Mirage was cough of guard with this handshake. The people she consulted before the meeting took place , explained to her in detail the position which women took in Kusari. A handshake with a man such as Barak was something completely unexpected and un-heard of.
The admiral made a slight pause. She was having trouble choosing her words , that is why , before saying anything , Mirage bowed to Barak and took the old bottle from his hand.
" I , personally , am deeply honored by this gift , Mr. Barak. This first meeting between our two organization has changed my view over you the Farmers Alliance and Kusari as a whole. I believe that there is much potential in continued cooperation between The Farmers Alliance and The Order. "
Mirage smiled gently at everyone at the table and made another , short pause before continuing.
" Although , I believe many more meetings between our two organizations will take place. This , first meetings , is probably the most important of them all. For it shows that there are still groups , in these dark times , who think for the good of humanity and fighting to preserve human life. "
" The Order and the people who serve in it are not easily fooled , tricked or manipulated in any way , gentlemen. I am confident that we will be able to easily determine the actions of the Consortium , against humans and respond to them , accordingly. "
" A group who has been reported to protect cardamine dealers and ally itself with aliens is not worthy of symphaty , coming from the ranks of The Order. However , what ever actions we take against them will not include sending active patrols of Order capital vessels. Our strikes will be pin-point accurate and precise , we cannot allow ourselves to waste resources."
Mirage's face darkened and returned to its emotionless position.
" As I am sure you are aware , the war with the Bounty Hunters Guild Core in the Omicrons , ravages the systems we operate in and make our duty of protecting humanity , extremely difficult. It is difficult to explain exactly how The Order feels about the Core. They are traitors to their own kind , humans who wish to steal alien technology in order to increase their capabilities of murdering another human for the lowliest price of all , credits. Pathetic , soulless dogs they are , yet their power has grown much like their numbers. "
" Hunters and their ships are to be destroyed on sight by any Order operative who has happen to stumble upon them. They show no mercy towards our organization and in exchange they suffer the full wrath of The Order. Since we are on this topic ,I wish to know what the Farmers Alliance and The Hogosha think about the Bounty Hunters and their operations within Kusari? "
Ruuku had spent years disciplining himself to not show any of his thoughts on his face, but he was taken back in complete shock when Barak extended a hand out to the gaijin woman. Ruuku always knew the man to be a revolutionary, but never thought he would show this kind of courtesy to any woman, and a gaijin at that. The times must truly be changing he thought to himself as he watched the Order ambassador show the proper respect to Ze'ev in a bow.
He listened to Mirage speak, and allowed himself a smile when she discussed open warfare with the Bounty Hunters. We do not allow the Bounty Hunter skum in our home, Ambassador. Ruuku stated, It is the usual policy of the Hogosha to escort them out of Kusari, but more than a few shots have been known to be fired. Truthfully; I would be quite amused if the Order destroyed every Bounty Hunter they found in Kusari, as long as collateral damage is avoided. But for the most part they remain only at our doorstep, and know well their place is not inside Kusari. However, they do have quite a tenancy to bolster their ranks with idiots.
Duty and honour
Elder Ruuku Ochi, So-Honbucho of The Black Dragon Society
Mirage looked at the faces of each and everyone of the men , sitting on the table. Some where stunned , others shocked and there where those who simply smiled. It appears this was the begging of good relations and in these dark times , such relations are always needed.
" Thank you all for allowing this meeting to become a reality. I believe that the foundations we started to create here are the begging of mutual respect and future dealings with the Farmers Alliance. "
Mirage made a short pause , she used the precious , free moments to look closer into the bottle , given to her by the leader of the AFA , a man who she tough to be a brute , uncivil and hard to deal with , but one who had completely changed her view over himself and the organization he led. It was a beautiful bottle , brilliant in its simplicity.
" I'm honored by your gift and by your hospitality , Mr. Barak and I trust that we shall meet again. "
" Now , if there is nothing more to be added to the discussion , I believe that I must depart. "
This is one more order of business, Ambassador. Ruuku states as he motions Mirage to remain seated. He drinks another masu of sake before continuing. Our offer to supply your operations; I am wondering, what greater power do I contact about this? I believed you mentioned this High Command?
Duty and honour
Elder Ruuku Ochi, So-Honbucho of The Black Dragon Society
" Yes , sir. The Order High Command consists of the five Order Admirals. I planned on contacting them and calling a meeting to discuss both your , generous offer about supplying our fleet and general business within Kusari , after this meeting took place. "