality! If you fail this mission, and I assure you without help you will, you will be dead probably before you get back to your home base. Do you completely trust your crew?" Akatsuki said going in for the kill.

Kusakabe considered the alternative. He was sure there were spies on this ship. There always were. Then again, he could agree to anything now. Once he had what he wanted he could kill the bastard at any time. He was in control here.

"If you help me thwart the Nadesico and its company, I will allow you to reestablish yourself, in a limited capacity, under my suzerainty."

"Agreed. I only ask two things. First, I want to deal with Erina myself once you have finished dealing with her," Akatsuki said.

"Fine. What is the second request?"

"Captain Misumaru of the Nadesico. I would like to keep her for my own let's say "personal" purposes," he said smiling.

"You're a bastard Akatsuki." Akatsuki shrugged. "Fine, we have a deal. However, we must keep this a secret from my crew. If you as much as disrespect me in front of them I'll drop your ass into the reactor understood?"

"Clearly," Akatsuki said extending his hand. Kusakabe considered for a moment and then shook it.

Akatsuki walked out realizing he had just made a deal with the devil. It figures though he thought. This place was as close to hell as he could possibly get without dying.