D3MA, Gonna Fly Me a Kite (Expecting...Open?)

[Miya Kisha]

Despite the disappointment of the past hours, Kisha is a Miya of her word, and so she makes her way to Flying Battle Carps to check out what it's all about. Even if Tango Country Reporter is a flop, other work she does does not have to be so, and this represents an opportunity to make some good from the day.

So she approaches the shop, enters, and almost hesitantly says "Hello?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka hadn't gotten her show picked up either, but she HAD gotten a lot of curious customers into the shop with the filming.

Still, she sees the Miya enter, and makes her way over to her as the background extras continue the dance of commerce behind them.

"Welcome to my store, Miya-san." she said with a bow. "Thank you for making time to come down."

[Miya Kisha]

Kisha returns the bow.

"Of course!" she says. "I wouldn't have missed it!

"So, I have to ask," she continues, "is it okay if I record? If not, it's fine, but I do try to get consent when things are private like this."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nods.

"I'm sure it's fine, as long as you either get consent from the staff and customers, or blur them out in post." she says. "So, take a look around and tell me what you think."

[Miya Kisha]

"I'll blur unless they agree," Kisha says, nodding. And then, invited, she flips a switch, and the holodrone's "recording" light flickers on.

"I'm here at Tango Province's Flying Battle Carps with Yasuki Taraka, who oversees the latest iteration of an ongoing tradition in this part of the world. Drone battles are a form of contest going back generations, here, with pilots darting in and out in daring maneuvers, trying each to cut the banner from their opponents' drones--all while staying firmly within the hard rules that stern Crab discipline demands.

"So, Yasuki-san, you'd told me a fair bit about the contests last night, and I'm not going to ask you to repeat it. What I will ask, though, is what's up for grabs in this season's contests? What do the folks stand to win who compete here?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka gave a practiced smile.

"I'm glad you asked, Miya-san, let's go look over at the prizes, shall we?" she offered.

She led the Miya over to a table where five plushies had been arranged, with the large one in the center.

1st Place: A double-sized red crab plushie.
2nd Place: A black crab with a single splash of red in the center plushie.
3rd Place: A white crab with red lines plushie.
4th place: A red crab with a little felt book plushie
5th place: A pale blue crab plushie.


"These are original works by local artist, Kaiu Hinako. She's actually away in Aoihama for a couple weeks pitching production to a manufacturing concern but as a favor to my family she donated these for our prize table. Of course, these hand made ones are one of a kind. She made them inspired by the families of the Crab: Hida is the one in the middle of course. Here's hoping your pitch goes well Hinako-san!" she offered.

[Susumu Sumiko]

(ooc got poked by Kisha)

After what had been an oddly successful filming afternoon (something the little spider never thought she'd say) and the weather calming down considerably, Sumiko had decided to see if others had started flocking to the Carp battle location. She didn't know any but Senshuken that had signed up after all!

Approaching the store, she paused near the door noticing a woman seemingly doing some kinda interview? Not wanting to disturb, she waited outside to let them finish what's happening.

[Miya Kisha]

Natural saleswomanship

Kisha smiles.

"What delights!" she says. "And I'm sure that the hand-made items--because I've been seeing that Tango Province does much to keep traditional methods alive in progressing times--will be all the greater prizes as time goes on!

"Now, I don't think I'm going to be the premier competitor in this, but I'm happy to give it a try. Walk me through the process, if you would, please!"

A new challenger appears

"Maybe I'll be able to get an early bout in?" she adds, seeing the waiting figure--and right about her own size, too!

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nodded enthusiastically.

"Sure thing Miya-san. As you can see, we've got three different lines for our pilots to choose from. We've got the battle-tested veterans, for those looking for an affordable entry into the hobby. These are actually carps that were returned by their owners. They've got a little cosmetic damage, but some people like a few scars on their warriors, if you know what I mean." she said highlight that section of the store.

She walked over to the Rookie Aces area.

"These are our Rookie Aces for those who want a clean slate and more responsive controls. A fine choice for those who want a little bit of a competitive edge." she explains showing them off.

Finally, she walks over to the Legends area.

"And these are our premium, offerings, the Legends. Shiniest scales and sharpest reflexes, for those who demand the best in their fighters." she explained.

She walked over to the register.

"Once you've picked out your carp, we'll provide you a banner to attach to the carp. We've got all the different clan and family colors. We can either letter it for you, with your name, or business name, or slogan, or you can take it blank to fill in on your own." she said showing off the banners.

"We'll get you sorted out, and then enter you and your carp into our leaderboard. If you don't have a name ready, that's fine, we can enter it in later." she said with a glance at the Spider. "Then you're ready to go out there and duel!"

[Susumu Sumiko]

Having been noticed, Sumiko smiles and bows to both.

"I'd be happy to be your first duel Miya-sama" she offered.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka smiled at the Spider.

"See, you've already got a competitor waiting. Susumu-san and her....ah, had you decided on a name for your carp, Susumu-san?" she asked. "I think you're the only one up on the leaderboard still nameless."

[Miya Kisha]

Good advertising patter

"And if I were to pick out, say, a Rookie Ace," Kisha continues, "what kind of name would be involved? Do people compete under aliases?"

The Miya moves to consider the aforementioned Aces, the holodrone following her gaze and lingering on them before turning back to Taraka to get her answer.

Am I a sempai, now?

"Oh!" Kisha says, and starts, but manners take over and she returns the bow.

"I might just take you up on that!" she says. "But I've got to get all registered first...and I have to ask; may I keep your face in the recordings? If not, I'll blur it in edit and make sure your voice isn't presented, but it will help a lot if I can!"

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Oh" Sumiko bowed again "my apology Yasuki-sama, my drones name is simply 'Adventures', as it's going on an adventure to unknown places with me!"

Sumiko considered the Miyas request before nodding and saying "that's fine Miya-sama. I'm not normally one for recording and videos but after everything earlier I suppose I should get used to having a more public face. I'm Susumu Sumiko, it's lovely to meet you."

[Miya Kisha]

"Miya Kisha," replies the medialite, "and likewise. And thank you!"

She turns again to Taraka. "So, names?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka entered the name of the Spider craft into the leaderboard and it updated:

"Not under aliases per se, Miya-san. But people like to name their pets and their racing vehicles, so it seems natural to give them a name. Here's the current names in the league:

"Adventures"
"Velvet Thunder"
"The Char"
"Sky Blue"
"The Ethereal Sunset"
"Heavenly Sail"
"Old Magpie"
"Coin's Edge"
"Pinky Swear"

"Some more refined than others, but they represent the diverse viewpoints of the pilots." she said.

[Miya Kisha]

"Were I to pick, say, this drone," Kisha says, laying a finger on one, "and knowing about me what you know, Yasuki-san, what would you suggest for a name?"

She grins and glances at Sumiko. "I'll have to know what I mean to have try to conquer Adventures, after all!"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka considered that.

"Hmmm. What about, 'Hopes of the People'? You do keep them aloft and visible, no?" she suggested.

[Miya Kisha]

"Yasuki-san flatters," Kisha replies. Then she grins. "Let's make it happen!"

A pushed button quashes the recording light on the holodrone--no need to watch the commercial exchanges, really, and they'd be edited out later, anyway. But the purchase of the Rookie Ace and its registration as Hopes of the People should be swiftly and easily accomplished.

Once it is, Kisha will ask "Where do we go to do this?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka pointed to the sign on Local Ordinances while overseeing the sale and registration.


"Pretty much wherever the people aren't, or you've got permission to do. Azuma Beach is popular. There's a little nameless park within walking distance of the shopping district too." she explains.

[Miya Kisha]

(Is that close enough we can go there in this slot?)