[Day 2 - Late Afternoon] Captain's Navigation Training

[Akodo Jishaku]

The Lion simply gives the Scorpion a bright smile. "Yes, having more information is always preferable Bayushi-san. However I do not believe that attempting to lure an enemy whose strength is unknown into a trap, by splitting our forces, is a particularly sound strategy. I agree that we need to investigate further, but I disagree with your suggested strategy for doing so." He taps the maps. "We have information on potential ambush points, influenced by the currents and islands in this part of the sea, and given that we have seen no sign of the enemy save the wreckage of those ships, we likely still have the advantage that they do not know we are in the area. Unfortunately we do not know the disposition of their forces. Therefore it would be more prudent to take defensive formations while we investigate with our full fleet, rather than be separated by a sudden shift in the weather and cut up piecemeal."

[Usagi Zenko]

Zenko looks up at the map, and then to the Captain. "Captain-sama...where's the closest port that these ships that were wrecked are likely to have come from?"

He gestures to the wreckage. "I don't know how strong these gaijin are in their sailing or their fighting, but the wreckage likely means they had a few ships. Some of the wreckage is likely from whatever force attacked them...although is it possible that they were attacked by anyone from the Empire?"

He frowns. "My main worry isn't about what force could or could not be around us waiting to attack, but about if where we're going will be friendly enough for us to survive going there."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Lanka is the closest port. The Ivory Kingdoms are just as keen about keeping their waters pirate free as we are. By the markings, the ships that got sunk were from their navy, so it's unlikely that it's their own" Uminushi's hand moves out to tap the location on the map. It was roughly a day or so out, take or give a few hours. "It's highly unlikely that it's any of our ships. It's too early for either the Kasuga or the Mantis to be out and I'm the only one cleared by the Admiralty to run this route this time of year.

[Usagi Zenko]

He nods at this. "And Lanka is supposed to be a friendly port, yes?" He frowns, thoughts going on in his head, none of them from any training as a tactician.

"Assuming such could be disastrous. If we are able, our approach to the port should be similar to those you've likely done in the past, in case it is still friendly, as it seems like a mistake to turn a friend into an enemy, this far afield. But if there is a way to see if it is safe to approach the port and not be trapped there by a force attacking it, or if the port is under siege, then that seems to me the best way to go forward."

He looks to the map, and points towards land, let say north of the port. "Would it therefore be wise to attempt landfall north of the port, so that the fleet does not sail into what could be a trap? Allowing thusly for scouts to be sent and return with information on whether it is yet safe to sail into the port?"

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Nobuyoshi shrugs at the Lion's assessment.

"Neither numbers nor local knowledge seemed to save the now sunken ships, Akodo-san." Nobuyoshi replies. "Having the Half Moon and the Orochi's Wake serve as scouts for the rest of the flotilla is dangerous. However, if it's truly something we cannot face regardless of our number, then spacing out the fleet somewhat makes some sense. It's easier to spot four ships sailing along, than one ship sailing alone. If worst comes to worst, the spotted ship would be lost, but would hopefully get off a signal to the rest of the fleet to sail as quickly to port as they could, while they tied up the attackers."

"If we all stay together, we either all survive, or we are all lost. If we scout out, there's a possibility of a third option where at least some of the flotilla makes it away with information."

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Or the scout ship doesn't manage to get a signal off and the other three sail into a trap.[/quote] He also shrugs and sits back. [color=#FF4000]"I suggested a similar strategy to the one you proposed here a few days previously Bayushi-san. The problem here is not the scouting strategy per se but the variability of the terrain. Sudden squalls and so on. I would argue that keeping the fleet together enables your third option as well, but means that a sacrificial play can be more of a choice and less of a necessity." He smiles and gestures to the maps and the pieces. "But it is good to discuss such things in a place like this, where ideas and opinions can be shared before the problem in question becomes a reality."

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

"With an experienced captain overseeing the conversation, and all we risk is looking foolish rather than multiple lives? It does certainly make the already interesting topic of naval battle even more pleasant." he offers in his normal flat tone of voice.

"At least we agree on key points, that a defensive formation in the beginning is wise, and more information is needed."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi chuckles at the Hare's suggestions and shakes his head. He doesn't reply yet, but listens to the discussion between the Scorpion and the Lion. Finally the man speaks, rubbing his chin with a look of amusement on his face.

"All three of your tactics are sound, but it isn't enough when sitting in command to consider what ships you have at your disposal. You must also remember the skills your people have to offer," he pauses to let that sink in before asking mildly, "Would you gentleman like to add anything to your strategies?"

[Usagi Zenko]

Zenko turns to look at Junpei. "Perhaps Isawa-sama could provide some information?"

[Akodo Amuro]

It is not like there is a forest to hide in. the older Akodo finally says gruffly. We have at least one if not multiple ships with shugenja that can take to the air, and likely send short messages with the kami as well, so unless there is something preventing their prayers from being answered here, and if there was you would think they'd have mentioned it... they can easily scout from a distance up and easily report what is seen. He crosses his arms. Add up on top of that, all the ships in our group are roughly the same size and speed profiles, that would makes scouting a far different affair than on land, it is not like one ship can range ahead behind and to the sides and back at the same pace the rest of us are moving. There is no need to split the fleet for a scouting vessel.

[Isawa Junpei]

Zenko turns to look at Junpei. "Perhaps Isawa-sama could provide some information?"

It was a reflex when bushi began to speak about strategy and tactics for him to simply tune them out. The purview of warriors was war, after all, and a shugenja's interests lay elsewhere, thus he'd busied himself continuing to look over the maps quietly. He wasn't exactly sure where they were along the coast, but guessing he started thinking about how far away from shore they were, how close they were to these islands that the current took them close to, and where they might go next in the area.

At the mention of his name Junpei's head perked up, "Hmm?"

[Usagi Zenko]

"How far, fast and long are you able to ride the winds? You seem well able to stay with the ships as we move along." he asks, curious.

[Isawa Junpei]

"A curious question, I never thought about it. It has much to do with the winds. About the ship there is a current that allows me to stay in place. Were I to leave, it would be a matter of finding a trade wind or westerly I suppose. My gift, though, is as constant as walking, and I've spent many days without my feet touching the ground, from sun up to well into the night. My only limitations are those of the body, I cannot remain aloft while sleeping. If it is a message you wish to convey, however, I can summon up a servant of kaze-no-kami to take your message up to perhaps 240 li* or so."

*80-ish miles

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Nobuyoshi ponders this.

"We do have a goodly number of shugenja aboard, I'm not certain how much the rest of the flotilla possesses. " Nobuyoshi offers. " Those talented with the Air kami would be most helpful as they can send messages, fly, or even provide a handy means of hiding our presence with illusions."

"I believe water shugenja, in addition to be excellent healers, can have some talent with movement as well. We're surrounded by the ocean, they may well be able to do something impressive with that much of their element about them."

"And any shugenja could simply ask the kami what happened here. It may not be admissible as court evidence, but it's still good to know what happened."

[Usagi Zenko]

Zenko nods. "Thank you Isawa-sama."

He nods to the Bayushi's thoughts, not having any more of his own uncovered so far.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

The Yoritomo's voice was bland with humor, "We're not investigating a crime, we're scouting Bayushi-san."

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

The Yoritomo's voice was bland with humor, "We're not investigating a crime, we're scouting Bayushi-san."

Well let's see if we can mix some 'enthusiasm' with 'respect' Nobuyoshi ponders.

Nobuyoshi gives a deep respectful bow to the Captain.

"Of course, Captain. he offers politely. "One could draw parallels between the two as in both cases, people have died, and we seek to establish who they are, where they are, what they are capable of, and where they'll strike next. "

"One might further recollect that the reason that the testimony of the kami is invalid in court is because it is possible to mislead them. If one is completely uncertain about the capabilities of a nebulous enemy, one cannot discount the possibility that they too can mislead the kami."

"But such parallels and recollections may only be appropriate when discussing hypothetical tactical problems, and only if such was approved of by the person of highest status present."

[Akodo Amuro]

The older Akodo mentally facepalms as the Scorpion prevaricates.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi simply smirks, fingers drumming out a light tattoo against the wood of the table.

"Are you suggesting then that any information garnered via the kami be ignored?"

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Nobuyoshi shakes his head.

"Not at all, Captain." Nobuyoshi offers. "I'm merely keeping in mind the limitations of priestly aid. If everything could be answered with a single prayer, why have scouts in any engagement?"