Himiko was busy working on the final preparations for undocking the Star Lambda after simultaneously altering the gravity and atmosphere of the Assault Carrier in preparation for the Treecu diplomats. She had the metallic waste diverted to chute 03 and unlocked the Star Lambda’s hangar clamps. The gravity was reduced to 1G in oxygen-based corridors, and 2G in carbon dioxide corridors respectively. All that was left was for Himiko was switching off the passive jammers and activating the experimental quantum jamming and shockwave emission (QJSE) device when the Treecu delegates arrived. However, noting its unreliable nature Himiko decided to fire off an external burst from the QJSE when nothing happened. Puzzled she attempted to fire off another pulse which failed to materialize.

 “Damned expensive piece of junk.” Himiko muttered as she closed the program and opened a window in the Communications office.

“Oi. Lieutenant! I need a secure line to the Interdictor Lockheart.”

“Hello Computer, this is Lt. Dezrek Magan. What can I do for you?” replied Magan ignoring Himiko’s initial request.

“Ahem, like I said, would you kindly establish a secure channel to the Interdictor Lockheart? I would like them to fire off a low energy shockwave at us so we can use it as an external excuse to deploy the Star Lambda discreetly since the QJSE isn’t working again.” She asked politely this time.

“Understood computer, establishing a secure link to the Lockheart. You’re free to contact Captain Xechaltork from any CPU port.” Replied Lt. Magan

“Thanks lieutenant, and its not computer, its Self-Aware Artificial Intelligence (SAI) or Himiko!” responded Himiko before she closed the window.
She then opened another window this time peering through the display of the Interdictor Lockheart.“Captain Xechaltork.” She said saluting through the monitor.

“At ease SAI of HIMIKO’S REVENGE” responded the Captain

“Sir it’s Himiko. There’s an issue with my QJSE so I need to ask a favor of you.”

“Hou, not an order?” enquired the Captain.

“Sir you know full well unless explicitly ordered by a Rear Admiral or higher Fleet crews have the right to refuse a ship’s AI or SAI’s orders that are not expressly authorized by the Fleet Commander.”

“Ahaha, that was right, my apologize SAI Himiko-. So, how can I help our Commander?”

“I’d like you to fire off a low energy pulse and deploy gravity wells.”

“Should we jam their comms?”

“No sir, we want to give them the impression that our fleet is inferior and surprise them if things go south. Cutting off their escape by deploying my complement discreetly is of the utmost importance.”

“Very well, I’ll deploy the gravity wells now and fire off a burst from our Pulse emitter at low power. Should I also wait for the timing of the pulse”

“Yes sir, the Commander wanted the Star Lambda to drift towards the Treecu Frigate. The remaining 9 will occur at random, and fire it off at a higher output if the Treecu vessel gets too close.”

“Very well. I’ll see what I can do.”

She then overheard one the lockheart’s crew members shout out, “Gravity wells deploying in 3..2…1… Deployed” and the subtle but audible hum from the console she was displayed on.

 “Thank you captain.”

 “Oh don’t thank me. Truth be told I was bored out of my wits, and the crew and I were worried we would just be a decorative role. We’ll be playing our role diligently over, and out” said the Captain as he ended the transmission.