Tortoise Talk (9ME, expecting)

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Mmmm, an interesting thought," the Yasuki said guardedly. "But I'm afraid that placing bounties to raid ships in our clan's waters - even against smugglers' ships - would exceed what my superiors had in mind for 'cooperation'. It would be ... rather too loud, let us say."

"I think it could be possible, however, for Crab magistrates to inspect particular ships that the Tortoise suspect of misdeeds," Ryoichi suggested. "Then if illegal contraband is discovered, of course it would have to be confiscated. Would that be of assistance to your goals?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

"You're asking for something of a hit list?" Izumi asks, clarifying. "That is, a list of know smugglers' vessels? Or did you have something more engaged in mind?"

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Ahh, perhaps there is some misunderstanding," the Yasuki said, sounding apologetic. "I am trying to understand how the Crab could help the Tortoise, and vice versa. Perhaps let's return to that; I'm certain there must be ways that our clans could cooperate to our mutual benefit."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"I was talking about that," Izumi says. "It seemed like you were asking after information that the Tortoise can provide, for which the Tortoise would expect some, shall we say, consideration. Does that not sound like 'cooperate to our mutual benefit' to you?"

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Let's go from there, then," Ryoichi nodded encouragingly. "What kind of consideration would be appreciated by the Tortoise?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Seems to me there are two ways we can do this," Izumi says. "In one, we each post a regular bulletin or a representative to the other dealing with known pirate activity and steps taken to address it. Ongoing, we transmit our information to you on an ongoing basis in return for an ongoing payment, starting with [2 units of] iron or finished arms this year and [1 unit] of the same in each successive year.

"So, let me know on either of those, or if this just isn't going to work."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm so sorry, but iron and arms are in short supply and high demand this year," the Yasuki said, spreading his hands apologetically. "But if I may suggest an alternate arrangement: the Yasuki bank being founded in Otosan-Uchi normally would finance only Yasuki ships and trading voyages. It could make sense to open this to include financing of Kasuga ships and trading voyages. Such ships would remain under the control of the Tortoise, traveling where and trading where the Tortoise desires; but a share of their profits would be sent to the bank to repay their investment."

"Such a partnership could allow a smaller, newer clan to grow its fleet and its trade routes more quickly than its rivals," Ryoichi suggested. "Would that be something of interest to the Tortoise?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

Izumi smiles.

"What kind of percentages are we talking?" she asks. "And is there any kind of insurance for investments available through this organization?

"Also, where in the City or its environs is this to be built? As wardens of the City, the Tortoise must, of course, be apprised of such matters."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"It'll be dockside, or nearly so," the Yasuki replied. "I understand the Otomo family are helping with the permitting. I'm certain the Tortoise's concerns will be considered."

"Regarding percentages, let us say the bank could initially fund one third of the cost of three trading ships," Ryoichi suggested. "The Kasuga would retain the majority share, and the Kasuga would decide where the ships go and what goods they trade; the bank would receive one third share of any profits. Effectively, you will have paid for two ships and received three."

"If, after a season or two, this arrangement proves profitable to both sides, it would be extended to funding more ships - if both sides agree."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"I'm familiar with the mathematics, thank you," Izumi replies. "And that isn't unpromising. But I also notice you didn't address the question about insurance provisions. Travel at sea is so unpredictable, you know, especially with pirates on the waves--or hiding among them, anyway."

She leans in. "There are reports, of course, of some in positions of power thinking to expand their holdings by exploiting poor wave-men and desperate peasants, enrolling them in unsavory ventures. I know Yasuki-san would not countenance such a thing, nor partner with those who do so, did he know of their illegal acts."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm familiar with the mathematics, thank you," Izumi replies. "And that isn't unpromising. But I also notice you didn't address the question about insurance provisions. Travel at sea is so unpredictable, you know, especially with pirates on the waves--or hiding among them, anyway."

"With sea travel and pirates being so unpredictable, it's difficult for insurance to be a profitable venture," the Yasuki said, spreading his hands apologetically.

She leans in. "There are reports, of course, of some in positions of power thinking to expand their holdings by exploiting poor wave-men and desperate peasants, enrolling them in unsavory ventures. I know Yasuki-san would not countenance such a thing, nor partner with those who do so, did he know of their illegal acts."

"It's unfortunate, but sometimes at Court we must deal with persons we do not entirely approve of," Ryoichi said reluctantly. "Certainly knowing of such 'unsavory' activities would weigh heavily on whether we consider those persons trustworthy, though."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"There are many coves and havens for pirates in southeastern islands," Izumi says. "Oh, there are certainly good people and upright in them, as well; I will not say there are not. But there are other sorts, entirely, as well. More's the pity."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Pirates are a scourge for all honest sailors," Ryoichi agreed.

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Just so," Izumi replies.

"So, yes, I am inclined toward cooperation with the Crab regarding suppressing piracy. And I do think that we can work on the banking issue, as well."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi nodded. "Good! It sounds like we have the outline of an agreement, then," he pronounced. "The bank would finance a share of three Tortoise ships in return for a share of their profits - with more to come if both sides are pleased. As well as naval cooperation between our clans to help distressed sailors and to suppress piracy."

"Though, Kasuga-sama mentioned it could be difficult to identify who or what constitutes a pirate," he recalled. "I wouldn't like to be mistaken on such a thing. Shall we say that if there is some question, someone would be considered a pirate if a magistrate were to testify to that effect? I'd think the word of a Crab or Tortoise magistrate should be sufficient."

"What do you think?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

"I think that is a good beginning," Izumi says, "although I would hope that some kind of training might be made available so that cases of mistaken identity do not clog the workings of justice. The Tortoise could send one or two specialists to the Crab to offer such training; we would also be happy to host Crab students to such an end."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

The Yasuki nodded. "Training such as you describe seems reasonable to me," he agreed. "If it would be helpful, perhaps we could offer some reciprocal cross-training."

"Is there anything else?" he asked.

[Kasuga Izumi]

"You tell me," Izumi says. "You came calling, after all."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I think this is sufficient for now," Ryoichi said, nodding judiciously. "Let me present this proposal to my clan superior, Kasuga-sama, and once I secure his approval we can bring this to Court."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"I'll look forward to doing so," Izumi replies, "and [pending GM presence and wakefulness at the time] to speaking in its support."