|
Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 11, 2018 13:14:20 GMT 10
“I will, Kuni-sama,” says Tetsuko. She means it, but inwardly she is wondering if it would even be possible.
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 11, 2018 19:56:52 GMT 10
"Then there is nothing more to be said." He poured more Sake for Tetsuko. Raising his cup of Sake, Wei said, "To 3000 years of holding back the darkness, and another 3000 to come." "Kanpai!" Finishing his drink he then said, "Shireikan Hida Masako will wish to see you next." No servant to guide her...but she was a Hida on Kyudem Hida Prime. Tetsuko should know her own way. ((Meanwhile)) Satoko considers this. She had been told to treat the Nezumi well and occupied, so clearly she had to accepted. But the Nezumi had also said something in his lanuage. Something that contained a word sounding like Kuni. In Rokugani that would likely imply connection. On the other hand, scaring the Kuni? Really? As if the Nezumi could do that. "I will graciously accept your gift Kiru-san." ((Meanwhile)) For a while the Kuni are frozen in shock. Did the ship just teleport away? However it quickly becomes clear that the ship was still there. The docking clamps were still engaged and the ship was still giving off the aura. The Kuni responce after that was instant. A Kuni steps forward from the group. The Kuni has a powerful earth kami currently residing in a beautifully carved soapstone pendant with several Jade fragments within. After a brief consonversation with the kami on the appropriate offering, the Kuni offers to make a jade idol.... something small, to replace the soapstone. This is not an uncommon request but the fact the kami can not be convinced to lower its price is unusual. Then drawing a prayer scroll the Kuni casts Jade Strike at the ship. (( Jade strike: 9d10o10k4 44))
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 11, 2018 21:07:33 GMT 10
Kiru smiles again, pleased, and raises his hands, clapping them in the air in front of his face repeatedly. The humans nearby perhaps mistakenly confuse this action as the Nezumi getting into the spirit of sumai, watching and enjoying the bout between the two less-experienced contestants. However, Satoko can hear Kiru rhythmically squeaking, and any shugenja in the auditorium can potentially feel the sudden weakening of the barrier between this realm and another... It is a tense match, with neither contestant quite managing to gain an advantage toward victory over the other. But then the match is interrupted, as a stout, green stalk suddenly rises from the earth at the very centre of the sumai ring, rising three metres into the air before sprouting fully ripe corn from its centre, enough to feed two full-grown humanoids for a day! (Roll here: orokos.com/roll/613168#)Kiru stops clapping and his quiet chanting to gesture at the corn in the centre of the auditorium. “For Hida. M’thack-kir names Hida friend.” To add even more to the ‘excitement’ in the room, Kiru utters a loud screech of what can only be described as some kind of primal anger as he glows a distinctly bright jade green from whisker to tail. Without hesitation, he leaps to his feet and charges up the stepped seating, weaving nimbly between surprised Crab left and right to zoom with all haste back toward his ship. His sidearm is now gripped firmly in hand. MEANWHILE... Despite the fact that the ship remains invisible, its main ramp lowers, appearing to the gathered Kuni like a portal to another realm. Shiba Itsuki, his normally shy, passive face now set in one of grim determination, strides down the descending ramp to stand on the dock facing the Kuni who cast the spell. A whining Shiba inu floats just behind him, sticking its head furtively over Itsuki’s shoulder to get a better view. “Kuni-san, I, Shiba Itsuki of the Tejina School, formally request your name, rank, and other identification. The Order of Asako Inquisitors will require such information in order to demand your seppuku from the Crab for attempting to steal Phoenix technology by way of unauthorised experimentation upon Inquisitorial property. I would also take it as a personal courtesy if your companions would likewise provide such information about themselves, as I will be expected to submit as complete a report as possible to my superiors, in case any member of the Elemental Council deems it worthy of paying attention to.” Despite the seriousness of his words and physical demeanour, Itsuki’s voice quivers throughout, perhaps due to nervousness.
|
|
|
Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 11, 2018 21:28:12 GMT 10
Hida Tetsuko makes another bow and then leaves.
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 12, 2018 22:27:09 GMT 10
For some Clans, such am event would habe led to consulting ancient texts, determining the precedent and acting accordingly. After three millenium of Iaijutsu, it was said that ot was impossible for a situation to occur that the Crane didn't already have the answer for.
The Crab were not that kind of clan.
After a moment's silence as everyone stared at the Corn stalk, one of the Sumo shouted a kiai, and the charged over the fresh corn stalk, smashed the cob into his opponent.
The commentator simply said, "A Crab adapts to changes in war. Fight on."
A cheer went up and the Sake flowed.
However the glowing then running Nexumi did catch a few eyes. As did Hida Satoko following quickly...not running, but hurriedly walking afterwards, "Nezumi-san? What is going on?"
((Meanwhile))
The Kuni eyes the Itsuki, trying to decide exactly how far he would go. Was it possible to intimidate him, or was he honourable enough to bend without breaking.
Finally she said, "I am Gunso Kuni Anzu. And I did believe you will find the Crab in Port Security are allowed to put and ship to the test of Jade that has spiritual or mystical irregularities."
Not technically a lie, Itsuki knows that. He also knows this has come up before at other Crab Ports and touching a finger of Jade to the ship is more then sufficent. Norally the presence of a Nezumi or the inquisatorial ID that comes up when running the ships codes is enough.
"Still," the Kuni continues, "We respect a man doing his duty, don't we Minna-san," the Kuni looks back at the gathered Shugenja and Witch Hunters and while there is some glares at both Itsuki and Anzu for not escalating this, their is a general murmur of agreement.
"So we will get you those names and leave it for the Yasuki, Chiba and Asako to figure out. Summer Court is 2 months off after all."
Sumner Court. Greedy Otomo, clans planet claiming through political intrigue, working to use the one possible period to claim a while planet without another Clans presence. Lazy days in the heat. Large amount if coins change hands. And of course the Scorpion and Pheonix tension.
Anzu likely would still have to take the 3 cuts, or be forced to work with the Damned until she was killed. But the rest of them...
The Summer Court had far too many cracks at the best of times.
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 13, 2018 0:27:42 GMT 10
Itsuki does not respond at first, ostensibly staring at each of the gathered Crab. Finally, he bows. “Thank you Kuni-san. If your companions are not courageous enough to offer their names, I will not gain say them, nor the banner they serve. I believe I have enough details memorised to be able to submit visual descriptions to my superiors for identification. To ensure that you are confident I will not report wrongly, allow me to present to you the visual portion of my report to my superiors.” Itsuki reaches out to the playful air Kami, attracted by this scene of intense emotional tension. But a moment later, an illusion stands at Itsuki’s side, accurately depicting every real Crab standing in front of him. “If anyone feels I have missed a relevant feature, I would appreciate the correction.” A large laser blasts out of nowhere, striking Kuni Anzu in the chest. The sound in this confined space is almost deafening, and as everyone turns to see who the assailant is, Kiru, glaring with the anger of a tainted troll, holding his tiny radiant pistol aloft, aimed directly at the Kuni. “Shtra’Kuni!” He screeches. “Attack M’thack-kir to M’thack-kir’s face, not M’thack-kir’s back!” (Pew pew attack roll, Name Point spent, 33 against Anzu’s armour TN. orokos.com/roll/613596# Damage: 27 orokos.com/roll/613597#...initiative? Kiru is in Water stance.)
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 13, 2018 11:47:33 GMT 10
Kuni have acess to Radient shield generators, but unlike armor they are not active on base. Likewise the idea that Kiru would get here so fast, and react in such a way was completely unexpected. Nezumi are friendly with the Crab. For the most part anyway. Thus Anzu took the full brunt of the unecpected attack and dropped to the ground in pain, as the laser energy hit her. The Alarm went off lesd then a second latter. Code Red, Hostiles on the Station. ((OOC: Roll Initative: Initative: 7d10o10k3-40 -22 Anzu Initative All other crab in the docking area.))
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 13, 2018 12:18:50 GMT 10
(Initiative 39, orokos.com/roll/613714. Itsuki in Earth stance [TN to be Hit currently 33 due to air blessing +3, defenseman roll +10 orokos.com/roll/613717#] , Kakashi in Air Stance [intangible, so immune to physical attack and Magic Resistance +6], and Kiru is in water as I stated last post [TN to be Hit 23, reduction 5].) "Senchou, stop!" Itsuki shouts. "Retreat to safety!" He remains standing at the base of the ramp, the illusions of Crab samurai beside him. He remains unarmed, also. "Kakashi, work-work!" Kiru barks. Kakashi blinks out of visible existence, and a few seconds later, so does Kiru, covered now by a Mist of Illusion (35 against TN20, thanks dice roller!http://orokos.com/roll/613720#) depicting a tropical rainforest now filling the dock landing. Ducking low on all fours, Kiru scurries around to be closer to Itsuki, but under the cover of the illusion.
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 14, 2018 15:17:28 GMT 10
The Crab draw their weapons as a mass but for now the illusion makes attacks difficult. Its one thing to attack an invisivle ship. But firing random Earth Becomes Sky in a docking facility...
They are far more likely to hit their own ships then anything else. Still that doesn't stop one or two of the more aggressive or stupid (or both) from doing so.
They luckily hit nothing.
The Port Gunso quickly establishes his authority in the situation, "Do you wish to expose us to Vacuum, Jigoku damn you? Stop casting or I will kill you myself."
The Gunso, as it turns out, is a lanky Kaiu. While carrying no melee weapons and small for a Crab he is clearly quite strong given the Forge Devastator heavy assult rifle he is carrying.
"What in the name of Hida is going on here?"
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 14, 2018 15:31:31 GMT 10
"Kaiu-sama, if I may?" Itsuki calls out. "The Kuni breached protocol due to their thirst for knowledge, but due to their ignorance, assaulted the very soul of a guest of the Crab, who I believe now feels he has received recompense for."
Itsuki peers over at the gathered assortment of angry Kuni, trying to remain calm as he does so. "The Asako have an entire library of theses on the subject of Nezumi Name and souls, and just because there are no longer experts on Nezumi among the Crab, there is no excuse for subjecting a being immune to the great darkness to aggressive experimentation."
Itsuki bows low to the Kaiu, maintaining the bow so as to hide the anxiety in his face.
Kiru remains silent, hidden in the rainforest.
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 14, 2018 15:58:35 GMT 10
The Kaiu chewed on this, "I don't know much about souls, Shiba-san. Isn't my job. I deal in ships, invaders and shooting drunk idiots."
He reaches up and pulls back on a lever of his weapon, causing the explosive round to return to the magazine, and lowering his gun, "But damaging a guests weapon. That's a grave offense." He looked at Anzu as the women struggled to get up and clearly considered kicking the Kuni.
"Can't rightly let Samurai just randomly shoot each other either Shiba-san. Or Nezumi for that matter." Sighing he activated his communicator.
"Taisa. The situation has calmed. One Kuni down, but still alive. He attacked a guests ship, and the Nezumi struck back. Requesting the Shireikan's judgement on this."
The reply came back, "Calmed but not neutralized?"
The Kaiu nodded, "Yes Taisa. No further shots will be fired, but the Phoenix are looking pissed."
|
|
|
Post by emeralddragon on Apr 14, 2018 20:23:41 GMT 10
After hearing from his superior, the Kaiu said, "Shireikan Hida Masako is on her way. Don't even think about moving till she is here."
Still despite the truce, Kakashi maintains the illusion, hiding the Nezumi from the angry Crab."
The Gunso however busied himself with hearing the story from the other witnesses. Including Hida Satoko who had arrived in the mean time.
Five minutes latter, the Shureikan arrives. Approaching the Gunso, she said simply, "Explain."
The Gunso had bowed low on her arrival and without rising said, "The Kuni claim to have been investigatimg the ship, without port approval. During this they the called upon the kami to Jade Strike the ship. At this time Hida Satoko reports the Nezumi glowing Green and running off. He then proceeded to shoot Kuni Anzu who cast the spell.
Please forgive my failure to keep the peace."
Masako moved on from the Gunso to Kuni Anzu, "What was your reason to attack the ship?"
Anzu was in great pain, but said through gritted teeth, "The ship felt malevolent to all Kuni who got close. This is not an uncommon trick of Oni."
"Kuni only?"
"Kuni only."
Finally Masako approached the Shiba. Issuing a slight bow she said, "It is clear proceedure was not followed and you, or your captain are entitled to issue a Challenge over this. But I must know why the Kuni are repelled in such a fashion. Forbiding a family from a ship or castle is a sign of a blood feud, yet I know of no such feud between any families of the Pheonix and Kuni."
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 14, 2018 20:33:38 GMT 10
Itsuki bows low and takes a while to rise—it is not common for him to be in the presence of a shireikan. "Of course sama, I do not believe my captain M'thack-kir intends to challenge the Kuni, and I am tied up in a duel with a Crab as it-"
Itsuki is interrupted by the Nezumi speaking from the safety of the rainforest. "Kiru challenges the shtra'Kuni!"
Itsuki's face visibly blanches. "Ah, Senchou, you cannot wield katana. We have discussed this before." Then he mutters to himself, "But of course you don't remember that..."
He bows again to Masako. "It seems my captain does indeed intend to challenge. As for the ship putting the Kuni on edge, I cannot provide an answer to that. It is a phenomenon I have not experienced and I do not have Kuni ancestors." Thankfully.
"Shtra'Kuni enslave friends. Will never be trusted or welcome in this warren!" the rainforest shouts defiantly.
|
|
|
Post by Hida Tetsuko on Apr 14, 2018 21:39:42 GMT 10
“That’s quite enough!” Shouted Tetsuko in a loud and bossy voice as she came in. She strode confidently over to the rainforest where she heard Kiru’s voice. “Come out, Kiru, you have my word that no one will hurt or harm you.”
|
|
|
Post by M'thack-kir on Apr 15, 2018 11:07:57 GMT 10
Itsuki stares open-mouthed at Tetsuko in shock, and is just about to shake his head in dismay when Kiru surprises his Phoenix ally and does indeed step out from the rainforest, pistol holstered, and standing tall. He moves to stand beside the Shiba, just as a shiba inu floating at head height appears between them.
|
|