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Leiden's Illustrious Strangers Sessions - WesternPeregrine - 02-18-2016
In the dark matter clouds of the Galileo system, a transport of peculiar design navigated the dangerous space. A Raba class transport bearing the markings of the Hogosha Association had left the safe route right after jumping through the Jump Gate that linked the system to Shikoku, and headed to a more dangerous but not so less travelled route.
The menacing clouds flashed from time to time, a perennial storm that had arrived less than a century ago, but never faded, continuing to swallow ships and less than able men into its depths. The transport proceeded unabated in his voyage, the crew confident in the short dare against the fates of the dark matter, and confident on the blessings of the Fortunes. Another set of flashes revealed the silhouette of their port of destination, the large rock installation that the inhabitants had christened Leiden, an important centre of operations for the Lane Hackers in the region.
The Hogosha contacted the base, but instead of the regular traffic staff, they were greeted by a male voice with a good Kusarian accent that emanated an air of menace and considerable importance.
“Greetings. Mr Hebishima I presume?”- said Provocateur Goro Yoshida
“Ah, indeed it's us. Apologies for coming upon such short notice.” came the reply from the representative of the Takarabune Conglomerate and the Hogosha, Hebishima.
“Please proceed. I would like to personally welcome you to Leiden, Mr Hebishima. It's an honour for the Lane Hackers to be your hosts for one more time.”
“It is a... curious pleasure to be here.”
“Before we proceed, I would like to ask you something.”
“I'm all ears.”
“Would you like us to meet on a VIP lounge on Leiden's famous bar or on a secluded conference room?” asked the Lane Hacker host.
“I believe the lounge bar would do nicely.”
“Very well, please proceed to the docking bay, Mr Hebishima.”
The transport moored with the base, and Hebishima disembarked, after ordering his people to unload the cargo destined for the Hackers. Hebishima was escorted to the entrance of the Bar, and he waited for a moment appreciating the ambient. Then Goro Yoshida arrived and he formally bowed. The bow was returned from Hebishima.
“Quite a nice establishment you have made here. Are those Los Angeles tapestries?” He asked, pointing to a pair of elaborate artworks on the walls of the entrance.
"Oh yes they are Mr Hebishima. I don't suppose you have your fingers in tapestry trading as well?"
"Well, it is more of personal hobby of mine, cultural products from around Sirius. We market our own house products, of course."
"Aha, of course. I am also a collector of sorts. Perhaps you should visit 'Starlight' one day. My personal yacht."
The doors of the lounge automatically opened and Yoshida signalled Hebishima to enter.
"Guess we can talk a little about that too. But first, let us sit comfortably and permit me to see what services does your bartender have in store."
Hebishima followed the motions of his host, and entered the lounge. When the doors closed, the weak lighting of the room revealed two comfortable sofas which were positioned around the room. Windows on the left side showing the ever going Dark Matter storm outside Leiden and on the right side the one-side transparent doors showed the rest of the bar and happenings going on there. Soft music was playing on the background and the air inside the lounge was filled with extra proportions of oxygen.
"Would you like some sake Mr Hebishima?" Yoshida asked.
"Hmhm. An eerie scenery... Ah, hai, I will have some.”
The two men sat on the opposite sides, each one on a sofa. Yoshida was relaxed and in a good and curtly mood. Hebishima looked at the Dark matter clouds flowing outside.
"Does one get used to see them, or is there always this unpleasant feeling about them?"
"As a resident of Leiden I can tell you that after some months you will get used to it. However, when I first came to Leiden, this sighting left me in awe." - He said as his fingers clicked on his datapad sending Hebishima's order to the bartenders.
"I see. I guess it is a phenomenon of nature." Hebishima concluded, as he received his drink. "A reminder that there are other powers that move and shape the world, other than the human hand."
Yoshida also received his drink.
"Oh yes. We are not alone out there. I believe it is the first time we meet in person, yes?"
"I believe so. Altough I have made a few indirect communications with your organization, this is the first time we meet face to face, Yoshida-san."
Hebishima raised his glass to his host, in form of a toast. Yoshida also raised his liberty ale and a clink was heard from the glasses.
"I believe our cooperation has been extremely successful so far. So my toast is for our business to remain unchallenged and profitable.” Yoshida said.
"May the Fortunes bless our business for decades to come, and that they may flourish even more."
"How is business going in Kusari by the way?" the hacker inquired.
"Oh, business is booming, so I may say. While peace has its merits to stability, conflict is a heavenly blessing for traders." the guest replied with satisfaction
Yoshida nodded.
"There is an increased demand for weaponry, and some possible market niches that could be fulfilled with good innovation." Hebishima added.
"I heard that the Imperials have gained a rather significant victory a few weeks ago. Is Kyushu about to fall?"
"Hmm, Kyushu... It is hard to say." said the Hogosha, unsure of the sudden direction of his questioning
"Indeed, seems the Imperials had a stroke of luck in their first assault, and achieved more than it was expected. But the Naval Forces are no wallflowers either, and they have the firepower."
Yoshida tightened his grip on the glass containing his ale and straightened his suit.
"The planet could fall into the center of the conflict in the coming month, hai. But it will be a while before we can say for sure that the Imperials are uncontested in the system. Depends on results in other regions too, and KNF actions.”
"It is extraordinary how a defeated military force managed to pull such a feat. There are rumors that they have strong supporters which allowed them to regroup and attack." Yoshida commented, carefully measuring the Kusarian's reaction to the mention of the Exiles and supporters.
"Well, there are some groups that have contributed to them with supplies and limited manpower while they gathered somewhere outside of Kusari. Bretonians, but also Kusarians. The Association has allowed the passage of some military supplies to them too, as long as there was some benefit from it.”
"I expect that the main contributor is Samura considering how much influence this mega-corporation lost after the Republic was established..." Yoshida probed his conversation partner for more clues of the current situation.
"Hmm, one would say so... but even I have little to support it.” Hebishima conceded.
“On one hand, seems there is a tacit non interference agreement between the groups. On the other hand, little has Samura done to hamper KNF efforts of securing Kusari. Some say that there are still regular contracts with the Naval Forces for supply of production materials."
"Well, they need to keep a neutral face, I understand why they would do that. Mr Hebishima, I believe that you agree the current situation in Kusari is unacceptable. Kishiro is running from the background while Hogosha's influence was diminished."
"Hm… I might. From your tone, I believe you have an opinion on what would be acceptable." Came the hesitant reaction from the Kusarian gangster.
"Foreigners and their products are now making their way ever deeper in Kusari. Your House is slowly transforming into the abomination called Republic of Liberty."
Now it was Hebishima turn to tighten his grip around the sake glass, almost empty.
"I personally tried to help the Assossiation by sharing with you evidence of BHG| law-breaking in an effort to stop BHG influence from expanding even further while Hogosha was the natural protector of Kusarian people for centuries now..." Yoshida finished the sentence with an obvious disgust on how things changed in Kusari.
"Indeed, if you say that, there are some people that have taken some "liberties" on what they can do in Kusari." Hebishima agreed with the Hacker view.
"The Hogosha remain committed to their goal of protecting Kusari from the influences of the foreigners. Another issue, however, is what the Kusarians think they are by themselves.”
"The Kusarians think what the media tells them to think, Mr Hebishima." - countered Yoshida with confidence.
"But that is the truth of generations, Yoshida-san. For generations of people who have not needed to decide for their future. Because of this leader, because of that policy. Because it is told to them that others have the solution they need.”
"So are you a supporter of this so-called democracy?" Yoshida found strange the Hogosha dismissiveness of the wrongs he was showing, and questioned cautiously.
"If you had the chance to guide or advise a headless group of good people, would you not want to provide what you think it's the best for the group?" Hebishima replied.
"Of course.."
"Leaders and decision makers think they are doing what is best or right to do. In the end, it's just their opinion. A good educated man can be a corrupted leader. A poor and rough worker can become the inspiration of many. Is it their background, their conduct, or their results which dictate what was right or what is wrong? Is it the concept, the method, or the conclusion that sets the scales of the society? To say that the current situation is wrong, it means you have chosen the defining item for you to pass judgement. Is it the right one, however? Or is it just another opinion, in the end?" - Hebishima went on in some sort of shallow intellectual evasion to the Hacker’s questioning. The way of talking of the Hacker reminded him of the Hogosha of the old, the ones that brashly supported the empire, and were bolder in bending the codes and morals to serve their needs.
"Mr Hebishima, we are passing judgement daily. The democracy that you live in is just another form of tyranny. The masses have the intelligence of an animal and are extremely susceptible to manipulation. If one truly cares for his people, he is not going to bring "democracy" to them. When Gallia defeated the Imperial forces, they brought democracy to your House, I think we both know they didn't do that out of their good hearts." Yoshida countered, putting the blame on the Gallic intervention.
"To get knowledge is an effort. To have it and use it wisely is a gift. However, ignorance is natural, and neither guilt or a sin. One can make an effort to root out the bad thoughts and habits, and to promote an ideal of virtues. However, even good men can make bad judgements." - Hebishima tried to defend his view on the troublesome piece of history that had surfaced in the conversation. After a pause, he continued.
"So may have the Gallics acted out of ignorance, so may have we. And Gallia did not bring this democracy to Kusari. It was not in their nature to do so. As you know, Gallia resists against the very efforts from within to push for this more democratic ideal. Kusari democracy was Kusari's deed."
"I am fairly certain that after the Empire's defeat, they largely influenced the radical changes in Kusari's politics. Even if they have not democracy themselves. Why? As I said, I don't think they did it in order to help Kusari."
"Kusari confrontation with Gallia was a deed by both perhaps. Kusari capitulation was, in my view, a Kusari deed."
"Please let me ask you something Mr Hebishima..." Yoshida said, feeling that he was not progressing, so he tried a different path.
"Ask away, my man." Hebishima takes a sip from his glass, after the prolonged discussion.
"Have you ever intercepted a foreign corporate transport inside Kusari, and attacked him for not following your orders and instructions?"
"Funny you mention that. While I am not a man that takes to the field to enforce our customs on a daily basis, I hear frequently of said trespasses. Those who commit them however, are the most interesting part of the stories. And half of them being LSF, I guess they are of your concern as well." Hebishima revealed
"Oh yes, what do you know?" Yoshida curiously asked and sipped some ale.
"A little. While you may be sceptical of our house regime, this organization seems to disregard any sense of manners or sovereignty. It's not just a matter of a Libertonian agency being uncouth to any Kusarian because of their relations with Gallia, it is also the need to show their disregard by crossing Deshima and enter our lands with their warships. Infiltrate deep into the heart of the capital, claim that Kusari rights are none of their concern, and demand pleasantries.”
"Liberty's government is in panic Mr Hebishima. They were obviously looking for something."
"Yes, Yoshida-san. If my experience tells me something, they are looking for another path to stab their daggers on their enemies. Even if it means cutting another person standing in the way.”
"And what your Republic has done about that?" Yoshida asked, sensing that there was something he could use.
"As far as I can tell, enforced their rights. I'm not sure if they probed the Liberty government for an official response but whatever of the LSF that has been found on these occasions in Kusari has been dealt with. Harshly. It does raise me some concern sometimes though… Sometimes seems that the government is a little soft on their response."
"That's just for a show. That was nothing Mr Hebishima. Do you know what happened when LSF did the same thing when the Emperor was in power?”
“Yes, which is why I believe that this LSF does not regard Kusari well in any format. And those who seek to cause offense to Kusari are not friends, and most certainly enemies.”
"They are weak, bureaucrats, the democratically-elected leaders of Kusari. And because of their weakness Hogosha is forbidden by law to stop foreigners inside Kusari and question them and apply justice. Something they were doing for centuries now. And instead they have allowed the Bounty Hunters' Guild to apply justice on their stead."
"Would you like that to happen again, Yoshida-san? Or are you just saying sweet things to please me?" Hebishima retorted, not liking the feeling of being led by the Hacker arguments.
"You said words that defended the Republic, while we both know what the facts are. Kusari was better under Imperial governance. We don't support it but we believe it's far better than the current regime. Hogosha's fortunes have diminished greatly as well. And thus I have an interesting proposal for you, Mr Hebishima" Yoshida said and finished his ale.
"And have the Fortunes of the Hackers dwindled with it, or improved even?” Hebishima countered. “A weakened force at home would help you to better your infiltration, and aid your... partner's projects. Ours, or theirs..." Hebishima said, insinuating the old connections between the Hackers and the Golden Chrysanthemums. "I remind you however, no matter how much you like or dislike the current regime, it is still Kusari. You know how sensitive we are to attempts of... outside influence."
"Of course. My proposal has nothing to do with influence. The fortunes have remained the same Mr Hebishima. We did not gain or lose anything from this transit of power.”
"Then let us hear it. I listened to what was opinion, now it time to talk about mine and your actions for the future."
"As I have mentioned already we believe that Kusari under Imperial governance is better than under Republican one. A Republican one which is a disgusting imitation of Liberty. What I would like to propose is that you act as our middle-man Mr Hebishima."
"Oh, a middle man it is? Do you wish to contact the forces of the Emperor then?"
"I would like to ask you to contact the Imperials and offer a Non-Aggression Pact from the Lane Hackers."
"Interesting..."
“As long as this Pact remains active, we will not attack Imperial forces or intercept or interfere with their transports travelling in Liberty in any way or form. Similarly they will ignore the Lane Hacker operatives and ships."
"A moment then..." Hebishima interrupted, sensing a new piece of information. “Have you seen Imperial vessels in Liberty?"
"I have personally extorted Imperial transports in Liberty, Mr Hebishima. I believe once I even mania-interrogated a 343rd transport.” Yoshida said, barely hiding a semblance of satisfaction. “Do you know what a mania-interrogation is?"
"Oh... this interests me. I would like to hear more about this encounters, and your methods." He said, mostly focused on what the Hacker knew of the Imperial operations outside of Kusari. A small glint appeared in Hebishima eyes, while he signalled that he wanted a refill of his sake.
"So you would like to hear more about this mania-interrogation Mr Hebishima?" Asked the Hacker again, unsure if he wanted the conversation to move away from the subject and into his personal achievements.
"That as well. Seems that the Hackers have more to tell than one would expect from a Neural-net comm."
A waitress appeared and silently filled Hebishima's cup with sake and then gave a quick bow and left. The doors closed again, no sound was able to come out of the private room. The two men were left alone again.
RE: Leiden's Illustrious Strangers Sessions - Yoshida - 02-20-2016
Yoshida began retelling the events he had witnessed, as if telling a ghost story. "We intercepted the 343 transports as well as a Unione Corse in the lane between Missouri and Texas jump gate. I believe it took place 10 months ago."
Hebishima nodded, listening carefully.
"The group leader was repeatedly asked a multitude of questions and then was embarrassed, harassed with shots and verbally annoyed. Then I forced him to send a system wide message and admit that Kusari's imperialist attack on Bretonia and publicly apologize for all the atrocities and destruction that he and his comrades have occurred to Bretonians and the people of Sirius.
His honor was broken, he couldn't speak much afterwards, his voice was trembling. I wasn't even sure he was going to wire the credits in the end, I thought he had lost any form of self-respect he maintained. But I cannot remember more details, as I said it happened 10 months ago."
Yoshida however was lying, he remembered every tiny little detail since mania-interrogations were feeding his soul and energized him.
"On one hand, I can see a flaw on the methods of teaching of the Naval Forces, both old and new... On the other hand, I see you have no qualms in bullying a war veteran." Hebishima commented, as the Hacker finished his story.
"Well, we have been fighting KNF since we first built this base. It was something expected from me to do, Mr Hebishima."
"Other than the feelings of guilt you forced to surface on the soldier, did you know what purpose had taken him there?"
"He was under orders. To bring cargo in and take cargo out of Liberty. He was supplying his forces. Planet Houston, Texas system I believe."
Hebishima became apprehensive. He or his boss weren't aware of this efforts of the Exiles to gather their own strength, relying on the Libertonians. Such reliance on old and current adversaries was one of the things that caused suspicion on The Fisherman and the Takarabune about the Exiles, although they kept their opinions from the Association.
"Hmm, to supply them... so far away from their expected positions..." that was all that the Hogosha uttered. "Ahem, I thank you for your prolonged explanation, Yoshida-san." Hebishima said and returned to the previous subject.
"I see you have some past contact with the Imperials, and wish to secure a better relationship for the future. But a non-aggression agreement in exchange for non aggression itself is a little... how to say… barren in exchange value." The Hogosha suggested. "What are you willing to provide in return? To us, and to them?"
"Us? Are you going to need an assistant Mr Hebishima? I expected you would be able to fulfill that role on your own."
"Yes, I should. But I do small charity for long time friends. For all other cases, it's business first. As it is a middleman business, I need to bring to them something to gather their agreement to your wishes." Hebishima insisted.
Yoshida crossed his legs, clearly not liking where Hebishima was going.
"We are not the main enemy of the Imperials, Mr Hebishima. They are currently at war with two major Houses as well as the Shogunate."
"Yes, that is correct. How would your protection in Liberty help them in that matter however, is what they would ask."
"What they will mostly gain from this NAP is that their transports will not be intercepted while in systems under our influence. Or their fighters in general. As I told you from the beginning, our goal here is to ease off their backs a bit in their quest to conquer Kusari and restore it to what it used to be. And by help, I am offering the NAP. They have nothing that we want, and we are not asking something in return."
Hebishima observed his host for a few moments. Either the Hacker had not picked the clue he wished to pass, or he genuinely thought that the Non-Aggression Pact was good enough in itself.
"Hmm, seems our minds are slightly in different tunes... Maaa, ii kedo. I will transmit your proposal with no strings attached. A simple altruistic gesture towards their plight."
"And yours" Yoshida smiled. "Your fortunes will rise as well when the Imperials come in power. And your syndicate and particularly yourself will prove to them that you are a man of power. A man with contacts and connections."
"That is to be seen..." Hebishima replied, not fully convinced. "May they prove to be worthy of such consideration. I guess that is all regarding the Imperials then?"
"Yes. A NAP with no strings attached. No asteristics. And no counter-offers. They will either accept our genuine offer or tear it down and indirectly harm themselves."
"I see."
"As for your reward, Mr Hebishima. What would you like in return?" Yoshida leaned on the sofa, his mood was now improved. "Money, rare items, or perhaps women?" He said while his eyes scanned the bar for women on his right side.
The Hacker finally started striking the chords that the businessman wanted. Hebishima leaned forward a little, his spirit uplifted.
"Trading rights. I seek trading agreements."
"Oh I see. I believe we already have, Hogosha Association is a contractor to our Job Board."
"Yes, that for the purpose of the needs of your organization. However, the Lane Hackers have themselves some important opportunities for business that remain untapped. While I'm sure that the organization is not overly attached to money, I'm sure they would like to see results come up faster in areas outside of their range with some contributions."
Hebishima paused, before going into specifics.
"Like I've said before, the Hackers are excellent source of Libertonian Hardware. Some corporations shun us from their business, and the other underground groups of Liberty are hard to deal with." Hebishima explained.
Yoshida mocked Hebishima inside his brain. *What would this man have thought that the Lane Hackers have not considered already?* He thought to himself.
"Yes, I think it's obvious that the Xenos hate you. And the Rogues are way too scums for your taste." Yoshida agreed.
"You have the capability to supply Kusari groups with Liberty stocks. Light Arms, ammunitions of various calibers, maybe some weapon systems. Whatever is your projects for the sales to Kusari, we want to have a majority of them."
"Oh yes. Arms manufactured at Detroit are considered the best personal firearms in Sirius… We do control a portion of that black trade, that's true."
"Would you like to have more of it, however? Regarding Kusari, that is?"
"I believe we can arrange 70% of this black market munitions trade to end up in Hogosha hands. For a half year. How does this sound, Mr Hebishima?" Yoshida offered, while still considering that the GC were currently the main clients for personal firearms.
Hebishima smiled. What the Hacker was offering was more than what he expected to grab from them. Well, almost. He decided to gamble a little more.
"Very close, Yoshida-san. 70% for one year, and I'll double our supply of H-Fuel to you. Of course, what leftovers of the trade you do in Kusari, those other 30%, will not be hampered by us."
Yoshida didn't smile even though Hebishima's counter-offer was excessively better than his own. The strategically important H-fuel was mostly purchased from GC at exorbitant prices because it has to been smuggled in and it changes hands a number of times before it ends up in Leiden. But that wasn't the case for the Hogosha. He instead wore a contemplative face.
"Hmm. Very well Mr Hebishima. If you give me that NAP, we have an agreement." Yoshida reluctantly agreed.
"Ah, then we have a goal for that agreement. Very well, now I'm even more motivated to do it." Hebishima said while he was seemingly not too troubled by the conditions imposed.
"Just one small thing." Yoshida said while standing up. "This NAP will not become public knowledge, it is a gentleman's agreement between the Imperials and the Lane Hackers. We trust the Samurai honour of the 343rd that they will not break this NAP until they officially announce that it has expired."
Hebishima was silent upon hearing the last detail. The Hacker was sort of asking for such an obvious thing necessary for such plan to work.
"Yoshida-san, it is my opinion that the agreement could not be made in any other way than total secrecy. If it came out in public, their reputation in Liberty and the other houses could become ruined. Even in Kusari it might be frowned upon."
"I just wanted to make sure Mr Hebishima. And of course underline the fact that it being unofficial does not mean it won't apply fully for the LH~ and 343rd vessels."
"Secrecy is vital for the success of our partnership, and you business with the Imperials. I place my word that no stranger will hear about this from the lips of a Hogosha." Hebishima declared.
"Excellent. It was truly a pleasure meeting you Mr Hebishima." Yoshida said and this time offered his hand for a shake.
Hebishima stood up, and firmly shoot the hand of Yoshida.
"Would you like to stay for a bit longer in Leiden?"
"There will be another time for our chat, but I do believe we have gathered quite enough to work with for today. I appreciate the offer, but I'm needed to tend to the affairs of our group." Hebishima apologetically said, in consideration of the amount of work he needed to do.
"Oh yes of course, I believe our discussion for at least two hours. Not bad. Please allow me to escort you to the docking bay."
Hebishima accepted the host offer, and they moved towards the docking bay.
"I will be in contact with you regarding our affairs, and any new proposals we might wish to discuss."
"Of course. My channels and Leiden's hospitality is always open for our Hogosha friends. And your syndicate in particular." Yoshida noted.
Hebishima bid his host farewell, and made preparations for departure. The cargo on the ship had been dispatched to the Hackers warehouses. The Hogosha’s account balance was larger by a few millions, and Yoshida moved back to his office to continue his work.
Outside, the Raba Transport was expected by an Associate of the Silvereye Dragons, Yukari Yakumo.
"Ah, Yukari-san. Thank you for coming to pick us up."
"Hebishima-san. An honor. How was your meeting?"
"Most productive. I will make my way back home now, and report to the boss and your ladyship." Said the slightly tired businessman.
"That sounds very well. I will make sure nothing will interrupting you." Yukari replied, assuming an escort position while they headed back to Shikoku.
"With a few conditions, we might acquire the majority of the Hackers arms business in Kusari. I will head to the Golden Dragon to pick up the transmissions."
"That doesn't sound very difficult. Or what you think?"
"It will depend on our negotiations with the Imperials it seems. The agreement was tagged to a request of the Hackers. They want to make amends with the Exiles."
"I see. If we handle the situation right... we should get a profitable outcome."
"Yoshida-san also talked like he was part of the Old geezers of the Black Dragon Society." Hebishima commented.
"I believe he mentioned something like that towards me."
"And the Exiles have been working their way to get supplies from Liberty... most interesting." Hebishima mentioned, as they arrived in the Golden Dragon Casino. A foundations for work for had been laid by the Hogosha, now it would be the time for them to build upon it.
Hebishima nodded, listening carefully.
"The group leader was repeatedly asked a multitude of questions and then was embarrassed, harassed with shots and verbally annoyed. Then I forced him to send a system wide message and admit that Kusari's imperialist attack on Bretonia and publicly apologize for all the atrocities and destruction that he and his comrades have occurred to Bretonians and the people of Sirius.
His honor was broken, he couldn't speak much afterwards, his voice was trembling. I wasn't even sure he was going to wire the credits in the end, I thought he had lost any form of self-respect he maintained. But I cannot remember more details, as I said it happened 10 months ago."
Yoshida however was lying, he remembered every tiny little detail since mania-interrogations were feeding his soul and energized him.
"On one hand, I can see a flaw on the methods of teaching of the Naval Forces, both old and new... On the other hand, I see you have no qualms in bullying a war veteran." Hebishima commented, as the Hacker finished his story.
"Well, we have been fighting KNF since we first built this base. It was something expected from me to do, Mr Hebishima."
"Other than the feelings of guilt you forced to surface on the soldier, did you know what purpose had taken him there?"
"He was under orders. To bring cargo in and take cargo out of Liberty. He was supplying his forces. Planet Houston, Texas system I believe."
Hebishima became apprehensive. He or his boss weren't aware of this efforts of the Exiles to gather their own strength, relying on the Libertonians. Such reliance on old and current adversaries was one of the things that caused suspicion on The Fisherman and the Takarabune about the Exiles, although they kept their opinions from the Association.
"Hmm, to supply them... so far away from their expected positions..." that was all that the Hogosha uttered. "Ahem, I thank you for your prolonged explanation, Yoshida-san." Hebishima said and returned to the previous subject.
"I see you have some past contact with the Imperials, and wish to secure a better relationship for the future. But a non-aggression agreement in exchange for non aggression itself is a little... how to say… barren in exchange value." The Hogosha suggested. "What are you willing to provide in return? To us, and to them?"
"Us? Are you going to need an assistant Mr Hebishima? I expected you would be able to fulfill that role on your own."
"Yes, I should. But I do small charity for long time friends. For all other cases, it's business first. As it is a middleman business, I need to bring to them something to gather their agreement to your wishes." Hebishima insisted.
Yoshida crossed his legs, clearly not liking where Hebishima was going.
"We are not the main enemy of the Imperials, Mr Hebishima. They are currently at war with two major Houses as well as the Shogunate."
"Yes, that is correct. How would your protection in Liberty help them in that matter however, is what they would ask."
"What they will mostly gain from this NAP is that their transports will not be intercepted while in systems under our influence. Or their fighters in general. As I told you from the beginning, our goal here is to ease off their backs a bit in their quest to conquer Kusari and restore it to what it used to be. And by help, I am offering the NAP. They have nothing that we want, and we are not asking something in return."
Hebishima observed his host for a few moments. Either the Hacker had not picked the clue he wished to pass, or he genuinely thought that the Non-Aggression Pact was good enough in itself.
"Hmm, seems our minds are slightly in different tunes... Maaa, ii kedo. I will transmit your proposal with no strings attached. A simple altruistic gesture towards their plight."
"And yours" Yoshida smiled. "Your fortunes will rise as well when the Imperials come in power. And your syndicate and particularly yourself will prove to them that you are a man of power. A man with contacts and connections."
"That is to be seen..." Hebishima replied, not fully convinced. "May they prove to be worthy of such consideration. I guess that is all regarding the Imperials then?"
"Yes. A NAP with no strings attached. No asteristics. And no counter-offers. They will either accept our genuine offer or tear it down and indirectly harm themselves."
"I see."
"As for your reward, Mr Hebishima. What would you like in return?" Yoshida leaned on the sofa, his mood was now improved. "Money, rare items, or perhaps women?" He said while his eyes scanned the bar for women on his right side.
The Hacker finally started striking the chords that the businessman wanted. Hebishima leaned forward a little, his spirit uplifted.
"Trading rights. I seek trading agreements."
"Oh I see. I believe we already have, Hogosha Association is a contractor to our Job Board."
"Yes, that for the purpose of the needs of your organization. However, the Lane Hackers have themselves some important opportunities for business that remain untapped. While I'm sure that the organization is not overly attached to money, I'm sure they would like to see results come up faster in areas outside of their range with some contributions."
Hebishima paused, before going into specifics.
"Like I've said before, the Hackers are excellent source of Libertonian Hardware. Some corporations shun us from their business, and the other underground groups of Liberty are hard to deal with." Hebishima explained.
Yoshida mocked Hebishima inside his brain. *What would this man have thought that the Lane Hackers have not considered already?* He thought to himself.
"Yes, I think it's obvious that the Xenos hate you. And the Rogues are way too scums for your taste." Yoshida agreed.
"You have the capability to supply Kusari groups with Liberty stocks. Light Arms, ammunitions of various calibers, maybe some weapon systems. Whatever is your projects for the sales to Kusari, we want to have a majority of them."
"Oh yes. Arms manufactured at Detroit are considered the best personal firearms in Sirius… We do control a portion of that black trade, that's true."
"Would you like to have more of it, however? Regarding Kusari, that is?"
"I believe we can arrange 70% of this black market munitions trade to end up in Hogosha hands. For a half year. How does this sound, Mr Hebishima?" Yoshida offered, while still considering that the GC were currently the main clients for personal firearms.
Hebishima smiled. What the Hacker was offering was more than what he expected to grab from them. Well, almost. He decided to gamble a little more.
"Very close, Yoshida-san. 70% for one year, and I'll double our supply of H-Fuel to you. Of course, what leftovers of the trade you do in Kusari, those other 30%, will not be hampered by us."
Yoshida didn't smile even though Hebishima's counter-offer was excessively better than his own. The strategically important H-fuel was mostly purchased from GC at exorbitant prices because it has to been smuggled in and it changes hands a number of times before it ends up in Leiden. But that wasn't the case for the Hogosha. He instead wore a contemplative face.
"Hmm. Very well Mr Hebishima. If you give me that NAP, we have an agreement." Yoshida reluctantly agreed.
"Ah, then we have a goal for that agreement. Very well, now I'm even more motivated to do it." Hebishima said while he was seemingly not too troubled by the conditions imposed.
"Just one small thing." Yoshida said while standing up. "This NAP will not become public knowledge, it is a gentleman's agreement between the Imperials and the Lane Hackers. We trust the Samurai honour of the 343rd that they will not break this NAP until they officially announce that it has expired."
Hebishima was silent upon hearing the last detail. The Hacker was sort of asking for such an obvious thing necessary for such plan to work.
"Yoshida-san, it is my opinion that the agreement could not be made in any other way than total secrecy. If it came out in public, their reputation in Liberty and the other houses could become ruined. Even in Kusari it might be frowned upon."
"I just wanted to make sure Mr Hebishima. And of course underline the fact that it being unofficial does not mean it won't apply fully for the LH~ and 343rd vessels."
"Secrecy is vital for the success of our partnership, and you business with the Imperials. I place my word that no stranger will hear about this from the lips of a Hogosha." Hebishima declared.
"Excellent. It was truly a pleasure meeting you Mr Hebishima." Yoshida said and this time offered his hand for a shake.
Hebishima stood up, and firmly shoot the hand of Yoshida.
"Would you like to stay for a bit longer in Leiden?"
"There will be another time for our chat, but I do believe we have gathered quite enough to work with for today. I appreciate the offer, but I'm needed to tend to the affairs of our group." Hebishima apologetically said, in consideration of the amount of work he needed to do.
"Oh yes of course, I believe our discussion for at least two hours. Not bad. Please allow me to escort you to the docking bay."
Hebishima accepted the host offer, and they moved towards the docking bay.
"I will be in contact with you regarding our affairs, and any new proposals we might wish to discuss."
"Of course. My channels and Leiden's hospitality is always open for our Hogosha friends. And your syndicate in particular." Yoshida noted.
Hebishima bid his host farewell, and made preparations for departure. The cargo on the ship had been dispatched to the Hackers warehouses. The Hogosha’s account balance was larger by a few millions, and Yoshida moved back to his office to continue his work.
Outside, the Raba Transport was expected by an Associate of the Silvereye Dragons, Yukari Yakumo.
"Ah, Yukari-san. Thank you for coming to pick us up."
"Hebishima-san. An honor. How was your meeting?"
"Most productive. I will make my way back home now, and report to the boss and your ladyship." Said the slightly tired businessman.
"That sounds very well. I will make sure nothing will interrupting you." Yukari replied, assuming an escort position while they headed back to Shikoku.
"With a few conditions, we might acquire the majority of the Hackers arms business in Kusari. I will head to the Golden Dragon to pick up the transmissions."
"That doesn't sound very difficult. Or what you think?"
"It will depend on our negotiations with the Imperials it seems. The agreement was tagged to a request of the Hackers. They want to make amends with the Exiles."
"I see. If we handle the situation right... we should get a profitable outcome."
"Yoshida-san also talked like he was part of the Old geezers of the Black Dragon Society." Hebishima commented.
"I believe he mentioned something like that towards me."
"And the Exiles have been working their way to get supplies from Liberty... most interesting." Hebishima mentioned, as they arrived in the Golden Dragon Casino. A foundations for work for had been laid by the Hogosha, now it would be the time for them to build upon it.