The clouds puffed as a small ship emerged in the upper layers of Honshu's atmosphere. A small passenger shuttle quickly accelerated and shrugged off the gravity of the planet to enter the higher orbit. There, it was already being waited for. An imposing Renzu "Shukensha"-class liner was drifting in the orbit, radiating with exquisite ornaments in the sunlight. The luxurious vessel was a sight to behold, truly a ship befitting the Prime Minister of Kusari, Sanae Miyasu, and whoever was important enough to meet her aboard her private ship. A golden enamelled circle with the Kusarian symbol for "mi" adorned the side of the liner, a likely warning for any police ship not to disturb the vessel with trivial scans.
- "This is civilian shuttle Zeta dash two contacting the "Sunekosuri" liner. We are requesting to dock. Lord Shimamori is aboard with his retinue and sends his credentials".
The shuttle, bearing a small white insignia of a torii gate with a lotus flower assumed a position at a safe distance from the liner and cut off the engines, awaiting the response.
The Sunekosuri had been in high orbit of the Planet for roughly an hour already, positioned just far enough from the trade lanes not to disturb the general traffic.
The vessel was one of the newest of its kind, featuring the newest developments of Kusari technology beneath the famous outer hull silhouette. Though, the Sunekosuri was more than just the embodiment of luxury or decadence: It served a role unspoken of and known to just a few selected individuals even within the Kusari Cabinet: If Kusari was ever to fall, the Sunekosuri would act as the mobile hideout to members of the permanent Cabinet, the Shogun and potentially the Emperor himself.
However, such visions of doom were no topic this day.
The shuttle's request was being answered by a young woman, everyone who had the rare opportunity to visit the Prime Minister's office in the Imperial District on New Tokyo, would have recognized her as the chief secretary of Prime Minister Miyasu.
"Sunekosuri to shuttle Zeta-2, we're pleased to hear about your safe arrival. Miss Miyasu is awaiting Lord Shimamori already. Please proceed to the main docking bay. Our personnel will guide Lord Shimamori to the facility Miss Miyasu waits at."
The shuttle approached the liner and slid into the main docking bay. A delegation had already been waiting when Shimamori and his retinue exited the shuttle down the ramp.
- "We humbly welcome you to the "Sunekosuri", Lord Shimamori. . - the greeting delegation bowed. - Please, follow us to the meeting room. Lady Miyasu is awaiting."
Shimamori and his company politely bowed in return and proceeded down the corridor with the staff. He was vested in attire traditional to Kusarian male nobility: a white kimono with a kataginu of his clan's colours over it, and had daisho (//a pair of a swords) in his belt. The interior of the ship was exquisite. The walls exhibited notable moments of the history of Kusari and mythology meticulously represented in traditional ukiyo paintings and were carefully selected to tell a story to a passer-by. The decor was luxurious yet simple. A stylistic trait peculiar to Kusari meant to represent harmony and prevalence of mind over matter. This contrasted both with the demonstratively pretentious Bretonians and Spartan-like minimalistic Rheinlanders alike.
Looking at the decor, Shimamori missed the moment when they arrived at a large door apparently leading to a meeting hall.
- "Before we proceed, Shimamori-dono, I would kindly ask you and your retinue to hand over your personal arms if any. This applies to ceremonial swords as well. We are taking the security of our Mistress very seriously. Do not worry, the Prime Minister is guarded by the finest warriors of Kusari and as our honoured guest, you are entitled to their protection."
The marquess handed over his sword with the scabbard and nodded to his men to follow the suit.
- "You two - stay here with the guards. Kinoshita-san and Imagawa-san - with me."
The group of three thanked the welcoming delegation and entered the hall.
Little did Shimamori know, the corridor he had been led through was the very same every Government official would witness and what laid beyond the door was probably causing some confusion:
They entered a hall virtually being a 1:1 copy of the second Conference Hall of the Kusari Cabinet. It was hard to tell whether the Cabinet frequently utilised this hall or the original in the Imperial District on New Tokyo.
At the far end of the hall, at the podium were two figures awaiting Lord Shimamori's arrival. The one to the left, an elegant silhouette seemingly wearing a long dress must have been the Prime Minister. Her conversation partner appeared to be a regular business man at the first glimpse. Although his presence indicated he was someone more important. Neither of them took notice of the delegation immediately, not until they already made their way through half the hall.
Shimamori and his companions approached the couple and made a low polite bow. The marquess spoke first without rising from the bow:
- "My Lady Prime Minister, on behalf of Clan Shimamori I greet you and humbly thank you for your hospitality and warm welcome.".
Shimamori rose and his companions followed. Having given a brief look at the man with Lady Miyasu, he continued:
- "I see you have other guests, my Lady. I am always glad to make new acquaintances. Please allow me the courtesy of introducing myself again." - the Lord stretched to give himself a more imposing look: - I am marquess Shimamori of Nakashibetsu, Honshu. This is captain Kinoshita Akechi, the military advisor of my clan and my loyal fudai daimyo (minor clan vassal). And this is Imagawa Mana, the chief secretary of the clan. We are pleased to be here today and to finally meet you in person. Yoroshiku onegai mohshi agemasu (//lit.: "Please, be kind to us" - closing of introduction)
Shimamori and his retinue made another deep bow.
- "I hope you will not mind my retinue. If you ask to send them away, nobody would be offended. Their presence is to facilitate the course of the meeting but is not strictly necessary."
Upon standing close to Sanae, Shimamori would notice the clear difference between her - wearing a semi-formal, modern styled Kusarian attire with clear influences of the other houses - and the conversation partner: A man in his late 40s, wearing a formal suit featuring a fedora.
Sanae barely even indicated a bow, however the man returned it just as formally as Shimamori and his delegation did.
"Douitashimashite, Shimamori-san. I am glad to finally meet you in person and that you found the time on such a short notice."
Despite being at one of the highest positions within Kusari society, Sanae was never the person to keep matters strictly formal unless truly necessary. Though she knew about the deep traditional roots of the Shimamori Clan and played along.
"Every companion or friend of you is also my guest, Shimamori-san. Please do not worry about their presence, more so, I look forward to making their acquittance."
The man next to Sanae kept quiet for all that time, a brief exchange of glimpses with Sanae sufficed and he took a deeper bow.
"Please allow me to introduce myself, dearest guests of our Lady Miyasu. - I am Noboru Higuchi, former Minister in charge of Post-Imperial reconciliation and current Minister of State for Okinawa and Sigma Territorial Affairs. I am pleased to make the acquittance of Lord Shimamori and his delegation. I have heard quite a lot of positive things about your Clan so far. Fortunately, I am here today as a friend of Lady Miyasu, not on a business trip. I hope it does not trouble you if I keep you and Lady Miyasu company for a while?"
Noboru Higuchi. The man who guided the negotiations between the Republic's Government and the exiled Imperial forces.
A figure which made its way into Kusari's history books through nothing more than staying cool headed in the middle of a civil war.
- "Ah, Minister Higuchi. Meeting you in person here is a pleasant surprise. I believe we recently discussed business regarding the newly claimed Chubu system. Your support in the matter is greatly appreciated and has been of great use for the development of the colony.". - Shimamori slightly bowed - "However, this support fades in comparison to the other feats of yours such as playing the part in ending the civil war.
The Marquess looked around studying the hall and turned his gaze to Prime Minister Miyasu.
- "This is truly an impressive hall, Lady Miyasu. I might be wrong but it reminds me of the splendor of the administrative buildings of New Tokyo one can see in the news. It is hard to believe such a spacious premise can fit within this liner. Renzu engineers are magicians, indeed. Perhaps, I should ask them to work their magic on "Hitachi" yacht being constructed for my clan at Yukawa. Speaking of which, allowing myself of this opportunity, I would like to extend my gratitude to you both for supporting this endeavour of Clan Shimamori. Be assured, the ship will serve the Empire well and put its best face forward before the other Houses."
Shimamori made another polite bow, his retinue again followed the suit.
Higuchi returned a slight bow towards Shimamori and let a slight smile cross his face.
"I serve Kusari and her people's well-being. That is all there is to it, no need to flatter me, Shimamori-san. Your clan's discovery of the Chubu system is also of historic importance. It reminds Kusari of its legacy, its early days. Perhaps we will witness a new phase of peaceful expansion in the coming years."
He made brief eye contact with Sanae, which got interrupted over his quite old-fashioned pager going rampant.
"Sumimasen, it appears I am urgently required back at the office. I'll have to depart immediately. Hopefully we can pick up on this conversation in the near future. Shimamori-san, Miyasu-sama.. until soon."
He took a deep bow, put a hand on his hat and rushed out.
Sanae just let out a faint sigh, sometimes it was just too clear neither her or Higuchi were the cold rational type so expected within Kusari society.
"A true shame. Regardless, let us not have our meeting overshadowed by Higuchi-san's sudden departure. " She allowed herself a brief pause, then with new found enthusiasm went to reply to Shimamori's earlier statement. "Hai, the Renzu Corporation has once again proven that they are masters of perfectionism, able to build anything your heart could desire. It would indeed be wise to contact Renzu regarding the "Hitachi" Yacht, a masterpiece of Kusarian engineering virtually calls for Kusari's most skilled designers to take part in its construction. Do not mention my support for the project, Shimamori, it was a party decision to begin with. However, I am most certain the ship will serve Kusari just as well as your Clan does."
Shimamori bowed to the leaving Higuchi in a gesture of farewell.
- "It is a pity you have to leave. The state affairs must be calling". - Shimamori smiled - "I hope we meet again in the future. It was an honour meeting you in person.
As Minister Higuchi was leaving the premises Shimamori turned his eyes to the Prime Minister.
- "I suppose, it would be impolite of me to ask the reason of Minister's Higuchi presence and such a short departure... As for the Renzu - I shall heed your example and advice and contact them regarding the yacht. Besides, there are some complications with its construction as of now. The integrity of the current build is suboptimal and the engineers will have to revise the blueprints. I might avail myself of this opportunity to introduce some Renzu chic to the ship. Given the impression you ship creates, the future guests of "Hitachi" might appreciate that."
Having looked around enjoying the interior, the Marquess said:
- "The tidings have been most pleasant recently. Despite the war losses, the Empire seems to be recovering slowly but steadily. Except for small border tensions with Liberty, our international position is not a disaster after the invasion..."
Shimamori started walking back and forth in deliberations.
The situation domestically is also stable but not perfect. The Empire needs strong trade and business right now more than ever with the rebuilding efforts and it is disturbing to see the reports of the terrorists inflicting damage on our trade vessels and those of our foreign partners. The Dragons with their delusional loyalty to the regime long gone and not legitimate in the eyes of the people... Cardamine-addicted puppets of the Maltese who cover behind "the flowers of the Empire" symbols and treating poetic platitudes as political manifesto... Angry farmers rightfully displeased with the market shift and yet too conservative and not able to adapt to the new market challenges... The way of the force against all of these has not yielded much of a result throughout the years and was able to cure a wound here and there but not the disease. And now with our forces stretched thin after the war...
Shimamori stopped and rubbed his chin pensively.
"Perhaps, we can try a different approach. Maybe not on a scale of the whole House but as a test. What if we, say, offer them a way out? Say, offer new means of production to the farmers of Kyushu to make them more competitive while imposing gentle protectionist measures to tilt the market competition in their favour. Or, like a recently tried with the "Himawari" Foundation which you generously supported, offer the terrorists a ticket into a new life? I do not know how zealous they are in their beliefs or how strong the Cardamine addiction is but statistically speaking there might be those doubting their ways. They must realise they can't win sympathy with violence against the very people whose sympathy they are seeking. As for the Dragons... They have been fighting for centuries. The majority of them must be indoctrinated to believe in their cause from an early age. Yet still... Maybe there are people among them who want to rejoin the Kusarian society. Besides, them relying on a non-reformed feudal system, there must be tensions among the clans as always...
Shimamori stoped and looked Lady Miyasu in the eyes.
"The point to my circumlocution is that we should be ready in case any of such Kusari loyalists appear from their ranks. We must have some programme, overt or not. One example might be enough to tone down their zeal and bring closer a diplomatic resolution to our internal strife. Maybe, I am too idealistic about this. At the same time, it costs us little while the potential gains, although unlikely, are substantial. Besides, a politician who achieves such a milestone can expect to get overwhelming public support of the people tired of any bloodshed following the war... What do you think of this, my Lady Prime Minister?"
