LordZell — Roleplayer Guild

The Dominion Embassy, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire

As James looked over the reports that had been coming in from the invasion of Earth he smiled. With the embassy already under construction and the soon to be conquest of the second imperium it seemed everything was coming up Dominion. However James knew he’d required allies within Musashi if the dominion is to gain further ground and as such had request to speak to Xiao and Itami.

After a while James was notified of their arrival he quickly allowed them entrance and put on his new mask. A pure gold mask with strange alien markings.

Two the Musashi officials were admitted into the room. One, dressed in a fine hanfu with a simple white mask decorated by lines of purple, bowed lowly as he introduced himself. “I am Xaio Zhi, the minister of the interior.”

“And I am General Itami” The other man, dressed in a hakama, bowed as well. His mask was made of a black stone or stonelike material, the eyes had been made to resemble those of a serpent. Both men seemed perfectly content to remove their masks before James.

“You said you wished to discuss your military technology, I believe” Xaio commented.

James smiled underneath his mask “Indeed I did, Minister and General. I had noticed that you use human soldiers in combat when that can easily be changed to Drone or robotic soldiers which would be just as useful and have far less casualties. It’s even the main bulk of Dominion forces.” James said as he looked to both of them.

Itami immediately perked up, only to attempt to hide his interest behind a mask of indifference. His attempts were very unlikely to succeed as Xaio simply raised an eyebrow as he looked at his companion. “That is… an interesting thought” Xaio commented after a moment. “Before we begin our conversation in earnest however, would you mind if my niece joins us? I’m trying to give her as much experience I can before she assumes an official role in the palace.”

James nodded “I think I’d be fine with that. Plus I’d like to get to know to the people of the court another one couldn’t hurt.” James said with a soft smile behind his mask.

“Thank you Conrad-dono” Xaio said. “Xiang-chan?” He said as he opened the door. “Would you care to join us?” He stepped aside to grant a young woman access to the room, closing the door behind him. She promptly removed her mask, revealing her fair features, before bowing.

“I am Xaio Xiang” She said. “Feel free to use my given name Conrad-dono.” Itami stared at her for a moment before shifting his attention back to James.

“You said you used robotics as the bulk of your forces” Itami said as Xiang gracefully walked to a chair and sat down. “How do you maintain control over them? How do you prevent someone from assuming control over them or from the robotic soldiers from rebelling on their own?”

James put his hand on the table before explaining. “Well the assault troopers are genetically engineered to have a squad of sorts that controls the drones around them. Usually that’s about 6-10 men. The drones however usually act on their own and work just as a normal soldier with maybe more maintenance than the average joe.”

“Interesting” Itami commented. “I have been pushing to augment our own troops with drones to help minimize losses in future conflicts, but…”

“Not many in the army high command are interested in utilizing drones or robots for warfare” Xaio finished. “It's not ‘honorable’ is what they usually fall back on. Or it's not reliable.”

Itami let out a long sigh as he said “I can’t exactly disagree with them. It isn’t all that honorable to kill a man while in the safety of a military base.”

James nodded “I understand it’s not honorable. However is it not better to save casualties in war and preserve your people and you culture while losing less life?” James asked

“It is a… heated debate within certain circles” Xaio stated after a moment.

“Heated?” Xiang said with a raised eyebrow. “Didn’t Takeda-dono try and have Itami-dono removed from his position over this very subject?” Xaio’s scowl elicited a half-hearted “My apologies uncle. I shouldn’t have brought that up.”

Itami let out a long sigh before saying “What she says is true. Takeda-dono fights against any proposal of the use of drones or robotics in general as if it was a fight for his very life. It has been especially… frustrating as of late. And central headquarters has generally listened to Takeda-dono more than myself.”

“By central headquarters I assume you mean Shoichi?” James asked “As he seems to be the only potential heir with military influence. I imagine if he becomes the emperor it’ll be war without end causing further casualties and losing the one true musashi people?” James made a small smirk hidden behind his mask

Xaio scowled. “Shoichi-sama” He placed extra emphasis on the honorific “Is not the only one with his fingers in the military. And you would be wise to refrain from speaking so bluntly about a prince of the Empire in the future. Not all are as forgiving as I am.”

Itami kept his expression carefully neutral. Xiang meanwhile watched the exchange with a look of amusement, although her face instantly went neutral the moment Xaio looked in her direction. After a moment Itami said “I am sure Shoichi-sama has only the best of intentions, even if I personally don’t agree with his aspirations. I am, however, a loyal servant of the Empire”

“Oh my apologies I meant Shoichi-Denka. If I may ask you all something personal. Who would you like to see on the throne?” James asked raising an eyebrow behind his mask.

“Who we want on the throne is irrelevant. Yuki’s ascension to the throne is inevitable” Xaio didn’t sound delusion, despite how his statement didn’t seem to account for reality. “She remains the official heir to the Empire as stated by the Imperial Court.” Itami simply closed his eyes and slowly nodded his head.

“Perhaps, though from what I’ve heard after the recent war with the confederacy Yuki-denka lost a rather large bit of influence. That is why Shoichi-denka and Saeko-denka have been doing much more than they had before the war and isn’t it the emperor’s choice who becomes the new emperor or empress. I don’t suspect he’d appoint one unless he believed they’d be trusted and liked enough by the men and women of the court and army such as yourselves?” James then began to lean back on his chair trying to study the three before him.

Xaio opened and closed his mouth a few times, not quite sure how to respond to James. Itami looked at Xaio with a raised eyebrow before shrugging. All eyes turned to Xiang when she burst out in laughter. “You certainly understand the basics of the situation” She said. “Yuki-denka’s influence is waning, fast.”

“Xiang…” Xaio’s voice held a hint of warning.

“Please uncle, Conrad-dono has certainly done his homework. He’s smart enough to realize that the Imperial Court’s officially stated heir hasn’t changed because certain people have wished it not to.” Xiang met Xaio’s scowl with a calm look.

Itami leaned towards Xiang and quietly said “That’s enough. You have spoken out of turn and beyond what your position warrants.”

James once again smiled underneath his mask. “Please, minister. Your niece here is correct I have done my research. By her openness I suspect she’ll be a fine politician.” James then took off his mask in front of the three before him. “Please I know that you, minister and the general are influential people. No matter what happens after there is a new emperor or empress. Depending who it is may not keep those jobs. Personally I know the Dominion would rather not have a hot-head like Shoichi-Denka on the throne. Also from my time here Yuki-Denka seems to be a waning power. It seems the most peaceful option would be Saeko-Denka she believe in the culture of Musashi as well as the need for friends.” James then gave a small smile “That is why I asked who you all supported to see if I could perhaps change them.”

“I… What?” Xaio seemed to freeze up. Xiang seemed quite surprised, raising a hand to hide her lower face and smile behind the sleeve of her hanfu.

“You are out of line!” Itami snapped as he rose to his feet. “How dare you interfere in our affairs!” He scowled at James before saying “This meeting is over.” And turned towards the door.

“I… can’t be seen talking to you.” Xaio said as he turned to follow Itami.

Xiang gave an exaggerated sigh before commenting “And here I wanted to talk about tariffs and trade.”

“Do as you like” Xaio said as he put his mask on. “But make sure you run any agreements by me.”

“Of course uncle” Xiang said as Xaio hurried to leave to. “I hope you understand that I’m not important enough to bother trying to convince.”

James simply shrugged “You may think that. But I myself don’t believe it. You’re an interesting one Xiang-san . Though, do you too care to be upset and leave in a mad rush. Even though you know I’m right.” James then looked towards the door. “I suppose not otherwise you would have left. So I assume you have some common sense.” James gave a small smile to the young lady.

“Or maybe I simply don’t care who takes the thrown.” Xiang said with a smile of her own. “Or perhaps I don’t have any common sense or intellect. Or maybe I just want to talk about those tariffs that much. Who can say?”

As James leaned forward his eyes looked towards his desk. “I’d prefer if you simply told me what you wish to talk about.” James said with a sigh before looking back at her.

“But where is the fun in that?” Xiang asked. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that proper ladies liked to keep secrets? Fine. Perhaps I could be convinced to spread word of Saeko-sama’s greatness, however I have to wonder what would be in it for myself.” She gave James a completely innocent look.

James chuckled “Oh in my time I know most women like to keep secrets. Though usually not for long.” James once again looked at Xiang “While that’d be interesting I see three problems. The first being I’m sure the General and Minister will be spreading word of this soon enough causing faith to be lost in myself and perhaps Saeko-Denka. The second being you’ve seemed to have acknowledge you’re not important enough to convince otherwise. And of course finally I’m not sure what a man in the dominion could offer you someone who seems devoute to Musashi. So please prove to me why I should even try.” James said with a raised eyebrow.

Xiang let out a soft chuckle. “Despite how much homework you might have done, you’ll never be as attuned to the political workings of my homeland, not like someone who was born into it. My uncle and Itami-dono wouldn’t dream of spreading word of this meeting. At least not to many people. That would harm her more than anything and they wish for her to ascend to the throne, even if they won’t say so. How would it look if the minister of the interior, arguably the second most powerful man in the Empire, went around telling people that Yuki-denka’s influence was so decayed that other countries sought to push her out of the running for the throne?”

“And what if someone else was to publically ponder if such allegations from the those two men were, in fact, a clumsy attempt to make Yuki-denka appear to be the victim?” Xiang asked. “Certainly it would raise an eyebrow if that person was a blood relative, if nothing else. You know what I find truly fascinating about those in power? Despite possessing all that power they are still dependent on others to give them information and advice. The Emperor relies on his ministers, who in turn rely on lower ranked court officials to help manage the empire. This makes one wonder, what if those court officials worked together to push their own agenda?”

James began to chuckle “I knew my assumption about you were correct. Although sometimes officials such as myself do their own homework.” He chuckled before continuing “But that’s besides the point. What you suggest however  would be interesting indeed…” James thought for a moment. “Yet aren’t the musashi people an honorable one because if the stories are true then how could they truly pushed their own agenda if they’d still have to answer their superiors I wonder?” James said as a smile crept to his face.

“In all places and at all times it is possible to find those who are motivated by fear, greed, lust, ignorance, self-righteousness, or an overabundance of nationalism” Xiang said. “Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, these individuals always seem to find their way into positions of power.” Xiang smiled at James. “Now I’m sure you are wondering which of those motivates me, no? Well perhaps for now we shall say greed. I will aid you if in return you promise to aid me in my ambition to become the prime minister of Musashi and should my efforts to aid you result in me being forced from Musashi your country would offer me both asylum and a position of power.”

James nodded “I think that is reasonable. However how am I an outsider supposed to make sure you become the next Prime Minister, especially when no one even currently has the title?”

“One could ask the same about helping Saeko-sama ascend to the throne.” Xiang said. “Support me when the situation calls for it. Seek to involve me in your dealings with Musashi. Help me excel in ways to ensure I’m noticed by those in power in a good way. Just don’t be blunt about it. It wouldn’t do for those in the government to think you wish to empower your own puppet.”

James nodded “Yuki is far to peaceful and Shoichi is far to war-like. Saeko is the only one that can truly help the dominion’s needs. As for you perhaps you can be my personal representative to the musashi people and help me in who to speak with next. That should certainly gain you something should it not. Unless you’d prefer something else?” James asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“I would be most pleased to serve as your liaison here in Musashi” Xiang said. “And as your liaison I would be remiss if I didn’t advise you to use honorifics at all times when referring to a member of the Imperial family.” She paused for a moment before adding “And I do need to return to my uncle with something to show from this lengthy ‘trade’ negotiation we are currently having.”

“Ah yes our trade negotiations perhaps you can propose a change and I’ll counter.” James gave a light chuckle

“Very well then.” Xiang said. “We are willing to drop our tariffs on raw materials from your country from thirty percent to five percent if you drop your tariffs on general goods from Musashi to ten percent.”

“Those are very shall we say interesting proposals. Xiang-san I believe those are reasonable terms. The Dominion always requires weapons for the vast military.” James smiled “ Xiang-San is there anything else that I should maybe know before we are done?” James asked as he once agained raised his eyebrow.

“I don’t believe so-” Xiang frowned as a thought occured. “Actually… It would be best if you steered clear of a woman who goes by the name of Kau Rong. She is a… devout retainer of Yuki-denka’s, but more importantly there is something…. Off about her. I’m not sure I can put into words an explanation that you find sufficient for this, but I hope you won’t take my warning lightly.”

James was confused for a second. “Kau Rong didn’t seem off when I first met her. Is there something known about her or just speculations?” James asked

“Her… relationship with the Imperial family is odd” Xiang seemed hesitant to speak on the subject. “I know someone who’s friend was an imperial guard. The imperial guard told me friend he had witnessed Kau Rong entering and leaving the throne room on several occasions. A few days later that imperial guard vanished into thin air. I… know this sounds like nothing more than rumors and gossip… but I just can’t shake the feeling that there is a hint of truth in those rumors.”

“I’ll be sure to keep my eyes out I suppose. Though if this is all then I shall see you soon. Though any suggestions on who I should speak to next or would you rather surprised me?” James smiled

“I’ll look into who will find your stance in this matter the most agreeable” Xiang said after a moment. “I suspect that you’ll find Takeda-dono sending a few feelers your way in the days to come. He is likely to support either Saeko-sama or Shoichi-denka. A gentle push is likely to commit him to one or the other. Something else to keep in mind is Admiral Lian. He is unlikely to support Saeko-sama, but his mere presence in the navy has thus far kept it from falling into line behind Shoichi-denka. It would be catastrophic to our plans if something was to happen to him at this point in time. I will also be identifying less influential people that may, in due time, become powerful enough to play a role in things to come. In short I’ll keep informed. Now then… Is there anything else I can help you with Conrad-sama” She placed extra emphasis on the honorific.

James thought for a few moments. “I don’t believe so. If you should need me for anything you’ll know where to find me.” He smiled

“That I do” Xiang said as she rose from her seat. She rendered a bow before placing her mask on. “I shall take my leave then Conrad-sama. Till we meet again.”

James merely smiled as she left thinking of the future this deal could result in. A rather wise move on James part or one that could backfire. Either way only time could tell.
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