The Earth Delegation

[Corwin]

Onboard the Earth's flagship, the Stellar Bugbear, Lt. Colonel Jam Kuradoberi is pacing worriedly, expecting the arrival of her direct commander, General Kunzite.

"The Armageddon is hailing us," a voice sounds to Jam's left. "The General is ready to return."

[Carthrat]

"About frigging time!" she says, exasperated.

With a sweep of her hand, she barks out commands to the crew. "Prepare the docking bay for the Generals arrival. See that you give him a warm welcome. And make sure to give him all the paperwork he's missed."

[Corwin]

"I bet he loves you, too," someone mutters from behind Jam's back.

[Carthrat]

Insubordinate crewmate, meet Jam's foot.

"I heard that," she remarks, unecessarily.

[Corwin]

"You broke by dose!" the crewman stammers in shock, clamping down on his nose with both arms to stop the blood flow. "Daddy bill hear bout dis!"

As he runs off the bridge in tears, Jam finally realizes it was Friedrich August von Merude, aka The Guy On The Bridge Who Does Nothing Because He Is Connected.

[Carthrat]

"The general hasn't returned yet. Deckhand Dilbert! Dock Mr. Friedrichs pay by 50%, and remove his access from all comm systems," orders Jam. "If he's lucky, I won't give him a position in the engine room as a greasemonkey.

You, you, and you. You're coming with me to greet the general," she says, picking out three other crewmen who aren't doing anything. "Let's go!"

With that, she strides off the bridge towards the docking bay..

[Corwin]

Jam and her escort arrives at the docking bay just in time to see Kunzite's shuttle land securely.

Soon thereafter, the general himself exits the shuttle, nodding at Jam in acknowledgement. "Have you received our new orders?" he asks, approaching her.

[Carthrat]

"No," replies Jam, flatly. "The only interesting thing that happened while you were gone that there was a malfunction somewhere in Deck 5, causing each and every source of hot water in the ship to malfunction. The engineers *better* have gotten it fixed."

[Corwin]

Kunzite snorts. "If only all our problems were such. Walk with me," he tells Jam, dismissing the other crewmen with a glance and a curt nod in their direction. As Jam falls into step, he says, "Somehow, the general public has received knowledge of the peace talks. Princess Min-- von Magellan has received an urgent message from Luna at roughly the same time King Azusa contacted me, which is yet further proof that this was a deliberate leek by someone seeking to sabotage our efforts." He frowns. "So they're stepping up the schedule. We'll have to prevent any ship except the Prince's from leaving the atmosphere. The MDBG Serenity will prevent any vessels from crossing over into our own space, in the meanwhile." Kunzite pauses, glancing at Jam to see her reaction.

[Carthrat]

Jam pauses. "That presents a problem. It can't be a coincidence.. either a single entity, capable of travelling on and off the Earth, or perhaps a conspiracy, with agents acting on both sides?"

[Corwin]

"I'm much more inclined to believe the latter," Kunzite says, nodding. "Now, let us get to the bridge. I'll reposition the fleet, while I would like you to be on stand by. We must be ready to contact MDBG Serenity as soon as the Prince's ship leaves the surface."

[Carthrat]

"Of course. How did the meetings with the Princess of Venus go?" asks Jam. "Did you lay on the charm? Have we a solid alliance with one planet, at least?"  A mischevious glint twinkles in her eye, her previous irritation forgotten.. "Either way, I'll take care of it. You get some rest and some food.

Oh! Remind me to tell you to tell me all about Lunar cusine when I see you again!" she exclaims. "I can't wait!"

With that, she bounces off with a jaunty salute..

[Corwin]

Several hours later, Endymion's cruiser is spotted in the atmosphere, and Jam immediately commands an open channel to MDBG Serenity. Shortly afterwards, she gets a direct line to Princess Minako herself, who takes the call.

[Carthrat]

"Ah, Princess Minako, this is Lt. Col. Kuradoberi of the Stellar Bugbear. Endymions shuttle is now leaving the atmosphere, in sector 334215, we're just getting confirmation from you," says Jam, sucking it up with the cute look.

[kpjam]

Princess Minako finished checking her make-up in the mirror when she heard the little beep that signified communication lines had been open.  She turned towards the viewer, a smile on her face and spoke.  

"As agreed, Princess Minako is here to do her part in forming a peaceful and loving solar system!"  She enthused.  "We'll do our part in making sure no ships enter earth's atmosphere from space until we have an open and loving relationship with Earth and its people!"