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Post by aimway921 on Nov 8, 2020 12:54:22 GMT -5
Early morning on the island of Ryukyu, an unusual scene has been observed in the port city of Okinawa - an Inselni Wanderer has disembarked from a passenger liner. Nevertheless, the procedure was rather standard - any non-Odaru arriving on the Home Islands of Ashigawa is to be held for routine questioning to confirm the reason for their arrival. Almost as soon as the Inselni and their companions stepped off the pier onto the paved shoreline wall, they were approached by several uniformed Odaru, all armed with rifles - except for one, who had a pistol and a sword. "You are under temporary arrest by the Kempeitai until your identity is officially verified. Please do not resist and follow us," the officer in charge said.
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 8, 2020 19:07:19 GMT -5
"That's a hell of a way to greet someone," the Inselni barked in a half-laugh, their companions eyeing the officer and uniformed men. "Very well, routine questioning it is Please, lead the way." The Wanderer wore a rather sly expression, careful of the men- their clothing's distinct amount of details noted that they were no stranger to the outside world beyond the Elenria. Their companions looked worn from the journey, yet their eyes still carried a spark of alertness as they trailed behind the Inselni.
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 8, 2020 23:00:31 GMT -5
The group would be loaded into a black box truck. While not the most comfortable ride, it was better than being on their feet. It took them about 20 minutes to arrive at their destination. As they were let out of the truck, they'd see a nice quiet courtyard with walls all around, and several buildings, all in old Ashigawan style. Above the tallest building was a flag of the Empire.
The group would be led into one of the buildings, along some corridors, until they reached a room. Inside was a table and enough tables for each of them. On the other end there was a middle-aged Odaru man in a black suit.
"Welcome. My name is Hikodo. I would like to apologise for the harsh treatment you received when you were picked up," the man said, as everyone was seated. "I have been informed of who you are on your way here. Now, I still have to ask standard questions for our records. What is your name, reason for arrival, do you plan to visit other Home Islands, and how long do you plan on staying?"
After all the questions would be answered, Hikodo would write it all down in his file, before closing it and putting it to the side. He then leaned in to the table, folding his arms.
"I see you're not wearing the Kumosenkan Imperial Seal, which, as far as I'm aware, against your law. May I inquire why?"
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 9, 2020 0:11:31 GMT -5
The Inselni cocked their head, eyeing Hikodo with a wary eye, though the sly look remained plastered like a eerie porcelain mask. "Of course, sir. I am Hikva Aporiat. My companions are Epris Aikalva and Inbrim Isit. We are making a transit through two others of your Home Islands, a stay of around three days maximum here at Ryukyu.
Their strange grin seemed to widen at the mention of the plain pauldron and their disregard for Kumosenkan, teeth showing. "Honor is fickle, sir. I happen not to be bound to their oath of loyalty as so many of my kin are- I am more than happy to serve the Queen, even if that means breaking every single law that the Kumo have imposed."
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 9, 2020 2:45:39 GMT -5
If there was one fault to the Odaru, it was that it was hard for them to hide emotion. While his face remained as calm as ever, the sudden twitch of his fox ears and a slight wag in his tail gave away Hikodo's excitement at what he has heard. He then quickly looked up and behind the seated "guests" and nodded - at which the guards in the room have left and shut the door behind them.
"So you're a rebel now, are you," Hikodo said, looking back at the Inselni "It is just as I suspected. Doesn't really matter - it's not like we care about those spider abomination's laws. I must tell you, Mr. Aporiat, we might have a unique opportunity here. As you may know, due to Kumo's presence, Ashigawa has barely set foot on Touli. Tell me about the situation there. How are they treating you? And what do you personally think of it all?"
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 9, 2020 3:24:50 GMT -5
The Inselni's scaled eyebrow raised slightly in curiosity.
"Treatment?" Hikva burst out in a sudden barking laugh.
"Tell me, Mr. Hikodo. Does the homeless person enjoy being woken in the park bench with a policeman's baton to the skull? Do slaves kiss the braids of their owners' whips? No, 'treatment' is too kind for what they do. Torture, sadistic punishment is by far more accurate. They have drained my home of resources and the people of both their purses and dignity. They bleed daily for the benfit of the Kumo, paying exorbitant taxes and feeding the occupiers like fat, bloated swine. Our own soldiers and government, our own Queen forced to turn against us with rifle and bayonet. And when they are done-" the laugh turned hollow, draining away like an echo.
"They eat them. They eat my people on a silver platter, no less. Maybe in two hundred years they will be gone, and I will leave this memory behind as a silouette of past resentment, but until that day comes, I will bleed, my expedition will bleed, to see our home free again. You ask what I think of it all? I would not be able to show you the whole of the river of blood that they have spilled even if I brought you there. Still yet, I would not be able to show you the waiting lakebed that I wish to fill with theirs."
He sat back, eyes focused on Hikodo.
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 9, 2020 3:39:53 GMT -5
Hikodo's face went pale as the Inselni went on his rant, while his ears slightly folded to the back, and eyes widened. Compared to how Ashigawa treats it's own colonies, this was absolutely ruthless. As for the final part. Of course there were rumors that Kumo eat other sentient races, in the literal sense of the word - but to have confirmed just like that...
He had a hard time swallowing as his mouth went dry, before he finally spoke, regaining his composure.
"Well... If that is the case... I think you might be pleased to hear that we have an offer for you that will help you get back at the Kumo, and go a very long way, perhaps, even as far tipping the balance of Kumo and the Queen back to your favor."
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 9, 2020 11:41:31 GMT -5
The Inselni tilted his head, receptive. Their lower horns flicked, listening. "Oh? And may I inquire as to the nature of this assistance?"
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 9, 2020 11:51:50 GMT -5
"That is not my place to know or say. I'm merely the Chief Inspector of the Okinawa Kempeitai. My authority does not extend beyond this city," Hikodo said. "If you agree to this ordeal, and I mean -" Hikodo leaned in "with no backing out when you agree - I shall have special passes arranged for you. You will be put on an express ferry to the capital, Kyoto, where you will meet with a government official."
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 9, 2020 12:09:16 GMT -5
The Inselni narrowed his eyes, leaning towards his companions as they quietly conferred for brief moment before turning back.
"Very well, sir. We will agree to this... 'ordeal.' If it means the growth of our forces against the Kumo, then there is few price we would not pay. Please, Mr. Mikodo. Lead the way."
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 9, 2020 12:44:46 GMT -5
"I'm glad we could come to an agreement," Hikodo said as he stood up and bowed. "Please, wait here as I arrange the documents for you."
He then exited the room. A uniformed woman came in, bringing a tray with cups and several drinks - water, lychee juice, sake, as well as some onigiri rice balls as a snack, offering it to Hikva and his companions. Hikodo came buck with some booklets about 30 minutes later.
"These are special passes I have mentioned, "he said, as he handed one to each member of the Wanderer's party. "They carry the authority of Tagomi, the Foreign Relations minister. Please note that they only hold power on the Home Islands - you will not be able to use them in the colonies. Note the Sakura Flower insignia on the front page - businesses that have the same insignia shall provide you with free service - this includes food, housing and entertainment. All you need is present this pass as identification. In addition places with said insignia are generally the safest you can be at - they are all guarded, as many house important guests. In addition, these passes also grant you free transit on all public transport."
After all was said and done, the group would be led back into the courtyard. There waiting for them was, instead of the truck that brought them there, a black staff car. When all were seated, Hikodo came up to the open back door window where Hiva sat. "This car will bring you back to port. There, already waiting for you, is a specially arranged ferry that will bring you to the Capital at top speed. Should only take a couple hours. When you are stopped by the Kempeitai there - just as we have stopped you here when you first arrived - present the passes I gave you. They will know what to do. But the Kempeitai insignia on the ferry should be enough of a clue for them, plus they are informed of your arrival."
With that, the car departed. In about 20 minutes they arrived in the port, where they were dropped off almost directly at the pier with the ferry waiting for them. Once everyone was boarded, it set sail immediately. The weather on the sea was nice and warm, if not a bit hot, and the waters were calm. The summer was in full swing. Eventually the ferry pulled into the port, and, once the Inselni and his companions stepped off the boat - like clockwork - they were approached by the Kempeitai. The conversation however was different this time.
"You must be the special guest we are waiting for. Please, let me see your identification."
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 9, 2020 16:06:16 GMT -5
The Expedition dug into the food tentatively at first, but it was more than apparent that they were grateful for the refreshments, politely thanking the uniformed woman. The Inselni's curiosity was piqued at the apparent generous power bestowed by the passes, distributing them to his party.
The ride was cramped- the Crown humans stifled a laugh as the Inselni end up cramming his body in the back seat, forcing his head into his lap, horns sticking straight up while his wings blanketed the backseat, tail painfully tucked under.
The ferry ride was far more enjoyable- tying down their skirts and cloaks to their clothes, the group enjoyed the brief trip, happy to sit in the sun as they reached the shore.
As they were approached, they reached for their passes, recognizing the officer uniforms. "Here you are. I should believe it to be in order?"
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 9, 2020 17:11:51 GMT -5
The Kempeitai officer looked through the passes.
"I believe everything is good. Let's get going." As the Kempeitai were leading the Expedition through the busy port, he continued talking. "We have been informed of your... Discomfort... Riding our standard car. Unfortunately due to such a short notice we were not able to come up with anything better but borrowing a large horse-drawn carriage. It's quite more roomy than a car. Right this way."
Via the carriage, they have arrived at a rather big house on the outskirts of the city. They were greeted by a number of people who were obviously employed as servants. As they were being taken care of, led into the meeting chamber, they'd notice that the house looks rather rich, and seems to act both as a residence and as an office. There were a few Kempeitai posted here and there, but, noticeably, in much smaller numbers than the building they were questioned in on Ryukyu.
"Aijin-Sama will see you shortly. Would you like anything to drink while you wait?" one of the servants asked, as the Expedition were seated in cushioned chairs that were much comfortable than the ones they had to sit on in Okinawa.
Shortly after, some minutes after all the servants have left the room, the door opened, and in came a rather young Odaru woman. Contrary to what one might have expected based on the wealthy state of the building, she was wearing rather plain tan suit that was, in fact, somewhat similar in color and style to the Kempeitai's uniforms.
"Good afternoon, Aporiat-San, Aikalva-San, Isit-San," she said after laying down some documents she brought on the table, and bowing very slightly. "My name is Kondo Akane. I have been assigned de-facto ambassador of Ahigawa to the Queen of Elenria although, the existence of my position is not public." She then sat down herself. "You've made your position very clear when speaking to Hikodo - yes, I've already been informed of every little bit of that conversation - so I'll cut right to the chase. While our reasons may be different, I believe we share the same goal - the ousting of Kumosenkan from Elenria, and preferably from Touli in it's entirety."
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Post by StaolDerg on Nov 10, 2020 3:40:32 GMT -5
"The gesture is appreciated nonetheless," the Inselni replied, leading his party aboard the carriage.
They were surprised by the splendor of the building, but more by the servants- the majority of homes in the Elenria may very well resemble decades of patient construction and design, but they were so incredibly empty compared to the building they entered, though there was a point in the fact that is was government-operated. While comfortable on the cushions, the Elenrians found themselves sitting on the edges of their seats, feeling it would be impolite to lean back. They politely requested room-temperature water from the servant as they waited, murmuring amongst themselves in both curiosity and anticipation.
Hikva nodded at Kondo Akane's entrance, inclining his read in reciprocation. "Seeing as Wanderers traditionally preform the role of first contact, I am most happy to make your acquaintance. You are correct in that my Expedition is opposed to the occupation- though I assume there is more to this than the pleasantries of a mutual enemy, of course?"
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Post by aimway921 on Nov 10, 2020 4:24:00 GMT -5
"Indeed," Kondo continued. "We would like to support you in your struggle. Obviously the Greatferns would not receive any support - their human supremacist ways could be..." she said, as she ran her fingers along the edge of one of her fox ears, "quite detrimental to all of us. Now, since we're not ready for an open conflict just yet - our support can only be limited." Kondo opened one of the files and moved it towards Hikva. In it were photographs of various weapons and equipment - curiously to note, none of them were of Ashigawan design. "The Kumo rule has left you with severely outdated weaponry - we know that much. These can give you a significant edge in your skirmishes. We have many weapons of mostly modern design - some of them developed only a few years ago in the closing years of the Great War." She then turned the page, which displayed photos of tanks. "There is also a number of armored vehicles we could provide, although only light, and in limited numbers."
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