[Day 1 - Early Evening] Making an Impression, Koi Pond Area (RP thread)

[Asako Hikari]

Snip

"A great deal of locations. The Ide are caravaneers at heart still and so our training required us to go to many planets. I've been to Asakaze, the World of Dreams...I very briefly stayed at a station in orbit of Rokugan itself, various Mantis locales. All over really. I haven't had much occasion or need to visit Spider worlds or Crane ones, despite the economic opportunities. I think they prefer to have those with greater ties to the higher ups in the families deal with them."

He downs the rest of his sparkling water and hands over the empty flute to a nearby servant. "What about you, Yasuki-san? I presume that since you refer to me as otherworldly you don't have much intersystem trekking experience...but other Crab planets, perhaps?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

"A great deal of locations. The Ide are caravaneers at heart still and so our training required us to go to many planets. I've been to Asakaze, the World of Dreams...I very briefly stayed at a station in orbit of Rokugan itself, various Mantis locales. All over really. I haven't had much occasion or need to visit Spider worlds or Crane ones, despite the economic opportunities. I think they prefer to have those with greater ties to the higher ups in the families deal with them."

He downs the rest of his sparkling water and hands over the empty flute to a nearby servant. "What about you, Yasuki-san? I presume that since you refer to me as otherworldly you don't have much intersystem trekking experience...but other Crab planets, perhaps?"

Taraka took a bite as the Phoenix spoke of his travels.

"Well, yes, for my mandatory military service, I worked in the supply corps. Part of that was working logistics, but there was also piloting of supply transports. Each world does have it's own unique beauty, but the novelty does somewhat wear off after so many supply runs. And none of the planets we had shore leave on could hold a candle to Green Carp. Sure, there are bigger, mightier, more important worlds in our system, but Green Carp is my home." she offers.

[Agasha Sorato]

Umiko joined in Yakura's smile with a good-natured laugh. "The local weather is constantly warm, sunny, and idyllic. Of course, there's a bit of an underlying temper that pops up from time to time, as evident with the downpour this morning," she said apologetically.

There was a Public Works proposal to have an umbrella available everywhere but the test run of that plan had several umbrellas missing, even when the island had less visitors about.

"Of course, Yoritomo-san. I would very much appreciate the guidance and company if I ever get the opportunity. Perhaps when there is another customs and tax agreement that needs to be finalized?" Well, if the Mantis were the winners of the bid, there would be even more reason but she wasn't going to put that out there.

"Oh, Yasuki-san, do talk business with me." She replied with a soft purr. "I would love to show you my home..." And make sure you don't lose too much.

"That said perhaps I should convince some of my family to visit here, if the travel arrangements can be handled. I know father is a bit homesick at least. Perhaps my youngest brother could even join the Academy here..." She pondered. Her youngest sibling was still fairly young, only a few years old. Truthfully, she hasn't seen much of him ever since moving out here.

Yakura didn't have a lot to add on the natural world part..."I haven't really visited those areas, maybe once. They must have their own beauty." From her tone, it was obvious that she wasn't fond of that kind fo beauty...

"Though I do recall there is that old hotel out there, neh? The one that the Mantis worked on? Sort of..."

"An old hotel?" Sorato tilts his head a little, curious. "Did I miss that in the briefing file? My clan datasheet indicated tourism as a field for development in the Governor's long-term plan," he nods politely to Umiko, "but it only mentioned the ryokan in the city."

Of course, the briefing file he'd been sent didn't mention a floating Mantis casino either. Clearly it hadn't been particularly up-to-date. Or possibly the Atsumaru exec assistant preparing the file had been more interested in the island's botany and geology than its human occupants. That wouldn't be out of character, but it also wasn't ideal, considering that he was supposed had to get in good with the humans to get access to the botany--should it prove valuable, at least.

[Yasuki Umiko]

"It is a beautiful island," he agrees with the two women. "I was surprised to read that there were so many unmodified wild areas on a planet as developed as Green Carp." Not less so since the Crab aren't known for being among the Empire's most dedicated nature-lovers, he decides not to say. "Now I've seen it myself, I can see your past leaders must have appreciated the value of the natural world."

Yakura didn't have a lot to add on the natural world part..."I haven't really visited those areas, maybe once. They must have their own beauty." From her tone, it was obvious that she wasn't fond of that kind fo beauty...

"Though I do recall there is that old hotel out there, neh? The one that the Mantis worked on? Sort of..."

Umiko bowed in appreciation of the Phoenix's compliment to the island.

"Admittedly, there's some internal politics that plays into the landscape of the Green Carp. It's a bit complicated to say the least. The Crab Clan don't have many worlds as lush and vibrant as the Green Carp and we understand there's a lot of opportunity to be found here. While it is easy to strip the planet of its resources, there are so many discoveries to be made here, so that we can properly evaluate the planet's resources to better use. The wilderness is quite dense here, you see, we are gingerly going about it."

To say that the Crab were in a bid to 'tame' or 'battle' it didn't seem appropriate, especially when they had harsher worlds in their custody where they were literally actively trying to do that.

"And there are places such as Shiawase Island. Much some Crane worlds, there is value in cultivating beautiful locales such as this one. Many Crab are quite vested in keeping this world the way it is and becoming one of the shining jewels of the Empire."

She bobbed her head to the Yoritomo's comment, not having ventured out herself. "Yes...Plans of the hotel were shut down even before my father's reign on the island. I'm not too sure what happened there. To be honest, I can't imagine that place to be much of an attraction, especially when we have a viewing platform people can get to easily by ropeway."

[Susumu Ami]

snip

"Miya Kisha" replies the medialite. "A pleasure, Susumu-san."

She draws a breath. "Is that bergamot I smell? I don't remember seeing any around here."

"The pleasure is mine, Miya-sama." Ami bowed in deference, then tilted her head. "It is. A scent from one of the great perfumists on Whispers. Perfect for diplomacy, and making a statement. I brought a bottle, well two, one for the governor and her sibling. I'm sure it'll be politely put into a closet somewhere, but it was still offered to our hosts." She laughed a little to herself.

"I'm impressed you could pick it out. I personally enjoy the more floral note of lily of the valley in the perfume, but it is all such a wonderful bouquet." Before losing herself in the description, she looked to the eyes of the Miya.

"If I may be so bold. Is there anything that the Imperial families find particularly interesting with this jewel of a world?"

[Miya Kisha]

snip

"I wouldn't claim to speak for the Families as a whole," Kisha replies, "or even for the Miya alone. But my interest is in the potential here. There are things going on in this up-and-coming place, and the opportunity to break the stories being written here is too much to pass up. I've already been gathering content, even before making planetfall, and there's just more and more to see, more and more to show the Empire!"

Her enthusiasm has to be clear from the tone, the way she almost bounces, giddy, at what she discusses.

"But you'd talked about perfumes. Is that where your skills lie, Susumu-san? In the magic of bottled scent?" Kisha asks, although her attention is diverted by a passing plate of some small pastry. It is only a momentary thing, though, and her eyes soon return to the Spider woman.

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Her name is Soshi Kioku. She is the one who oversees the drakes." He responded. "Including Goldwing."

"Thank you so much."

She took a moment to record the information on a slate.

"And Goldwing - that is your child-drake? Are they all golden colored? Do the color patterns vary?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"I saw drakes of many different colors." He answered. "Red ones. Green and blue ones. Gold ones. And, more!"

[Asako Hikari]

Taraka took a bite as the Phoenix spoke of his travels.

"Well, yes, for my mandatory military service, I worked in the supply corps. Part of that was working logistics, but there was also piloting of supply transports. Each world does have it's own unique beauty, but the novelty does somewhat wear off after so many supply runs. And none of the planets we had shore leave on could hold a candle to Green Carp. Sure, there are bigger, mightier, more important worlds in our system, but Green Carp is my home." she offers.

"Ah, we have no such thing in Phoenix lands...though perhaps it would be wise. I believe an old saying was, 'To seek peace, be prepared for war'. Many would do much to protect their home as even the staunchest pacifist can be pushed too far."

As she further describes her duty, Hikari nods. "I do miss home sometimes. I can still remember the smell of rains rolling across the mountains and the soft buzz of the forest in the valley below...alpine slopes dusted with snow in the early winter and herds of deer traversing the lands to feast upon lichens." A soft sigh escapes him as his eyes lid, trodding the paths of memory before eventually they open once more. "But do not let me bore you with this, Yasuki-san."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"I saw drakes of many different colors." He answered. "Red ones. Green and blue ones. Gold ones. And, more!"

"Ah! That sounds so beautiful. All the more reason to wish to visit!"

"Were you there - Dream - filming an episode of your show with Detective?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka took a bite as the Phoenix spoke of his travels.

"Well, yes, for my mandatory military service, I worked in the supply corps. Part of that was working logistics, but there was also piloting of supply transports. Each world does have it's own unique beauty, but the novelty does somewhat wear off after so many supply runs. And none of the planets we had shore leave on could hold a candle to Green Carp. Sure, there are bigger, mightier, more important worlds in our system, but Green Carp is my home." she offers.

"Ah, we have no such thing in Phoenix lands...though perhaps it would be wise. I believe an old saying was, 'To seek peace, be prepared for war'. Many would do much to protect their home as even the staunchest pacifist can be pushed too far."

As she further describes her duty, Hikari nods. "I do miss home sometimes. I can still remember the smell of rains rolling across the mountains and the soft buzz of the forest in the valley below...alpine slopes dusted with snow in the early winter and herds of deer traversing the lands to feast upon lichens." A soft sigh escapes him as his eyes lid, trodding the paths of memory before eventually they open once more. "But do not let me bore you with this, Yasuki-san."

Taraka finished her skewer, depositing it on a tray provided for such.

"Ah, well, I have to admit that is one thing we don't have here on Green Carp, Asako-san. Snow. It's one things to read poems about it, but experiencing it first hand on some shore leaves...that was definitely memorable. But I'm given to understand that it's best appreciated in short bursts like that. I've heard on some planets that is an all-year round thing. It might be a bit hot on Green Carp, but I prefer heat year round to cold year round." she commented.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"The show is on hiatus until the studio decides which direction yo take next." He shook his head. "We've been on a concert tour and are taking a break before continuing that. I was one the World of Dreans seeking new sponsors to extend the tour."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"The show is on hiatus until the studio decides which direction yo take next." He shook his head. "We've been on a concert tour and are taking a break before continuing that. I was one the World of Dreans seeking new sponsors to extend the tour."

"A concert tour? Oh! Do you two perform together as well as act? Was your show a musical? I know it was - is! - wildly popular. Please don't take my ignorance as anything but proof I've been rather off-grid re-enacting a world without mass media."

"Detective, do you sing? Dance?"

[Asako Hikari]

Snip

"When you grow up amongst it, you don't mind...but I'm afraid that I would much prefer to be cold. I can always add layers to remain comfortable, but I can only remove so much and not scandalize my fellows if I were to become too hot." He gives a playful wink and smile before idly rolling a shoulder.

"Do tell me if I'm keeping you from any other interesting conversation, by the by."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

The Detective began to dance.

"It's quite alright." Kiyoshi chuckled. "The Detective and the Mystery 5, and the variations that followed, were Minor Clan produced for Minor Clan distribution. It has a following, but it's not as well known as Great Clan productions."

"The original premise was that a monkey spirit gathered five Minor Clan samurai to investigate spiritual threats. The Mystery 5 traveled as an idol group, as they searched for dangerous spirits."

[Yasuki Taraka]

"When you grow up amongst it, you don't mind...but I'm afraid that I would much prefer to be cold. I can always add layers to remain comfortable, but I can only remove so much and not scandalize my fellows if I were to become too hot." He gives a playful wink and smile before idly rolling a shoulder.

"Do tell me if I'm keeping you from any other interesting conversation, by the by."

Taraka chuckled at that.

"Quite the conversational trap you're laying there, Asako-san. Now I can't go without seeming rude and I can't stay without assuring you the conversation is interesting." she said, choosing the third route.

"I'm content to chat with you until the party is over and we disperse, or to bid you farewell as you go off to mingle with other guests. The choice is yours, Asako-san."

[Asako Hikari]

Snip

An soft chuckle comes from Hikari and he raises his hands in mock defeat as if he had been caught. "Yasuki-san's sensei must have lavished you with praise for your insightful understanding...but that was not my intention. I've been thoroughly ensnared in your conversational claws. Must be careful not to get snipped." He offers a bit of a conspiratorial smile and then nods.

"After we do depart from the party, might I send a call along to continue our conversation over some dinner at a later date? One of the awful restaurants you seem to know so much about. I've dined with Moto, so my standards for awful are particularly high, mind you."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Snip

An soft chuckle comes from Hikari and he raises his hands in mock defeat as if he had been caught. "Yasuki-san's sensei must have lavished you with praise for your insightful understanding...but that was not my intention. I've been thoroughly ensnared in your conversational claws. Must be careful not to get snipped." He offers a bit of a conspiratorial smile and then nods.

"After we do depart from the party, might I send a call along to continue our conversation over some dinner at a later date? One of the awful restaurants you seem to know so much about. I've dined with Moto, so my standards for awful are particularly high, mind you."

Taraka grinned.

"You know, they say you can't appreciate the best until you've experienced the worst. Why not make it two dinners? I'll treat you to the very worst I can find, and in return, you treat me to the very best you can find?" she offered.

[Otomo Koroshi]

Yes . . . I can see how you got on with Ta-kun.

Now convinced no secret Seppun would leap from the ornamental borders to apprehend him for defacing Imperial Property . . ie an Otomo forehead, Ki-kun managed to return the pen without fumbling it.

"I'm sure Ta-kun would have been very happy to sign yo . . . sign for you. He's always loved the fan interactions."

"He was very kind, and always willing to talk!" Koroshi agreed with the Kakita with energy.

"But now I fear I have taken up too much of your precious time. Please forgive me, and take my number that we could schedule another time to speak longer? What are your thoughts on bungee jumping?" The Otomo produced a hot pink card from inside his jacket with a flourish that was highly practiced.

[Kakita Haruhi]

The Detective began to dance.

"It's quite alright." Kiyoshi chuckled. "The Detective and the Mystery 5, and the variations that followed, were Minor Clan produced for Minor Clan distribution. It has a following, but it's not as well known as Great Clan productions."

"The original premise was that a monkey spirit gathered five Minor Clan samurai to investigate spiritual threats. The Mystery 5 traveled as an idol group, as they searched for dangerous spirits."

She clapped enthusiastically for Detective.

"Ah, how wonderful! I would love to see you two perform together. Detective must be remarkably intelligent and disciplined to be able to perform professionally, I had to resort to drone songbirds to be confident of the outcome."