First Meeting
Foreign Minister Hansuke Sun stood on the bridge of her assigned ship the HMRS Celestial Spirit.
Hansuke - “Looks like we're nearing the first planet.”
Captain Hiroki Fujita nodded as Commander Stefano Morelli looked over the report.
Morelli - “A class-R Rogue planet. We have readings of human and animal life. We have some readings of plant life but its different from anything we've seen before. Once we reach orbit, we can beam down the party close to the largest gathering of human life we found.”
Hansuke - “Ok, Lets hope they are can be reasoned with.”
Captain Fujita nodded again. The ship reaches orbit and Hansuke makes her way to the transporter room. Morelli met her there securing his sword to his waist. Hansuke looked at him.
Morelli - “Captain Fujita asked me to accompany you as part of your entourage. He trusts me and in my skill.”
Hansuke nodded and she stepped onto the pad along with Morelli and 5 other guards. Within a minute they were appearing on the planets surface. The ground was dry and brown and the town looked just as brown as they walked in the guards had their guns ready and Morelli kept one hand on his sword. As they reached the middle of the city, they realized they were surrounded by tall muscular men and women in variations of the same armor. One particularly large man stepped forward chuckling.
Man - “Well, Well. 7 maggots ready to die. Your power levels are negligible at best.”
A ball of energy appeared in his hand as he spoke. Without warning he shot it straight towards Hansuke who fell to her knees as did the rest of her group.
Man - “Hoo. Nice reflexes. Lets see you do that again.”
He created another ball of energy and fired multiple ones. Hansuke got burnt on her arm by one and Morelli lost some of his ponytail. The rest of the guards got variations of burns but nothing life threatening at the time.
Hansuke - “Wait, I'm here to make diplomatic ties with you. My country wishes to be friends with yours.”
She held her arm as she spoke and stood. The group surrounding them laughed.
Man - “You expect us to believe you. We have conquered many neighboring planets and never once did we make any ties with the indigenous population. We will not bow to another ruler.”
One of the females stepped towards the male.
Female - “Enma, The Generalissimo should decide what to do with them. If we do anything to them without his permission, who knows what he'll do.”
Enma growled a little but gave in.
Enma - “ You're right, May. Tie them up and remove their weapons.”
The group moved closer to Hansuke's group. Her guards were stripped of all their weapons though Morelli was reluctant to let his sword go. Hansuke placed her hands in front of her.
Man - “Your weapons first.”
Hansuke - “I am a minister and as such have no need for a weapon. I do more with my words than with a blade.”
The man looked at Enma who nodded and the man tied up Hansuke pinning her arms behind her back and to her body. Once they were sufficiently tied up, Enma and May led them to a large building and into what looked like a military briefing room with a map of the planet on a large table. On a raised platform sat a male in the same uniform but with a cape and a gold necklace. Hansuke and her group were forced onto their knees in front of the platform.
Man - “What's this? Some left over wanderers we didn’t take care of earlier.”
Enma bowed.
Enma- “No, They appeared in town apparently they has just materialized and walked into town. They claim they came here to make friends with us.”
The man laughed heartily.
Man - “Friends? We have no need for such things. We take what we want. How can you hope to make us bow to your wishes. You don’t even have enough strength to protect yourselves.”
Hansuke raised her head.
Hansuke - “While it may be true that we are weaker than you physically, we have strength of heart that comes from having friends. People we can count on when we need them. We protect them as they protect us. My empress wished me to come and offer you this same friendship. We are new to this galaxy and are in need of friends here.”
Man - “A female running a country. You cant be serious. We have several strong women but none have ever become the strongest. I can not trust a woman to run a strong country. If indeed it is a woman led country then its no wonder you are on the run. We might be too if that were the case.”
He laughed as did the other males in the room. Hansuke tried to keep her temper in control.
Hansuke - “Empress Rebecca is a kind and noble leader who has protected her people more than I thought she would have. She became our leader thru warmth and love. She longed to create a utopia where everyone could be happy and because of that other nations grew jealous and tried to eliminate her and her line. We have other friends who were forced to leave our home world as well. She is strong in heart and that is enough to give her people the will to fight when it calls for it. Her love gives us strength.”
A woman came in from behind the man's chair listening to Hansuke. She approached the man's chair.
Woman - “Kakarrot, why don’t we listen to what they have to say? I sense something about her. Maybe their nation can give us something in return for our friendship and maybe we can help them grow stronger as well.”
Kakarrot turned his head away from his wife.
Kakarrot - “Anzuki, you don’t seem to understand. These are weak beings who wouldn't be able to stay alive on this planet let alone in this galaxy. You cant have a weak heart and run a country. It must be hard as stone as are your fists to make sure no one betrays you.”
Morelli raised his head and voice this time.
Morelli - “We don’t betray our friends. We have lost many warriors fighting with our friends by our sides. We don’t take our friends for granted and we never betray their trust. You can trust us on that. I'll even offer myself as part of the payment. If you ever feel betrayed by our empress, I will offer my life to you in exchange of further bloodshed.”
Hansuke looked at Morelli's determined face in surprise. She could tell this wasn’t part of his orders. This was his determination to see that the empire gained valuable friends. Kakarrot sat back in his chair.
Kakarrot - “A life for a betrayal. Its not all that equal but it shows loyalty to your country and to your ruler. Are you a high ranking officer in her military?”
Morelli - “I am a commander, and a sub-captain on a spaceship. There are several others who are higher ranked, to be honest but I am here and willing to stay. I'm not one to run from my duties.”
Kakarrot - “If you make this vow, we will up hold you to it. We are a proud race and we don’t make vows we cannot keep. Do you still wish to make this vow? That you will stay here eternally and make your home here until such time as we are betrayed or your life ends.”
Morelli swallowed.
Morelli - “I am. I don’t fear death only letting down my country who has given so much to me. I only ask that I be able to return to the ship to collect my meager belongings and leave notes for those who know me well back home.”
Kakarrot nodded then turned to his wife.
Kakarrot - “You will be accompanied by my wife and your minister will remain here. If you do not return within 24 hours or if my wife suffers any injury or is sent back without you. Your minister will die by my hands as will your country.”
The chains around Morelli were removed as he stood up.
Morelli - “I understand. I will return.”
Anzuki came to him as he pressed a button on his bracelet.
Morelli - “2 to beam up.”
Within seconds they both disappeared. Kakarrot had Hansuke and her guards taken to the jail house behind the large building. The count down had begun.
Morelli reappeared on the HMRS Celestial Spirit with Anzuki next to him. She followed him as he went straight to the bridge. Captain Fujita rose from his chair and went for his sword on seeing Anzuki. Morelli put his hand up.
Morelli - “Captain, wait. She's not here to hurt you. She's my guard. I made the decision to stay here in exchange for their friendship. I know I shouldn't have acted without permission but I wanted this to go well so I had to act. They are a strong race who can help us.”
Captain Fujita calmed down and looked sad.
Fujita - “I'd rather not lose you. You are a valuable member of this crew and a trusted friend. Shall I contact your family and friends?'
Morelli shook his head.
Morelli - “I'll write some letters but if you would be so kind as to deliver them for me. Especially to Lieutenant Commander Fontana. She deserves that at least.”
Morelli looked sad as he mentioned the woman's name. Captain Fujita placed a hand on his shoulder.
Fujita - “I'll see to it personally. What of Hansuke and the rest of the guards?”
Morelli - “They were detained so that I would keep my word even though it wasn’t necessary. They have received varying degrees of burns and should be treated upon their return.”
Fujita looked at Morelli quizzically.
Fujita - “How were they burned?”
Morelli tilted his head slightly over to Anzuki who had been standing there quietly while they talked.
Morelli - “Its them. They have the ability to create balls of energy from the looks of them. Its unbelievable to witness.”
Fujita - “I don’t doubt. Want me to walk you to your quarters? Or see you off later?”
Morelli - “I'd rather we didn’t have goodbyes since I'm sure we will see each other again.”
Morelli offered his hand.
Fujita - “I understand. Live well.”
Fujita took his hand and shook it.
Morelli - “Stay strong, my friend.”
Lana stood and bowed as Morelli left the bridge.
Anzuki - “Is that Fontana, a good friend?”
Morelli - “She was............is my girlfriend. I had plans to marry her one day once I had gain a few more ranks. She may hate me for doing this to her.”
Anzuki - “Just because you are to live here doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from your home world. That wouldn't be fair. Have you given her a ring or a vow?”
Morelli looked at Anzuki as they stood in the hallway.
Morelli - “No I never got her a ring but I did promise her many things. My love, a family.........Yes, I promised her many things that I'll never be able to give her now. She deserves a man who can travel the stars with her. She deserves a better life.”
Morelli turned away as they continued down the hallway. He stepped into his room.
Morelli - “If you don’t mind, I need some time to myself. This is the only door in or out so I couldn't escape even if I wanted to which I don’t.”
Anzuki nodded and stood next to the door.
Anzuki - “Don’t take too long. Your friends lives are on the line.”
Morelli nodded as he went into his room and the door closed. Several hours later he emerged with a sac over his shoulder.
Anzuki - “Is that all you have?”
Morelli - “Yes, our lodgings are small so we don’t need many personal items. I have what I need and want.”
Anzuki - “Then you are ready to return?”
Morelli nodded as he left the room. Anzuki noticed several hand-written letters on the table in envelopes with writing on them.
Anzuki - “Was that what took you so long?”
Morelli - “Yes, They deserve to know the truth of what's happening to me. I don’t want my family to worry or my friends to try and do anything…..............................foolish.”
Anzuki - “Like try and rescue you.”
Morelli smiled slightly.
Morelli - “Yes. I know some of them can be hot heads. Hopefully the letters and Captain Fujita will be enough to deter them.”
They entered the transporter room and stepped onto the pad. They were transported back to the surface in the exact spot they left. Generalissimo Kakarrot stood as they materialized.
Kakarrot - “I was beginning to wonder if you would return. Its already been close to 12 hours since you left.”
Morelli - “I apologize. I had to do something before I returned. It took time to get it done but I am here now. Ready to stay.”
Anzuki stepped towards her husband.
Anzuki - “He wrote letters to his loved ones letting them know what happened and why.”
Kakarrot nodded.
Kakarrot - “That was noble of you. I'll let your friends go and then I'll show you to your quarters. I want to hear more about your world. If they can produce such a loyal solider then we may be able to reach an accord with them.”
Kakarrot lead them to the jail and let Hansuke and the guards go. Morelli removed his bracelet handing it to Hansuke.
Morelli - “Here this will get you back on the ship. And give this to Captain Fujita, tell him that I needed to return it to its rightful owner.”
He opened his white jacket and removed a necklace with a blue stoned ring attached before closing his jacket back up. Hansuke took both looking sad.
Hansuke - “I will tell the empress everything that happened. If you ever need anything, let us know.”
Morelli nodded as he stepped back. Hansuke pressed the button on the bracelet.
Hansuke - “6 to beam up.”
Morelli felt a tear on his cheek as Hansuke disappeared with her guard. Kakarrot placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kakarrot - “Come, we have much to discuss.”
He led Morelli back into the large building. Hansuke and her guards appeared on the ship and the med-techs began looking them over. Most of the burns were second degree but weren’t infected luckily. They were healed and Hansuke went straight to the bridge. She handed the bracelet and necklace to Fujita.
Hansuke - “He said that the necklace needed to be returned to its rightful owner.”
Fujita nodded looking sadly at the necklace.
Fujita - “Its one thing I don’t relish doing but as long as he's alive there's still hope of seeing him again.”
Hansuke nodded as Fujita sat back in his chair.
Fujita - “Pull away from orbit and head for our next destination.”
Hansuke wondered if this would happen again and could they afford to make such a deal again. Fujita wondered if they indeed would meet Morelli again and if he could ever find someone to fill his position. Lana for her part said nothing and tried to think nothing as she knew how close Morelli and Fujita were and that part of their hearts were dying at the lost of the other. She directed the ship out of orbit and onto the next planet. Hansuke turned towards the door.
Hansuke - “I'll be in my room. I need to get my report written before we arrive. She'll want to know what happened. She'll probably be saddened by the news too.”
Fujita - “I don’t doubt. Her heart is too kind at times. She mourns ever lost as if it were her own. Get some rest too. You look like you were injured, you need to allow your body to heal mentally and emotionally.”
Hansuke nodded and left the bridge as the ship headed off into space.
Hansuke - “Looks like we're nearing the first planet.”
Captain Hiroki Fujita nodded as Commander Stefano Morelli looked over the report.
Morelli - “A class-R Rogue planet. We have readings of human and animal life. We have some readings of plant life but its different from anything we've seen before. Once we reach orbit, we can beam down the party close to the largest gathering of human life we found.”
Hansuke - “Ok, Lets hope they are can be reasoned with.”
Captain Fujita nodded again. The ship reaches orbit and Hansuke makes her way to the transporter room. Morelli met her there securing his sword to his waist. Hansuke looked at him.
Morelli - “Captain Fujita asked me to accompany you as part of your entourage. He trusts me and in my skill.”
Hansuke nodded and she stepped onto the pad along with Morelli and 5 other guards. Within a minute they were appearing on the planets surface. The ground was dry and brown and the town looked just as brown as they walked in the guards had their guns ready and Morelli kept one hand on his sword. As they reached the middle of the city, they realized they were surrounded by tall muscular men and women in variations of the same armor. One particularly large man stepped forward chuckling.
Man - “Well, Well. 7 maggots ready to die. Your power levels are negligible at best.”
A ball of energy appeared in his hand as he spoke. Without warning he shot it straight towards Hansuke who fell to her knees as did the rest of her group.
Man - “Hoo. Nice reflexes. Lets see you do that again.”
He created another ball of energy and fired multiple ones. Hansuke got burnt on her arm by one and Morelli lost some of his ponytail. The rest of the guards got variations of burns but nothing life threatening at the time.
Hansuke - “Wait, I'm here to make diplomatic ties with you. My country wishes to be friends with yours.”
She held her arm as she spoke and stood. The group surrounding them laughed.
Man - “You expect us to believe you. We have conquered many neighboring planets and never once did we make any ties with the indigenous population. We will not bow to another ruler.”
One of the females stepped towards the male.
Female - “Enma, The Generalissimo should decide what to do with them. If we do anything to them without his permission, who knows what he'll do.”
Enma growled a little but gave in.
Enma - “ You're right, May. Tie them up and remove their weapons.”
The group moved closer to Hansuke's group. Her guards were stripped of all their weapons though Morelli was reluctant to let his sword go. Hansuke placed her hands in front of her.
Man - “Your weapons first.”
Hansuke - “I am a minister and as such have no need for a weapon. I do more with my words than with a blade.”
The man looked at Enma who nodded and the man tied up Hansuke pinning her arms behind her back and to her body. Once they were sufficiently tied up, Enma and May led them to a large building and into what looked like a military briefing room with a map of the planet on a large table. On a raised platform sat a male in the same uniform but with a cape and a gold necklace. Hansuke and her group were forced onto their knees in front of the platform.
Man - “What's this? Some left over wanderers we didn’t take care of earlier.”
Enma bowed.
Enma- “No, They appeared in town apparently they has just materialized and walked into town. They claim they came here to make friends with us.”
The man laughed heartily.
Man - “Friends? We have no need for such things. We take what we want. How can you hope to make us bow to your wishes. You don’t even have enough strength to protect yourselves.”
Hansuke raised her head.
Hansuke - “While it may be true that we are weaker than you physically, we have strength of heart that comes from having friends. People we can count on when we need them. We protect them as they protect us. My empress wished me to come and offer you this same friendship. We are new to this galaxy and are in need of friends here.”
Man - “A female running a country. You cant be serious. We have several strong women but none have ever become the strongest. I can not trust a woman to run a strong country. If indeed it is a woman led country then its no wonder you are on the run. We might be too if that were the case.”
He laughed as did the other males in the room. Hansuke tried to keep her temper in control.
Hansuke - “Empress Rebecca is a kind and noble leader who has protected her people more than I thought she would have. She became our leader thru warmth and love. She longed to create a utopia where everyone could be happy and because of that other nations grew jealous and tried to eliminate her and her line. We have other friends who were forced to leave our home world as well. She is strong in heart and that is enough to give her people the will to fight when it calls for it. Her love gives us strength.”
A woman came in from behind the man's chair listening to Hansuke. She approached the man's chair.
Woman - “Kakarrot, why don’t we listen to what they have to say? I sense something about her. Maybe their nation can give us something in return for our friendship and maybe we can help them grow stronger as well.”
Kakarrot turned his head away from his wife.
Kakarrot - “Anzuki, you don’t seem to understand. These are weak beings who wouldn't be able to stay alive on this planet let alone in this galaxy. You cant have a weak heart and run a country. It must be hard as stone as are your fists to make sure no one betrays you.”
Morelli raised his head and voice this time.
Morelli - “We don’t betray our friends. We have lost many warriors fighting with our friends by our sides. We don’t take our friends for granted and we never betray their trust. You can trust us on that. I'll even offer myself as part of the payment. If you ever feel betrayed by our empress, I will offer my life to you in exchange of further bloodshed.”
Hansuke looked at Morelli's determined face in surprise. She could tell this wasn’t part of his orders. This was his determination to see that the empire gained valuable friends. Kakarrot sat back in his chair.
Kakarrot - “A life for a betrayal. Its not all that equal but it shows loyalty to your country and to your ruler. Are you a high ranking officer in her military?”
Morelli - “I am a commander, and a sub-captain on a spaceship. There are several others who are higher ranked, to be honest but I am here and willing to stay. I'm not one to run from my duties.”
Kakarrot - “If you make this vow, we will up hold you to it. We are a proud race and we don’t make vows we cannot keep. Do you still wish to make this vow? That you will stay here eternally and make your home here until such time as we are betrayed or your life ends.”
Morelli swallowed.
Morelli - “I am. I don’t fear death only letting down my country who has given so much to me. I only ask that I be able to return to the ship to collect my meager belongings and leave notes for those who know me well back home.”
Kakarrot nodded then turned to his wife.
Kakarrot - “You will be accompanied by my wife and your minister will remain here. If you do not return within 24 hours or if my wife suffers any injury or is sent back without you. Your minister will die by my hands as will your country.”
The chains around Morelli were removed as he stood up.
Morelli - “I understand. I will return.”
Anzuki came to him as he pressed a button on his bracelet.
Morelli - “2 to beam up.”
Within seconds they both disappeared. Kakarrot had Hansuke and her guards taken to the jail house behind the large building. The count down had begun.
Morelli reappeared on the HMRS Celestial Spirit with Anzuki next to him. She followed him as he went straight to the bridge. Captain Fujita rose from his chair and went for his sword on seeing Anzuki. Morelli put his hand up.
Morelli - “Captain, wait. She's not here to hurt you. She's my guard. I made the decision to stay here in exchange for their friendship. I know I shouldn't have acted without permission but I wanted this to go well so I had to act. They are a strong race who can help us.”
Captain Fujita calmed down and looked sad.
Fujita - “I'd rather not lose you. You are a valuable member of this crew and a trusted friend. Shall I contact your family and friends?'
Morelli shook his head.
Morelli - “I'll write some letters but if you would be so kind as to deliver them for me. Especially to Lieutenant Commander Fontana. She deserves that at least.”
Morelli looked sad as he mentioned the woman's name. Captain Fujita placed a hand on his shoulder.
Fujita - “I'll see to it personally. What of Hansuke and the rest of the guards?”
Morelli - “They were detained so that I would keep my word even though it wasn’t necessary. They have received varying degrees of burns and should be treated upon their return.”
Fujita looked at Morelli quizzically.
Fujita - “How were they burned?”
Morelli tilted his head slightly over to Anzuki who had been standing there quietly while they talked.
Morelli - “Its them. They have the ability to create balls of energy from the looks of them. Its unbelievable to witness.”
Fujita - “I don’t doubt. Want me to walk you to your quarters? Or see you off later?”
Morelli - “I'd rather we didn’t have goodbyes since I'm sure we will see each other again.”
Morelli offered his hand.
Fujita - “I understand. Live well.”
Fujita took his hand and shook it.
Morelli - “Stay strong, my friend.”
Lana stood and bowed as Morelli left the bridge.
Anzuki - “Is that Fontana, a good friend?”
Morelli - “She was............is my girlfriend. I had plans to marry her one day once I had gain a few more ranks. She may hate me for doing this to her.”
Anzuki - “Just because you are to live here doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from your home world. That wouldn't be fair. Have you given her a ring or a vow?”
Morelli looked at Anzuki as they stood in the hallway.
Morelli - “No I never got her a ring but I did promise her many things. My love, a family.........Yes, I promised her many things that I'll never be able to give her now. She deserves a man who can travel the stars with her. She deserves a better life.”
Morelli turned away as they continued down the hallway. He stepped into his room.
Morelli - “If you don’t mind, I need some time to myself. This is the only door in or out so I couldn't escape even if I wanted to which I don’t.”
Anzuki nodded and stood next to the door.
Anzuki - “Don’t take too long. Your friends lives are on the line.”
Morelli nodded as he went into his room and the door closed. Several hours later he emerged with a sac over his shoulder.
Anzuki - “Is that all you have?”
Morelli - “Yes, our lodgings are small so we don’t need many personal items. I have what I need and want.”
Anzuki - “Then you are ready to return?”
Morelli nodded as he left the room. Anzuki noticed several hand-written letters on the table in envelopes with writing on them.
Anzuki - “Was that what took you so long?”
Morelli - “Yes, They deserve to know the truth of what's happening to me. I don’t want my family to worry or my friends to try and do anything…..............................foolish.”
Anzuki - “Like try and rescue you.”
Morelli smiled slightly.
Morelli - “Yes. I know some of them can be hot heads. Hopefully the letters and Captain Fujita will be enough to deter them.”
They entered the transporter room and stepped onto the pad. They were transported back to the surface in the exact spot they left. Generalissimo Kakarrot stood as they materialized.
Kakarrot - “I was beginning to wonder if you would return. Its already been close to 12 hours since you left.”
Morelli - “I apologize. I had to do something before I returned. It took time to get it done but I am here now. Ready to stay.”
Anzuki stepped towards her husband.
Anzuki - “He wrote letters to his loved ones letting them know what happened and why.”
Kakarrot nodded.
Kakarrot - “That was noble of you. I'll let your friends go and then I'll show you to your quarters. I want to hear more about your world. If they can produce such a loyal solider then we may be able to reach an accord with them.”
Kakarrot lead them to the jail and let Hansuke and the guards go. Morelli removed his bracelet handing it to Hansuke.
Morelli - “Here this will get you back on the ship. And give this to Captain Fujita, tell him that I needed to return it to its rightful owner.”
He opened his white jacket and removed a necklace with a blue stoned ring attached before closing his jacket back up. Hansuke took both looking sad.
Hansuke - “I will tell the empress everything that happened. If you ever need anything, let us know.”
Morelli nodded as he stepped back. Hansuke pressed the button on the bracelet.
Hansuke - “6 to beam up.”
Morelli felt a tear on his cheek as Hansuke disappeared with her guard. Kakarrot placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kakarrot - “Come, we have much to discuss.”
He led Morelli back into the large building. Hansuke and her guards appeared on the ship and the med-techs began looking them over. Most of the burns were second degree but weren’t infected luckily. They were healed and Hansuke went straight to the bridge. She handed the bracelet and necklace to Fujita.
Hansuke - “He said that the necklace needed to be returned to its rightful owner.”
Fujita nodded looking sadly at the necklace.
Fujita - “Its one thing I don’t relish doing but as long as he's alive there's still hope of seeing him again.”
Hansuke nodded as Fujita sat back in his chair.
Fujita - “Pull away from orbit and head for our next destination.”
Hansuke wondered if this would happen again and could they afford to make such a deal again. Fujita wondered if they indeed would meet Morelli again and if he could ever find someone to fill his position. Lana for her part said nothing and tried to think nothing as she knew how close Morelli and Fujita were and that part of their hearts were dying at the lost of the other. She directed the ship out of orbit and onto the next planet. Hansuke turned towards the door.
Hansuke - “I'll be in my room. I need to get my report written before we arrive. She'll want to know what happened. She'll probably be saddened by the news too.”
Fujita - “I don’t doubt. Her heart is too kind at times. She mourns ever lost as if it were her own. Get some rest too. You look like you were injured, you need to allow your body to heal mentally and emotionally.”
Hansuke nodded and left the bridge as the ship headed off into space.