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Post by emeralddragon on Jun 3, 2017 4:26:23 GMT 10
The Rokugani system....it is considered by many Samurai to be a required visit in their lifetime. Of course securing a pass for such a visit is quite difficult, and the Badger are to this day convinced that everyone is a ninja, a member of the Kolat, a secret gaijin, or a servant of the Jealous realm, trying to gain a foothold on this most sacred world. And possibly all 4.
Between inspections verging on insulting a Samurai's honour, a high military presence and military installations on all worlds except the Mantis controlled world of Kinsei, nothing gets in or out of Rokugan without the Badger and usually the Seppun knowing about it.
Most people going to the surface head to a large set of Space Stations refered to as "Hotei's Challenge" for only one blessed by Hotei would still be calm after the hours it took to get to the surface.
Fortunately for our heroes, Rokugan's surface is not their goal. Instead they have been requested to meet Shimazu Hirosue at an oddly precise time on the Satellite known as Shiro Hira. While the security is no less tight here, the mood is more relaxed, the Badger here assigned to look over bulk shipments as well as preform the small amount of trading the Badger do. Those outside are slowly inspecting each shipment using scanners and as long as you aren't proceeding to Rokugan they will leave you alone, content to do their work and not make their life more difficult. The building at the center of the Satellite smells of Sake and their is quite a few gambling tables going on as the Badger bet on various Sports events...
Given the atmosphere it would not be surprising if some less then honorable activities were going on here.
An odd place to meet an Emerald Magistrate, but the letter was very clear on the time and place. Shiro Hira, 9:23am, in the viewing room of the Sake House.
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Post by The Wake Angels on Jun 3, 2017 9:36:13 GMT 10
"This place stinks of desperation and greed," Tai-Wen announces matter-of-factly as she heads up the trio walking the corridor outside of the Sake House. "Well of course, dear heart," Ketaan says easily, slightly loud as usual due to the music playing in his ears. "I suspect that the locals use the wait time at customs to prey on the pilgrims." "I suspect you are right, but that's entirely beside the point," Tai-Wen grouses. "Look at all of this. The way those deck-walkers poured over MY ships. It's insulting is what it is. Just you wait. One of my custom designs is going to show up on some local's walk-side stand, and then there will be a reckoning." "If we could get through the week without firebombing the heart of the Empire, that would probably be the best, ne?" Ketaan jokes lightly, his good humor putting a spring in his step. "Gently now," Ariel checks the holo-display on his personal device, the light green of the laser-written timepiece shining 9:22 off of his glasses. "Best faces everyone. We're here." Tai-Wen grumbles one last time, then the Wake Angels push open the doors of the stinking establishment and enter, right on time. Ketaan's grin widens, and with a quick motion, he syncs music with the scene. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wv3j81GWK0
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Jun 3, 2017 9:53:49 GMT 10
Shiro Hira, Auxiliary Shuttle Bay 2, 6:42 AM
The chrome trim of the shuttle reflected the landing lamps in a disco pattern, scattering colorful beams of light throughout the large room as the ship moved slowly to its temporary berth. It settled with a hiss of gas and heat, the whine of the engines giving way to the slow uneven tick of cooling metal.
A small squad of Badger performed their duties, inspecting the exterior of the ship for any obvious threats. Behind the thick glass of the cockpit window, a face gazed at them behind a pair of aviator sunglasses. Her mouth moved, chewing some substance or another while the inspection crew did their work.
Eventually, they came to a stop near the cab, and motioned to the pilot to emerge. With the slight hiss of equalizing pressure, a door slowly rose and the woman emerged. Wearing the blues and golds of the Tortoise, the woman adjusted her wakizashi as she lighted on the deck, then produced an battered datapad with several dog-eared stickers on the back.
The Badger squad approached carefully, then without asking performed a scan of the Tortoise samurai looking for contraband. The woman seemed nonplussed, still chewing on something or another. The scanner beeped as it moved over her forearm, and the squad tensed.
Reaching into the Tortoise samurai's sleeve, the Badger leader produced a small pistol, and dangled it in front of the woman's face. "What's this then?"
"t'sa pistol." She replied, "Woman's gotta protect herself in these dangerous times, Ichiro-sama. I got a license for it, in the cab." She motioned back at the shuttle.
"We'll see. What's your reason for visiting Shiro Hira?" The guard asked.
"Business, picking up cargo n' maybe a drink." She answered, then offered the datapad, "I have the required export documents and travel papers."
"Let's see them then." Said the Badger, extending his hand.
She handed him the datapad, and as he touched it, it activated and showed the required documents. Landing permits, travel papers, export license, and a nominal 'fee', paid to the receiving agent. The Badger examined all of the documents, then touched the pad with his personal chop, signing off on the documents and receiving his 'fee.'
"Thank you for your visit, Kasuga-san" The guard said, returning the datapad and the pistol. "You can contact your relevant business associate at that terminal," He pointed to a small wall mounted terminal near the rear of the ship. "As for that drink, stick to the big establishment. Only way you can guarantee what you're drinking is safe for human consumption."
"Thank you, Ichiro-sama." She bowed to him, and the guards left her to her own devices. There was much to do, and only three hours to do it.
----- Shiro Hira, Sake House, 9:08 AM
Finding the boxes, getting them loaded up, washing up and changing had left Kasuga Naosuko very little time to see much of the station. Her attire had somehow managed to deteriorate in the intervening time. Her yukata was old and a bit ratty at the edges, a dingy dark blue color made of cheap material with a faded Tortoise mon over her heart. Her makeup was a stain of machine grease on her cheek and one on the back of her hand. Naosuko didn't walk as much as shuffle through the station, keeping her eyes down and away from the faces of the samurai who walked the corridors. Without looking closer, one might assume that she was a member of the heimen class, but the wakizashi she almost hid at her hip depicted her station within the celestial order well enough.
She entered the sake house, attracting little attention and made her way to a position with a decent vantage point. Here she paused for a moment, studying the room and it's inhabitants. It wouldn't do if anyone unseemly were to witness the meeting that was to occur in a few minutes.
Her brief scan of the room complete, she took a seat near where some peasant technicians were debating the sumai match that was currently displayed on one of the screens. When the opportune moment arrived, she joined them with an objection about the use of elbows. It took them a second, but in a few moments the group had accepted her as one of them. Her cover established, now all she had to do was wait for others to arrive.
There was a soft beep from somewhere on her person, the time had come. Naosuko put down a bu, conceding the argument about the legality of elbows in Sumai. That done, she shuffled her way through the crowd towards the viewing room, keeping head down and eyes averted.
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Post by Asako Kokishin on Jun 3, 2017 12:07:27 GMT 10
"We barely made it-made it on time, Kokishin-shin", squeaked Chik'kan, scurrying into the bar behind his master, the thick-set bald man in his early thirties in long, flowing orange and red robes. "We're probably the last ones here. Where-where is the Spider?"
"You're always in such a hurry to be early, my friend," replied Asako Kokishin, the far more patient of the unlikely pair of man and rat. "Scurrying is such hard work. Relax. We are still ten minutes early. That's enough time for a simple breakfast. Besides, I don't see the Emerald Magistrate yet. In fact, I don't see any Spider samurai in here at the moment."
The two make their way through the slightly crowded bar to the front. The usual few glares come from patrons who have never cared to get to know a nezumi before. Kokishin learned a while ago to ignore them, and as far as he can tell, Chik'kan doesn't notice them.
Kokishin and Chik'kan arrived at the satellite only minutes before, having found a ride with a stranger who had a couple of extra seats. This was their primary means of travel since Kokishin lacks his own ship. This suits Kokishin fine, though. He enjoys meeting people and getting to know them briefly. Chik'kan is less fond of his master's preferred means of travel and tendency to be barely on time for things, but has little choice but to follow.
Kokishin keeps his eyes peeled during the meal for the magistrate while Chik'kan watches the sumai match on the screen, flicking his tail in annoyance at the peasants and the tortoise loudly arguing over the use of elbows.
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Post by Daigotsu Enshiro on Jun 3, 2017 14:38:46 GMT 10
Daigotsu Enshiro arrives at Shiro Hira early, of course, allowing time for the proper procedures of the Badger. He had nothing to hide, though he was certain the Badger would take their sweet time searching every nook and cranny of his vessel, doubtlessly finding things that would offend their sensibilities. Enshiro was unsure how long business would keep him here, though his interest had certainly been piqued; to meet a Spider under the orders of the Emerald Magistrates, and a Shimazu no less.
He arrives at the Sake House early, of course, allowing time to get a feel for the place, taking note of the various miscreants and delinquents. Taking note of the lay of the place, of the exits. He sits by himself, taking his time enjoying a small amount of sake, stuff he had brought himself (who knows what swill they serve here?). At the noted time, 9:23 am, he arrives at the viewing room, as bidden.
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Post by The Wake Angels on Jun 3, 2017 14:49:45 GMT 10
"Looks like about time, ne?" Ketaan pokes his head into the viewing room, shrugging mentally at what the wingless must consider a killer view of the stars. He does take note of several additional personages in the room, grins, and ducks back out. "Ah. Hmm. Seems the room got double booked. There are already people in there."
"Of all the..." Tai-Wen reaches into Ariel's pocket, grabs the old-fashioned letter, and steps into the doorway of the viewing room to address the gathered people. None of them appear to be wearing Emerald Magistrate mons... "Oy. You lot. We've got an Imperial Summons to use the room. Best to clear out, chop-chop."
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Jun 3, 2017 15:19:48 GMT 10
Naosuko takes a seat in the observation room with a humph at the command to clear out. Her gaze turns upwards, assessing Koshuud Tai-wen for a moment with half lidded eyes and shrugs. She moves her gaze to the other three she can see, the Daigotsu, Asako and ratling.. steward?
She covers up a yawn with her sleeve,"Huuuhum..." The sleeve she covers it with revealing the slightest hint of a similar letter. She smacks her lips twice, then burrows a little deeper into the chair.
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Post by Daigotsu Enshiro on Jun 3, 2017 15:59:03 GMT 10
White gloved hands held loosely together behind his back, Enshiro does not turn to address the newcomers. Instead, he keeps his view on the stars.
"I suspect we are all here on similar business. Though, it would be wise to keep that business our own, no?"
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Post by emeralddragon on Jun 3, 2017 16:40:37 GMT 10
The Magistrate calmly proceeds into the room, exactly on time, bows to his guests, "Ohayō gozaimasu, Minna-san. I hope that we have not messed with your sleep cycles to much." Gesturing to a servant, sake is brought for his guests and served to each of them, "It is a little early, however you are unlikely to find Tea at this establishment. A byproduct of the Badger's Centuries of isolation and independence I am afraid...they couldn't grow it so they drink it infrequently."
After the servant leaves, he checks that the door is locked and sealed before he acknowledges to brief conflict, "You were all summoned here for a purpose, Shinjo-san. Each of you has skill sets that make them rather unique. The Wake Angels are some of the best fighter Pilots in the Galaxy, Asako-san is quiet the surgeon and has collected knowledge that even few Surgeons would consider investigating. Kasuga-san has her own interests in alien Giajin Culture and methods, as all tortoise do of course, and according to her superiors is quite skilled at noticing tiny but important details. And Daigotsu-san is a rising star among the Spider. His talents as a ship commander proceed him and his status and position should mean you can get to most places without appearing to exercise Magistrate Authority. Understand you were all chosen for a reason, for the Empire needs your skills. Should all go well, you will receive no glory or gratitude for your deeds to come, for no one should hear of them except perhaps the Chosen."
"But you will know you did the right thing. That you were part of this. And if I have picked right, that should be enough for you."
He walks over to the Window and falls silent for a moment, "It is said by some that you can see the Kaiu Wall from space, however I have never had such luck. However somewhere below us right now is Shinsei's Last Hope, one of the many sacred sites on Rokugan, and unique among the old Shadowlands in that it never fell to the Taint. No threat ever broke the defense there, no oni, demon or monster ever destroyed it, the Crab held that spot even when Shiro Hiruma and other key points on Hiruma lands fell. To the Empire, and especially the Crab and the clans descended from them, Shinsei's Last Hope is a symbol of the resilience and determination of the Empire to survive, to do their duty, no matter how dire the situation gets."
He paused and looked back at the group, "So, it should take little effort to imagine what would happen if the site was destroyed in a blink of an eye. And yet, Shinsei's Last Hope and every other settlement in the Empire is currently under threat from an unknown enemy. An enemy that threatens to turn our own weapons against us. An enemy with the capabilities to bomb a settlement and drive all those who survive utterly insane. And given the ability of Obsidian to be used to spread the Taint, potentially the ability to taint large stretches of the Empire with ease."
He pauses and glances again at the door, to make sure its sealed, "Akuma's Wrath Battle Station, one of only three Kinetic bombardment installations in the Empire, has been stolen."
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Post by The Wake Angels on Jun 3, 2017 17:47:52 GMT 10
Ketaan gives a low whistle, cut off sharply as Ariel ever so gently elbows him in the ribs.
"Ah, pardon me, Shimazu-sama," Ariel begins diplomatically. "How exactly does one steal a station of that size? Is it under enemy control, or has it simply vanished?"
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Post by emeralddragon on Jun 3, 2017 19:58:40 GMT 10
"It has simply vanished," Hirosue acknowledged, "However given the circumstances I have reason to believe this was a theft by a foreign force." Moving to the table, he activates a holo projector on the table, displaying a star system, "Akuma's Wrath was last ordered to a coreward system, just outside sanctified space, with a fleet escort. The so called 'Gaijin Chuda' Aliens had been located by a Spider exploration vessel in the area and were seemingly working on some sort of weapon of war. From the reports it seemed to be an Asteroid that could spray tainted water into a planet's Atmosphere, seeding the clouds with Taint. Given the size of the Asteroid, it was believed that Kinetic bombardment could be needed."
A quick battle replays before them on a tactical display. It is very one sided all things considered, "The fleet attacked the Asteroid and supposedly neutralized it. Due to the efforts of the fleet, a landing zone was cleared without the need for Kinetic Bombardment, allowing the Bushi and...Shimazu forces to land and proceeded into the tunnels and eliminate the foe. The asteroid under control, the fleet moved on while the Station remained in orbit as the Asako were called in to help the Shimazu and Gyushi determine the best way to deal with a dangerous and large tainted object. Destroying the Asteroid would likely taint a large section of the Solar system, but it was questionable if the system and the Asteroid in question had the resources to make it worth dedicating Shugenja to slowly, over several years, make sure this one piece of rock was completely cleansed of Taint. Given that, it was likely the Asteroid would be moved to either a Spider or Crab system, then intentionally crashed into a planet already strongly aligned with the Jealous realm.
This happened at 1400 hours 12 days ago. Twenty Four Hours latter the Asako assigned to aid in this decision arrived, and, well I will let the ship captain explain."
Another button and the quiet battle was replaced with a ship captain, "We knew this was political going in...to prevent Crab or Scorpion objection to the chosen plan. As such, we expected going in to see the chosen course of action to be already under way and us to agree to the chosen path. However when we arrived, both the Space Station and the Asteroid were gone. We tried to raise the Spider on the beacon but until we left the system, no signal seemed to enter or leave the system."
Pausing the recording, the Magistrate said, "To set up a communications block-aid around an entire system, even if its not something they can deconstruct in a hurry is a technological feat we have yet to see from the 'Gaijin Chuda.' As such it is possible this is a different alien race, and the Emerald Champion decided to step in and take over the case. However given the recent activity linked to the Jealous realm, it would be unwise to take any option off the table. If a Samurai can fall to the taint's control its easy to see that any lesser alien Gaijin could be serving such force, even if their race as a whole is not connected to the Jealous realm."
Playing the recording further he fell silent, "A basic sweep of the system has been preformed, but honestly, we are talking about an entire solar system, and unlike the taint, we are not used to scanning for traces of gaijin technology. Even so, we are sure if given more time, the Inquisition could sweep the system, and find a trace of either the Asteroid, the Orbital Station, or what is jamming the signal. It will likely take several weeks as we don't know exactly what we are looking for.The strangest thing is the lack of any Spider ships leaving the station. Surely their should be an escape pod or fighter that escaped any attack, yet we detected nothing. Nor is their wreckage indicating a battle. Whoever did this was quiet thorough."
The recording ended, and after a moment, the Magistrate continued, "We do not have the time to wait for the Asako to turn that system upside down and even if we did, if the trail lead outside the Empire, they are not prepared to follow it, not yet. They lack both the connections of the Tortoise or even those that the Unicorn, Crane and Mantis have began to establish. Their study of such creatures at this stage is purely scholarly, such as your work, Asako-san. Finally such a mobilization of the Asako Inquisition will draw notice. Instead the Emerald Champion has requested a more subtle inquiry, one that will obscure the loss of Akuma's Wrath as long as possible."
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Post by Asako Kokishin on Jun 4, 2017 0:05:23 GMT 10
Kokishin briefly thinks to himself that his inclusion was for the Emerald champion to avoid slighting his family but tucks the thought into a pocket of his brain to worry about later.
"I am honored that you have heard of my work, Shimazu-sama. I would little expect one of your fame to know an uninteresting and low of rank courtier such as me. I will do whatever is in my capacity to assist the Emerald Champion."
Kokishin pauses a moment before continuing.
"If I may speak bluntly, as I am sure you wish to begin as soon as possible, what I am hearing is that at worst, the gaijin chuda now, or soon will, have a tainted battle station manned by an en entire crew of Lost, and have taken it and an asteroid capable of tainting entire planets." Kokishin says, taking care not to use the word "spider". "This is a grave matter indeed. It is paramount that the station be found before it can be corrupted, much less used. The Emerald champion is wise to use every resource at his (her?) disposal. Please tell me how I can be of assistance in this matter. Also, while you have fame as an Emerald Magistrate, sama, I confess I am meeting the rest of you for the first time. May we have brief introductions before we proceed?"
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Jun 4, 2017 1:26:58 GMT 10
The loss of such a station, especially in such circumstances, did point to an outside influence. Her clan leadership would be very interested to learn of this, and this group may need their help should a larger conflict erupt. Discretion is something they could handle.
Rousing herself from her seat, Kasuga Naosuko bows to those in attendance. "I am Kasuga Naosuko, Merchant of the Tortoise Clan. I can provide information regarding the customs of our gajin neighbors and gather more as the need requires both here and abroad."
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Post by Daigotsu Enshiro on Jun 4, 2017 6:16:01 GMT 10
But we will know we did the right thing. I don't believe I've met a Shimazu with such a sense of humor. Still, he will know, as will the Chosen. Perhaps -that- will be enough.
The mention of Shimazu forces brings a slight, knowing smile to Enshiro's face for a moment, despite the gravity of the news just delivered.
At the prospect of introductions, Enshiro turns his head slightly so as to glimpse the rest out of the corner of his eye.
"I am Daigotsu Enshiro, Commander of the Kokuyouseki Shinjitsu, student of the Shimazu Shugenja school, scholar of Tengoku." He then turns to bow, as required, to each in attendance. "I look forward to purging this threat with the rest of you."
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Post by The Wake Angels on Jun 4, 2017 7:10:33 GMT 10
"Koshuud Tai-Wen. Top of class for Engineering at the Shinjo Flight Academy some dozen years past. If it flies, I can fix it. If it shoots, I can improve on it." Tai-Wen measures the room, and decides that introduction should suffice with a nod of her head.
"My name is Moto Ariel. I am of like kind with Daigotsu-san, a priest of the kami, though of the Iuchi school myself. I've also talents with spacecraft, as Shimazu-sama has mentioned. It is an honor to have been chosen for this task." Ariel gives a deep, respectful bow to the room.
"And that would make me Shinjo Ketaan, and my job is proving that Shimazu-sama's praise is neither idle nor unwarranted," Ketaan sweeps his outer robe around him in a fanciful whoosh of fine Unicorn silk, the purple cloth in stark contrast to the strange, flowing silver of his odd glove. Of the odd gloves that all of them wear. He rises from his bow with a joyous smirk, and leans up against a wall. "In summation, we have the distinct pleasure of being the Wake Angels. You may have heard of us."
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