Never trust a pirate! That was what Granny Kusama often said. Of course she said never to trust a lot of things: courtiers, Crane, spirits, people who didn't drink shochu, raccoons. Anyway, Kenji wasn't walking into a pirate den, he was visiting the (presumably) honourable Mantis Clan representative this morning.

He had put on a nice kimono with a river scene fir today's meeting. Announcing himself he waited patiently and wondered what the day would bring.

Lord Mantis waved Kenji into his "private office"--a strange room overfilled with furniture and featuring a huge map of Rokugan covered with notes and strange drawings pinned to one of the dividing screens. The other screens and the exterior wall are entirely hidden by walls of pillows--probably a sound-dampening technique.

Rioshida shoves a mannequin out of a chair and waves Kenji to sit in it, while he pulls the centimeter closer it can move among the clutter and plops down.

"Welcome to Casa Mantis, Akodo-san. You'll have to keep your voice down, Moshi Akane's on the other side of the wall." He gestures with his thumb toward one of the pillow-walls. "Booze?" He picks up a bottle with one hand and waves it.

"Good morning Gusai-sama and thank you for the warm welcome." Kenji did not betray any hint of surprise at the surroundings, although the map drew his attention. It was glorious. He wondered who had written all the notes in a passable script that could be greatly... A matter for another time.

There was a brief pause as he looked at the mannequin, then at the Lord of the Mantis, then back at the mannequin before casually stepping over it and taking the offered seat. It would either be rude or a sign of weakness not to accept so he nodded. "Thank you, yes. I hope that court has been treating you and your people well?"

"I'd say yes, but apparently everyone wants us to starve or kiss the Tortoise's behind." He reached behind him without looking and snagged two glasses. He poured whatever was in the bottle in each and handed one to Kenji.

"Get that down ya. Now, how much rice you got?"

Kenji looked at the glass a moment to note the colour of the liquid. He was used to drinking sake from ceramic cups. With a nod of thanks he took the glass and sniffed.

"They want you tostarve? What a terrible thought." He took a sip of the liquid, experimenting with the taste.

"Our harvest was good this year Gusai-sama, although there have been many requests from other Clans already. How much rice do you need?"

"5 units, in all. The Crane say they're going to throw me 2."

Kenji nodded. "I see. Good that you have been to source some at least. May I ask what you have available to trade in return?"

He wondered about whether the Mantis might be able to benefit from Lion technology, but held on to that thought for the moment.

"I've got fish, I've got gold, I've got naval supplies, I've got the will and ability to get shit done."

"Gold is something we need. As well as sake, silver, and dyes too. Arms and equipment yes, but we do not have much need of fish or naval supplies Gusai-sama." He looked at the assortment of oddities around the room and then back at the Mantis, tapkng a sip of the "booze".

"Welp, I've got 2 gold, and...you like your drinky, Akodo-san? That's a little thing I came up with, called Kami-water, on account of it's a religious experience to drink it. You feel that peaty taste? That's the fire of the divine flowin' past your tonsils. I could hook you guys up with more. A whole lot more, if you were interested."

"It is, ah, rather potent Gusai-sama." He looked at the liquid again through the glass. "Perhaps I could bring a sample for Lady Matsu to try?"

It seemed to have a similar effect to sake at least. "Well, I can ask my Daimyo. I should mention that we have developed a new technique for making pottery. It would allow you to store rice for considerably longer, which may be useful at sea. I realise it does not solve your current rice problem though."

"Hell, if it means we aren't gonna starve next year, I'm all for it. But you're telling me this is instead of real rice? I guess you guys are out?"

"I would need to check again Gusai-sama, but I believe we are intending to commit our remaining excess to the Crab. I was not involved in that deal but I will find out for you."

Kenji made a few calculations. "Is there any chance that you might be able to spare some arms and equipment? It might make it easier to strike a deal if that was on the table."

"I'm afraid we showed up hurting for weapons ourselves. I've got what we've discussed and I've got 2 gold units and the best will in the world to make a deal."

"I shall discuss with Akodo-dono and return once I have heard her position. I am sure we can come to an agreement Gusai-sama." Kenji nodded and looked back at the maps. "These are interesting. Your people have travelled far. Might I take a closer look?"

"Sure, what the hell?"

The maps are covered with notes about natural dangers, references to local lords and their attitudes, a few places are marked with crossed kama--places where Mantis must have fought--, and occasionally simply names without context. The map covers some distance to the east of the Isles of Silk and Spice, but not much farther south than Crab territory.

Kenji poured over the map, fascinated. Most of the names were meaningless, but it conjured up a sense of adventure. Intriguing. His eyes were drawn to the crossed kama.

"What is it like to fight on a kobune, on the ocean? My people occasionally have cause to deal with river bandits, but I am sure it does not come close to an ocean battle."

"Well, I wouldn't recommend it for a landsman. Your legs have got to get used to pitch and roll and the stomach used to the yaw. But after that, it's not so bad. More three-dimensional when people get up aloft. Salt will hurt your iron weapons, which is why we use disposable things, for the most part. Some folks make knives out of brass that take the salt better, but they don't cut as good. Thinking of getting on the water, Akodo-san?"

Kenji smiled pleasantly. "Not personally Gusai-sama, although I find it pleasant enough on the rivers of my home. I am just thinking that perhaps it would be useful to have some Lion get up to speed on ocean Warfare."

They were masters of the land, but who could say when another White Stag might occur?

"Like an exchange program, maybe?"