Imperial Court of the Blood Dragon Shogunate

[The Rising Sons]

In the Court itself, the Taishogun considered the Consortium Officer's question.

"Agree? In the minds of some perhaps, but then not so much in the minds of others."

There were some chuckles among the Court attendees, the Taishogun was in a mood to be inscrutable.

"The Taishogun is intrigued. There has been a lack of a detailed briefing as to the nature of this Consortium."

The Taishogun looked across to the empty chair of Shogun Sum-Gok-Li, the other Shoguns shook their heads, indicating they did not know where he was.

"However, He does not feel this due to a failing of His advisors. Now that the Consortium is before the Taishogun, He shall receive a full briefing from them as to their purpose, origin, and the nature of this 'Transhuman Arm' Officer that is before Him."

[Ironwatsas]

"Lack of details? I am unaware of the specifics of your information feed, but we have in the past given the Dragons every bit of non-classified information on our operations. Nevertheless, if you must hear it from us directly..."

He paused for a long moment, before turning and pacing, around the perimeter of the 100 foot barrier.

"Our organization was made for a number of purposes. Predominantly, safeguarding humanity's mutual interest and integrity in the face of 'internal' and 'external' threats. Of which... we believe you are well aware. In essence, defense against Aliens, or Human-caused destabilization.

In order to accomplish this, we have had to change ourselves. Lay the cornerstones of 'Post-human' development. A process which will take a very long time, but one that is desirable over the next several hundred thousand years.

On a much shorter timescale, our intent is to deal with several major problems facing humanity. Alien invasions and ongoing military conflicts. Most pressing of these is Kusari, citing it's invasion of Bretonia and xenophobia to just about everyone except the Corsairs, oddly enough.

We face numerous threats, my friends. The exogens in the Omicrons and purportedly right here in Kusari, and we've had rumors of a militarily potent entity to the North, which may need to be... properly dealt with. Kusari's government is neither willing or able to do anything about it. So, our intent is to destroy it and replace it with one that will.

Which, is where you come in.

Is there anything else you would like to know?"

---

All that begins must end.

[Death.RunningVerminator]

Hirosho Horatami stood beside the open door that connected the court and hallway. As dragons, consortium members, gc, and many others passed, the guards were on close watch, but there were too few to keep a close eye on every suspicious soul walking in and out. He found an Oban nearby, and spoke to him while watching the crowd.

"Send word to the reserve guards to wake up from their beauty sleep and make sure they're scattered about and alert."

The Oban nodded, and went to carry out the Daimyo's orders. Hirosho traveled to the corner of the room where another daimyo and rojus were chatting. There he stayed standing beside the wall listening to the Consortium, watching their every move. He had his suspicions and doubts about them.. but he did for everyone other than his brothers. Rumors of a Kiretsu vessel landing had also reached his ear. Hirosho tapped on his friend's shoulder and spoke to him in an informal tone.

"What a strange day.. The consortium are here, as well as 'supposed' Kiretsu.."

The other Daimyo chuckled and smacked the back of Hirosho's head.

"Don't be stupid! The Kiretsu is none of our business! Psh! Hahaha. This guy's funny!"

Several Rojus began to draw their blades, but were motioned not to when Hirosho dismissed the drunken daimyo.

"Brother.. why don't you go get some sleep."

The daimyo nodded in agreement, and went back to his corridors.

Several minutes passed while the Consortium official talked to the court room, then finished with "Anything more you would like to know?"

Hirosho scratched his chin and waited for the response from the Taishogun.

[Akura]

Akuji bowed slightly, disappearing as Sum-Gok-Li had using the rear corridor of the court. He grabbed his Katana, slipping it over his uniform.

He left a small note down by one of the ornate shrines, his signature written across the paper. It would be found by one of the other Shoguns, long after he was gone.

With that he was gone, headed to one of the various mooring points surrounding Kyoto Base.

<----------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Ashley pushed her way through a crowd of recruits, shoving her way towards Hirosho. She wasn't wearing her Dragon dress, instead she wore her casual attire.

"We need to talk" she hissed, grabbing his arm, "With me"

She tugged on his arm, a look of distress on her face.

[Death.RunningVerminator]

Hirosho Horatami followed Ashley into the crowd. His followers were close behind, but got lost quickly.

They made it out of the frey and stood in the hallways. Hirosho looked around and waved to the Oban he had talked to earlier. She dragged him to one of the corners of the hall and slapped him. She was clenching her fists, obviously angry.

[Akura]

"Where is he?!" she snapped, pushing him against the wall, "Why didn't you tell me?"

She shoved him again, seeing the look of confusion on his face,

"Akuji you idiot, where is he?" she frowned, "The Mizuchi is gone and he isn't here or on Mito, I figured you'd know where he went, but with that look on your face, It seems you are as clueless as I am"

[Death.RunningVerminator]

Hirosho scratched the back of his head, then answered.

"Actually.. I think i do know where he is. I heard him say something about Tohoku. Probably just a project of some sort. Have you searched Ryuku Base? He may be stationed there."

As he spoke, several figures walking in the hallways seemed to pass to and fro several times.

[Akura]

"Tohoku?" she questioned, thinking about the plausibility, "Akuji should have told me... you should have told me!" she shoved him again,

Ashley took a deep breath and hissed,

"If I don't find him there, or he is hurt, I will come for you" she pointed down between his legs, "Those first"

She turned on her heels, looking for someone who knew anything about Ryuku or the missing cruiser.

[Death.RunningVerminator]

Hirosho stood confused, watching the lady walk away. One of the figures that had been stalking the halls approached him. Hirosho spoke to him informally.

"I'm wearing thick robes tonight..."

The figure bowed, and whispered to him as they walked back to the court.

[Friday]

Before the Taishogun could respond to the Transhuman Officer, Shogun Sum-Gok-Li entered through the side doors. A few murmurs went up from the crowd as Sum handed the Taishogun a datachip, then sat down.

Several people took the opportunity to leave the Court, and a few entered, most notably Zetsumai. A few greetings were exchanged, as well as a few scowls.

The Taishogun took a few moments to scan the document Sum handed him, then looked back to the Transhuman Officer.

"As the Willow bends and sways with the wind, so does this Consortium. For now the wind blows our way, yet how fickle is the wind?"

The Taishogun leaned forward in His throne.

"This Officer before me names himself as Transhuman, yet some may claim he is but sub-human, others say he he is not human at all. The Taishogun does not abide that which is not human. This why the Outcast remain foreign to us - for so many see themselves as more than human, and seek to bend humanity to their will by use of poison."

There were many murmurs of agreement in the Court, some cries of "Banish them! Block the Outcasts Taishogun!" The GC in the Court were silent.

"But it may be that this Consortium Officer is beyond classification, beyond all concept of human, animal or alien. Let us speak of that later."

The Taishogun looked across to the Court Herald and nodded. The Herald addressed the Court.

"Who among you shall vouch for the petitioner? Who shall speak good or ill of him? Let no falsehood be uttered before the Taishogun, on pain of death!"

---