[center][h3][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center]

Despite recent jarring events in the Imperial court life went on. Xaio Xiang's inauguration as the new minister of foreign affairs was a comparably minor event as far as things in the Imperial palace went. It had been overshadowed by the apparent betrayal of Princess Yuki the day before and, even had that not been the case, many in the Imperial court simply didn't understand just how important the new ministry of foreign affairs was likely to become. Even so some twenty ministers of the Imperial court as well as a handful of military officers were present. Not to mention a number of foreign dignitaries who had been invited as well. Princess Saeko was even present, although she was in a poor mood and kept mostly to herself. Of great interest to the foreigners was the fact that the inauguration was a no mask event, one of the few instances in which all present were expected to [i]not[/i] wear a mask.

The inauguration had consisted of a speech from Xiang's uncle and several other ministers of the court, a fine dinner, and live music being played. After nearly two hours of speeches and dinner the guests were at last allowed to mingle and speak to each other and Xaio Xiang 

After the wonderful speeches James had removed himself while they ate however and when he returned he sought out the new foreign minister Xiang who oddly enough was alone at her table no doubt tired from all work she had put into creating a new ministry. As James approached she barely noticed till he addressed himself. "Hello, minister Xiang-dono." He smiled as she turned to him.

"Conrad-dono" Xiang said as she looked up at him. "I hope you have found the festivities to your liking."

James nodded "Indeed it has been. However it is a shame that Yuki-denka or would it be something else after what happened. Though I wish I could have told her uther wouldn't play nice it took me a lot to get the Dominion earth." James said with a frown as he looked at her.

"I would advise you to never use the denka honorific when for Yuki-san again" Xiang said. "The Emperor has officially disowned her. And unfortunately things are moving a tad quicker than I would like." She frowned. "I'll need to prepare for certain eventualities."

"Anything I can do to help? Perhaps talk to some ministers or Faust? Also I've heard some rumors are these to be desired about Saeko-denka?" James asked as he moved towards an open chair near Xiang.

"Hmm.... Well we can talk about specifics at a later date. And Rumors? What rumors?" She asked with a perfectly innocent expression. "I don't know of any rumors. Of course if these rumors you speak of cast Saeko-denka in a favorable light... I suppose they are a good thing. No?"

As he took a seat he gave a Chuckle "One could suppose so. Now one other matter, as you are now a minister Xiang-dono will I be dealing with a new liason or will I be able to count on you so as to further our endeavors?" James asked with a clear expression on his face

"Well Conrad-dono" Xiang said. "Seeing as how my ministry has just been formed I have a very limited number of subordinates. As it is they are too busy and inexperienced to meet with foreign dignitaries, so I'll continue to be in your care as your liasion. For now. In the foreseeable future I'll be delegating those responsibilities to my subordinates."

"I should hope these subordinates are not as interesting as yourself. I wouldn't wish to make new deals with a new faces." James said as he began to get up. "We should speak soon as many plans have been altered." James stood there waiting for a reply. 

"Our [i]trade negotiations[/i] are still valid" Xiang narrowed her eyes slightly, "so long as you don't decide to go behind my back. And yes, we shall be speaking soon about our plans for the future."

James chuckled once more "Of course, now Xiang-dono enjoy yourself it's your party after all get to know some. While I must go speak to Saeko-denka." James then began to walk towards the seated and saddened Saeko-denka. 

Saeko seemingly radiated an aura that kept others away, as none of the Musashi ministers or military officers dared come close to her. She sat alone, sipping a cup of sake, as she looked at her countrymen celebrate. As James approached she looked at him out of the corner of her eye but otherwise did not respond to his presence.

As James approached the princess he gave a small bow "Saeko-denka, why are you upset this is a lovely affair one in which you could get to know the foreign diplomats more closely, yet you sit here alone and sad." He said in a soft voice.

"I don't know about in the Dominion," Saeko said with a frigid tone, "but here it is common practice to mourn the loss of a family member." She raised her cup as if to toast something before taking a long sip. She placed the now empty cup on the table before saying. "Get me another one." It was not phrased as a suggestion.

"While it is indeed customary to grieve for the loss of one close to them, I sadly have no one close save for Faust." James took a moment to look around and seeing no servant he replied "Of course, Saeko-denka but might I know what you were drinking?" James asked curiously.

Just a few hours earlier, in the Cheonsang diplomat's quarters, Yang Ji Han was busy filling out paperwork, Yeo Ae Ri helping him, when he invitation to the inauguration party of a new foreign minister for Musashi. "Na Mi-ssi, I would like it if you went on your own to represent Cheonsang at that party. Enjoy yourself, but make sure you don't embarrass our country." Yang smiled.

When Sang Na Mi arrived at the party, she felt uncomfortable from the stares she was getting from all around her. She knew nobody here and wondered why even Yang suggested her to "enjoy" the party. So far, she wasn't, that's for sure. Nobody wanted anything to do with her and she really felt out of place. 

From the buffet she grabbed a glass of some alcoholic liquid and shoved all of its contents into her mouth. This was when she spotted the figure of Princess... Saeko, was it?
She seemed to be not very engaged in the discussion with the man she was talking to right now.

With the glass of sake in her left claw and her wings folded as close to her body as possible and with a lot of control in her tail not to sideswipe one of the guests she had to move past, Na Mi moved over to the princess. Seeing the empty glass in the princess' hand, Na Mi, when she was close enough, held out her arm and offered the princess the glass.

"Jeoha, I'm very sorry about your... sister? Cousin? My heartfelt sympathy."

"Sake Conrad-dono" Saeko was saying, waving him off, as Sang approached. She turned to the other woman as she spoke. "You have my thanks. Although she was a cousin I always saw her as an older sister." She sniffled as she took the offered glass muttering a quiet "Thank you" before taking a long sip.

"From what I have heard so far", Sang exclaimed, "It seems to me that even your royal family could use a lot of diplomatic training still. And, if I may say so, you might start working together, no? You are one family, ruling one nation. It seems logical to me that you should all pull together for the fate of your country." Her right claw had found its way onto her head and into her hair where she thoughtfully scratched the skin underneath.

As James took the glass and began to walk towards the buffet table he hid his annoyance well. Why would this princess who's beliefs are to make everyone she can more like the Musashi people be speaking to a foreign dragon. He thought about this as he reached the table and got a glass of Sake, before turning around and returning to the princess.

"Unfortunately" Saeko said before draining the contents of her glass, "we have drastically different views of what the future of our country should be. Ah thank you Conrad-dono." Saeko took the offered glass. "At times these views are compatible with each other," She said before taking a sip. "But more often then not they are incompatible. I had hoped to bring my brother and cousin together, but perhaps I was just dreaming."

She looked at James as she said "What would you do if Faust-sama's intentions for the Dominion were radically different from your own? Would you simply do as you were told or would you push your own agenda?"

"D...Dominion?!" At this reveal, Sang Na Mi was not only surprised but also visibly scared. Slowly she retreated closer towards the princess. Desperately, she tried to hide it, but it was of no avail. Her feeble attempt at concealing her fright was quite unsuccessful as her wings were trying to unfold themselves to make herself look bigger. "You are with the Dominion?"

As James handed the drink to Saeko, he looked back towards the dragon lady he began to nod slowly "Yes I am, but you have nothing to worry from myself. I'm here as a diplomat and wish to show the best the Dominion has to offer." He looked toward Saeko as he continued "At least that is hopefully how I've been. Though as for your question Saeko-Denka, my relationship with Faust is an old one. He trusts and values my ideals usually if I have a differing opinion I'd confront him about it though never in front of others where he would appear weak. Usually he'll follow them though on certain issues we're further apart then I'd like." He said with a side smile.

"And that was the type of working relationship I had hoped to eventually build with my cousin" Saeko's gaze shifted towards the floor. "But now...." She slowly shook her head, her eyes closed for a moment. "And fear not Sang-dono," She discretely reached out and took hold of the tatara's hand, "Even if Conrad-dono was the foulest type of oni you would not fear him so long as you were at my side. Not that he is anything to fear, of course." She flashed James a quick smile before taking another sip from her glass. "Conrad-dono is a man of restraint and rationality, am I right?"

James returned the smile "Of course Saeko-Denka" he then looked up toward the dragon lady "I must apologize for not recognizing who you are. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Executis James Conrad of the Dominion. Who might you be?" He said in a soft calming voice

Calmed down for the moment Na Mi's wings folded back up again. Of course she still didn't trust him, but she loosened up a little. "Greetings. I am sorry for being impolite. My name is Sang Na Mi, rookie diplomat of the Cheonsang Kingdom's delegation. Also... I am quite aware of your country's position on... beings like me and I would apologize for my appearance, if I weren't as fond of it as I am." A little smirk managed to find its way onto her face.

"While my country may not be fond of aliens such as yourself. Those opinions no way reflect my own personal views." He gave a small smile "In fact I think you look rather pleasant especially your wings I'm sure they'd look more beautiful while you're flying." James said as he gave a small wink to her.

A small shudder crawled over her skin making her scales tingle. "My mother always told me: 'Na Mi, never trust anybody from the Dominion, even if they complement your looks.'" She paused for a minute before laughing. "She didn't actually say that, but she might as well have. And yes, I look absolutely stunning while flying, thank you very much."

"I am sure it is quite a sight to behold" Saeko gave Sang's hand a light squeeze before releasing it. "And while I don't necessarily agree that everyone from the Dominion are untrustworthy I do agree that one must wearily watch those who give out compliments based solely on appearance."

James gave a small chuckle "Sadly that's all I have to judge Na Mi by. I've yet to meet with her in person." He then looked down to saeko, "As for you Princess, You also look lovely and have the diplomatic skills to match. As I've heard it after your encounter with the emperor and whatever happened. You still protected Ambassador Woolsey from a would be assassin. That is something I doubt many would do after having a bad encounter as I've heard you had." James smiled before taking a seat near Saeko-Denka.

A look of surprise flickered across Saeko's face before it was hidden behind a mask of neutrality. "Why thank you Conrad-dono" Was all she said before shifting her attention to her glass, taking a long sip of sake.

James Smiled "Of course, I give credit where credit is due." James then looked up to Na Mi "And you my lady I hope to speak with you and your fellow diplomats soon so that credit maybe given to all those who are deserving." James once again looked to Saeko-Denka

Na Mi failtly smiled. "I am sure, Yang-seosaengnim will be... delighted to meet you. He's been looking forward to a challenge and the dealings with Musashi were quite easy." In a quick moment of shock, she flicked her head towards Saeko and bowed her head. "No offence to you, princess. It wasn't meant derogatory. It was more of a compliment."

"None taken." Saeko said. "Naturally those who love the same things get along easily. They make the best friends and allies" She raised her glass in mock salute before taking a long sip. Having drained it of its contents she placed the glass down on the table before her.

"Would you like some more Saeko-Denka?" James asked as he began to reach for the glass.

"Naturally." Na Mi smiled as she raised her glass as well. "So, princess? Has my presence cheered you up sufficiently? It seemed like you were not enjoying yourself with this James here." She threw an evil-ish look at him.

Saeko handed James her glass, he began to walk away to grab another drink then as she regarded Sang with a deep frown. "How can I enjoy myself when apparently I, and I alone, am distraught over my cousin’s fate? Well... besides the Confederate ambassador" She lazily gestured in the general direction that Woolsey, who was apparently quite drunk by this point, could be found. "Ah, but court life must go on." She let out a laugh devoid of mirth.

Sang's wings fold open and droop down towards the ground. "I am so sorry, princess... If she was anything like you, I would have liked her. Alas, I didn't have the chance to meet her, sadly." A little bit hesitant, Na Ni dared to close the distance to Princess Saeko and lay a clawed hand onto her shoulder. "I hope", she whispered, "that your cousin escapes so that, one day, when you're sitting on that throne, you can invite her back home..."

Saeko rested a hand over Sang's as she closed her eyes. "As do I." She whispered in response. "I suspect she would have liked you had you two met." She raised her voice as she said "Perhaps I have had a tad too much to drink." She slowly rose to her feet, only to teeter. At last she found stability as she leaned on Sang for support offering a quiet "My apologies Sang-dono."

As the Princess leaned on her, Na Mi had to laugh a little, but softly. This wasn't the first time for her that someone needed her to lean on, but not this literal. "If you wish, jeoha, I can escort you to your quarters. No need to exort yourself too much.", she offered with a confident, but gentle smile.

As James returned with a glass in each hand he smiled before seeing saeko-denka attempting to stand. "Princess, are you alright? Would you like some help to your room?" He said with a smile before setting down the glasses

"Don't worry, James Conrad-nim, I got her. She will be alright.", Sang exclaimed slightly smirking at the man. James eyes narrowed on the girl but he said nothing waiting for the princess’s response.

Saeko looked at James, then Sang, then back to James before commenting "The scandalous rumors that would be spread were you to be seen taking me to my room would be of epic proportions. I think I'll allow... Sang-dono the honor. I do appreciate the gesture though Conrad-dono." She seemed oblivious to the almost palpable tension between Sang and James.

"I doubt the rumors would spread as much as you think." James said with a smile before turning to Na Mi "Though it seems the princess has given you the honor. Please do take good care of her on the way back. It would be very odd should something happen. Princess perhaps tomorrow we may speak as with yuki-san's unfortunate occurrence plans have changed." James said with a smile. As the two departed.

Na Mi nodded towards James and slowly, under the suspicious eyes of those watching, guided the Princess out of the room and, almost wordlessly helped Princess Saeko to her room. "Have a good rest, jeoha. I will see you soon. And don't forget, Confucius said, 'We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.'" Sang smiled happily.

Saeko took a few steps into her room before turning back to Sang. She gingerly reached out towards Sang as she asked "Perhaps you could keep me afloat for the night?"

Very surprised and a little overwhelmed Sang'd heart started pounding like mad. "What... what are you suggesting I do?"

"What do you think I'm suggesting?" Saeko said with a raised eyebrow and smile.

"I don't know... tell me what to do..." Na Mi still looked unsure, but she knew, that whatever the princess wanted, it would be okay to do so. "I can grant you company during the night, if you so wish..."

"Come here" She said, her arms poised to embrace Sang if she would take but a few steps towards her. Her smile seemed just a tad wider then it had been moments ago.

Reassured by Saeko's smile, Na Mi moved right into Saeko’s embrace. "Are you sure about this, Princess? Isn't this just the alcohol talking?" She wanted to make sure that everything was in order and what she was about to do was not against the Princess' wishes.

"It is" Saeko said, not specifying which question she was answering as she wrapped her arms around Sang. "Sometimes" She whispered into Sang's ear, "It is better to speak less."

[center][h3][b][u]Earth Orbit, Sol System[/u][/b][/h3][/center]

“We appear to be having difficulty establishing a secure comm line with the homeland” The captain of Yuki’s flagship said, having come to visit her in her personal quarters to personally give the report. “It may take a little longer before we will be able to receive anything from Bushu.” He gave Yuki a sad smile.

“Thank you captain.” Yuki returned the smile. “Do you know how much time I have left?”

The captain slowly shook his head. “It’s hard to say. I’ve been doing all I can to buy you as much time as I can… but it’s only a matter of time before the [i]Takao[/i]’s captain figures out what’s going on. At best you have a day, maybe two. More likely I can buy you another three hours.” He let out a sigh before commenting “At least the Dominion forces here haven’t let the cat out of the bag. Think they haven’t heard the news?”

Yuki let out her own sigh before saying “They may just be watching to see what happens. In the end it doesn’t matter.”

“Are you sure you don’t wish to flee?” There was a hint of hope in the captain’s voice. That hope was crushed when Yuki’s response was a shake of her head. “It was an honor serving under you.” The captain said as he rendered a salute.

“The honor was mine captain.” Yuki returned the salute. “And thank you for everything. It is because of you that I will get to see the same sky that my ancestors once lived under.” As the captain left Yuki walked to the small holo-room connected to her room.

After recording and sending a message to her faithful retainer Kau Rong, Saeko, and a few choice members of the Imperial court she began recording a message to the First Chancellor of the Confederation. “Sevaren-sama” Yuki began, “I had wished to visit your fair country again once things had settled down, but I’m afraid that such a trip will never occur. I am sure that word of my fall from power has reached you by now. My… demise is now inevitable.” She let out a long sigh, her eyes becoming moist, as she added “Perhaps it was my destiny to find an end such as this. I… would like to think that I sacrificed myself in order to secure peace, but….” She let the thought trail off. “Perhaps I am allowing my own naivety to blind me to the futility of it all. I can sense the mood here…. In this fleet I am currently traveling with. The men and women of this fleet are good people. Loyal people. And I can tell that many of them are loyal to me personally. If I asked them they would defend me with their lives, even if it means fighting against my father. I am [i]their[/i] princess after all.” She gave a self-deprecating smile. “If I asked them they would likely follow me back to Musashi and help me take the throne by force of arms. But I will not.” She closed her eyes as she shook her head. “The thought of asking these brave men and women to turn traitor scares me. And even if I succeeded in such an endeavor and took the throne it would mean the end of rule by law in the Empire.”

She smiled again, this one tinged by both amusement and sorrow. “Perhaps that sounds odd to you, hearing that about Musashi. But it is true. Though he might think he wields absolute power my father does not. At least not while the planetary governments are still able to resist him.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “You might think me a coward for not rising up against my father. For just accepting my own demise. Perhaps I am. But I will not tear apart my homeland. No, I will find my end here, under the same sky that my ancestors once looked up at thousands of years ago. I ask that you honor my memory and burn incense for me once I am gone.  I will be waiting for you on the other side Sevaren-sama.” She paused before adding with a smile “And please give Woolsey-sama my regards.”

[center][b]*****     *****     *****[/b][/center]

The carrier, battleship, five cruisers, seven destroyers, and four corvettes that made up Yuki’s fleet quickly established a geostationary orbit around Earth. The leading elements of an invasion force was dispatched to the island of Taiwan, which quickly fell to Musashi troops. Musashi aircraft began a mission to establish air superiority throughout the entire East Asia region even as the cruisers and battleship made preparations for limited orbital strikes.

None of this mattered to Yuki. Shortly after sending her recorded messages out she hoped into her personal Toryu fighter and headed down for Earth. It was there that she spent the next hour, disregarding all warnings of possible enemy aircraft or the threat of anti-aircraft fire. In the end none of it mattered anyways. Whether it was from an Earth based anti-aircraft gun or her father’s katana, one way or another Yuki would be gone.

She was flying over the Yellow Sea, enjoying the sight of the beautiful Pacific Ocean, when a message tore her attention away from her surroundings. “Yuki-hime” The familiar voice of her flagship’s captain said, “It would seem that your time is up. Word of your father’s orders has already spread throughout the fleet. A squadron of fighters will be upon you momentarily.”

“Thank you captain” Was all Yuki said before she broke communications contact with the carrier.

Within moments she was being hailed by a nearby squadron of Toryu fighters. “Gale dancer, Gale dancer, this is Dragon flight. You are to immediately change course for high orbit and prepare to return to carrier. Confirm receipt of orders and comply.”

“This is Gale dancer.” Yuki answered. “Negative. I will not return.”

“Gale dancer this is Dragon flight leader, if you do not change course immediately we will open fire. Confirm receipt of orders and comply. Immediately.”

“Gale dancer, negative.” Yuki responded again.

“This is not an idle threat Gale dancer. Change course immediately.” Yuki’s fighter released the tell tail sound of another craft locking onto her. A quick glance down at her computer confirmed that she had four distinct locks on her.

“Gale dancer to Dragon flight leader” Yuki said. “Confirm threat is not idle. I will not comply with your orders.” She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her body was ready to fight or take flight, even if her mind wasn’t.

“Damn it Yuki-hime, don’t make me do this.”

“Sorry Dragon flight” Yuki ground her teeth at the absurdity of it all. Only now that her death was seconds away did she allow herself to feel rage at how [i]unfair[/i] the situation was. How dare her father call her a traitor. How dare she be cast aside for following what she felt was the right thing to do. She didn’t want this! She didn’t want to die!

As Dragon flight released missile to down her craft she felt her body move seemingly on its own. She brought her Toryu fighter into a dive as she fired off a set of countermeasures. The countermeasures distracted the missiles long enough for her to dive to relative safety, however Dragon flight remained close on her tail and where now opening up with their particle beam weapons. She brought her fighter out of its dive, juking and jinking to stay alive as she tried to figure out what to do. “Surrender Yuki-hime, it’s not too late.”

Her eyes flew to look at her radar momentarily, noticing a group of six Zero fighters descending from orbit straight towards her. It was odd, given that the fighters of Dragon flight where more than enough to take her out, but then perhaps they were just being cautious. Either way she would at least make them work to take her out. She tipped her fighter’s nose up, allow wind resistance to slow her enough that the other fighters flew past her, she then leveled her fighter out and hit the throttle, putting her on the tail of one of her pursuers. She fired with her particle beam, but missed. And then she was busy dodging as the rest of Dragon flight was on her six again.

She could feel them boxing her in slowly. Within a matter of seconds, she would have nowhere to go. Her life was to be measured in mere moments. She braced herself for the cold embrace of death. But right as she was about to be shot down a miracle happened. The fighters of Dragon flight broke off, frantically dodging as the six Zero’s Yuki had noticed descending from orbit earlier reached the area and began firing their particle beams.

“Yuki-hime” The leader of the Zero’s radioed her, “Please change your heading for a high orbit around Earth. We’ll cover you.”

“What the hell is going on?” Yuki demanded as she raised her fighter’s nose towards the sky.

“It’s complete chaos up there. It’s impossible to tell which ship is trying to follow orders from the homeland and which is trying to protect you. We need to get you out of here now. There’s enough comm traffic flying between our ships that the Dominion navy is going to figure out what’s going on. Things are going to get messy if they decide to intervene. Once you get to orbit we’ll get you out of here. I promise.”

“I… thank you.” Was all Yuki could manage. She would not give up. Not while she still drew breath.