[D7, MN] Telephone Line

[Shiba Higashime]

"This was a waste of time," Higashime said as she let go of Shintaro's waist.

[Otomo Tooru]

Tooru shook himself out of his stunned silence, turned, and headed for the stairs without another word. His departure started the exodus, and soon only Shintaro, Sanae, and Mizohachi remained.

[Togashi Mizohachi]

The old Dragon rose slowly. "You have my condolences, Lion-sans, but also my gratitude." He bowed deeply. "You have given me much to think about." He smiled a little wanly and made his /exit.

[Akodo Sanae]

Sanae maintained her bow to Mizohachi until he had left, then rounded on her vassal.

"I expect a full report by sundown tomorrow. Spare no detail. And the next time you get a harebrained idea like this, I expect to be briefed in full before the fact. Am I understood?"

[Kitsu Shintaro]

"Hai, Akodo-sama. I understand." Chastened, Shintaro seemed to shrink.

[Akodo Sanae]

Sanae's nose curled. "Good. Now clean all this up." And with that, Lady Akodo withdrew.

[Kitsu Shintaro]

It took but a few minutes for Kitsu Shintaro to pack up the remains of what may have been the last hope of the Empire. The candles were returned to their boxes, the flames all snuffed. The pillow and chairs were returned to their closets. And, at long last, Kitsu Shintaro, the man who nearly saved the Empire, went back to the delegation house and fell asleep.