Isoroku Yamamoto's Story

Hearing all this, Josiah responded in turn, "My, my I am so happy we can unite here and speak of peace in such obvious crops of aggression. I shall address you all. Of course many are concerned with the deal of Ambassadors and I shall be forthwith, each Nation shall be represented an Ambassador, the Ambassadors shall speak for the Nation on the station and have a suite or attache. Their can be non-political entities on the station, as they would likely to pursue more agreements and further their business, but Eulogy Bastion will not have any Corporations have ambassadors, in the extreme case that a Corporation has gotten control of a planet or nation, they will be expected to enter the agreement but the person chosen as Ambassador must have zero corporate ties. This platform will accept all people, I won't lie, but the Ambassadors and the Crew will have the most power if an Ambassador requests this person or group will be removed. This is all to show the nation that no matter how small you seem in the scheme of things, your opinion matters." with that he paused and nodded before continuing, "If the Aschen wish to be here or wish to make contact with the League their past crimes are considered done, I will caution that I am an ally of the UCON so while I say a clean slate it does not mean we trust you any more. A clean slate is a chance to prove yourself a worthy member of this agreement. This is merely just the first of these meetings, there shall be many more."

Taking a firm stance he went on, "Humanitarian efforts are what I hope for, and with the League forming we can reach out to others quicker, everyone will know what's taking place and no more will people be not privy to concerns. I agree Terra should not be the center of the Galaxy, I have no qualms with the planet, I simply feel having the station in Norma Arm will be better for all and Terra will get as much representation as it desires. The whole point of this is there is no center of this idea, it a circle of Nations who are United by our cause for Peace and Protection. I know many Nations are not represented here, I will welcome all..."

"Final point is thus, I propose fully agree with Leaderless Council, each delegate shall have the power of voting, 'Yes', 'No', 'Abstain' or Veto once, the power to veto will be handed out to all the Nations. I understand you probably feel this is risky, and I of course am of agreement on this, but by doing this we also give the smaller nations more power. They can choose to use that power and act on their concerns."

Now was the point he was most dreading, "People of Mezzadrate and other nations assembled I am King Josiah Liwave of the 21st Noble House and I have been considering something for a long time, with all this I have finally decided now is time. As of today I shall be the final King of Mezzadrate and citizens if you are watching listen well... I wish to remove the power the Noble Houses and I have, we shall become an actual Democracy and my second and most impressive piece of news is to do with the Democratic Coalition... as representative of Mezzadrate I ask to become part of your alliance, the only deal here is thus our agreement with UCON is still solid and if thus is the case then I shall accept... As for you my gooey friends, I am sure we can write out some trade agreements and we can all decide how members of the League work within trading imports and exports. But for now the focus is building the foundations."

Readying to take his seat once more, he ended, "As you can see I am dedicated to this project, so much so I shall make myself the ambassador for Mezzadrate. Any questions or have we reached what could be called an understanding? If this is the case, then I believe we shall all meet again a more neutral location perhaps and meanwhile our main focus is the efforts to help the nations suffering, if you can offer any words on this, that I suppose is the most pressing issue."

Darius took note of Josiah's statements and replied, "I am in agreement as well. A unified council where no one representative has more power then another, is exactly what is needed to make this work. I am also hesitant on the Veto, but understand it's necessity." He then paused and rose form his seat, "I would also like to request the formation of a News broadcast in which every nation represented by the League can gather information related to events that have already taken place, such as Humanitarian efforts and so forth. This will allow all to be up to date on events that affect the League and it's member nations, of course this will also report on the end results of meetings taking place both here and with the council." He paused again looking about trying to get an assessment of the responses from the other representatives, "In addition, I believe a vote should be called form each nation to elect a council representative immediately following the signing of this treaty, this will allow each nation the chance to choose their representative, with the exceptions of nations like the Taiyou over there." he then gestured to Shimizu, "I'm sure his people would elect him anyway, being he is currently their acting ruler." he meant no disrespect by this statement he was simply stating what he believed to be true. He then turned his attention to Josiah, "At last I must ask you, King Josiah. When you stated 'become part of' are you referring to becoming a member race of the Coalition? This is more for my personal clarification then anything else, I'm afraid I did not fully understand what you were suggesting, and I do apologize for that."

The still night in Verinotte Hollow was suddenly torn asunder by the sound of gigantic footsteps, marching, engines and treads. A Column of dust and noise emanated from the east, and to the eastern perimeter of the gate.



Greeting the wrought Iron gate, and inevitably trampling through it was a column of Tsunami tanks five deep and two wide. The Tanks created a makeshift path through the fence and on towards the hollow itself. Flanked on both sides of the tank column was roughly one hundred and fifty Imperial warriors, all of them in futuristic Samurai-like armor. They marched in perfect synchronous step with the tanks, their footsteps echoing through the hollow as they moved towards the town.

Behind the column of tanks and men were three King Oni mechs, in a delta formation, with the lead one carrying the Taiyou flag in it's grasp.



The Column of Vehicles and men moved until they inevitably reached the Square, the Hall, and the tavern, the cluster of buildings and it seemed that despite the resistance from Guards, the moving Soldiers largely ignored them, the sheer size and power of the King Oni enough to deter any potential resistance.

Once the vehicles and men came to a stop, a single Sudden Transport soared through the sky, and would touch down directly on the square.

"Well this is all very exciting."

The skeletally thin figure of a robed woman sauntered into the square towards the column of taiyou, long black hair tinted with green and flesh greyed and dead. Her glowing eyes surveyed the scene with some interest, glancing between the towering mechs and the tanks. With seemingly no regard for the aggressive display of power, she made her way idly up to someone who looked important - halting to speak from a distance if intercepted - and grinned.

"Hello! What's happening? I like the robots. Very good design, very evil. Giant robots were always one of my favourites, and I just love what you've done with the samurai imagery. It makes them stand out, gives them character. What's the order of business? Evil empire of dominion? Dark overlord wanting to plunge the world into strife? Give me a clue! I have a personality test in one of the issues of my magazine that can assign you an archetype if you haven't decided yet."

Namira produced from a small satchel a colourfully designed magazine, titled 'Villainous Designs'. "Are you a subscriber? I bet your evil lair must be fantastic, you should send in photos!"

A fat man crouches on a roof, kind of like bat man, and looks down at the army. He scratches his armpit and grins while he thinks to himself. His thoughts racing about the best place to set his traps and mentally marking out the guys driving the heavy machines. He frowns though when he see's someone else approach the army though. "Hmmmm" is all he says.

Admiral Yamamoto popped up from a hatch on one of the Sudden Transports, and he looked up at the Invictus and Terran vessels, the Admiral simply shook his head.

Namira was not allowed to approach the column of Taiyou vehicles and personnel, rather, she would be roughly shoved away by an Imperial Warrior if she drew too close.

Yamamoto remained silent, for only a moment before he picked up a radio and then he brought it to his mouth. "Terran and Invictus fleets and Vehicles, I cannot guarantee the continued existence of your fleet and military forces if you choose to engage. Nor can I guarantee the habitability of your planet. I come seeking the representative of the Vankoryth Detente, and no one else." He said, putting the communicator down.

"Kantai wa yaku kuru tame ni junjo o rirē." He said calmly, and a Taiyou officer nodded. "Wakarimashita."

Five minutes went by and the order was disseminated by coded bit-stream to other Taiyou ships in the Sol System. It didn't take long for Taiyou ships to come from the dark recesses of the star system, and bear their sheer overwhelming number on the Invictus and Terran vessels, Yamamoto picking up the Communicator. "You're Outnumbered 100,000 to one, the move is yours, make a wise decision, Our Prince has suspended the declaration of War against your planet until we have settled our score with the Aschen. We will address your government in due time." He said, and as Yamamoto delivered his warning, the 1st Imperial Armada shuffled slowly and ponderously into position, a mere 1,500 Vessels bore on the Terran fleet, but that number was of course rapidly climbing, as more vessels entered scanner range.

A Female voice rang in behind the Admiral, as a young girl looked up to the Ship.

"Can I play yet?" She said, and Yamamoto shook his head. "Not Yet, Yuriko."

Yamamoto looked up to the ships, and then back to his escort. "I am not the one bringing a star fleet to threaten an Admiral and his escort. The Taiyou Empire does not recognize your government, and will continue to not recognize it, while you throw what little weight you have, and making baseless threats. A Trait you no doubt learned from your Aschen Oppressors. Make the wise decision, swallow your pride and cease your act, or we will be forced to defend ourselves." Yamamoto warned.

He turned to Yuriko, and then he nodded.

Yuriko grinned and she stared up at the large ship blocking out the sky, her eyes began to brim with potent Psionic energies

The Taiyou fleet maintained it's position, like last time. They were going to wait for the Terrans to fire the first shot.

Yamamoto frowned. "We brought a fleet to protect our Prince while we mopped up operations concerning the Aschen here, after all, how can we trust you to protect foreign operatives, when you can't even moderate your own planet." Yamamoto said flatly.

"You can't construct a successful government, let alone keep the peace. We mean no harm to these people, but we will protect ourselves. Expect no further communications; we do not negotiate with Militiant NGOs." Yamamoto said flatly, turning the radio off and turning to his Adjutant.

"Karera wa kōgeki shita baai, wareware wa taiō sa sete itadakimasu." He said, then he nodded to Yuriko, stepping down from the Sudden Transport, and proceeding towards the Castle.

Yamamoto paused, Yuriko behind him as the Imperial Warriors and Conscripts lined up in formation, others took cover behind the column of tanks and other Vehicles bearing the symbol of the Taiyou Empire.

"Is there a particular reason you're barring me from passing? Or are you doing it to make yourselves feel better." He said, standing just a few feet from the group.

"Let's stop the big bad Taiyou from bullying this poor Vankoryth Faction. Go ahead and explain to my why an Aschen Reverence was allowed to position itself here, and yet you threaten us. We're not the ones who oppressed your world all these years." Yamamoto said, clasping his hands behind his back, stopping a foot away from Tommy, albeit a bit shorter than the man.

"I politely ask you to stand aside. Do not escalate this any further. Unless that's exactly what you want."

Yuriko stepped forward. "I can end them all with one thought! Let me play Admiral! Let me Play!"

Yamamoto held up his hand.

"Yuriko-San. Karera wa kimagure ni watashitachi no hitobito o kōgeki shita baai, UCON wa mohaya sore o hogo shimasen." Yuriko simply frowned.

Having heard the Voice, Yamamoto looked around, and Yuriko spoke up.

"We have business with the Detente concerning the Aschen."

Yamamoto didn't budge, he simply stared at Tommy. "And what point are we trying to prove here?"

Yamamoto shook his head. "The Aschen are kowtowing to you and the Coalition because they're weak and have all but exhausted themselves militarily." Yamamoto said, chuckling. "They are 'smoothing things over' because they aren't in a position to do much else." He said, staring at the Scotsman.

"You're staring down a five hundred trillion man standing army, spanning billions of worlds, and every one you kill, a thousand is eager to take his place for the Emperor, We breed soldiers." He said, still clasping his hands behind his back. "And I will dictate peace terms from Caprica City, and I will dictate Peace terms from Wing City." He said.

"You and your men rack disciprine." The Admiral added.

“No no man I got it haha, listen to this -- ‘Oh hello sir, hey does this cookie dough smell spoiled to you?’.” A few giggles broke the otherwise silent foliage of the hollow, underneath the fake log and dense netting the element of two marine snipers quickly returned to some modicum of professionalism as the Master Sergeant cradled the stock of the MR-35 anti-material rifle in his firing shoulder. Not five meters away from him in the camouflaged dugout a Lieutenant stifled one last laugh into his arm before reaching back down to the tiny handheld radio between them.

“Alright, alright. I’m calling it in, no laughing on the Command comms.” The Lieutenant looked back out through the firing slit of the sniper’s hide and onto the scene below, the skies above eclipsed with shadows of starships and active with insect hordes of vehicles. Across the small ridgeline skirting the area some kilometers away a platoon of Coalition snipers settled into hidden positions amongst the foliage in observation of the movements in the area around them.

“Jesus Christ I’m too funny for the military … Hey so the Terrans finally get a military and they use it to stage a civil protest against foreign policy. Unfortunately you need a government to have a foreign policy first.” The Master Sergeant stretched his legs out under the cumbersome rifle, which more correctly to any layman appeared to be a man-portable cannon, and used a hand to toggle the all-aspect scope mounted on the back rails of the weapon. “Plenty of contacts though, it’s very active down there … light to heavy vehicles you can probably tell who has them anyway, truth be told looks like a bunch of schoolyard fucks who found some military hardware. We don’t need Regievko for this party.”

“Shut the fuck up. Steel Command Actual this is Iron Four Six, in position Charlie’s Two-Foxtrot-Two-Alpha-One, standing ready for observation mission over.” The Lieutenant crouched at the exit of the small fighting position, a carbine between his legs and the radio set on his lap.

“This is Steel Actual confirming your transmission Four Six standby for debriefing; you’ve got an observation flight inbound and small drones for overhead sweeps keep your heads down and let the neighbors work it out.”

“Domestic violence. The bestest violence.” Lieutenant Marsh put the receiver and radioset down before he pointed back out the firing hole to the Master Sergeant. “Let’s watch some television then. The Master Sergeant kicked his feet around in the dirt gleefully before pulling the bolt of the rifle back and chambering a 35mm projectile.

“I love this channel.”

The Taiyou continued to sit there silently, the three towering King Oni mechs scanning the area passively, and above, Helicopters were being harassed, but not fired upon, by Taiyou rocket angels, Females in flying power armor buzzing around like gnats. Little by little, Taiyou reinforcements crept on the standoff, even as 'Casren' approached Admiral Yamamoto, whom stood to greet him, but Yuriko said something in Taiyou.

"Ano otoko wa nisemonodesu." She said, and Yamamoto nodded, and as 'Casren' approached, an Imperial warrior raised his rifle. "Come no further!" He barked, and Yamamoto chimed in. "We are not so easily fooled, we wish to speak with the real Casren, not this... mockery." He said calmly, while watching the Invictus.

A Taiyou soldier shook his head, then gestured to the King Oni, a pair of Stryker VX Helicopters flew over the group, then transformed into walkers right there, landing on the ground behind the King Oni.

That's right, the Taiyou had Transformers.

"Casren" stopped. Not for fear of himself but fear that the sound of gun fire would create more. oh and the transformers appeared. he strikes an offended pose and calls out

"My oh my what big toys you have and all just to meet little old me? I have to say, I'm impressed. But not as impressed as I would have been had you brought a better intelligence crew. For I AM the real Casren."

Yuriko turned to Yamamoto a moment, then shook her head, Yuriko's voice echoing in 'Casren's mind.

"Your fooling only makes things worse, leave us!"

Ix Lets out an impressed whistle "Mind reader hun? Now I'm really impressed. We'll have to talk about that later but for now, Do a little more digging around in my head won't ya and know that I now speak the truth. I am Ix and the mouth piece for Casren so HEAR me when i say Welcome to Verinotte Hollow, if you could please present your permit for a military parade to me, I can get started on bringing you to Casren. If you do not have such a permit I will have to ask you disperse your military and come back at such a time When you do have the proper permit." His body had morphed into that of a thick man wearing some official looking clothing while speaking.

Citizens of Verinotte Hollow scattered as soon as the command had come. They ran for their houses, their shops, many with the thought of packing on their mind. Women cried for their homes, children clung to their toys, and still more prayed for the survival of their home through the inevitable storm. They prayed to all their gods, the Shrine of Shrines radiant with worship. The citizens of Verinotte Hollow prayed to The Crawling Chaos, to However, there seemed to be something everyone forgot to factor in. Verinotte Hollow was mostly occupied by Vampyric soldiers, loyal members of the Forces Vankoryth.

Roughly half the population emerged from their homes minutes later, bearing what weapons and armor they had. Still more prepared in the Tower Alba, the gargoyles of Tower Tramanto conspiring some sort of...something. The citizens pooled behind the one who was Casren, and now was not. Soldiers began to weed through the small crowds. They took place around Mortuus, and the Not Casren, mingling with citizens.

Zosimos emerged from the Tavern, looking around with a cold, hard stare. He crossed to Ix, where he stood, taking to his side. Starships. Foreigners. Scared citizens, soldiers, allies. He patted Ix on the shoulder. A permit. Whoever these people were, they did not seem the type to honor permits. In his mind he called upon the Crawling Chaos, for observation and for darkness.

"Pardon, and thank you," Zosimos spoke thunderously, thumbing at a ring which glinted green. First he addressed his allies, and these new UCON people. Then, he stared straight at the Taiyou Transformers. Calmly, menacingly, as if he was secretly enjoying it all, Zosimos asked the Taiyou, "What, exactly, is the cause for your intrusion?"

Yamamoto didn't budge, and neither did Yuriko. The Not-Casren was being stared at by Yuriko, but under strict orders not to attack anyone unless attacked, Yuriko's options were limited.

As Zosimos approached, Admiral Yamamoto turned to face the newcomers. "I'm here to speak with the governing authority of this region on Behalf of the Taiyou Empire of Greater Niihama, and until such time as the representatives of the Vankoryth Detente contact me, this area is under Martial law, and occupation by the Taiyou Empire until we can ascertain the purpose of an Aschen ship being at this location, compliance will ensure our stay is brief and without incident." The Admiral said, turning to the Invictus and NPA. "Challenging us would be a fool's errand." He turned to Yuriko, then started back towards the Sudden Transport. An Imperial Warrior Sergeant calling out.

"Hirogaru! Subete no katei o kensaku!" His platoon immediately spreading out and starting down the streets as if they were searching for something.

---

In Front of the Joe's Convoy, it was as if they appeared out of nowhere, a pair of Taiyou HAW-206 Multiped tanks, the scorpion shaped walking tanks bearing their heavy short-barreled tail mounted AT Cannon on the convoy, and their arm mounted heavy machine-guns. Both blocking the road with their sheer size and might, the Tank Commander bringing the AI Assisted 'think tank' to bear on the vehicles approaching.



Though they came to bear on their targets, they did not open fire. No Yamamoto had explicitly ordered not to engage unless fired upon. Which meant they could at the very least harass everyone.

Back in the Hollow itself, the dull thundering of Taiyou Jigabachi Helicopters, along with Chopper/Stryker VX Helicopters moved through the skies above the Hollow, escorted by Jet Tengu and Rocket Angels, easily enough Airpower to put up a fight while of course the Taiyou star fleet kept the Terran star ships in their sights, bearing heavy guns on the star-ships below.

On the ridge overlooking the Hollow, Additional Taiyou forces were setting up heavy artillery, self propelled guns and Wave-Force cannons moved into position to rain fiery death upon Terran forces once the order was given.

Yamamoto himself stood there, while Taiyou soldiers mocked the Terrans in their native language amongst eachother, this entire spectacle was silly, using a Military as little more than 'Occupy protesters'

Upon the shoulders of one of the towering King Oni, a small cloud of black smoke formed. It shaped itself into a humanoid form, before fully coalescing into a young woman with dark, purple-tinted hair. She was dressed casually, wearing a dark tank top with a pair of designer jeans, an expensive-looking jewelled choker around her neck and an array of bracelets on either wrist. Xyntha perched on the shoulder of the mech, legs crossed, and peered down at the scene below.

"My my, quite the kerfuffle we have here," she remarked, a mischievous glint to her eye. "How exciting."

The spectacle being caused by both armies was markedly amusing, the posturing of the Taiyou and the restrained indignation of the Invictus and Terran military. She wouldn't miss this if it went nuclear for the world.

Meanwhile on the ground, once things started to escalate, Namira had made her exit rather rapidly. Care-free and slightly mad she might be, but she wasn't suicidal. Or at least, the equivalent term for someone who was already dead.

Several Terran Seraphim carriers began to converge on the location, at least a hundred large and small NPA and Invictus gunships following as well, taking their sweet time. It was clear that if there was a fight, the Terrans and their allies would go down swinging with the intent to take every single Taiyou soldier on the ground, in the air, or in space with them to hell in a hand basket.

"For the sake of your lives, our lives, and the lives of these innocent people, leave right now." Tommy told Yamamoto, "Or try us for war crimes, that's what your letter said you would do if we got in your way." The Scotsman added, Invictus and Terran military moving to constantly to stand in front of the Taiyou soldiers moving up the streets.

The Invictus soldiers threw taunts at the soldiers, mostly about their moms, many of the barbs far more highbrow than one would think they'd be. The Terrans mostly followed their lead, with the exception of the NPA soldiers who stayed with Tommy.

The NPA Enforcers on the ground seemed to be the ones really itching for the fight. Most of them were born and raised on Terra. They lived through the Taiyou's previous invasions and occupations, those of the Aschen. They were fed up, they were angry, out for blood.

Maybe it was out of respect for their Invictus allies that they weren't beheading Taiyou in the streets, or maybe they were waiting for that one moment when they could strike a killing blow against this mutual enemy and show them that Terra was there to stay and decide it's own fate. It's own future.

Maybe.

Yuriko turned to Yamamoto, and finally she spoke up after sending a psionic probe outwards in all directions.

"Watashitachiha, sensō o kaishi sezu ni hijō ni tōku shutoku suru tsumori wanai." She said to her superior, and the Admiral nodded. "Hai..." He tapped his holstered weapon before he turned towards a landing Sudden Transport.

"I will return to Niihama and address this situation with the Emperor and ask how he wishes me to proceed." He said, placing his hand on the shoulder of a young Commandant.

"Karera wa satsuei o kaishi shita baai, seizon-sha o nokosanai." He said, patting the young Officer, whom nodded. "Hai, Wakarimashita."

The Admiral turned away from the Invictus, and slowly started to walk towards the landed Sudden Transport.

"Watashi wa u~ingu ichi kara heiwa no jōken o kettei shimasu." He added, stepping on the transport



The Transport's engines began to whine, and then it started to lift off, a pair of Rocket Angels and Jet Tengu flying alongside it, to escort it up into the Stars, where Yamamoto could return to his ship, the ITN Nagato.