The Daimyo had been called upon by the Shogun for a special assembly. After having been offered a selection of tea or sake, they had collected at a large table, the shogun seating himself last at the head of the table. If he noticed the absence of the Augus Daimyo, he showed no sign of it. His concern was who was here. Those who were not, he would deal with in due course.
Kohaku Hideyoshi
"I've brought you here in order to discuss the standings of the Blood Dragons. As you are aware, we are currently dealing with the betrayal of the Yubokumin clan. With the current state of affairs, I believe it is more important than ever to have a strong understanding between the different clans. Therefore I would offer each of you the opportunity to speak, to make any suggestions or requests, or put forth any formal statements for the leadership to discuss." The shogun paused briefly to allow them to absorb and consider what they might have to offer. "I would first offer the opportunity for Daimyo Kijima to put forth any commentary."
Daimyo Kijima pours a glass of sake and takes a sip. He then presents a small box containing a single but large Juno fire pearl to the Shogun.
Hisayuki Kijima
"Thank you for inviting us to the first court of the Daimyo honourable Shogun. That gift is just a sample I have left a container in the docking bay for you to do as you see fit."
The shogun accepted the gift examining the fire pearl in its box and nodding a polite thanks to the Kijima Daimyo.
"Your gift is very appreciated. It is a stunning piece, and if your collection is of such quality, then you indeed honour the Blood Dragon name."
Kohaku drew a breath, then continued, deciding to take the lead with a subject of particular interest.
Kohaku Hideyoshi
"I have heard that you have made progress on your Tomioka responsibilities. In spite of the delays - which I understand were caused by the Junker's Congress - I am very optimistic to see the project continue. I do not know much about this THP group, but as they appear to be succeeding in getting the project moving, I am happy with this relationship. Your work is very appreciated, and I hope to see this continue."
"I would also like to thank you for fending off the Yubokumin clan outside of Kyoto. The Kijima clan have shown great loyalty, and this is an example for all to look up to."
Daimyo Kijima smiles and then addresses the statement
Hisayuki Kijima
Yes, I was surprised when the Junkers failed to answer my communications, however, I am also looking forward to working with THP again. If everything goes well we could look into further diplomacy but I think more is to be done first.
In regards to the Yubokumin, I just wish I had been informed before my arrival that I would be shooting another Dragon so I could have prepared my crew. However, it was dealt with and I hope you are pleased with the result.
Firstly I would like to bring to your attention the large influx of people entering Shikoku in order to obtain the riches from inside the anomaly. I think we should focus our efforts in the area and perhaps see if we can claim the sector for ourselves, however, further military action is needed to push out the Naval forces."
"I appreciate that it was not an encounter that anyone would like to enter blind. I can assure you that you knew about the Yubokumin as soon as was possible. I know that this was short notice, but it was not something that I think any of us expected. Your willingness to step in so quickly and without full details is even more impressive."
"As for the anomaly, the Shogunate has already sent a battle group to the uncharted system and pushed back the KNF battleship that was stationed there. I do understand that there could be opportunity to gain territory in this uncharted system, but until surveys have been completed, I am not willing to provide Shogunate assets. We do not yet know what value there is to the territory, and I would not commit Blood Dragon assets and lives until we have more information. Similarly, I am unwilling to support either the Defilers or the Pioneers located in this uncharted territory without a full understanding of their views. We have other, more pressing projects, and our main fleets will focus on continuing efforts on Tomioka."
"I understand, as before I will continue to station the Hogo-Suru within Chugoku until we are sure that the threat is gone.
Very well, I understand why you are taking that stance so I will continue to repel the foreigners entering the system best as we can. For now, I have nothing more to ask."
Kazoku turns to Shogun in sign of respect and presents his present, Junmai Daiginjō-shu, from his personal provisions. He then lifts up the papers in front of him and turns to the Shogun again.
Kazoku Momoshiki
"Respected Tennō, I do not have anything to add onto the plans and revisions the respected Daimyo just presented, but I do have to ask you about the other project we are conducting at the moment. As we speak there is a planet being rebuilt by our efforts." He then turns his papers and takes up his glasses and starts reading.
"The planet Borneo is the project we entered with high hopes of populating it with our people, and partly turning it into a industrial area and possibly another source of income.
But until we get a self-sustained economy on the Borneo, we would need to fund its rebirth. In coordination with Crayter Republic and professor Nerva, we have made a prospect of the costs that would fall upon us for realizing the project. It is projected, but not limited, to 430 million credits. We are to fund the half of that sum, and the other half will be covered by Crayter Republic. I was wondering would you be interested in helping us fund this project?"
He then puts down the papers and takes a deep breath after such long speech and then sips some sake.
The offer of the sake was well received by the Shogun, who nodded his appreciation again. "I understand the value you place on a quality sake; I believe it is something we agree upon. I hope to have an opportunity to share this in the near future over shared success."
He placed the sake alongside the box from the Kijima Daimyo and continued.
Kohaku Hideyoshi
"I am aware of this Borneo Project and the attempt to recolonize the area. The Shogunate is willing to offer half of whatever charges are incurred by the Kijima Clan on one condition: that when successful, Dragon civilians of all clans will be welcome."
Momoshiki, was surprised his gift was recognized as a worthy gift for the Shogun.
Kazoku Momoshiki
"I am honored by your words Tennō. The funding you offer is more than agreeable and is welcomed with a great gratitude. We will, of course, welcome every Dragon who is in seek of a new and warm home. I hope we will be worthy of the task that is ahead of us and that we will not disappoint you. Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita!"
Kozaku then stands up, bows in a sign of respect and then sits again with visible content on his face.