Imperial Court of the Blood Dragon Shogunate

[Friday]

"Yes, more treacherous than the mines around Kansei I should think, hmm?" Sum said with a smile.

"But do not fear Miyamoto-sama, there is a path through the minefield."
Sum stood up and activated a holo-projector.

"Firstly, to the security of our people. It would not do to sow fear and mistrust of the Sisterhood at this time. With this in mind, I can instead order a general Quarantine Inspection Order for all ships and personnel entering Kyoto. I can use this as a cover to properly screen ships and people, and preserve the integrity of our most important assets."

Miyamoto was uncertain. "But how can we expect the people to accept this new measure when there has been no report of illness or outbreak?"

Sum smiled even wider "A very good question Miyamoto-sama! And here is your answer."
Sum went over to a chiller cabinet, and pulled out a glass vial. Miyamoto took a closer look, and recoiled in disgust.

"Are they lice?" Said a clearly rankled Miyamoto.

Sum nodded "Stuttgart Speckled Body Lice, I had a Rheinland Junker gather some samples for me - no doubt from his own bedsheets!" Sum chuckled and put away the vial.

"These will cause an inconvenience among the Kyoto dockworkers. You can guarantee that this Quarantine Inspection Order will be heartily welcomed as a result!"

Miyamoto shuddered. "You are most devious, Sum. What then of the Sisters? Even with the both of us witnessing the influence of this unstable individual, even with His Majesty in full agreement with the threat, I doubt the Sisterhood will accept our word."

Sum nodded, gravely. "I concur with your assessment Miyamoto-sama. It is not enough in this case for our word to hold sway. I shall be making contact with the Order, there is something I need from them. There is a remote chance the GC have come into contact with Nomad technology, probably through travel to Outcast space. At the very least, I need from the Order something that may change the way the Sisters see the threat of the Nomads. There is no point in explaining more until I have secured it. Should I be successful, I shall submit what I have found before both the GC Elders and the Taishogun."

"As for the present situation, this appears to be restricted to the GC formerly known as Amy Masako, and her sister Rin Masaki. Both are to be placed on a watch list. Inform the Brothers that they to report on all activities they observe these two Sisters undertaking."

Sum leaned forward. "At no time should any of our Dragons attempt to approach the Arch. Until further notice you should reprogram all ship navigation systems to reroute the autopilot to Ryuku Base, should a Dragon vessel move within 10K of the Arch. I need you to make this a general command - can you do this?"

Sum hoped for a reply in the affirmative.

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