Shogun Gok-Li could not help but smile, he was clearly enjoying Horotami's frustration at being left out of this interview.
"Horotami-san, good of you to make an appearance! Akuji-san was just enlightening me as to his whereabouts, and of the people who have aided him during his absence. I wonder if Shogun Kintaki will similarly be joining us."
Horotami did not sit, but stood grim-faced. Sum turned back to Akuji.
"Humanity is flawed you say Akuji-san? Many humans would agree, but would also say that we make do with what we have. Moreover, most humans do not refer to themselves as 'human' persay, they tend to use the rather more personable term of 'people'. You do realise, Akuji-san, that you cannot prevail in hiding the truth from me - nor in placating me with weasel-words. If I am not satisfied by what you have to say, then I have no doubt that the Honourable Horotami-san will want to have his way with you BEFORE you are brought before the Taishogun as a traitor."
The shogun cleared his throat, then put his straight face back on.
"In.. my past, while i was being schooled and trained by the Rojus... One of the lessons were to learn not to interfere with human nature, and with nature itself. Whatever happens, happens. And that's how it should stay."
"I do not think it is wise to insult a shogun, here, in the home of the Dragons especially.. In fact, Akuji, you're lucky you're still sitting here.. Surprisingly, no one has yet to enter this room forcefully and cut you to small pieces. No matter what you are, you are in our home, and you will show some respect."
Sum did not waver. "Civil war you say? You are in my chambers here - both of you!"
Sum brought up some of the security feeds. It all looked very familiar to Akuji - the bar he used to drink at when he was younger, his old Dojo, even the hangar bay personally assigned to Dragons of his old Daiymo rank.
"I dont see any rioting here - where are your supporters gathering Akuji-san? Where are the petitioners DEMANDING your release in the Court? The only man to barge in is the honourable Shogun here - and only because his station grants him the right to be present."
Hirosho folded his arms and grunted. Sum continued.
"No Akuji-san, you have no supporters here anymore - they are out there, among these faceless ones you have taken in with. The Sisters, The Order, even the Junkers - they all present at least one visible face to us. These Bakamono, these Phantoms cannot hope to entreat with the Dragons if they will not show us a face and a purpose. If what you are saying is true - then your backers in these 'Phantoms' are involved in the Transhumanist Movement. Whilst many are appalled at the thought of these fringe dwellers - it is at least a legitimate practice, and has been for centuries."
Hirosho snorts "There is nothing legitimate about it! Playing God with their bodies, I have seen the Junkers parading some of these freaks for money, and those are the ones who lived through the more obscene attempts to 'improve' themselves!"
Sum waved down Hirosho, and spoke "I will not say I am not impressed with the technology you have shown me, but they are but trinkets and beads to the Taishogun. To escape his wrath you will need more than that."
![[Image: dragonlogo.png]](http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww260/AkuraKalevra/dragonlogo.png)
![[Image: hideyoshisignature.png]](http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8714/hideyoshisignature.png)
![[Image: GMG_banner.png]](http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/thenoseyshadow/GMG_banner.png)
