<AndrewRogue> We shall pick up on the same day as Lady Akeha's departure. Are there any particular orders of the day you have to make sure of in your normal beauracratic affairs, Vol?
<Soppy> He has his routine, morning at the docks, afternoon in the office, visit the refugees, merchant district before dinner, office again at night. He won't really go out of his way to do anything special yet, and will use this to test his apparatus as it stands to see if it holds under the stress.
<Soppy> Not having to meet Akeha for her morning and nightly report frees up some time, but he will probably use the night slot for a joint meeting with Aiko and Hana.
<AndrewRogue> Then let us go a bit through the day. In the morning, the docks bustle as normal, fishers prepping for their days, merchants beginning the loading and unloading of goods.
<Soppy> Excellent! So far, so good!
<AndrewRogue> The faint fingers of fog burn off as the day progresses. All reports indicate that things are about as busy as expected.
<AndrewRogue> So apparently the rumors of Nine Rivers being a monster infested hell on Creation are vastly overrated.
<Soppy> Woo
<AndrewRogue> To the office. Your subordinates/compatriots/paper pushers are busy looking over various legal documents, crunching numbers, doing all that sort of stuff.
<AndrewRogue> However, one of the younger staff members will call for your attention. He's a plain boy, a little hard to remember. Hiroe, maybe?
<AndrewRogue> "Master Vol? May I have a moment of your time?"
<Soppy> "Yes, Hiroe?" he looks to him, name coming to mind immediately. It's not a huge office. "What's on your mind?"
<AndrewRogue> "I apologize for taking your time, but I wished to speak with you regarding the... refugees."
<Soppy> "That's alright. What is the issue?"
<AndrewRogue> "While I do not wish to question Tetsuzuru-san's civic mindedness or your own expertise, Master Vol, I fear the impact that this sudden influx of people is going to have on our economic safety. The contract you have established with them is quite generous, and we will be funneling a great deal of resources to them to help them establish themselves."
<AndrewRogue> "We are essentially bringing on beggars with the hope that they will both be able to repay an immense kindness through, again, our efforts. We must shelter them and carve out a niche for them in the same strokes."
<AndrewRogue> "What if the rumors of the trouble in Nine Rivers are true and trade dries? What if our coming harvests are disasterous? What if a dragon should swallow the fish in our river?"
<AndrewRogue> "There are a hundred curses that could befall us, and we leave ourselves all the more vulnerable now."
<Soppy> "It's a fair point to make, Hiroe. A calculated risk, admittedly. However, it is just the kind of kickstart the Inaban economy needs. The only drought we've suffered recently is in terms of population, if the figures I've seen can be trusted. Trade stagnated either on purpose, due to Suizasho's policy, or the indolence or ineptness of previous administrations. An influx of population can both benefit our town's economy once they get
<Soppy> on their feet, as well as assist in making our town a more desirable stop for trade traffic. The use of the long stored materials already creates a demand for replacement material the town can fill. The food is a concern, as always, but we've been tracking alternate suppliers from trade prices in case it becomes necessary to import food. A plan for the new worst case scenario is being developed, but let's not give in to our panic
<Soppy> so soon, shall we, Hiroe?" he smiles reassuringly to him
<Soppy> roll 11#d10
<Tarubot> Soppy rolled : 11#d10 --> [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=5 ]{5}, [ 1d10=2 ]{2}, [ 1d10=5 ]{5}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=1 ]{1}, [ 1d10=10 ]{10}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=5 ]{5}, [ 1d10=10 ]{10}
<AndrewRogue> The young man looks askance for a moment before bowing. "I suppose that is reasonable, Master Vol. I still have my concerns, but I shall defer to your expertise for the time being."
<AndrewRogue> "Thank you for your time. I shall have the sales reports ready by this evening."
<Soppy> "Of course. Do keep vigilant on the numbers, though. If you have specific concerns in the future, don't hesitate to inform me."
<AndrewRogue> "Of course, Master Vol."
<AndrewRogue> Everything else seems reasonably in order at the office. Onto the refugees?
<Soppy> Sure
<AndrewRogue> Tora is having a conversation with a red-headed woman at the time of your arrival, but he breaks it off with a polite nod as he catches your approach. "Ah, the master of the contract arrives!" He says with a smile.
<Soppy> He smiles in greeting to them both as he approaches, noting the red head's presence again at Tora's side. "Greetings, Master Tora. And who is this lovely lady?"
<AndrewRogue> She bows ever so slightly. "Subaki, Master Vol. One of Rishi's readers."
<AndrewRogue> Her Forest-Tongue is heavily accented, but not too difficult to understand.
<Soppy> "Ah yes. I recall him speaking of you. It is good to meet you finally." he bows back. "So it sounds like you have something for me already, Tora?"
<AndrewRogue> She smiles brightly and excuses herself.
<AndrewRogue> "Hm? Ah. Yes. I have been involve in interminable discussions with the others determining our particular needs and how they might be best met. While I would have rather discussed our housing arrangements, artists will be artists and they are most eager to get back to work."
<AndrewRogue> "And I must say, I now have at least 6 different concepts for an ampitheatre near the docks. I suspect this open air concept will best serve both our purposes. For what little I know of architecture, at least."
<Soppy> "Yes! I recall that. As I promised, I have discussed the issue with the local inns and craftsmen, and have a list prepared. It is a shorter list than I had hoped, but it should help to bring some money into your coffers. Particularly if they can be flexible." he fishes a piece of paper out of his robe and hands it over with the ten or so requests for singers, painters, and other trades
<Soppy> "I see. You have architects in your midst too? I should have suspected as much. Surely we can whittle down the numerous plans to something workable though." he nods
<AndrewRogue> He shall trade you a sheet with some rough concepts to be delivered to your local builders as well you and Lady Akeha. "Dilletantes, at least. I suspect we can defer to the grand expertise of your people." He scans the paper you delivered him. "I can see to it that we cover all this work satisfactory. I shall put out the call tonight."
<Soppy> "Excellent. Hopefully the limited number of slots won't cause infighting amongst you for the time being. But I suspect if you perform as well as your reputation has preceeded you, more work will come."
<AndrewRogue> "Ah, which reminds me." He fishes and delivers another piece of paper to you. "I believe you requested a list of those among us who might be able to imitate your local crafts?"
<Soppy> "Indeed." he takes it and scans it quickly, chuckling. "Nothing by halves, I suppose."
<AndrewRogue> "They should all be capable of doing the work, though they would need time to study it and make their final assessments, of course."
<Soppy> "So if I am to understand the meaning of this poem, you have no one availible?"
<Soppy> He speaks at almost the same time as Tora, and is a little caught off-guard.
<AndrewRogue> Tora blinks. "What?"
<Soppy> "Oh. You may have handed me the wrong piece of paper." he smiles gently and hands it back to him
<AndrewRogue> Tora takes it back and looks it over, frowning. "...ah. I do appear to have done that." He shall riffle back through the mess in the crux of his arms and makes a face as he jams the paper back into it. "I... will deliver the list to you later. My apologies."
<Soppy> He chuckles. "It is okay, Tora. It is admirable you follow in your mother's footsteps as much as you have walked down the martial path. Suizasho actually has a tradition of warrior poets. I would highly recommend you check the local bookstore for their works."
<AndrewRogue> He offers a somewhat lopsided smile. "Perhaps when we are better settled I shall have the time to investigate the works of Suizasho, but other matters are more important right now."
<Soppy> "Of course. Our masters have both so irresponsibly left town in this important time, and thusly goes our leisure time." he chuckles. "Was that poem for the lady, perchance?"
<AndrewRogue> "Master Vol, a poet writes a poem for the sake of the art. It belongs to no individual." He offers a more genuine smile. "Besides, did that read as a poem intended for something like courtship?"
<AndrewRogue> "It was merely an exercise to take my mind off our current difficulties that, unfortunately, was written at the self-same desk on which I have been conducting business. An apt metaphor for the trials of attempting to mix work and pleasure, perhaps?"
<Soppy> "From a certain point of view. But I'll digress. If you should require a change of scenery, I would not mind hosting you at the office and introducing you to the local bureaucracy. To help build bonds of trust, of course."
<AndrewRogue> He bows. "I appreciate the offer, Master Vol. Is there anything else I might assist you with at this time?"
<Soppy> "Not at the moment. Everything going well with your people this day? Projects moving along?"
<AndrewRogue> "As well as can be expected. We are quite eager to make friends here in Inaba, which distracts many, but my mother's students are consummate professionals and still accomplish their tasks."
<Soppy> "Excellent. Both will be necessary tasks for the future of your people, I believe. So don't be TOO hard on them." he smiles. "If that is all, I will continue my walk. Don't hesistate to contact me if you need anything, Master Tora."
<AndrewRogue> "Of course, Master Vol. The same unto you."
<AndrewRogue> To the merchant district?
<Soppy> Of course. He'll motion his twin set of bodyguards, which were a concession to Akeha in his time as administrator, to follow
<AndrewRogue> Onward and upward! You are unbothered in the merchant district. It is busy and peaceful.
<Soppy> Woo
<AndrewRogue> Nightly meeting with Hana and Aiko?
<Soppy> Which brings us to the first of our nightly meetings?
<Soppy> Yup
<AndrewRogue> The old and young woman are waiting for you and, unfortunately, neither of them looks particularly happy.
<AndrewRogue> "Master Vol." Hana says with a bow. "Vol." Aiko offers.
<Soppy> He expected this, of course. He smiles diplomatically to them and greets them formally. "Hana. Aiko. My greetings. Thank you for agreeing to these meetings. Lady Hakuhi and I meet quite often during the day to discuss things, but I figured it would be more manageable to gather you both once in the interm."
<AndrewRogue> Hana nods. "Of course. It is my pleasure, Master Vol."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko just makes a noise.
<Soppy> "So. It appears you have issues to bring to my attention, or at least opinions to voice. Aiko, why don't you start?"
<AndrewRogue> "There is a problem, and Lady Hana made a report that made it worse. There are items reported missing from the barracks. Not much, but enough for it to be unlikely the fools simply misplaced their belongings. Lady Hana reported to me this evening that some items from one of the warehouses may have also been spirited away, though she is quite unsure as to when it may have happened."
<AndrewRogue> The old woman takes it in stride. "My apologies Master Vol, but it was only discovered in the most recent inventory."
<Soppy> "Alright then. This would not be unusual under the old administration, but it does fly in the face of the strides we've made. May I ask what was taken?"
<AndrewRogue> "We lost weapons." Aiko snaps.
<Soppy> He nods, looking to Hana. "And in the warehouse?"
<AndrewRogue> "We appear to be short 3 sacks of rice, 2 of dried fish, a jar of pickled radishes, and both the crates of textiles we impounded from the merchant Aris Jor last month."
<AndrewRogue> "I currently have the inventory being redone, but I am confident that the first assessment was correct."
<Soppy> "The impound is located in a different warehouse than the food. So that would make three separate break-ins, correct?"
<AndrewRogue> "Yes." "Yes." They answer simultaneously.
<Soppy> "Are we sure the food is not due to a miscommunication from Lady Akeha's party taking them for their mission?"
<AndrewRogue> "It is not an impossibility, Master Vol. The manifests are accounted for, but if something extra were taken, it would certainly explain the matter."
<Soppy> "Well, we'll put that lower on the list of possibilities until the investigation concludes. The weapons are concerning. What exactly was taken, Aiko?"
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<AndrewRogue> "2 spears, 4 chopping swords, and 2 buff jackets are unaccounted for."
<AndrewRogue> She looks away. "They had been improperly stored after a training session."
<Soppy> "Hmm. The buff jackets may be hard to track, but the others are a little more difficult to conceal if one intends to use them. Still. Were were they improperly stored?"
<Soppy> Where were
<AndrewRogue> "The training yard. The individuals responsible were during cleanup. I have been unable to find out whether they simply forgot the items or they were taken from the unlocked training armory." She is unhappy and quite annoyed.
<Soppy> "I see. A mini-crime spree, as it were." he looks back to Hana. "Tell me about Aris Jor. Was he on the list of names Rishi provided to us that came to him regarding targeting the new administration?"
<AndrewRogue> Hana shakes her head. "Not to my knowledge. He was simply a petty cheat who had been avoiding taxes on goods up and down the Yellow River."
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<Soppy> "I suppose the value of the goods were also of no import? And no contraband was found in the shipment upon inspection?"
<AndrewRogue> "They were poor imitations of fashions from Nexus. Virtually worthless. If I recall the incident correctly, that could be said of most of what he carried and what he failed to disclose. I can, of course, have the report brought to you at your earliest convenience."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko taps her foot impatiently.
<Soppy> "Well, petty crime is a worry of cities everywhere. As are thefts of opportunity. Hana, if you can arrange some surprise inspections this week to search for the weapons, I would appreciate it. Aiko, impress upon your people the importance of properly putting things back in place?" he prods in jest
<AndrewRogue> Hana nods. "Of course, Master Vol."
<AndrewRogue> Aiko is far less amused. "They will not make that same mistake twice. However, Vol, you should understand that this is -exactly- the wrong time for a rash of thefts to occur."
<AndrewRogue> "I will make sure that among the White Fire none jump to conclusions that would shame Tetsuzuru-san, but I worry if this is not indeed the result of a mistake by the paper pushers in organizing Inaba's goods, we shall have a problem."
<Soppy> "I am aware. But if you'll remember, crimes such as these occurred at a much higher rate before Lady Hakuhi and I arrived, if they were even noticed at all. But your concern is noted." he sighs, considering things. "Yes. We will double-check things on our end, but as per our agreement we left the tracking of troop inventory to you after our original audit. But allow us let calm heads prevail, and investigate these things as they should be."
<AndrewRogue> "I will, of course, bow to your expertise in managing numbers and storage." Aiko says with a cool politeness. "And we will not rush into anything. I simply wish to make sure you understand the gravity of this. Should this spread beyond us, the trouble will be obvious."
<Soppy> "I am curious, what you think the trouble will be and how quickly it will spiral out of control?"
<AndrewRogue> "Should word get out and such incidents continue, blame will undoubtedly fall to Inaba's newest arrivals, no matter how foolish an idea it is."
<Soppy> "Of course. And we should work to prevent anyone with an agenda from hampering the process." he looks to Hana. "Ensure that no one makes counts alone on the follow-up inventories. We might catch something that way."
<AndrewRogue> That one actually catches Hana a little by surprise, but the old woman nods. "Of course."
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<Soppy> He shrugs, "Perhaps an excess of initiative, I'll admit."
<AndrewRogue> "No. My apologies, Master Vol. It is a wise choice that I regretfully did not consider myself."
<Soppy> He looks to Aiko. "I will leave it to your discretion to ensure this doesn't happen again on your end as well."
<AndrewRogue> "It will not." She says.
<Soppy> "I'll take you at your word on that, Lady Aiko." he gives her the first look that might be considered stern
<AndrewRogue> "You already have it."
<AndrewRogue> The pair have nothing else of note to report!
<Soppy> roll 4#d10
<Tarubot> Soppy rolled : 4#d10 --> [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=4 ]{4}, [ 1d10=10 ]{10}, [ 1d10=4 ]{4}
<Soppy> 2 successes
<Soppy> Or 3
<Soppy> 3 successes
<Soppy> roll 1#d10
<Tarubot> Soppy rolled : 1#d10 --> [ 1d10=8 ]{8}
<Soppy> 4 successes
<AndrewRogue> 10#d10
<AndrewRogue> roll 10#d10
<Tarubot> AndrewRogue rolled : 10#d10 --> [ 1d10=2 ]{2}, [ 1d10=9 ]{9}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=4 ]{4}, [ 1d10=2 ]{2}, [ 1d10=6 ]{6}, [ 1d10=3 ]{3}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}, [ 1d10=7 ]{7}, [ 1d10=8 ]{8}
<Soppy> So close
<AndrewRogue> To what? You enjoy a pleasant walk home.
<Soppy> I see
<AndrewRogue> Sleep tight, Vol.
<Soppy> Heh
<Soppy> And no one ate dinner that night
