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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 9, 2018 10:23:51 GMT 10
Itsuki is quick to respond, "I'm sure Captain Kiru will be pleased to observe such festivities, but I must rudely decline the generous offer, Kuni-sama. I must stay aboard this ship to prepare myself for the upcoming duel. Thank you for your understanding."
The ship finishes its docking procedure, and Itsuki sends word to all aboard that they may disembark. It seems both he and Kakashi will remain aboard, though.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 9, 2018 12:57:46 GMT 10
Tetsuko disembarks the ship, looking down to see if there’s anyone to meet her.
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Post by emeralddragon on Apr 9, 2018 20:33:03 GMT 10
A low ranked Hiruma waits for her, likely not long past his Gempeku. Bowing he said, "Konichiwa Hida-Sama, I am Hiruma Riku. Please follow me."
Besides him waits a female Hida, waiting to see if the Nezumi will leave. Also oddly a few low ranked Kuni stare at the ship...but from a distance, as if they won't go any closer.
Riku led Tetsuko to the lifts, and then to the Kuni's room in complete silence. Opening the door he bowed once more and waited for her to enter.
The Kuni was...big. He was at least half Hida, and although you saw no weapon in the room, it was clear that he could use one.
"I am Kuni Wei, and I will be your contact with the Witch Hunters. Before we continue I want your opinions on your companions."
A servant placed a small cup of Sake for each of them them left the room. The bottle was also left behind.
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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 9, 2018 21:01:20 GMT 10
Kiru watches as Tetsuko leaves without saying a word. Then, he bows low to each Crab samurai remaining, except to anyone with obvious Kuni training. Those he completely ignores, as though they do not exist.
He waits patiently, for either someone to address him or for the space station to explode. Whichever happens first.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 9, 2018 21:46:32 GMT 10
Once in the room, Tetsuko took a drink, welcoming its familiar flavour. It also gave her time to think. She gave her companions the same, shrewd assessment that she would have given any bushi under her command.
“Well,” she said, putting down the cup. “They did save my life, so that should count for something. But...” She looked past the Kuni. “They are strange, they seem to have no discipline, no focus—the Nezumi, Kiru for instance, he makes no qualms about not being human and makes me look polite and cultured—and it took a lot to get to listen to me. But...” She paused, hesitating to say what she knew she had to even though it was true. “...in a strange way, they are dedicated to this task, and realise it’s importance.”
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Post by emeralddragon on Apr 10, 2018 11:45:01 GMT 10
The Kuni didn't look surprised at her discription, "For the Nezumi that is not unexpected. They have an unfortunately short memory, and great difficulty learning, and thus focus on learning what they consider important. As for making no qualms about not being human.... He likely doesn't remember a time when he wasn't the odd one out. He likely doesn't even remember rescuing you. To him this is normal. Its possible he will forget you exist if you leave his side for more then a day.
Its why the Phoenix never send them out alone. Nor did the Crab when we held thier friendship. He, I believe is safe."
The Kuni takes a sip of sake, "You do need to be aware that the crew of The Warren are wanted by the Scorpion for questioning. They are tight lipped on the details, so its not to do with Maho or Jigoku, but it seems they have some connection to an attack on a Scorpion installation."
He strokes his chin, "Given the official position of the Pheonix....in fact the official position of everyone appart from the Dragon, on the Day of Thunder it seems to me that the Pheonix have chosen to use this crew specifically so they can't be blamed for the actions or results. The 'pirates' of the Pheonix if you would. Does this explain with what you have witnessed?"
Meanwhile, back in front of the ship, the Hida bows to the Nezumi, "Nezumi-san, I am Hida Satoko. Would you like to follow me to the Sumi?" There was clear unsurity in her voice. Would a Nezumi even like Sumi?
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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 10, 2018 11:57:32 GMT 10
"M'thack-kir is pleased to meet Hida. Nicest member of the Standing Courage Hammer Tribe M'thack-kir has met today. Please call this one Kiru."
He bows low to Satoko and offers a joyful, toothy smile.
"Kiru must ask, what is sumai?"
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Post by emeralddragon on Apr 10, 2018 12:04:58 GMT 10
The Hida is silent for a moment, trying to think of how to discribe Sumai. Typically you would show more then tell after all.
"Sumai is a contest, Nezumi-san. Two exceptionally large men enter a circle, and the aim is to make the opponent either fall over or leave the circle. It is a test of strength, but also of tactics."
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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 10, 2018 12:12:50 GMT 10
"Sounds better to be smaller rather than large-large, ne? Kiru would love to see sumai."
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 10, 2018 14:00:41 GMT 10
“It does, somewhat, Kuni-sama,” admitted Tetsuko. “Like their reluctance to use official channels.” She was quiet a moment. “Two of the crew were left on World of Dreams, there was additional information that needed to be followed up on. Could this have something to do with it? I have no idea what they will be doing.”
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Post by emeralddragon on Apr 10, 2018 18:21:16 GMT 10
The Kuni looks at her like she is stupid, "I do believe that you should be part of the planning process Hida-san. You are a member of the Hida Kuge after all. With the possible exception of the Nezumi they must all at least listen to you." The Kuni paused as he considered all that he had been told, "If I had to guess Hida-san, it is to do with the probes you found. While not essential to the mission it is a good idea to know who is trying to track you. Please do not make me guess again in the future. The Wall was held using facts, and skill not luck and guesses." The Kuni took a deep drink of her Sake, and narrowed her eyes at the Hida, "As much as I wish otherwise and despite your considerable failures only you can answer the next question. I am not happy about this and if this wasn't the Asako's mission I would have you replaced." "Can we work with this crew? Will they do the job?" The Kuni stared at her, judgimg her every word, every facial expression. ((OOC: Please Hida-san. I made the following thread for a reason. Its not a long read. thetabletopreview.proboards.com/thread/186/ooc-quest-log-kinda))Meanwhile, back with our Nezumi... The Hida laughs, "Maybe so Kiru-san. The Hiruma would agree. But you can't run forever. Sometime you need to stand up againest the darkness." Bowing, she continued, "Please follow me Kiru-san." And them leads the way. The trip is not long and soon the Kiru finds himself surrounded by Crab. Loud, slightly inebriated Crab, all staring at a central ring. It was a bit of a squeeze, but eventually they made it to a large space, clearly set aside for the Nezumi. The Hida sat down and poured Sake for herself and then the Nezumi, offering a cup to Kiru while they waited for the next match. ((Meanwhile back at the ship)) The Kuni watch on as almost every other family of the Crab seem to pass by the ship with ease, not feeling the aura covering the ship. After a while one of the younger Kuni seems to get an idea and runs of Bedford returning with a Hiruma Shugenja. The Hiruma moves a little closer then everyone else, resisting the malice from the ship, as she would the Shadowlands. Still in the end even she buckles shakes her head and moves away.
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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 10, 2018 20:28:16 GMT 10
"Hiruma?" Kiru replies. "Kiru would like to meet this wise person. Hiruma is nearby, or competing in sumai?"
Kiru frowns at the sake he is offered, though it is one of misunderstanding, not disgust. "There are goblins here? What is it Hida asks of Kiru?"
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 10, 2018 22:02:00 GMT 10
Tetsuko was tempted to say no, that they should get a company of Crab and do things properly. But then something made her pause...
Had the ship had not been here, I would not be here now...and had I not been on the ship, I would never have known all about the threat to everything...
Perhaps there is something going on here, and I shouldn’t fight it...
“Yes, they are capable,” she said.
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Post by emeralddragon on Apr 11, 2018 11:36:00 GMT 10
The Kuni nods, "Good. I was hoping that was the case. Be wary around Scorpion and otherwise your mission should be fine."
The Kuni pours another round of Sake,before continuing, "Now I do have one important assignment for you should all hope seem lost. The Warren is one of an exceptionally small collection of ships the Nezumi have been gifted from the Pheonix. These ships have the key trait of being immune to Taint, just like their Nezumi masters. I need not tell you how useful this ability would be for us."
"Over the years we have tried to investigate these ships as best we can. However the Nezumi never stay long in dock, and we have zero desire to ruin or relations with the Pheonix. However should all hope be lost, and its clear all hope of success or even survival is gone, we would request you make sure the ship returns to the Hida Prime system rather then be destroyed."
The Kuni is silent for a long moment then repeats, "This is only if all hope of survival for you and the crew is lost. The mission takes precedence."
((Meanwhile)) The Hida freezes in her tracks. It takes her a brief second to remember the tradition of farmers offering food and Sake to Nezumi. If he has taken it as an offering, can she take it back. No... that's clearly the wrong call.
Finally Satoko said, "Not am offering Kiru-san. A gift. To honor our long uears fighting the darkness togther."
It was a stretch, and a few of the Crab nearby muttered under their breath about private seats and such privileges being wasted on a Nezumi. But at that moment the wrath of the Kuni and the promise of Sumai held them from action.
At that moment the first match began. Two promising juniors as a warmup more then anything else.
((Meanwhile))
The Kunis and Kuni trained Hiruna watch a Toritaka Shugenja pass by the ship, and come to the final conclusion that its just the Kuni schools that are effected.
It makes no sense at all, but that's the only explaination. With that in mind the group splits into two groups. The first wants to be safe and let the Toritaka invrstigate. They aren't totally unqualified after all, even if they focus on spirits.
This group unfortunately is the smallest.
The other wants to do this the good old Kuni method of Science. Cast Jade strike at the problem and see what happens.
The discussion is reasonably calm but its very clear the ship will be hit by Jade strike in the next 5 minutes.
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Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 11, 2018 11:47:06 GMT 10
Kiru stares blankly for a moment, but then nods at Hida Satoko. "Kiru will accept this gift if Hida will accept gift from Kiru. Except Kiru might spook shtra'Kuni if Kiru does. Perfectly harmless though. Will Hida accept Kiru's gift?"
Meanwhile...The Warren suddenly turns invisible.
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