Heaven's Thunder, Bridge - Following Retreat from Assault on Union Mining Operation Alpha


"Summon Kunisada Nasu for me. I wish to speak with him," Himuro said, slumped in his chair as he observed the video feed of the battleship's crew securing Kunisada's Zaku II to the deck outside. The crewman nodding with slight hesitation after hearing the tone in his captain's voice, concerned about how the mission affected his demeanor.

After a short while, the Zaku pilot entered, "Kunisada Nasu, reporting as requested, sir!" he said, finishing with a salute.

"At ease," Himuro said, spinning in his chair to see his friend. He immediately dropped the whole 'disappointed' act and stood up with a smile, going over and hugging Kunisada, "Welcome back! So, how does it feel? The battle, I mean?"

Blinking with a surprise, Kunisada chuckled slightly, "It feels good, I guess? We didn't destroy the mining base though,"

"Your point being?" Himuro questioned, raising an eyebrow and shaking his head, "Aside from that, I feel that it was a good redemption. We were able to test our strengths in combat effectively. We're strong, but we can't act alone. Scarth Maheart's presence was a big help, even if he does things his own way. A warrior such as him is the shining example of Japan's strength and fervor,"

Kunisada scoffed hearing the praise for Scarth, "Pfft, he's okay, I guess. Didn't impress me all that much.."

Himuro leaned in next to Kunisada's ear and whispered, "Yeah, but who is the one I had stay near me during that encounter? Who did I want close beside me, protecting my ass?" he said slyly, a grin across his face as he pulled away some, looking into Kunisada's eyes.

Whispers and gossip could be heard from the other crewman on the bridge as Kunisada looked around, waiting fruitlessly for Himuro to call order, "That'd be me, but..."

"But nothing, soldier!" Himuro interjected, placing his open hand over Kunisada's mouth, hushing him, "I will not have it any other way. You're stuck with me because I want you with me. Nobody else. Got that?"

Taken by Himuro's rare display of assertiveness, Kunisada nodded, having trouble keeping his eyes meeting his captain's, "Yes.. Sir! If you'll excuse me now, I need to go do routine maintenance on the Zaku," Kunisada saluted, taking his leave of the bridge.

Himuro walked back to his chair and sat down, looking around at the crew still chatting away, "Just cause we're in newly claimed territory does not mean we are safe! That mine still stands and there have been reports of Union troops in the area. I want you all to stay alert! If you find any, blast them to the gates of hell!"

Himuro smiled, enjoying catching his crew off guard by dropping the friendly act when need be. He pulled on the brim of his hat lower on his face as he began to contemplate the war. The attack on the mining base was exactly what Himuro needed to see clearly. Things weren't as organized as he would have liked. A little more structure would do wonders to battle efficiency. Changes would have to be made, and he was in a position to make those changes happen. Despite all the seriousness in his thoughts though, he couldn't help but smile, enjoying coming on to Kunisada for a change, making him the embarrassed one.