Masaki Family Secrets...
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Masaki Family Secrets...
Chapter 08... Decisions...
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( LONG ago... )
A dark haired young male sat in a small chair, his back to the long table as he gazed out the large window before him...
Outside the window was the pitch black darkness of space...
It was a view that he had seen for some time now, when ever he had time to come to this room...
For some reason he found it comforting to gaze at the vast darkness of this huge universe...
It also helped to clear his mind and help him to think...
He still had nightmare from the images that would forever be a part of his memory, recently...
But at-least they didn't cause him to awake from his sleep, in a cold sweat, trembling like a leaf...
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He had once thought of WAR as glamorous and noble...
Recent events had shown him just how foolish he'd been and he'd never be the same again...
The darkness before him didn't erase or replace those memories, but they did help shove them into the farthest reaches of his mind, where they just weren't as accessible...
He wasn't even certain how long it had taken to accomplish that, coming here to stare at - nothing...
But today was different...
There was something to see...
A number of lights, hovering some distance away within this darkness, a star and some planets...
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He heard the very soft sound of the room door quietly sliding open and then quietly closing after a very short pause...
He didn't have to turn around to see who it was that had entered, he knew as soon as they stepped into the room...
Smiling, he spoke softly, before the other person could...
" And what brings you down here in the middle of your busy shift, Commander?... "
He heard a very soft sigh and a slight chuckling...
" There's just no sneaking up on you, is there?... "
Not turning, he knew that wasn't a question, but he replied any way, continuing to smile...
" Differently not until you get a quieter sliding door... "
With all the daily noises on-board such a large star ship, any one else would have not heard it at all...
He knew the Commander was smiling as she replied...
" I'll have to get some one up from engineering to lube it when I get a chance... "
But then he heard her voice change slightly as she continues, more serious...
" HE sent me to see if you might have a moment?... "
He might have laugh at that, for of late he had all the time in the universe, but there was something in the tone of her voice that caught his attention...
As he got up, he did manage to keep his smile as he replied...
" I think I can fit him in... How does now sound to you?... "
Looking at her face, he could see her eyes twinkle with laughter as she just barely manage to hide the cute smile that had appeared for just an instant...
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( The Bridge... )
As they stepped from the turbo lift, he still could not help getting that same feeling of awe that he had first gotten when he'd first set foot upon the deck of a real warship...
To be the flagship of even a Task Force as small as this one, it had to be a very formidable ship and this one truely was...
Sort of a cross between the largest ships-of-the-line, the Battleships and the smaller, yet faster Heavy Cruiser classes...
It had the power to be as fast as the cruisers, but was armed with weapons that were only found of the largest ships, what some one had once called a Pocket battleship and the name had stuck...
Some of the most powerful power plants ever built provided the power for it's engines, for it's weapons and even for it's shields...
But even they couldn't be used to power all three, at full power, at the same time, yet...
And so it was the Captain who had to decide where all that power went and how much...
It had already proven that, in the hand of an experience officer, this was one of the most powerful ships in the Universe...
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Coming back to the present, he noted that they were approaching the officer in question...
Examining a clipboard, he made some motions on it and handed it back to the female crewman standing before him...
Upon receiving the clipboard the crewman quickly moved off to do some thing else...
Noticing the two approach, he let a smile appear...
" I see you could find time to see me!... "
The younger male smiled back, although he had also been a ship's Captain a short time before, that ship was now just pieces of scrap metal that were slowly falling into a Black-hole...
And had it not been for this officer standing before him, his body would have been among that scrap, as would his own crew and all his passengers...
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" It seems that our journey may very well be at an end... "
This was some thing the younger male had not considered as he had followed the Commander down from the upper deck...
The Captain then continued...
" With the appearance of those scout units at our last jump point, we were forced to return to sub-space before all of our ships managed to fully recharged and recovered from the previous jump... "
He let that information sink in...
" As such, to reach this star system, we were forced to push the engines betond their max and as expected, it seems we've burnt out a number of power coils... "
As the power coil was the major factor used in getting a ship into sub-space, it meant that they would be losing some units of the task-force...
He noted that the Commander had her head down and was looking at the floor, so he spoke up...
" Is there a list of ships that were damaged and would have to be repaired?... "
The Captain made a gesture and the female crewman approached them with a clip-board...
At a nod from the Captain, the crewman handed the board to the younger male...
Taking a deep breath, he glanced over the list that was on the board's screen...
He managed to remain calm as his eyes read each ship's name and it's current condition...
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Handing it back to the young female, he watched her return to her station and heard the Captain's voice...
" Your thoughts?... "
The younger male managed a slight smile before speaking...
" Setting aside a number of expressive words and comments I would like to say at the moment... Other than releasing my frustration, they would accomplish very little... "
The Captain chuckled...
" I wonder of any were one I am thinking of?.. "
As both males chuckled, they noted that the Commander was looking at both of them, a very serious look on her face...
The Captain turned to her and smiled...
" Easy Number One... We're getting there!... "
A twinkle appeared in his eyes as he continued...
" Besides, it's not like we'll going any where soon... "
Her eyes widened and she started to say some thing, but stopped, looked at the two of them, then turned and walked away, both males watching her go...
The Captain smiles as he spoke in a ;ow voice that only the young male could hear...
" You're going to have your hands full after you two tie the knot... "
The young male smiled too, then sighed...
" From what I hear about your customs, if I survive the wedding night it should be down hill from there!... "
The Bridge crew was startled as their Captain suddenly burst out in laughter...
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( Later, back on the observation deck... )
The Captain, the Commander and the young male sat around the table...
The young male may have had his eyes closed, but if one looked closer, they could see movement under the closed eyelids as he worked out the problem...
Opening his eyes, he noted that the other two were looking at him and sighed...
" Well... There are a number of options open to us, depending on a number of factors... "
The Captain smiled and the Commander raised an eyebrow...
" To repair enough ship for the strongest Task Force, a large number of the auxiliary and support ships would have to be stripped for parts, mostly coils... All the major ships and escorts would be repaired, but only a few of the support ships would be left... Also this compacted Task Force would only be able to carry a limited number of non-crew without effecting it's performance or the supplies it would need to support itself... "
The Captain and Commander looked at each other before facing him again, it was the Captain who spoke...
" Are there any other options?... "
The young male hid a smile and continued...
" To get the LARGEST number of ships available to jump, we would need to use the coils from the larger ships to repair the support ships and such... This means leaving the Black Star behind, as well as the cruisers Lightning and Thunder... But this would allow enough space for all crewmen, as well as all non-crews and the supplies needed to support them... However, this would also only leave a token escort force to protect it, if it happen to run unto any thing larger that a scout force... "
He noted that that didn't sit too well...
" But as I said, there are other factors... "
Two pairs of eyes narrowed...
" Those options are based on our continuing our flight and trying to take ALL the non-crew members with us... "
This got their attention...
" However... It seems we now have some new factors... Which we could use, if we wish... "
He paused for a moment...
" This system has a number of planets, with one being an ex-colony that has long since lost contact with it's home-world and which has thus regressed into a non-tech, pre-flight world... In fact, they probably don't even believe in off-world life... "
It was the Captain who spoke up...
" And what options does this give us?... "
He had an idea, but wanted to hear the younger male's opinion...
" Any non-crew or crew members who wishes, could be dropped off on this world and they should be able to blend in, thus being reasonable safe from any pursuers... "
That widened some eyes...
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" While I understand that the radiation belt around the world could effect any future generations, it would also prevent any off world scanners from being able to tell any new comers from the older ones... "
He saw questions in their eyes and continued...
" No matter how much any one might want to land and search for us, Prime Galaxy Law states that contact with low-tech, pre-flight worlds is forbidden... One of the few laws that still carries a death sensance... And at the present time, I don't believe those looking for us can afford to get the rest of the Galaxy worlds upset with them... "
The Commander spoke...
" So you're basing this on their doing the RIGHT thing?... "
The young male looked at the Captain...
" You're opinion?... "
The Captain had his elbows on the table, his fingers inter-locked, his chin resting on them, he smiled...
" I'd have to agree... Prime Galaxy Law is drilled into every member of the military, from the time he enlist... The consequences are far too major to do other wise... And in the end, it's the Emperor who will be held responsible for the actions of those under him... "
The Commander responded...
" So, you believe they won't do any thing and the people will be safe?... "
The Captain chuckled...
" Oh, there are things they can do... Most likely, sending down a few scout teams... But for the most part, their hands are tied... And also, why should they even bother?... Even if some one did get down on the planet, how are they going to get off?... They are as good as imprisoned there... And as for being safe?... Are you really ever safe any where in this vast Universe?... "
He smiled as he didn't get any replies...
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He looked at the younger male...
" And your suggestion... "
The young male closed his eyes and seem to be considering what to say...
But in reality he was talking to some one else...
As you said, we did find some thing, but what now?...
He sighed as he received his answer, the one he'd been hearing since childhood, only 100 years before...
The future is what YOU make it...
Opening his eyes, he found the two staring at him...
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In the Captain's eyeglasses, he could see his reflection and the glowing marks on his forehead...
The Captain's eyes narrowed as he digested this new information...
" When you mentioned that your last name was Masaki, I didn't inquire further, as a large portion of your population has that name... However, I... "
The young male held up a hand and nodded...
" I believe introductions should be made... Since once I accept Misaki's hand, you will become my father-in-law... "
The Captain didn't say any thing, he just nodded his head and the young male continued...
" As you know, my name is Kenshi Masaki... However, I never mentioned that I am also the youngest son of the Emperor of the Masakian Stars, the Emperor of the Light, also known as the Pendragon of Trevena… His Imperial Royal Majesty, Tenchi Masaki... "
Both of the officer's eyes were wide open as they stared at him...
" And you are 1st Captain Seina Yamada Jurai, the youngest son of the Juraian Emperor who just destroyed those Masakian Stars... "
He noticed the commander staring at her Captain and father, then smiled...
" It seems that I wasn't the only one keeping secrets... "
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( Shortly there after... )
Kenchi broke the silence...
" I know there's a lot to discuss, but we also need to make some decisions... And soon... Other Task Forces may be headed our way, even as we speak... "
Getting a nod from his daughter, Captain Seina nodded too...
Kenchi continued...
" As I see it, the first thing to do is inquire amount the Masakian survivors, as to who is willing to make planet-fall... I would assume that a good number, if not all of them will wish to have dirt under their feet again... Also, the members of the crews, Juraian, Masakian and others, need to be questioned also... I understand that a number have become disenchanted with life in the military and with fighting in general... They too may wish to leave... "
He paused...
" Then based on the number of remaining crews, another Task Force can take the repaired ships and depart this system... Being sure to leave behind a sort of trail for others to follow... Away from this system... "
Seina had a question...
" And where would they go?... "
Kenchi smiled...
" As I assume you will continue to command, I've co-ordinance to a world where the Task Force and it's crews should be safe... "
He saw Seina's eyebrow flicked and the hint of a smile...
" If you had such a place to hide, why come here?...
Kenchi just smiled and Seina realized something...
" We've been a decoy!... "
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Kenchi saw the hurt in Misaki's eyes and sighed...
" Yes and No... "
He now saw confusion on both their faces...
" Yes, you were a decoy in the sense that we have been drawing attention away from other areas and hopefully, other survivors... "
Two sets of eyes narrowed...
" And NO, it wasn't planned... It just happened... And you were partly to blame... "
He saw Seina's eyelid go up...
" When you opposed the Task Force Admiral's order to destroy my helpless cruiser and all of the unarmed transports that I was escorting, your head became forfeit... Fortunately for you, most of the members of your crews were also sick of all the killing as well and sided with you... "
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He smiled...
" Those higher up thought that by crewing your Task Force with all those misfits they would be putting all their 'problem' children together where it would be easier to keep an eye on, as would you... It was also meant to keep YOU busy, so you wouldn't have the time nor the energy to object to this war, like your oldest brother did... "
Again he paused...
"I was surprised when he and my oldest sister got married, very much against your father's orders... I would really like to meet him some day... "
He saw Seina sigh...
" And I still think leaving that Admiral and those loyal to him on that transport was foolish, at the time, even without communications or sub-space engines... I kind of leaned towards the 'air-lock'suggestion, made by some of the crew... Some thing gave me the impression he wasn't very popular... "
He saw that Misaki didn't understand...
" Only after talking with some of your crew did I discover that chances are, any Juraian war ship that came upon it would just shoot first and ask questions later... In other words, you left their fate in the hands of your sides 'trigger-happy gunners'... "
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Misaki stared at her father as Kenchi continued...
" He did it to protect YOU, as well as his crews... "
Misaki threw her arms around her father, years in her eyes...
Father and Daughter hugged for a while, before returning to business...
Seina eyed Kenchi...
" SO, was it that important, that you risked your life? "
Kenchi had a sad smile as he nodded his head...
" With luck, I pray that other members of the Royal Family managed to make it to the world I mentioned... "
Seina sighed before replying...
" And what about this 'safe' world of yours?... And what makes you so sure it's still safe?... "
Kenchi smiled and touched the bracelet on his arm...
" It's a secluded little place, we call - Avalon... "
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( Some time later... )
The two Juraian officers sat in their chairs, staring at the 3D image hovering above the table...
It was Kenchi's soft chuckling that brought them back down and Seina's remark...
" IMPOSSABLE!... "
He was pointing up at the slowly rotating 3D globe...
" Some thing THAT big can't exist... No one could have built some thing as large as you say that is... "
Kenchi couldn't help smiling, those had been almost his exact words when HE had learned about it...
A huge round sphere that had almost as much area ( land and water ), on it's inner surface, as the Masakian Stars worlds had total...
" Oh, it exist, I can assure you... At-least it did twelve years ago when I was last there with the family... "
The other two still stared at him...
Seina spoke up...
" How could something so big, go - - - unnoticed?... "
Kenchi had to chuckle, THIS was going to be the hard part...
" Would you believe, it's just sitting there?... In sub-space?... "
Both officers were again, staring at him, their eyes even wider...
It was Seina who found his voice first...
" Are you trying to tell me that YOUR people were advanced to the point that they could build such a thing?... "
Kenchi continued to smile, he'd asked his father a similar question...
" Would you believe it was a present?... "
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THAT had been the exact same answer his father had given him when he had asked...
The two still stared at him, as if trying to see if he had 'Lost his mind'...
Kenchi took a deep breath before he continued...
" As I was told - it was a present from the Goddess Tsunami to one of my great-grandfathers to show that she is looking over us... Or some thing like that... I was only about 8 at the time and had very little interest in history... Still don't... "
Most of the civilized galaxy knew of and worshiped the Goddess Tsunami, in one form or another...
Not getting a reaction, he continued...
" As I understand it, it was already several hundred thousand years old when we got it... And that the Goddess and her sisters had created it as a place where they could preform all types of experiments and such... I think they just got tired of it and decided to give it away.. "
They continued to stare at him...
" And don't ask how it manages to stay in sub-space, I haven't a clue... "
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Seina smiled as he looked at the 'young' male sitting across from him...
There was some thing he wanted to ask...
" You're going to be one of those staying behind, aren't you?... "
It hadn't been a question, just stating facts...
He saw the surprised look on his daughter's face...
Kenchi sighed...
" The survivors are my people and their well being is my responsibility... "
He looked at the female sitting across the table that he had lost his heart to...
" If they stay, it's my duty, as the highest ranking member of the Royal Family to see that they remain safe... "
Misaki reached across the table and took his hands...
" Our duty!... "
Seina chuckled and smiled...
" I leave her in your hands, 'Boy'... "
The same name he'd used when they had first met, so long ago...
" Any thing else we need to discuss?... "
Kenchi smiled...
" Just that any unused material, ships, etc, will need to be sent into the sun, leaving as little trace behind that you were here as possible, other than your engine emissions leading away... And that just before you jump to sub-space, you make a short, wide-band, long-range broadcast for me!... "
There was a question look on Seina's face...
" It's a special coded message for any other Masaki Survivors, giving this world's location as a safe world... And with luck, others will be able to find their way here... "
Seina realized that even if it were broken, it would also serve as a decoy...
He was beginning to see just how far this 'young' male would go for his people...
He hoped that some day HIS people would be more like the Masakians...
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Seina took a deep breath...
" OK... So.. When we get to your 'safe' world, how do we get inside?... "
Kenshi smiled, THIS had been the part he had remembered...
" Do NOT approach the co-ordinance in sub-space!... "
There was a Question on Seina's tongue and Kenchi spoke first...
" The skin of the globe has some odd properties... The first is that it seems that sensors won't be able to detect it until you're within a few Kilometers of it... "
He saw Seina's eyebrow go up...
" The other is that it's skin is so strong, that ramming it with the Black Star would have the same effect as throwing an egg at the wall over there... "
He pointed at the nearby wall...
" Your best option is stop a short distance away, in normal space and broadcast a coded phrase on a short range frequency... This should get you some help with getting inside... I'll give you a special data crystal that will explain every thing... "
Seina nodded his head before speaking...
" And the code phrase?... "
He smiled as he spoke...
" For Pendragon, the Masaki Stars and Tsunami... "
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To be continued...
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Please feel free to comment and review for any errors...
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