Stop Right There! (Day 4, Mid-Afternoon, Main Hall, Open)

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"You can have him," he replies with a shrug as he continues to smile, "Your courtesy will not be forgotten... my apologies, I did not catch your name."

Beneath that jovial tone was something hard and dangerous as the man's blue eyes swept over the guard and the chariots outside before returning to their spokesman. Still, the smile did not waver nor his apparent friendliness.

[Volsung]

Jayant swallowed the catch in his throat and walked forward next to Uminushi. "I did not lie to you. House Rafiq is a den of traitors that I do not call home."

Jayant looks at Uminushi for a moment after that, and then moves on towards the guards.

The guard watches Uminushi and doesn't look for a moment to be lulled in by the false smile. "I am Mahavira. A Captain of the Imperial Guard. And who are you?" If such a question could be said with an undertone of brash annoyance, Mahavira succeeded in spades.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Uminushi of House Yoritomo, Captain of the Half Moon, Rear Admiral of the Fourth Flotilla of the Ninth Imperial Legion serving the Divine Empress Iweko the First," he replies evenly as his smile turns wolfish, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Mahavira."

The man pointedly ignores Jayant as he stares the captain down.

[Volsung]

The guard doesn't look very impressed as Uminushi lists off his titles, but two of his guards grab Jayant as he gets close enough and start roughly shoving him towards the chariots. Their commander doesn't break eye contact with the Mantis though.

"Likewise, Uminushi."

Once Jayant has been loaded into one of the chariots, Mahavira turns away and stalks back to his own cart where Jayant is staring at his shoes. Without another word to the Rokugani, the chariots ride off down the street, heading towards the massive palace.

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Throughout the whole ordeal, Choukichi stands behind and to the side of his Captain at attention, matching the steady stare of the gaijin guards.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"That there," he murmurs calmly, "Is what I like to call an idiot."

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Choukichi shrugs.

"They are panicked and desperate, and he might have information that is vital to their survival. His behavior doesn't surprise me."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi shakes his head, "The way Mahavira had his hackles up, I'll be surprised if Jayant makes it to the palace without a few extra lumps. Ah well, all to our favor."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I was relieved to see a man of rank arrive. I observe all of the proceedings calmly, perhaps even slightly bemused. At least trouble was averted. Jayant, this was my first time seeing him, behaved honourably by surrendering himself properly. I took the opportunity to have a look at the man who would now become my captain while he stared down the gaijin commander. As Jayant was being taken away I could not help but frown a little. Some things are the same but some things are different. Many things. I take the time to have another fleeting look at the majestic horses. I will probably not see one again for some time.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

He nods to the guards as they close the gate. Uminushi turns to the other three samurai and quirks a brow at the Dragon. His easy demeanor returns as he smiles, "Well, I hope you've found this interesting thus far... you three care to give me an accounting of what went on here?"

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I bow very low to the captain before addressing his point "If you wish captain" I take a quick moment to collect my thoughts and then begin to explain concisely "On my way back to the Embassy I heard a commotion I had not heard yet in the city - horses and shouting for the most part. Upon hurrying back I found the two gate guards to be under a modest level of impolite harassment from the local guards who were trying to set food in the Embassy itself, at first alleging that we were harboring a fugitive and working against the Maharaja. They announced themselves in his name. Upon realising that they would not be allowed entrance into the Embassy, in no small part due to the strong sense of duty of the guards" I give them a brief nod "and this steadfast Yoritomo who would not submit to their unreasonable demands" I give the Mantis a nod too. "The locals realised their breach of politeness and then changed their tone. Asking for assistance in capturing the man. That was when Togashi-san arrived. After a few short moments you arrived on the scene captain. That is all". I do not mention my own actions as I do not seek any attention. However the tenacity of the guards and Yoritomo, when they were outnumbered 2 to 1, deserves to be recognised

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

Choukichi nods his head in agreement with what Tomoe said, and looks ready to echo her statement if the Captain wishes it.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"A concise report," he replies as he rubs his chin and unconsciously goes in to teaching mode, "But what else? What were their number? How were they armed? What were their attitudes? What was said? How many of them went for their weapons? What were the people in the street doing? How did they react to what was said?"

[Yoritomo Choukichi]

When Uminushi requests more details, Choukichi offers them.

"There were six of them, two went to confront each of our guards, while two other approached me at teh door. They were armed with blades most of their warriors use... I do not know the name for them. None of them went for their weapons, but they were very upset and I believe they were prepared to do so if we did not cooperate. I could not see much past the them and the chariots to what was occuring outside the gate. They accused us of harboring an enemy of their kingdom when they were refused entrance, then requested that we hand over Jayant Utpal for questioning and claimed the Maharaja would appreciate our assistance in turning him over. The guards agreed that it should be done, so I entered the embassy to find yourself or another with teh authority to do so."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

That isn't quite everything. I prefer writing reports rather than giving them orally. I begin to clear my throat for what feels like a monumental task. I nodded at the Mantis' words before adding my own now that a more complete report was requested.

I glance briefly at the Mantis captain, checking I was permitted to answer in greater depth before beginning "As stated, there were 6 royal guard. Reasonably well organised and disciplined, well equipped. Yoritomo-sama has indicated their weapons and movements. There was a clear chain of command. Their attitude was at first impolite and dominant, bordering on hostile, but this was reduced to merely begrudging civility upon being reminded of their Lord's family's blood debts and the consequences of forcefully entering a Rokugani Embassy."

I take a moment to think back on roughly what was said and the order it was said. It is still fresh in my mind "As for what was said exactly... they were acting on the orders of the Maharaja according to themselves, at least they announced this. I did not detect falsehood in this. The guards outlined how entering without permission would be construed as an attack on Rokugani soil. From there they were questioned about Rokugan's honour - I believe, whether we knowingly harbor their enemies. This was when the guards countered with the blood debts of the Maharaja. From there, the Rhumaal armed men requested assistance in turning over Jayant - that he was wanted for questioning. From there, Yoritomo wisely saught to find someone able to handle this request. I do not recall any of them going for their weapons but it was not unforeseeable at the time - they were physically pushing back the guards afterall. The people in the vicinity were quick to clear the area. As they were not in sight I cannot tell you their reaction to this incident". I feel a little uneasy about speaking to such length

I take a breath before briefly adding "I think that is all that is worth reporting captain and answers your questions. I would humbly add, as you asked for other details, that their rushed manner of entrance, their knowledge of the survivor and their initially hostile attitude are worth considering. I would posit that our possession of Jayant...san was only recently learnt by them and something he knows or represents is important to them that they would respond so swiftly. From what I have seen ofthe town, there is a strong hierarchy. I believe they would not act on their own initiative so it is also likely either the Maharaja himself or someone very high ranking requested the action. Finally their attitude would imply that there is something to be punished or covered up or the like and that it is possibly almost as important as continued good relations with our Empire".

I offer a deep bow before chastising myself "my apologies for rudely speaking at such length and offering such small insight. I hope I have not caused offence captain". I have done one of three things. Overstepped my status and gone further than what was requested of me. Wrongly assessed the situation. Or possibly provided useful information. I step back allowing anyone else to add their own report.

[Togashi Kazuma]

I bow to the Captain. I don't have anything to add. I barely saw anything, and I'll not have my first impression marred by not having a grasp on the situation. There is a pending question that I would like to know though. "Would someone please tell me who is Maharaja? I'm afraid there was little to read on the subject of this squalid city."

Tomoe is beating herself up again. Anything is better than nothing. I'm still irritated that my training was interrupted. I wonder if she would teach me the grunt speak. Then again, I hope to be off this Fortune forsaken rock and back on the sea. I glance at my new Captain. I wonder what manner of person he is.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi nods to Choukichi when he finishes, giving the Mirumoto permission to speak with that same nod. If anything, the man looks amused by the depth with which Tomoe reports, left hand supporting his right elbow as he rubs his chin thoughtfully. He doesn't interrupt her, blue eyes sharp and watchful. She too receives a nod before his attention shifts to the Togashi... with a sword. His brows loft when the Dragon asks a question.

"Togashi-san, humor me," he replies with a smile, "I'd like your impressions regarding the situation without that knowledge."

[Togashi Kazuma]

"My impressions, Yoritomo-Captain?" I say looking into his eyes. Well, Mantis normally prefer blunt honesty. I hope that holds true in this situation."The Maharaja seems to be an arrogant gaijin. The rudeness of the guards suggests that he in turn shares some of their characteristics. One who leads tends to show those he leads how to act. If one's subordinates act in a rude and arrogant manner, one should not be surprised if one is viewed that way as well.

They demand another gaijin of whom we have no proof did any wrongdoing. Please humor my oddities about laws, Captain-sama, I've some Kitsuki blood. We have seemed to take it into our care. That places certain duties upon us. Compassion demands that we care for it. Though I do believe that there are those with a better grasp of the circumstances surrounding this than I. I will obey your commands."

I don't like sticking my nose into places it does not belong, but as long as it's there I may as well add my advice. I'd sooner pull anchor and be rid of this city, but if we must be here than I will do whatever duty I must. I don't like them, or this damn city. Still, there is much to learn here. I'd best be grateful for the chance.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Imperial law applies in the Empire and has few provisions regarding gaijin. They have their own laws, and by their laws he has done wrong," he points out with something close to amusement. A brow arches, "Disregarding the fact that this is outside our jurisdiction and doesn't even involve one of our people, what purpose does it serve for us to involve ourselves in their internal governance?

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I observe the exchange solemnly. Kazuma is quite relaxed around his superiors as always. Noting this I wait at attention in case the captain has any more questions or tasks. I glance at the normal guards. What did they think about events?