[D0 Rat 13 3124] Let the commerce commence!

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Yakura was busy and slightly nervous. She has only been in the local business for a short while on Tango Island, so being asked (practically ordered) by the local authorities to host this year's Chamber of Commerce Conference was surprising. Still, she obliged, nay, went above and beyond. She needed to presenta good front after all!

So she paid her dues, and her bribes, and the dues on the bribes, wore her snappiest powersuit, and looked at the array of drinks and snacks set up in hosting area. There were tables with both local and exotic brews and wares, and she wore a happy smile.

This might actually work out!

[Suzume Hitomi]

With meetings over for the day, it was time for the chamber's more social aspect.

It being early in the Empire's winter, regardless of the weather outside, Hitomi came in from the deck in a long jacket of burnt-orange wool with a delicate scattering of embroidered ginko leaves in gold and green to be passed over to servants at the door. A simple black skirt kept the embroidered ginko theme going, with a white silk wrap-blouse echoing the long overlapped collar of kimono. Elegant, with elevating details, and season-appropriate--exactly what one would expect of a well-to-do businesswoman.

Proper greeting to the hostess first, don't mention current events involving her clan since they're mostly negative. Deep bow for the great clan member, and...

"Yoritomo-sama! I'm so glad to have a chance to see the inside of this place at last. Thank you so much for hosting?" She glances around at the decor, making a point not to beeline attention to the snacks. "Your own designs?"

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Yakura gave a short bow towards the Sparrow woman.

"Suzume-san, ah, not really. I tried to keep most of the original designs, but only add some of my own family. It's mostly bought from actual artisans." She picked up a cup of sake. "Care for a drink? I used to drink this back at home quite often, on Daikoku's Dice. It's from New Kalani, actually."

[Suzume Hitomi]

There's a polite nod of agreement, as her words accompany reaching to take the offered drink, "Thank you. Nothing like a bit of liquid rice after talking koku all day!"

"New Kalani? Do you have it shipped here special?" The sort of thing wealthy non-Crab would do to show they were wealthy and that their clan could do things worth the cost of skipping over the local stuff. "I've gone so native since I got here that I can't remember the last time I even noticed sake that wasn't local to know what else was showing up on the market."

She brightens looking at one of the dignified pieces of art on the wall. "I thought that looked a bit like Yasuki Tanohichi's work. I was considering one of his landscapes the other week as something to send home to thank my sister for all her work on Feather's behalf back home. He has such a great eye for color, no?"

[Boogiepop]

Kuni Asataka
Status: 4.0 • Glory: 4.0

Speaking of local authorities, it was likely Kuni Asataka who sent out the request to Yoritomo Yakura to hold her gathering on the Azure Dragon. The sixty-something old Kuni had been serving the island as the head Clan magistrate for about 10 years now, easily having been here longer than a few here. His age was catching up to him, especially considering the nature of his work was something that could add a decade of headaches to his age, and he hasn't been quite as active in the last few years. As of late, it was easier to find him at the Magistrate's office than doing neighbour visits. This was evident since he wasn't quite so enthused to be so traditional with his face paint base, although the distinct circular design on his eye was still drawn on.

He had to admit, part of the reason for having Yakura host the gathering here was so that he could have an excuse to drop by the gambling boat to have a gander to make sure things are on the up and up. While the magistrate didn't own a business, his duties in tax reinforce made him very much a part of this commerce meeting.

His old Kaiu Motors Type 34 "Ishiko" would let out an aged creak as the brakes brought him to a stop at one of the few parking spaces. He timed his arrival to be vaguely 'fashionably late'.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Fashionably late hadn't really been Taraka's plan. She had not, in fact, been planning on attending the meeting. Her father, Yasuki Hiroto, was supposed to attend. But with the death of his wife, Anraku, her father had become more and more the recluse. Taraka had been heading out for a night on the town when the call had come in on her communicator. This has prompted a fast drive home, a frenzied search for something appropriate to wear, and now the second call.

With no time to plan a proper outfit, Taraka had made the best of what she could with the time she had. A pant suit from Koi, a dark blue azure light coat for the chill, and a gold broach of a flying carp. The last item was actually a gift from Hida Genta. Not really Taraka's favorite, but as far as she knew Mantises liked gold and perhaps the icon would save a little time of explaining exactly who she was.

"I really think people would appreciate it if you attended the meeting father." she said in to her communicator as she walked briskly to the boar. "Kuni Asataka-sama will surely be there, and Hida Genta says he's been asking after you. Even if it's just for a short....Yes....No.....I'll take care of it father." she said before signing off on the communicator. There really was no reaching him w3hen he got like this. She just have to make the best of it as she made her way to the boat.

[Yoritomo Yakura]

There's a polite nod of agreement, as her words accompany reaching to take the offered drink, "Thank you. Nothing like a bit of liquid rice after talking koku all day!"

"New Kalani? Do you have it shipped here special?" The sort of thing wealthy non-Crab would do to show they were wealthy and that their clan could do things worth the cost of skipping over the local stuff. "I've gone so native since I got here that I can't remember the last time I even noticed sake that wasn't local to know what else was showing up on the market."

She brightens looking at one of the dignified pieces of art on the wall. "I thought that looked a bit like Yasuki Tanohichi's work. I was considering one of his landscapes the other week as something to send home to thank my sister for all her work on Feather's behalf back home. He has such a great eye for color, no?"

"Certainly, certainly, let the good times flow, neh?" She offered a glass to the Sparrow, then gulped down her own with practice. "For tonight I closed off the gambling establishment, it felt like in bad taste to offer you to lose money after...you know. Talking about taxes." She gestured around baguely.

"Hai, I have a pipeline set up for certain goods coming in from home territories. I feel it brings some flavor to the Dragon, though I do try to keep things local as well. Green Carpa has so much to offer!" Like koku just lying around, really.

"Oh? He does have a certain eye for color...though I do find that he prefers muted color, while my preferences run more...well, garish is what he would use probably." She let out a small smile. "What landscape are you thinking of?"

The hostess glanced around, and noticed The Man of the hour...Kuni-sama!

"Kuni-sama, welcome, welcome!" She greeted enthusiastically. Apparently the Mantis wasn't too miffed about people being late. "I hope you found the way here quite alright? There have been some construction work going on recently down the streets from the harbour, but I beleive they are finishing up."

Noticing yet another Crab (or Carp, really) arrival, Yakura grabbed 2 more cups of booze. "Yasuki-san, greetings. May I offer you both a welcoming drink?"

[Boogiepop]

Kuni Asataka

Asataka casually sauntered over in a pace that said that he refused to acknowledge that walking at a brisk pace wasn't quite his thing anymore, but still said that his body said to take it easy. It likely wouldn't have been so much of an issue if he were willing to see a Kuni doctor about his lingering pains and actually take something for them. Keeping track of appointments and tonics wasn't something he had time for. He would eventually make his way into the gathering and give a quick bow, then hold out a hand. It wasn't a wave but more of an 'as you were' gesture.

"Good evening, Yoritomo-san. Everyone. Eh, traffic wasn't so bad. It's been a while since I've been here. Everyone looks like it's order, as I expect from you," he said as his gaze drifted to the surroundings and he gave a few appreciative nods as his very surface-level inspection. If he was going to tear the place down to look for suspicious discrepancies, this wasn't the night, even if he might have had that dream in his mind.

"Yeah, yeah, Kinsenka Original for me. Can or draft is fine with me," he said out loud to no one in particular, most likely to a server that he just expected to be nearby.

[Yasuki Taraka]

There was a small hint of amusement in the Carp's eyes when two cups of sake were offered forth and in exchange Kuni-sama ordered a beer as if he was at the bar. She briefly flirted with the idea of also asking for something not on offer, like a nice oolong or a cat, but she rejected the idea. The moment called for grace rather than wit.

She bowed respectfully to the hostess.

"I am Yasuki Taraka, my apologies, Yoritimo-san, my father Hiroto could not attend this evening due to business commitments." she explained, while taking the cup from what she judged to be the Mantis's non-dominant hand.

"Thank you for hosting." she added, letting the Mantis deal with the Kuni. It was best not to keep him waiting.

[Suzume Hitomi]

Hitomi nodded, secretly glad that the gambling was closed off for reasons that had nothing to do with taste. She was sensible enough to know it was usually a losing game, but the draw of maybe, just maybe, striking it stupidly rich could be hard to resist when it was right there in front of her. With a polite laugh, she adds, "I think that was a good instinct. Folks in this crowd are feeling a bit protective of their gains with the uncertainty at the top and all." Blunt mention of koku and commerce were certainly more welcome in this crowd, but...the habit of softening it was strong.

She was about to comment further on the painting when more important guests entered. Though honestly, the hostess needed to be attentive to newcomers regardless of status, and she'd monopolized a decent enough bit of her time already! So she sipped at her sake, enjoying the higher quality than she'd usually keep at home, and drifted toward the newcomers to overhear.

She bows greetings, reserving the deepest for Kuni-sama. "Suzume Hitomi," she offered in brief introduction.

"I'm sorry to hear your father won't be here tonight, Yasuki-sama, but it's a busy season. I'm sure it's a relief to him that he can rely on you to handle the extra work." She did actually look forward to chatter with her fellow shopping district merchants. There were always things to coordinate to keep the district as a whole inviting. But this seemed a good chance to become more familiar with Hiroto's heir before he retired officially.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Outside of their age, an outside observer might not see much in common between the stylish owner of an antique shop and the trendy manager of a shop that specialized wholly in flying machines that smack into each other. But everyone at this gathering had a common quest: for the shops of the Golden Shotengai to acquire more koku. From this shared bond, conversation could flow quite naturally.

Taraka took a sip of her sake before giving the Sparrow a light nod for her words.

"I will be sure to pass your regards to my father when I next speak to him, Suzume-san. But I am merely doing what children have done since the Dawn of the Empire: repaying the debt I owe my parents for my upbringing." she offered.

Taraka wasn't a heavy drinker but she knew quality when she tasted it. It was fortunate the Mantis hadn't gone cheap for this meeting, it would have set a poor tone.

"And what of your child, Suzume-san?" she asked, speaking of the Sparrow's shop. "Your complexion suggests a lot of goose down supporting you throughout the night, while some people these days seem lucky to get an underfed chicken to use as a pillow."

Which was certainly a courtly way to ask, 'How's business, times are tough, eh?' Well, with a bit of flattery mixed in.

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Kuni Asataka

Asataka casually sauntered over in a pace that said that he refused to acknowledge that walking at a brisk pace wasn't quite his thing anymore, but still said that his body said to take it easy. It likely wouldn't have been so much of an issue if he were willing to see a Kuni doctor about his lingering pains and actually take something for them. Keeping track of appointments and tonics wasn't something he had time for. He would eventually make his way into the gathering and give a quick bow, then hold out a hand. It wasn't a wave but more of an 'as you were' gesture.

"Good evening, Yoritomo-san. Everyone. Eh, traffic wasn't so bad. It's been a while since I've been here. Everyone looks like it's order, as I expect from you," he said as his gaze drifted to the surroundings and he gave a few appreciative nods as his very surface-level inspection. If he was going to tear the place down to look for suspicious discrepancies, this wasn't the night, even if he might have had that dream in his mind.

"Yeah, yeah, Kinsenka Original for me. Can or draft is fine with me," he said out loud to no one in particular, most likely to a server that he just expected to be nearby.

A trusty servant was obviously already there with a draft of the desired beverage, unobstrusively offering it to the magistrate. "Arigatou for your trust Kuni-sama, and that of your clan. OBviously I want to make sure such trust is well placed." She downed the drink not taken by the Kuni without batting an eyelid. "How are you finding the DRagon so far? I'm given to understand from my grandfather that you partook on it when it was a luxury cruise once or twice?"

[Boogiepop]

Kuni Asataka

"Pleased to meet you, Suzume-san," he gave her a nod of acknowledgement, and his hand went to his coat pocket on instinct after the introduction, although the movements were sluggish enough as he hesitated on the gesture. Part of him wondered if he had done this before or if he should even bother with a non-Yasuki, who was going to get less huffy about a card exchange. Nevertheless, he had already made the move and presented his card. "Kuni Asataka, head Clan Magistrate. The number is for my office only, so I'm sure you already have this in your address book."

"Mm," he nodded with a small bit of satisfaction as his request to the void did in fact get him a beer. He was here to observe, mostly, and a beer just hit the spot more.

"There haven't been many calls to the coast guard, so I think that's up to par with your grandfather. Those cruises were thrilling, but in the wrong way. Are you still planning those cruises? I recall there was a submission or two for an escort gunship for greatsharks," he said to the Yoritomo before taking a good gulp of beer and then gesturing to the merchant patrons in attendance. "Anyway, we can talk about approving those later. Just considering me an accessory here."

[Suzume Hitomi]

Taraka wasn't a heavy drinker but she knew quality when she tasted it. It was fortunate the Mantis hadn't gone cheap for this meeting, it would have set a poor tone.

"And what of your child, Suzume-san?" she asked, speaking of the Sparrow's shop. "Your complexion suggests a lot of goose down supporting you throughout the night, while some people these days seem lucky to get an underfed chicken to use as a pillow."

Which was certainly a courtly way to ask, 'How's business, times are tough, eh?' Well, with a bit of flattery mixed in.

Hitomi chuckles, "well at least one can eat the chicken if they're having trouble sleeping," to utterly mix the metaphor. "I guess we're all hoping the change in leadership will fluff up a few pillows so more may rest easier. The local birds visit but few leave many feathers behind, neh? So we're succeeding well at outreach. I daresay the average Nakahama citizen has more knowledge of Rokugan's history than those of anyplace other than the home-world, even if that's just holding a few bits of trivia in their heads. We've had a few teachers ask to bring classes through, and we've adapted to offer something of educational value aimed at children. So there's a few well-stuffed doll pillows to fluff regularly."

She sips at her sake. "I hope you're seeing a bit more regular flights? Working with materials that aren't quite as academic seems like it would be more accessible. But it feels that everyone's a bit shorter when we see fewer birds visiting from distant shores, yes?"

"Pleased to meet you, Suzume-san," he gave her a nod of acknowledgement, and his hand went to his coat pocket on instinct after the introduction, although the movements were sluggish enough as he hesitated on the gesture. Part of him wondered if he had done this before or if he should even bother with a non-Yasuki, who was going to get less huffy about a card exchange. Nevertheless, he had already made the move and presented his card. "Kuni Asataka, head Clan Magistrate. The number is for my office only, so I'm sure you already have this in your address book."

"Oh! Thank you," she accepts the card, fumbling a bit to take it with both hands when one was already laden with a drink. She makes a point to examine it, the fine paper and dignified fonts before pocketing the card. "Of course, I must, but backups never hurt." She almost certainly had the magistrate's number, but possibly only the front office; she'd definitely check when she returned home." She dithered a moment over offering her card while still burdened with a drink that made proper presentation difficult. His willingness to wave off attention offered a reprieve for the moment. Perhaps she could catch him later. He was certainly the sort who could afford interesting antiquities.

[Kaiu Ryosei]

He had been there the whole time, rather he was one who easily faded into the background. He was quiet and unassuming but his gaze was sharp he was taking in everything that was happening. He nodded in appropriate greetings to all who were obliged them.

His dress was equally unobtrusive, a dark blue turtleneck sweater and black pants with smart shoes. Black framed glasses covered his dark eyes and his long hair was tied back. The clothes were simple but clearly of fine make.

He simply ordered a water and nodded along with conversation to this point. He was very new to the Green Carp having only been on planet for a couple of months. He had only opened his business proper a week or so ago. He had debated even coming but it felt like the correct choice if he was going to try and join the areas business scene.

[Boogiepop]

Kuni Asataka

Asataka found himself a good place to stand to observe the proceedings, as well as to step in and provide his unasked two zeni should any concerns arise from the gathering. He never ran a business but was versed on some level of how koku was exchanged. At the very least, he was aware that the presentage of profits should be received by his office. The governor, admittedly, didn't give him much of a script. He had been holding his particular office much longer than she had been holding hers. While the power was in her hands, there was some understanding that he knew what he was doing, at least.

He took another sip of his beer and was ready to just fade into the background until he noticed Ryosei from the corner of his eye. Okay, now he actually had to pay attention here or else there might be some random assault. He cleared his throat with a bit of annoyance before taking another gulp of his beer. What's that? He was drinking on the job? Well, this was a work drink, anyway.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka considered the Sparrow's words over a sip of sake.

"Hm, well you also have an advantage certainly, Suzume-san. It must be nice to have your nearest direct competitor back on the homeworld instead of down the street. But I believe we do face a similar issue. While our goods are, arguably, necessary for the soul, they're not necessary for the body. An eroding cliff that we may not be able to escape with feather or rotor. I share your hopes for the new governor, but having grown up watching the cracks form in the rock, I wonder if she can turn things around." she mused.

She finished her cup, looking over towards other attendees, such as the Mantis and the Kaiu, curious to hear their thoughts on the matter.

[Suzume Hitomi]

Taraka considered the Sparrow's words over a sip of sake.

"Hm, well you also have an advantage certainly, Suzume-san. It must be nice to have your nearest direct competitor back on the homeworld instead of down the street. But I believe we do face a similar issue. While our goods are, arguably, necessary for the soul, they're not necessary for the body. An eroding cliff that we may not be able to escape with feather or rotor. I share your hopes for the new governor, but having grown up watching the cracks form in the rock, I wonder if she can turn things around." she mused.

She finished her cup, looking over towards other attendees, such as the Mantis and the Kaiu, curious to hear their thoughts on the matter.

Hitomi nods. "There are advantages to being very niche, and we have a bit of an advantage in that particular arena. But it's true that we'll both see issues if anyone's cutting their budgets, and could benefit from more tourists coming in. Lady Yasuki's spent a good bit of her time off Green Carp, I can only hope that's broadened her perspectives enough to add some fresh ideas to the governance of the province, yes?" She sips, making sure to include the nearby samurai in the angle of conversation.

"But I'm not born here. How do the Crab view her time away from home?"

[Boogiepop]

Kuni Asataka

"Maybe finally we can stop saying 'Umiko-chan is from this island, you know?' whenever we see her on the informator." Asataka couldn't help but murmur some semi-unrelated commentary after he had a few sips from his social lubricant. The beer really hit the spot, especially when it came to observing the proceedings here and making it feel less like 'work'. "Kind of surprised that it's not Yasuki Umiko-sama taking up the position of governor, but Yasuki Ayame-dono instead. In my conversation with Keitaro-dono, that was going to be the original plan. She'll do fine, I'm sure. Still, kind of shocked, really. "

[Yasuki Taraka]

Kuni Asataka

"Maybe finally we can stop saying 'Umiko-chan is from this island, you know?' whenever we see her on the informator." Asataka couldn't help but murmur some semi-unrelated commentary after he had a few sips from his social lubricant. The beer really hit the spot, especially when it came to observing the proceedings here and making it feel less like 'work'. "Kind of surprised that it's not Yasuki Umiko-sama taking up the position of governor, but Yasuki Ayame-dono instead. In my conversation with Keitaro-dono, that was going to be the original plan. She'll do fine, I'm sure. Still, kind of shocked, really. "

Well that got Taraka's attention. Yasuki Umiko? Really? Taraka could just imagine people pulling clips of her as Doji Aiko or Kaneko to turn into amusing little political commentaries. Then again, Asataka was so old, 'original plan' could have been discussed when the pair were in diapers and Umiko cried slightly less than her sister.

Taraka set down her empty cup.

"Hmmmm, that is a fair point, Kuni-sama. Of course, we all expect that the governor made the best choices he could, and the current state of affairs was solely from circumstances beyond his control." she said, not wanting to criticize the former or current regime too sharply around the head magistrate.

"But if we look at it through the eyes of a casting director, it would make sense for Umiko-sama to play the lead of charismatic governor and Ayame-sama to play the supporting role of the strong right hand as the karo. Flipping the roles makes it sound more like a comedy.....but perhaps it's a sign of just how forceful of a change is needed. We need a governor who considers the decisions they make as a matter of the province's survival, not just someone who is well liked." she suggested.

He considered her empty sake cup. Perhaps things were much more dire than most people were aware of.