Name: (unknown)
Alias: The Fisherman, Kanchou (boat captain)
Age: around late 50.
Nationality: Kusarian
Place of Origin: Planet Junyo, Shikoku Sytem
Affiliation: Hogosha (?)
The Fisherman is somewhat of a mystery, one of those strange people that appear from time to time and are attributed to be involved in bizarre events. Although the Fisherman exists and can be seen as a simple pilot from Shikoku, you are left wondering if some of those rumors area really related to him.
Hailing from Planet Junyo in Shikoku, the Fisherman looks like a peasant in it's late fifties, with gray hair and beard, and always wearing common clothes of the people working in the Fishing Platforms and other oceanic production plants in the planet. Some people have said than when in his presence, a faint smell of sea is noticeable.
What is the Fisherman identity is something that it's difficult to ascertain. People in Junyo who know him tell that he looks like a jolly fellow, and has good connections with many influential people, from the syndicates of the planet, to some of the top businessman and politicians. However, when asked about his name or family, the workers feign ignorance or outright reluctance to discuss the matter. One drunken pilot found in a bar of Junyo spaceport blurted out that his family name was possibly Otsu. In Fuchu, a prisoner mentioned that a man called Kaito Hasebe resembled the description of the person known as the Fisherman. Neither of these pieces of information are reliable.
What the fisherman does however is a little more easier to determine. Part of his time he stands as one of the wharf masters in one of the Yoshinogawa Atoll fishing platforms. He also is seen heading to space, commanding his own personal freighter or one of the transports of the Shimoe Fishing and Cargo Company, which rumors say the Fisherman has acquired quite a big share of the company assets recently. Most of his travels seem related to export of Junyo pearls, and other traditional Kusari produce.
More recently however, he started spending more time in space, sometimes accompanied by a small group of other pilots. Kempeitai intelligence took notice of this development and considers that the Fisherman might have acquired connections to a Hosgosha syndicate. It is unknown who is he working under, or if he intends to form his own group.
The Fisherman has been detained some times for showing up with “suspiciously acquired” cargo on his ship, which he usually say it's the result of “fishing” activities. Even though he is usually detained for some days at Fuchu prison, lack of evidence and a subtle pressure from some layers have prevented any criminal charges to stick on him.
A devout believer of old Shinto religion, he is fond of naming his vessels in honor of gods related to fortune or the sea.
A cloudy night had settled over the Osaki complex in the Tanegashima Archipelago, in Planet Junyo. A vehicle arrived at the main gate, and after clearance it's allowed in. Upon stopping the front of the main building, built in traditional Kusarian architecture, a man in humble but well kept clothes comes out of the car.
Stroking his beard, he follows the attendants of the house while observing leisurely for any changes in the somber decoration of the halls.
They arrive at the shoji doors of a large room, and one of the attendants opens the door and announces the arrival of the Fisherman to those present within.
The Fisherman enters the room, ans sitting on his knees on the tatami floor, performs a deep bow. On the room, seven masked people, six man and one woman, return the gesture with a softer bow of their own, acknowledging his arrival.
He was now in the presence of the Seven Fortunes Assembly.
A man with a mask of a elder was at the center, and appeared that today he would be the one leading the meeting. The Fisheman knew nothing of the identities of the Seven Fortunes, only that they used the names of the Seven Lucky Gods of the old religion. The one he knew as Jurojin began to talk, in a calm manner.
Jurojin - We welcome our humble servant to our reunion. We are eager to hear about our progress in the tasks we have set upon you, oh Fisherman.
Fisherman - I thank you for granting this audience. Thanks to your support and guidance, we have been expanding and obtaining great benefits at home and abroad.
Jurojin - This is good, good. We would like to hear more of this doings of yours. Tell me, what have you achieved in the affairs of the home?
Fisherman - As by your command, we began investing as we could in the Development Projects of Samura, and I can say with assurance that we are amongst the top investors of the project, both in effort and investment. We have yet to inquire how much more is needed for the end of the first phase, but we will have answers soon. We still need to find sources for some of the foreign equipment that is not readily available in Kusari.
We have been expanding our production facilities as well, and after buying some of the competition, we now hold about 65% of the Pearl industry in Junyo, should the Samura maintain their current rate in that business.
Although I can assure that Junyo has the best aquaculture facilities in Kusari, it's production costs are still too high for us to sell our common produce without relying on Kyushu to reduce the prices to an acceptable level.
Another man, with a mask resembling a smiling Buda, chuckles at hearing the news.
Hotei - You have done well, progress on the development will bring great benefits to us, and to all in Junyo. Now tell me, what have you done in relation to the affairs of the country?
Fisherman - Hai. About the Hogosha, we have established a good relation with the syndicate operating the Golden Dragon Casino. We have been able to provide them with some good supplies from abroad for their bars, and they have allowed us to enter their routes of Black market munitions to the east.
To the owners of the Kabuchiko we still deliver to them the shipments of artifacts, although we sometimes also deliver them to our contacts in other houses.
Our contacts with the farmers have been sporadic, but we still rely on their business to get good rice and food products for export.
As per your instructions we have been avoiding the more competitive markets of minerals and technology, relying and Samura to naturally complement us.
Relations with the Navy and Police are stable, greatly in part of their relaxed stance.
Our recruitment efforts have been good, at least planetside. However, we are still short on pilots for all operations, and the size of our space assets prevents us from expanding faster.
Another man, this one with wide face mask and a black hat, is the next to talk, as if they already decided how the meeting would go beforehand.
Daikokuten - I have heard that you have been quite busy, and have been in many places recently. What progresses have you made in expanding our reach in the lands beyond?
Fisherman - That is correct, Daikokuten-sama. We have established some reputation amongst the Corsairs in Crete. Seems that hogosha presence had become more infrequent, but still maintained good memories by the Cretans. They send their regards for the Kusarian assistance in terms of food supplies, and we thank them for the easy access to the artifact trade. Accordign to our contacts, Samura vessels also frequently take the long voyage to the Omicrons, which diminishes somewhat our hold on that trade route. But I don't see it as a reason for tensions currently.
In Liberty we have not been very successful. Law enforcement eyes our presence with surprise, corporations are somewhat detached from the potential of good partnerships in agriculture and aquaculture, due to the prevalence of Synth Foods in the market. The unlawful factions are prevalent, but we have a hard time to find one suitable to act as a partner for short and long term, since most of them may and do interfere with our work in Shikoku. Finally, the frequent but unorganized presence of Junkers in the House means they likely make strong competition in handling business from Liberty to the west and south.
Rheinland has been a more interesting prospect. Junkers are present too, but seems the law enforcement has little impression of our presence, the corporations regularly deal in Kusari, and the unlawful groups don't loath showing some openness to us, with the exception of the Red Hessians, because of their opposition to the Corsairs.
We have established initial contacts with the Unioners, which enjoy some freedom of movement in the criminal underworld, and might serve as a partner for extending our reach to western Rheinland and the Omegas, along with the Corsairs. Perhaps the we can relink the farmer movements, and profit from a greater agricultural exchange.
Ebisu - What about the other houses, Bretonia and Gallia? Seems They would impose greater difficulties, but also greater rewards?
Fisherman - That is somewhat correct, Ebisu-sama, but unfortunately our manpower can not handle a continuous operations in all of them.
In Bretonia, we have avoided making contact with the Bretonian forces, and while we may reach Leeds, there isn't much of interest for us to trade there. We have visited our old Gaian partners in Edinburgh, and they still are able to be used as exchange partner for the artifact trade, although I doubt of their current capability to enter the Bretonian market. Perhaps the focus of their trade is now on Gallia.
We also found that the IMG in Dublin are able to provide us with whiskey, making the only place accessible for us that is worth buying something.
We have sent an operative to Gallia recently, and the results were somewhat disappointing. Although security is lacking, it is required to go deep in the territory to find the best demand for our products. We have found that their capital is a fine producer of Luxury Food and Wine, but the prices practiced do not give it an edge over our older routes. We also lack updated navigation charts for most of the systems, and lack the contacts with both corporations and underground factions. We have seen sometimes a few Unione Corse agents in New Tokyo, but we have not yet make any formal contact with them. Depending on the circumstances, they might be our middleman to Gaillia markets, so we we will keep an eye on them.
The woman in attendance, which had been quietly listening to the conversation, turns to the servant.
Benzaiten - About these Corse, do they handle them like the Junkers, or do they have some strong point in their operations?
Fisherman - I am not sure madam. Our agent visited some of their bases closest to our borders revealed little, other than shipments of oil products from the inner systems to the borders. There were some seller of a questionable substance, which they called Nox, which I believe is the same that has been banned by our government. We cannot confirm if it's like cardamine, and if the Corse make business of shipping it outside of Gallia. There is still much about Gallia politics and economy we do not know.
Wearing a mask of stern expression and a strong voice, the one called Bishamonten took the attention of the others.
Bishamonten - As we are speaking of poisons of society, I need to know Fisherman, what have you done towards those who are a threat to our goals? Seems nothing has been done about the reports of Junkers being active so near the Kyushu border. Instead of looking for trouble outside, shouldn't you be paying attention to our people's well being?
The Fisherman was somewhat expecting that criticism, and for the response he needed to maintain the calm stance he had presented until now.
Fisherman - It's true we have seen an increased presence of the Junkers in the western border, and I have no excuse for not having done anything about it. However, the mission the Seven Fortunes have attributed to me was to expand our organization's reach, to find new partners and allies, and diversify our profit sources. You have explained to me that this were essential to boost the strength of Kusari security forces, and other Hogosha syndicates, so that they could handle the defense of Kusari without those concerns.
Jurojin - Yes, we have given this task to you. But I remind you that while you shouldn't be concerned with the security issues, you were tasked to find the groups within the Hogosha who could be trusted for such ordeals, and to provide them your support. I would like to see more effort put on greater collaboration and mutual support between your organization and others within Kusari. You are not to become a stranger in your own home.
Fisherman - Understood, Jurojin-sama. I shall devote more efforts for our Kusari operations.
Ebisu - We see the potential of greater relations with the factions in Crete and in Rheinland. We wish that you keep pursuing these efforts, while keeping an ear open for opportunities in other areas. As usual, be wary of the Gas Miners and their temperamental ways. Move swiftly and without making waves.
Fisherman - Be at ease, Ebisu-dono. Smooth sailing is my specialty
Daikokuten - Remember the tasks at hand Fisherman, and take to heart the wellbeing of our people. Go with the Fortunes blessing, and may the heavens watch over your journeys.
Having received the indication that the meeting was over, the servant makes another deep bow in response, and rises from his spot. He leaves the room, and is escorted by the house attendants to the exit of the main gate.
He walks alone along the road to the nearest town. In the outskirts of the town stood a shrine to the god Ebisu, and near it was one of his men, puffing a cigar with a bored and annoyed look on his face.
The Fisherman approached the shrine, and the man stood up as soon as he noticed him.
Hiraku Shimoe - About time you finished that, I almost finished my packet, and didn't want to start the Holsteins waiting for you.
Fisherman - Hehe, gomen gomen. Our esteemed investors wanted to let out their hopes and frustrations on my ears. We should be okay for a few months.
Hiraku - I hope so. Every time we get some time on land, you get so slow. I have the transport over there.
Fisherman - Yes, very good. Let us depart back to the Yoshinogawa. No need to hurry.
Hiraku - Right, I'm want to go home fast, so I'm taking the fast route.
The two men boarded the shuttle, and departed the Tanegashima archipelago moments before the first light of Shikoku's Sun appeared on the horizon.
The night sky was clear, though one could still see the puddles of water along the road from the day's rain. A hovercar slowed down before entering the gate the Osaki Complex. It had been a while since the complex had received that particular guest.
The Fisherman walked through the corridor leading to the conference room, much like last time. This time, he had better news to deliver, and he was also expecting something new from the side of the Seven Fortunes Council.
As he entered and was introduced to the audience of the council, he took a deep bow and sat on the marked place for guests, in front of the members of the Council. This time however, only 3 were present.
The rituals of greetings were performed according to the traditions of the syndicate, and then Daikokuten, wearing a mask of a old wise man, spoke to The Fisherman.
"We hope the season has been bountiful for your ships, our loyal servant. Tell me, has the conclusion of the Yari operation has been achieved?"
The Fisherman replied - "So it has, Daikokuten-dono. Today the last ship from Stuttgart arrived at Itabashi, and our office at Holstein was cleared earlier this week. The Takarabune has removed its traces from Rheinland without troubles or hindrances.
We retained some of the contacts established with our workers and customers, and will try to keep them active and favorable."
"I see, good work on that quick resolution. I believe Jurojin-sama wished to ask you something as well?" He said, turning to one of the other men in the room.
"Indeed" Said Jurojin, also with a mask of an elder. Leaning closer, the masked man speaks.
"We have heard that you managed to keep the others of the Hogosha Association content, and that until now there have been no troubles. However, the progress of expanding to all regions and incorporating all operations has not been the best.
Are you sure that this calm situation wont leave us unprepared for internal competition?"
The Fisherman was apprehensive with the words spoken, but replied with a degree of confidence.
"I assure you that we have control over the most influential syndicates in Kusari, and that the remaining ones that have not joined operate on the fringes of the House, perhaps for the benefit of us all too. It will be a while before any syndicate inside Kusari can gather enough power to be a nuisance we can't handle.
As I mentioned in some messages before, the decision the Fortunes took to pull out of Rheinland will help us consolidate our presence all over Kusari, and no longer we will be considered just a syndicate from Shikoku."
The Councilmen fell silent, and The Fisherman waited, hoping this wasn't the time were they deemed him dispensable, and decide to end his career with a walk to the shore and eventual assassination.
Then Ebisu, the one who commanded most respect amongst the Fortunes, expressed his opinion.
"Fisherman, you did good when we asked you to lead the negotiations of the Association, and hopefully you will continue to do so. You must, however, keep your vigilance high, now more than ever, while the Association and the Takarabune strengthen their position in Kusari."
Ebisu takes out a envelope with a letter inside, and puts it on the space between them.
"We have decided to reformulate our operations, and the Takarabune will keep it's central role in it, although in a different form.
From today on, the Takarabune Conglomerate will operate in our interests, and you will be kept at the leadership of the shipping company, as well as the role of the mouth and eyes of the Seven Fortunes within the organization. However, this will be a task too big for you to handle yourself, so others will be appointed to lead the other companies of the Conglomerate. While they will follow the instruction of the Conglomerate, their will have their own roles to fulfill. Their actions are our commands, and you will not interfere in those."
The Fisherman looked at the letter, and back to the man speaking. His mind pondered the new situation, his task enlarged, and his duties more important, and his punishment for failure surely more severe. With a profound bow, he picked up the letter and tucked it into his sleeve, without looking at the contents.
"You honor me with your trust, Ebisu-dono, gentlemen of the Seven Fortunes. I shall do my best to compensate for that trust."
"I do not expect nothing else but your loyalty and dedication, old friend. Now, it is quite late, and you must prepare for your return to work."Ebisu said. You could almost feel that the mask sketched a smile as he said those words.
The Fisherman withdrew from the room, and was escorted back to the car. Inside was a man he didn't know. When asked, he the man simply said he was his new secretary, as determined by his patrons.
Things were about to become more hectic for the old man.
![[Image: 2GFgKr3.jpg?2]](http://i.imgur.com/2GFgKr3.jpg?2)
![[+]](/forums/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
SIGNATURE![[Image: 5tZIDB3.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/5tZIDB3.jpg)
![[Image: 9w5EV1d.jpg?1]](http://i.imgur.com/9w5EV1d.jpg?1)