The story so far [Day 6, Evening]

[Akodo Jishaku]

Akodo Jishaku wasn't entirely sure that 'Advisor to the Captain' was an appropriate title, but he was going to try his best this evening. Two days of digging around had turned up some interesting information that he wanted to share before the situation became even more dire. So, with an oiled satchel of books he had borrowed from the palace library, Jishaku moved through the Embassy looking for his Captain.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

The Captain was listening to a report from a young Mantis woman in the library. It was oddly bare. The two look up when the Lion enters, the Mantis' brows arching, "You have something for me Akodo-san?"

[Akodo Jishaku]

Jishaku bowed respectfully to his Captain, with a slightly shallower bow for his guest. "Hai Captain, there are a few matters I have been investigating since our appearance in court. I would like to report my progress so far."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

The young woman pauses and quietly excuses herself before Uminiushi points towards a table set with tea and surrounded by cushions, "Let's see if it's still hot and you can tell me what you've discovered."

[Akodo Jishaku]

Jishaku nods and follows the Captain to the table, waiting for him to sit before taking a seat himself. He places the bag at his side and removes the contents, being the books he had borrowed from the library. Then he reaches into his kimono and removes a set of notes, written in his own, functional script.

"I have been using the freedom of access to the palace to investigate their library Captain. I was looking around for anything that might provide us with more information on that ship they seem so loathe to do anything about."

He slides the Ivory Kingdoms Treatise on military warfare across the table after opening it to the page with the correct flag.

"That ship is definitely one of House Rafiq's, and our hosts know it."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi frowns and rubs his chin, "Are you sure they know this...?"

[Akodo Jishaku]

He nodded seriously. "Certain Captain. Jayant Utpal confirmed it to me this afternoon. Apparently the Maharaja's chief advisor, Devadas Indrani of House Pandavah, has counciled against the ship's destruction. He seems to think they should wait for the timebeing. Something about it being a trick to determine the strength of the City, though I would have thought that leaving it unmolested was a clear sign of weakness. "

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"... lovely," he mutters as absently yanks his hair, "And they think me mad. Do you have any idea how well-armed it is? I would hate to have someone tailing us when we leave."

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Hai Captain. The vessel belongs to...this class of ship." He flicks through the book on the Ivory Kingdoms' navy and opens it to the page that describes the vessel with beautiful illustrations and accompanying text. "30 years ago the flag flying on this particular ship was used by one Harimad Pashtal, kshatriya of House Rafiq. The Pashtals, it turns out, were a merchant house long suspected of piracy. Regardless of who Captains it now the locals clearly know it to be a House Rafiq ship. When I observed it this morning there was the usual deck activity you would expect for a vessel of its size."

He gives the Captain a run down of the armaments that he had observed directly, as well as estimates of speed and maneuverability taken from the books he had read.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"I think, if we are to act, that we do this quietly and at night," he muses as he examines the layouts, "Kaimenko-chan can probably raise up a good fog for us. Do they have a set guard...?"

[Akodo Jishaku]

"I would need to check in with Moshi-gunso and Daidoji-sama to be certain, Captain." He pauses a moment before continuing. "I also found references to a fleet of House Rafiq ships under the command of the 'Daughter of Pashtal' during the Spirit Wars that supposedly escaped the conflict that took place here. It could be coincidence of course but I brought the books anyway. I am sure Jayant Utpal said there were multiple ships that attacked his own."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Well, we might as well ask him mmm?" he looks to the young woman, "If you could get me our little go-between Keiko-chan?"

She blushes and bows, "Of course," before slipping out of the room to find Jayant.

Uminushi turns back to the Akodo, "I agree that the ship does need to be taken out, but I'm reluctant to put all the risk on our people... perhaps this will be the time to push them a little, neh?" A grin crosses the man's face, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

[Akodo Jishaku]

A smile creeps onto Jishaku's face. "Hai Captain. I believe our go-between is very keen for such a push."

[Jayant Utpal]

It only takes a few minutes for Keiko to come back in, the gaijin not far behind. Jayant peeks into the room first, looking at everyone there before he steps in completely. The Rhuumali looks more cautious now than he usually does as he turns his gaze on Umi. "Your servant said you wished to see me."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Come, sit... have tea, or do you prefer kava?" the Mantis asks jovially.

[Akodo Jishaku]

Hmm, if that kava stuff is as effective as they say I might have to try it myself one of these days. He gave Jayant a light bow as he approached them.

[Jayant Utpal]

The jovial nature of Umi does little to ease the Rhuumali's caution as he sits down with the pair. "Kava. Please." He glances over to the Akodo, then back to Uminushi. "What did you wish to see me about?"

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

The Captain cheerfully starts to pour for the gaijin, making sure to top off his own cup as well as the Lion's. "Akodo-san, since you brought this information to my attention, I'll let you spearhead this discussion and proposal. I'll drop in my two zeni when appropriate."

[Akodo Jishaku]

"You honour me Captain." Jishaku looks back at the Captain for a moment to make sure he wasn't joking, before returning his gaze to the gaijin.

"I am no courtier Jayant Utpal, ward of House Pavandah, so I will simply get to the point. We both know that an enemy sits in the midst of Lanka's port. Not only do we know, your Maharaja knows. The great Devadas Indrani, of House Pandavah, has counciled that your people must bide their time before attacking. Yet the longer you wait, the closer the enemy comes to your gates."

He pauses to take a sip of the drink before continuing. His eyes bulge ever so slightly, and he focuses on the cup in his hand for a moment. "That is an...interesting drink." Another few moments, another sip, and he continues.

"Your people have asked mine for assistance. In the spirit of cooperation we propose a joint strike, to destroy the enemy in our midst."

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant listened carefully, nodding in agreement several times. But it was clear he'd figured out pretty early on where this was going. "Though I do not know honorable Devadas Indrani's reasoning, he did say the time would soon reveal itself. If this is not such a time, I do not know what is. I will speak to the council of this idea and do my best to see them join with you in this effort."