Chief of Intelligence & Investigation (CII) of Section 14, Military Police, Shiba Nagato:
"I am sorry. Please explain to me, one more time, what happened, because I don't think I understood you quite well the first time." I said, as I looked at the raw tactical data, on the holoscreen.
"Chief, a ship, with a target cross section of 80 hull sizes appeared on the screens of the EUSN (European Union Space Navy), "Anchorage" Destroyer." The Junior investigator paused there, as if waiting for me to acknowledge. I finally did with a nod.
"Go on."
"Anchorage hailed the ship, requesting that it's flight plan be transferred over tight-beam, as the bogey was crossing a trade zone. The Commander of the Anchorage also noted that no signature could be gained off the drive, and that even with high power telescopes, the only thing they could make out was that the ship was matte black."
"And that was the only thing that struck the commander as... 'odd'?" I asked.
"Yes, Chief. The Drive had a thermal output of 1500 units. By all means, it was a standard freighter." He replied.
"A standard... 4 kton... freighter?"
He paused at that, and then said. "Or maybe a luxury liner?"
I looked at the data. It made no sense. I looked back to the JI and frowned.
"And where is the part, where you explain to me, how this, 4000 ton 'luxury liner' or freighter-- whatever-- brings down the firepower of a 20kton ship upon Anchorage, and destroys it within the span of 60 seconds; And then, not even three hours later, appears at the other end of the Asteroid Belt, and attack the USA Task Force "Delta Green"-- only this time escorted by 2 2000 ton ships-- and destroys a Cruiser, and two Frigates?"
He stared at me for a long time, and then looked at the holodisplay, and then once more back to me. "I... do not know, Chief."
"Listen to me. Find. Out. The USA Ambassador was recalled to the States. Do you understand what that means? It means a declaration of war is upon us. The only one in the Sol System who was not attacked by this 'freighter', is us. Do you know what that means?"
"N-no, Chief."
"IT MEANS WE MIGHT AS WELL BE THE ONES WHO DID IT!" I screamed at him, and he yelped in shock and terror- trying to shield his face behind his shoulder. But I was not going to hit him. I gently put him down and sighed.
"I am sorry, Chief- I will try to find something. If we can only get Delta Green's data--"
I raised my hand to interrupt him, and searched my pocket for my hololink. Someone was calling me.
"Chief Shiba speaking, I am busy right now." I said curtly at the frozen image on the 'link.
"Chief Shiba, I have important information regarding your case."
"Who is this?" I asked, as I signaled to the Junior Investigator to trace the link. He happily put himself to work immediately.
"Do you know of the Hiryu and Shokaku project, Chief Inspector?"
"Who is this?" I asked once more.
"Ah, it would seem by your voice modulation that you don't know what I am referring to. The Hiryu and Shokaku are the latest secret IJN projects-- They are Stealth Warships."
"What?" That caught my attention immediately. "What are you talking about?"
"Two weeks ago, the prototypes were stolen by a radical group."
"Hold on a minute, how would you know this? Who is this?"
"Chief Inspector, I will give you a hint. The Shokaku appears as a 4000 ton vessel, and the Hiryu appears as a 2000 ton vessel. Does that ring any bells?"
I paused for a moment. "What radical group? Can you testify to this before the EU Counc--"
"Good day, Chief Inspector."
The link closed, and I stood dumbfounded. I did not need to ask. The information was never leaked to anyone outside Section 14. Only we, the EU, and the USA know about this.
"I need to speak to the Shogun."
"What was the call about?"
"The end of the world."
