D0LE, Now We're All Checked In (Open)

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"There's one originally from Old Thrane that I'm rather fond of - gin and tonic," Kazushi replies as he takes his G&T back from Katsumi, who has approached now that the dancing is finished. "It has a rather light flavor, and with lime I've found it quite refreshing."

[Yasuki Kaito]

The Bushi looks over the dancefloor as the Yasuki does. His eyes linger perhaps a little too long on the three gathered personalities. Just keeping an eye on his charge, that is all. Doesn't mean the tirelessly dancing crane couldn't be a small distraction. He returns his attention to the bar in time to find his glass of gin sitting in front of him, and a card to take into his hand.

He takes the presented slip of tastefully thick paper, it even has a watermark! "A media executive! Well aren't I lucky to have caught your eye. Silver Fin is a local broadcast network right? Will you be covering the Governor's upcoming event, I might just participate, please make sure to catch my good side." He lets out a soft chuckle, barely audible over the bustle of the club.

"Well, since you know this place so much better than myself Yasuki-sama. May I be so uncortous as to ask for pointers moving around here? Where to get things fixed if they break, where to have a good meal... nice places to go on dates even?" He asks with a sly smile, eyes glancing back at the dance floor.

"That's right, my man, Bayushi-san," he said with an easy smile regarding the title. The title under his name admittedly said co-executive producer but those were details that Kaito wasn't going to sweat about. "Local, in terms of we handled practically all of the Crab Clan's media projects with many other smaller offices under its umbrella. I work for the regional office in the Tango Province and the new channel Silver Fin Chill, broadcasts and content for the island provinces on the Green Carp."

He took a break to take the second highball he ordered, with the first one he ordered unceremoniously left at his original table without care. "Yes and no. There will be some camera work on it for publicity, but we're actually aiding with a good portion of the events, filming rights and exposure. Content production. That sort of thing. You might luck out and get a shot at being filmed if you participate."

His gaze went out to the Miya on the dance floor just as Hinata was looking at the same place. "But looks like there isn't going to be much of a shortage of people catching publicity here. Attention sells, clearly. I think Ayame-chan accepted our help in hopes of catching as much publicity as possible. Umiko-chan might have a closer eye on the pulse of the island, though."

He took another sip of his drink and, while holding it in his hand, he vaguely pointed outside the club walls. "Have you been to the Harbourfront yet? That place is packed with visitors at the moment, but it's typically date central, unless things have changed drastically in the last few months. The Ferris wheel is as close as you can get without being in a room together."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"There's one originally from Old Thrane that I'm rather fond of - gin and tonic," Kazushi replies as he takes his G&T back from Katsumi, who has approached now that the dancing is finished. "It has a rather light flavor, and with lime I've found it quite refreshing."

Haruhi smiled. "Oh that sounds good! I do like lime. I'll try one." She orders a G&T with lime.

"What are you craving, Miya-sama? Something light? Or something else?"

[Bayushi Hinata]

The Bushi looks over the dancefloor as the Yasuki does. His eyes linger perhaps a little too long on the three gathered personalities. Just keeping an eye on his charge, that is all. Doesn't mean the tirelessly dancing crane couldn't be a small distraction. He returns his attention to the bar in time to find his glass of gin sitting in front of him, and a card to take into his hand.

He takes the presented slip of tastefully thick paper, it even has a watermark! "A media executive! Well aren't I lucky to have caught your eye. Silver Fin is a local broadcast network right? Will you be covering the Governor's upcoming event, I might just participate, please make sure to catch my good side." He lets out a soft chuckle, barely audible over the bustle of the club.

"Well, since you know this place so much better than myself Yasuki-sama. May I be so uncortous as to ask for pointers moving around here? Where to get things fixed if they break, where to have a good meal... nice places to go on dates even?" He asks with a sly smile, eyes glancing back at the dance floor.

"That's right, my man, Bayushi-san," he said with an easy smile regarding the title. The title under his name admittedly said co-executive producer but those were details that Kaito wasn't going to sweat about. "Local, in terms of we handled practically all of the Crab Clan's media projects with many other smaller offices under its umbrella. I work for the regional office in the Tango Province and the new channel Silver Fin Chill, broadcasts and content for the island provinces on the Green Carp."

He took a break to take the second highball he ordered, with the first one he ordered unceremoniously left at his original table without care. "Yes and no. There will be some camera work on it for publicity, but we're actually aiding with a good portion of the events, filming rights and exposure. Content production. That sort of thing. You might luck out and get a shot at being filmed if you participate."

His gaze went out to the Miya on the dance floor just as Hinata was looking at the same place. "But looks like there isn't going to be much of a shortage of people catching publicity here. Attention sells, clearly. I think Ayame-chan accepted our help in hopes of catching as much publicity as possible. Umiko-chan might have a closer eye on the pulse of the island, though."

He took another sip of his drink and, while holding it in his hand, he vaguely pointed outside the club walls. "Have you been to the Harbourfront yet? That place is packed with visitors at the moment, but it's typically date central, unless things have changed drastically in the last few months. The Ferris wheel is as close as you can get without being in a room together."

He smiles at the friendly address. It was clear he was his senior even outside the clan, but he didn't seem to much worry about formalities. That was comfortable, if not a little too inviting for a public setting. "I guess I'll just have to wear my best every time, have to be prepared to capitalize on my 15 minutes of fame neh?" He raised his glass of gin, clinking the bottom against the Yasuki's highball and taking a sip.

At the manner of address afforded to the Governor his attention is piqued. He raises an eyebrow as he speaks, also mentioning the Governor's twin in a similar manner... Just how close was he with both. He needed to know more, big fish don't usually swim into one's nets after all. "You sound like you work very closely with this Ayame-san and Umiko-san. They work at your division or something?"

He plays it cool, tryng to ascertain just what exactly his connection to the Governor is. He follows along their paralell train of thought, better to jump between topics to keep him distracted somewhat. "I only got here today Yasuki-sama! I haven't had the chance to walk around. I was hoping to catch some local lady's eye and have her show me around truth be told. Or maybe someone else, explore together. Maybe the ferris wheel will be second date material."

[Miya Kisha]

Haruhi smiled. "Oh that sounds good! I do like lime. I'll try one." She orders a G&T with lime.

"What are you craving, Miya-sama? Something light? Or something else?"

"That does sound good, thank you; I'll take one," Kisha says.

Once they're served, she'll ask "How is the orchid growing these days?"

Tagging for ease of reference

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Hm? Oh, well enough, well enough," Kazushi replies, having the feeling that he's missing a reference somewhere. "We're about to phase out the Phoenix Down line, unfortunately, but style does not sit still."

He takes a sip of a drink, then lowers his voice before continuing.

"We've actually - and this isn't public knowledge yet - we've got a couple of new lines ready to hit in less than a month's time. The World Heritage line, which mimics some classic designs from the Ivory Kingdoms, Maranae, Thrane, and Medinaat Al-Salaam. All updated with to fit a more modern sensibility, of course. For the club set, the Mirai-jin line is poised to be the next big thing. Retro-futurism, we call it - glowing highlights, sleek designs with tastefully exaggerated shoulders and collars, mirrored glasses, all taken from the designs described in Shosuro Isamu's Neon Prophesy novels from...oh, the late twentieth century, I think? It's to be timed to release along with a new adaptation of the first book by Soshi Entertainment, featuring no less than the Storm of Petals Troupe. I'm told they have Shosuro Hotaka starring as Prophet..."

Kazushi glances to Hinata and gives him a slight nod, assuring him that these are "approved leaks".

Tagged

[Kakita Haruhi]

Haruhi sipped her G&T and listened intently.

The knowledge of what was coming would thrill her sister, but she would not share anything he had said was not yet public knowledge.

She was feeling behind in her awareness of current fashion in music and clothes as the day had continued (and probably many other domains she hadn't even thought to fret about.) None of what he was describing sounded particularly like her sister's lolita bows and frills.

"Is there a line for young women you might recommend most should the opportunity present to do some shopping here or in the future? Does Orchid have a storefront here in Nakahama?"

[Miya Kisha]

"Shosuro Hotaka?" Kisha says. "That's a name from the archives--but then, everything comes out new again in time."

She nods.

"Kakita-san's got a good question, though. Or is there one to be established here, given all the goings-on?"

The volley continues!

And also with you!

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I think some of the stores on the Golden Shotengai carry some of our more basic lines," Kazushi says, trying to recall the details from his briefing. "Naturally our higher-end clothing is made-to-order. You might find some of our Tadayou Heiwa evening gowns, which I quite like. Not my design, but very good nevertheless.

"Now, if all goes well, we'll be increasing our presence here," he continues, "along with that of the small company I own, Zakuro-ishi Business Solutions. That, of course, will depend on the extent to which we earn the attention of the governor."

[Miya Kisha]

"And what kind of business does Zakuro-ishi offer solutions for?" Kisha asks. "Inquiring minds will be eager to know."

She sips at her drink.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"It provides consulting services," explains Kazushi, "mostly focused on helping companies refine and execute their core business plans, with an eye toward staying at or close to the technological cutting edge and synergizing with existing opportunities to expand market reach."

In other words, marketing-speak for, They come in and kick ass until things work again.

[Bayushi Hinata]

Hinata looks over his shoulder, giving Kazushi a thumbs up. Whether he was giving away too much or nothing at all wasn't his bussiness, though he does take the opportunity to wave to Haruhi and Kisha with a sly and inviting smile. After a moment of allowing himself to be distracted he turns back his attention to the Yasuki.

[Kakita Haruhi]

"I think some of the stores on the Golden Shotengai carry some of our more basic lines," Kazushi says, trying to recall the details from his briefing. "Naturally our higher-end clothing is made-to-order. You might find some of our Tadayou Heiwa evening gowns, which I quite like. Not my design, but very good nevertheless.

"Now, if all goes well, we'll be increasing our presence here," he continues, "along with that of the small company I own, Zakuro-ishi Business Solutions. That, of course, will depend on the extent to which we earn the attention of the governor."

Haruhi continued to listen. An evening gown line he liked was surely gorgeous. His taste was so impeccable and elegant! "Tadayou Heiwa. I'll remember that. Thank you."

"It might be good to patronize Crab businesses also." That was surely considerate, as a visitor. "Do you know which fashion lines are most celebrated here? From Yasuki designers?"

[Yasuki Kaito]

He smiles at the friendly address. It was clear he was his senior even outside the clan, but he didn't seem to much worry about formalities. That was comfortable, if not a little too inviting for a public setting. "I guess I'll just have to wear my best every time, have to be prepared to capitalize on my 15 minutes of fame neh?" He raised his glass of gin, clinking the bottom against the Yasuki's highball and taking a sip.

At the manner of address afforded to the Governor his attention is piqued. He raises an eyebrow as he speaks, also mentioning the Governor's twin in a similar manner... Just how close was he with both. He needed to know more, big fish don't usually swim into one's nets after all. "You sound like you work very closely with this Ayame-san and Umiko-san. They work at your division or something?"

He plays it cool, tryng to ascertain just what exactly his connection to the Governor is. He follows along their paralell train of thought, better to jump between topics to keep him distracted somewhat. "I only got here today Yasuki-sama! I haven't had the chance to walk around. I was hoping to catch some local lady's eye and have her show me around truth be told. Or maybe someone else, explore together. Maybe the ferris wheel will be second date material."

Kaito chuckled at the raised glass toss and gave an approving nod before taking a sip of his own from his whiskey mix drink. "Unless you're actually angling to be a full-time celebrity, 15 minutes of fame isn't so bad, you know? The good type of fame, of course. You don't want to end up on some tabloid rag or intranet short for doing something cringe. There are some stories of people fleeing off to frontier worlds just to get away from what comes afterwards, just so they could live a semblance of a mundane life."

He lifted his glance to take a few sips of his drink with his eyes averted for a moment. "I'm a cousin of theirs. Not in the traditional way where you refer to everyone with your Family name as a cousin, but a direct cousin. Both of our fathers are related. In a sense, we've known each other well up to the point where we parted ways for our education. We kept in touch afterwards, of course, but you know how Duty keeps us busy in many ways. I suppose Umiko-chan and I were in the Silver Fin Productions together, but our departments are separated by oceans."

"I like how you're thinking ahead with a plan already!" He laughed with a wagging finger, as if to say 'you scoundrel, you!'. "I personally think that you'll find the prettiest ones here anyway. But, there is that gathering that the Governor is hosting tomorrow that you might get to know a few people all in one place. I can't imagine anyone skipping out on the whole card-presenting ceremony and gift-exchange."

He turned to give him a sidelong inquisitive look as he got comfortable leaning against the bar in his seat. "Hey, man, you got one of those, right?"

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Quoting to keep conversations straight.

"Crab fashion, eh? I don't know much about that off-hand," admits Kazushi. "I think I recall a line they call Dairiseki-Yuri - Marble Lily, produced by someone or another under the Grey Carp Holdings umbrella. Not bad, from what I recall, although a touch more utilitarian than my usual designs."

[Bayushi Hinata]

"I like how you're thinking ahead with a plan already!" He laughed with a wagging finger, as if to say 'you scoundrel, you!'. "I personally think that you'll find the prettiest ones here anyway. But, there is that gathering that the Governor is hosting tomorrow that you might get to know a few people all in one place. I can't imagine anyone skipping out on the whole card-presenting ceremony and gift-exchange."

He turned to give him a sidelong inquisitive look as he got comfortable leaning against the bar in his seat. "Hey, man, you got one of those, right?"

"Eh, I never much coveted that sort of life. All that attention only means I can't go after pretty women in peace." He says, chucklign at the man's gloomy take on fame. Though it did give hints about his own experience with it. "Not nearly well behaved enough for fame I'm afraid."

He listened intently to his relationship to the governor. He gave Kazushi knowing glances, tapping his ear that he might make sure to pay attention to what the Yasuki was saying. "Biological cousin huh? I guess success must run in the family considering you're all so high up the totem pole. You sound like a very influential ally Yasuki-sama. I can tell when I'm looking at an intelligent, capable and important man you know?" Sweet talking, the stroking of ego, he may be a bushi, but he was still scorpion. Buttering him up for his even more sly superior would no doubt get him in his boss' good graces. Maybe he'll even overlook how often he tries to distract his aides if he does a good enough job!

"You can't just go after a woman without a plan. That's borderline disrespectful. You gotta know what you want to accomplish, idle talk tends to wander into unforseen vulnerability after all." He gave him a knowing smile, the confidence palpable on his features as he took another sip, the fragrant smell of pine wafting about him. "Gifts for someone so high up are not my purview. Iam a meatheaded, hot-blooded young bushi Yasuki-sama. Now if you have any pointers... if only to brace for a flop at this stage... I'm all ears."

[Yasuki Kaito]

"Eh, I never much coveted that sort of life. All that attention only means I can't go after pretty women in peace." He says, chucklign at the man's gloomy take on fame. Though it did give hints about his own experience with it. "Not nearly well behaved enough for fame I'm afraid."

He listened intently to his relationship to the governor. He gave Kazushi knowing glances, tapping his ear that he might make sure to pay attention to what the Yasuki was saying. "Biological cousin huh? I guess success must run in the family considering you're all so high up the totem pole. You sound like a very influential ally Yasuki-sama. I can tell when I'm looking at an intelligent, capable and important man you know?" Sweet talking, the stroking of ego, he may be a bushi, but he was still scorpion. Buttering him up for his even more sly superior would no doubt get him in his boss' good graces. Maybe he'll even overlook how often he tries to distract his aides if he does a good enough job!

"You can't just go after a woman without a plan. That's borderline disrespectful. You gotta know what you want to accomplish, idle talk tends to wander into unforseen vulnerability after all." He gave him a knowing smile, the confidence palpable on his features as he took another sip, the fragrant smell of pine wafting about him. "Gifts for someone so high up are not my purview. Iam a meatheaded, hot-blooded young bushi Yasuki-sama. Now if you have any pointers... if only to brace for a flop at this stage... I'm all ears."

Now, Kaito had his eye on Hinata even as he went for a sip with this highball. His mood turned serious for a moment. "You don't say? Well, misbehaving is only an issue when some raises a stink about it," he gave a shrug before nodding his head to the beat of the next song that was playing.

"Our parents did pretty well, and that opened some doors for some of us, yeah, you can say. You can say that I took that lead and did the best I could. Some people just have it fall on their lap and some people have to be hungry enough to drag their way forward, you know?" He offered a glance at Hinata's way with a cocky smirk, as if he was pretty proud waxing poetic for a moment. "Yeah, you could say that it would help a lot to get someone like me on their good side. I don't have direct influence on the island, but let's just say, I can be a bit clairvoyant in the ways a fortune teller might be, heh. Maybe not! But you get my drift, right, man?"

Kaito moved to place his glass on the bar, it was getting a bit watery to his liking. he waved over the bartender to fix him another highball. He reached for a napkin to wipe his hands from the condensation. "Since you've been such a cool guy, I'll share a bit of what I know, Bayushi-san. It's not going to be one of those formal gift ceremonies, like the ones you line up and give a grandstanding speech. To be honest, I don't know if most of those gifts will even be seen by the Governor. It's got to be like one of those auditions for a show. You've got to find a way to be unique, to a point. Traditional gift choices are reliable, but if you're one of three people handing out vases, you can't say that you've tried very hard, even if you have the best vase out of the three."

[Miya Kisha]

Sounds like a good idea.

Quoting to keep conversations straight.

Kisha, for her part, has been sipping at her drink and following along. This is all so very informative!

"You'd expect the Crab to go for more of that, though," she says in response to the utilitarian comment. "And I've known some Seppun whose choices ran that way, too. No Otomo, though."

She shakes her head.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"No, they don't," agrees Kazushi. "Based solely on my wife's tastes, I would say that the preferred style among the Otomo is not too different from my own family's. Perhaps a little less understated, though. It made it fairly easy when she joined us, as we didn't have to do much to alter her wardrobe."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"No, they don't," agrees Kazushi. "Based solely on my wife's tastes, I would say that the preferred style among the Otomo is not too different from my own family's. Perhaps a little less understated, though. It made it fairly easy when she joined us, as we didn't have to do much to alter her wardrobe."

An Otomo wife! He had clearly had an illustrious career, and all the rewards that came with that.

"Does she work in fashion also? Will she be joining you here?" It was always nice to hear about a person's family. A little insight into their world.