Atlantica,
Gulfia,
In route to Atlantica Colonial Administration Head Offices
These days, it seemed like Atlantica was the center of the universe.
It wasn’t that long ago that the American Union hardly seemed to care about the planet as anything more than a rest-stop on the way to Hawking. But this rest stop was now the strategic point that decided who would be able to strike at their enemies and who would be stuck on the defensive.
The recent renovations of the Administrative Offices of the Atlantica Colonial Administration would speak to the newfound importance of the system. Political parties, empires, and assemblies were all eager to realign the administration toward the policies they wanted. This meant a lot of money had been flowing in, and not all of it had been properly reported.
“Sakamoto Hina Nǚshì,” Present in the virtual space was a tiger-form Daqin officer, sword at her hip, and a darkly colored intelligence uniform clinging to her form. Her voice was formal, and she stood up straight as if she were under review. “I am here on behalf of Admiral Xian Leang, First of the Five Tigers and Fist of the Empress.”
She would pause, to give the weight of her mistress’ name the appropriate weight.
“I have been sent to ascertain your progress in securing the support of the local Humans in this system. My mistress requires their fusion fuels, and the lethargy of the American Union, if her operation to save the Empress is to succeed. Our former oppressors have launched a counterattack against us, and will arrive here in 283 hours, which means we are at a critical point in our operation.”
“Of course my lady,” the merchant-rooster in front of her gracefully bowed. “The moment our Mother-Empress became imperiled, plans have been put into motion,” she confidently smiled, tail feathers held bright and high. “Isn’t that right, Wu Xiǎojiě?” Sakamoto glanced at her secretary. The rather fluffy image of Wu would appear beside and slightly behind Sakamoto. The bright pinks and whites of her body contrasting heavily with the darker tones of the intelligence officer,
“Yes, mistress. We have funded the renovation of the board leader’s home, and three of his secretaries are second class citizens of the empire in your employ. We also have extensive recordings of his time with them in his renovated bedroom and hot tub if you wish to review the material we have been gathering. Similar overtures have been made towards - ”
“I do hope you are not planning to expose your Chongwu shooting target to the Humans. Even their depravity would find this offensive.” The officer said, as if Wu wasn’t there.
“Fūrén,” she formally addressed the woman, “As an expert to dealing with humans yourself, I do remind you of the viewpoints that they hold towards individuals such as Wu Xiǎojiě,” Sakamoto began to gently correct her superior. “To them, she is a tragic figure who was made-to-order for the most despicable desires,” the Daqinren Rooster held up a single feather from her wrist like a finger counting tallies, “And with life-crippling effects on her own self as a result of her forced vocation,” she held up another colorful feather to count.
“And, I remind you, this is on top of the fact that we - the GREAT AND NOBLE DAQINREN OF THE EMPIRE - have scooped her up from her fate in the streets to give her employment,” Sakamoto melodramatically counted off with another feather. “I could go on, but I believe having our dear Wu Xiǎojiě plays the cripple card, the sex worker card, and the employing-the-homeless card.” She paused for a moment and rubbed her chin in thought before lighting up like a bulb, fist smacking into hand in realization. “OH! And she also effectively plays the racial card, giving us plenty of leverage and allowing us to be supremely politically correct.” Smug in her analysis, she reminded her superior again, “Do remember that her presence is a blessing on our operations against the humans, my lady.”
The intelligence officer would hold her tongue. A tacit admission that she was not the expert in these matters. Her eyes never bothered to look in her direction, staying on topic with Sakamoto.
“Very well. I would not want to accuse you of intentionally failing in your duties here. My Mistress is undertaking a great battle against overwhelming odds. Not all within the Empire think she will succeed. There are even distasteful rumors that another of the Five Tiger Generals is playing the long game by planning for her failure. Of course, she will address that once she has returned from Sol. The Daqin who have done their duty will be rewarded. There should be no doubt why she is the First among Equals.”
Wu also kept from speaking, quietly suffering the stings of being looked down upon.
“Of course. I believe you will be very pleased to know what I have already set into motion,” Sakamoto smugly smiled.
Gulfia,
In route to Atlantica Colonial Administration Head Offices
These days, it seemed like Atlantica was the center of the universe.
It wasn’t that long ago that the American Union hardly seemed to care about the planet as anything more than a rest-stop on the way to Hawking. But this rest stop was now the strategic point that decided who would be able to strike at their enemies and who would be stuck on the defensive.
The recent renovations of the Administrative Offices of the Atlantica Colonial Administration would speak to the newfound importance of the system. Political parties, empires, and assemblies were all eager to realign the administration toward the policies they wanted. This meant a lot of money had been flowing in, and not all of it had been properly reported.
“Sakamoto Hina Nǚshì,” Present in the virtual space was a tiger-form Daqin officer, sword at her hip, and a darkly colored intelligence uniform clinging to her form. Her voice was formal, and she stood up straight as if she were under review. “I am here on behalf of Admiral Xian Leang, First of the Five Tigers and Fist of the Empress.”
She would pause, to give the weight of her mistress’ name the appropriate weight.
“I have been sent to ascertain your progress in securing the support of the local Humans in this system. My mistress requires their fusion fuels, and the lethargy of the American Union, if her operation to save the Empress is to succeed. Our former oppressors have launched a counterattack against us, and will arrive here in 283 hours, which means we are at a critical point in our operation.”
“Of course my lady,” the merchant-rooster in front of her gracefully bowed. “The moment our Mother-Empress became imperiled, plans have been put into motion,” she confidently smiled, tail feathers held bright and high. “Isn’t that right, Wu Xiǎojiě?” Sakamoto glanced at her secretary. The rather fluffy image of Wu would appear beside and slightly behind Sakamoto. The bright pinks and whites of her body contrasting heavily with the darker tones of the intelligence officer,
“Yes, mistress. We have funded the renovation of the board leader’s home, and three of his secretaries are second class citizens of the empire in your employ. We also have extensive recordings of his time with them in his renovated bedroom and hot tub if you wish to review the material we have been gathering. Similar overtures have been made towards - ”
“I do hope you are not planning to expose your Chongwu shooting target to the Humans. Even their depravity would find this offensive.” The officer said, as if Wu wasn’t there.
“Fūrén,” she formally addressed the woman, “As an expert to dealing with humans yourself, I do remind you of the viewpoints that they hold towards individuals such as Wu Xiǎojiě,” Sakamoto began to gently correct her superior. “To them, she is a tragic figure who was made-to-order for the most despicable desires,” the Daqinren Rooster held up a single feather from her wrist like a finger counting tallies, “And with life-crippling effects on her own self as a result of her forced vocation,” she held up another colorful feather to count.
“And, I remind you, this is on top of the fact that we - the GREAT AND NOBLE DAQINREN OF THE EMPIRE - have scooped her up from her fate in the streets to give her employment,” Sakamoto melodramatically counted off with another feather. “I could go on, but I believe having our dear Wu Xiǎojiě plays the cripple card, the sex worker card, and the employing-the-homeless card.” She paused for a moment and rubbed her chin in thought before lighting up like a bulb, fist smacking into hand in realization. “OH! And she also effectively plays the racial card, giving us plenty of leverage and allowing us to be supremely politically correct.” Smug in her analysis, she reminded her superior again, “Do remember that her presence is a blessing on our operations against the humans, my lady.”
The intelligence officer would hold her tongue. A tacit admission that she was not the expert in these matters. Her eyes never bothered to look in her direction, staying on topic with Sakamoto.
“Very well. I would not want to accuse you of intentionally failing in your duties here. My Mistress is undertaking a great battle against overwhelming odds. Not all within the Empire think she will succeed. There are even distasteful rumors that another of the Five Tiger Generals is playing the long game by planning for her failure. Of course, she will address that once she has returned from Sol. The Daqin who have done their duty will be rewarded. There should be no doubt why she is the First among Equals.”
Wu also kept from speaking, quietly suffering the stings of being looked down upon.
“Of course. I believe you will be very pleased to know what I have already set into motion,” Sakamoto smugly smiled.