[Day 12, Court] Sea Dogs

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Weapons? We had to trade for more ourselves. but the Scorpion might be able to help you there.... all we had on offer was a small measure of iron and the blessing, with the naval agreement going both ways?"

[Gusai Rioshida]

[[Apologies, that was me misreading mah spreadsheet.]]

"Then the iron and the blessing will have to do, plus the naval agreement."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"If Shiba-ue approves and nothing intervenes, I will present it to the Court tomorrow."

Ryusei bowed.

"I can certainly appreciate the value of having Mantis mariners on hand for... troublesome spots."

No false condescension here. Ryusei knew enough about the sea to know that what the Mantis lacked in numbers, they tended to more than compensate for in capability.

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Yup. And we'll be pleased to help you out."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"And how would you have it phrased in a treaty? Shiba-ue will not go along with anything secretive...."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"You talking about the maps? For all she knows, we made 'em. Same thing with the navigational tools; I totally invented all of those. Honest. I'm the best inventor here. And if you're talking about the naval stuff, then, the terms you put didn't sound illegal to me."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"I mean, the, ah.... targets. Any such agreement would need at least some open acknowledgment."

He paused as an idea struck him.

"And, ah.... to seal the arrangement... Gusai-sama, do you have any male samurai who could... uhm. Survive a rather spirited wife?"

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Oh! Well, any target would by law have to be a pirate or a gaijin, on account of we are bound by the treaty that says those are our targets, so...we expect to be cleaning up your seas according to that agreement. Pirates and gaijin. Nothing to worry about. Nobody likes them."

"Unfortunately, we've married out all our folks. But! Heichi-san's got a guy he's looking to get hitched. Nobu. They tell stories about him in northern Crab lands, I guess."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Ah, very good."

Ryusei... smiled.

"Such a shame about those cargoes that will no doubt go down to Suitengu with the criminals who pilfered them, but that's life on the sea, isn't it?"

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Har! Shiba-san's mother a Mantis by any chance?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Hm? Oh, no, she was born an Ikoma. But House Shigi has always looked to the ocean for our livelihood."

He smiled again.

"It's... good to remind everyone that the Empire is more than the mainland. The naval treaties this season have been... gratifying."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Hai, and lucrative, if you know what you're looking at. If the world doesn't fall apart at the seams, we might just start to make up for the pinch the Tortoise have been putting us in recently."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"I confess, we're a bit ignorant of the specifics there, and Shiba-ue has urged me to keep us out of the quarrels of others. But it does seem a bit odd, you would think the ocean wide enough for both of you..."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Yeah, well, can't fault you for thinking that. And it is, except when it isn't. And where it isn't. Fact is, Tortoise think all the riches of the sea ought to belong to them on account of Hantei Muhaki giving them extra protections. And what I'm saying is, having the Emperor as your Daimyo doesn't mean you hang the stars in the sky and speak the edicts of Lady Sun, you know what I'm sayin'? And anyway, when someone comes after your bottom line, you gotta defend yourself, am I wrong?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Whoever the daimyo, a Clan is a Clan. And no samurai worthy of the name would take a challenge to their Clan's existence lying down."

The Phoenix offered the Mantis another bow.

"And whatever else anyone may say of the Mantis, you are samurai."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"That we are! Thanks for noticing. You wouldn't believe the paterna...paternal...patronizing that goes on around these places."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"I seem to recall that Kaimetsu-Uo was the son of a Fortune and grandson of a Kami."

Needless to say, a pedigree that Ryusei, at least, respected.

"So perhaps it might simply be insecurity that underpins any disrespect."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"HAR! I like your way of thinking! It's true, I am descended from a Fortune, which is more than I can say for some." And, for just an instant, something flickers deep within Gusai Rioshida's eyes. Something that was not there before. But then, just as quickly, it is gone.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"In any event Gusai-sama, I fear I have taken up too much of your time... I should present this agreement to Shiba-ue for approval."

He offered another bow.

"But I live in hope that perhaps our ships will sail in company in the year ahead."

[Gusai Rioshida]

"Shiba-san, it's been good talking with you. Take care." He bowed, friendly-like.