(D9, EE, Tori Tea, Open) Helping out a neighbor

[Yasuki Taraka]

Despite the assumptions of some, Taraka neither worked at Jimen Tori Tea, nor was the the local mistress of tea. However, as a business owner on Golden Shotengai, helping out the various businesses was pretty par for the course. Favors were called and favors were owed. So when JImen Tori Tea found itself short of people to demonstrate the tea ceremony, Taraka was good enough to answer the call.

Tea for Taraka and one other: 15 vs. 15 Pass!

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Kazushi wasn't sure he was going to be pouring his all into the arcade tonight, but he did need a refresher after the hack-a-thon - something to help clear the energy drinks and ensuing jitters out of his system. Tea would help, and oh look!

"You seem to be set up for company, Yasuki-san," he observes. "Someone in particular, or might I join in?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Kazushi wasn't sure he was going to be pouring his all into the arcade tonight, but he did need a refresher after the hack-a-thon - something to help clear the energy drinks and ensuing jitters out of his system. Tea would help, and oh look!

"You seem to be set up for company, Yasuki-san," he observes. "Someone in particular, or might I join in?"

Taraka offers a small smile, rather than nod or shake her head.

"I'd be happy to have you join me, Bayushi-san. While the ceremony itself is calming in and of itself when one is alone, I enjoy getting a chance to share with others." she said, indicating he should take a seat.

It was, objectively speaking, her worst performance at the ceremony all game. But, it was still properly executed, and the movements had the desired effect of bringing calm to the minds of the two, and the clarity that a simple exchange of tea could bring, and had brought for thousands of years. Even in space, tea was that important.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I needed that," admits Kazushi. "I haven't done that much coding since...actually, I think that was the most intense computer work I've ever done. I'd expected 'security testing' would have been something rather different - I hadn't even considered network security."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka laughed softly at that.,

"Ah, perhaps you thought we were going to stuff you into a set of heavy armor and strap a tetsubo on your back and see if you could storm the governor's manor?" she teased.

She shook her head.

"I mean, we would never be so discourteous, Bayushi-san. Clearly we'd need to give you time to design your own heavy armor that looked as stylish on the front line as it did on the recruiting poster. Not to mention a tetsubo for the today samurai on the go."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Kasushi laughs.

"Storming the gates is far more the style of Senshuken-san or Hinata-san," he says. "I prefer a far less direct approach. From the sound of it, though, it seems the governor may have more to worry about from within than from without..."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka glanced about to see if anyone was listening as the talk turned political.

"Hm, well, I'm not sure I can offer much insight on that, Bayushi-san. Their father had a...troubled last few years of rule, and the sisters were gone long enough that some of the greyheads might not consider them 'true' islanders." she admitted.

She shook her head.

"But from my interactions with her, the karo seems very competent and passionate about the welfare of the island. A surprisingly strong hand when some would have thought she'd be a better pretty face for the island. Now, Kuni Junpei, on the other hand....he definitely reads more as an outsider who wishes to remain an outsider."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I haven't met the man - I apparently just missed him when he showed up to break up Yoritomo Ochiba-san's party," says Kazushi. "In any case, the Department of course supports the current governor, as we've expended resources and effort to establish connections with her. If there's likely to be a problem, we do have...certain assets we can bring to bear."

The Scorpion shrugs.

"That's talk for another time, though. Have you given more thought to the expansion of your wardrobe?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka considered that.

"Hmm, what do you have as far as beachwear goes?" she asked. "I'd like something that sparks interest, not demands attention."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"That," Kazushi says with a smile, "is our specialty. Other producers may focus their efforts on gaudy attempts to push the limits through pure titillation, but we naturally prefer a more refined style that catches interest while maintaining dignity. The former approach has its place in our Himitsu no Shouri line, but that's...not for public display, of course."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka smiled.


"Well, not everything should be for public display, I'm sure you agree, Bayushi-san. It does feel that some brands lose sight of the function when chasing the form." she offers.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"The Department seeks the best of both worlds," Kazushi replies, "but that's not always possible for all products. Still, we have some offerings that cater to function without sacrificing too much the pursuit of form. Katsumi-san and Kurumi-san have brought - in my opinion - a few of our better offerings, so perhaps they might be prepared to model them during our next beach-related meeting?"

Kurumi simple nods, accepting the assignment, while Katsumi blushes slightly before she, too, agrees.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka grinned.

"Excellent!" she offered as honestly praise. "Let me know when you're available for it and I'll make time on my schedule."

She sipped her tea.

"So what did you think of the security exhibition other than it was tiring, Bayushi-san? It seemed like a rare chance to view how the different clans treated cybersecurity." she asked.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Most of my time was spent reinforcing our own network," Kazushi replies, "but I found it striking how...lax some are about their information security. Had I a more 'black hat' inclination, I imagine even one of my limited skills could gave done some real damage or unearthed secrets some would prefer to keep under wraps."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nodded.

"I will admit, the Scorpion offering was quite the interesting one. Anyone with enough time could break through it, though it does offer so many seeming weaknesses to tempt the rash into a trap. Though, whether that's the case with the full version and you're just lulling people with public weaknesses, or the full version is tracing the slow and steady while leading them to a dead end...." she speculated.

She grinned.

"I'd ask you, Bayushi-san, but I wouldn't know any more regardless of the answer given. Just accept my kudos for your clan presenting such an interesting design." she offered.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Kazushi nods.

"However we might appear, the truth beneath is almost always different," he agrees. "Soshi Kotori-san knows more about that than I do, though - her firm handles IT matters, including security."

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nods.

"I have met her briefly. Which is pretty obvious with having her on the Flying Battle Carps leaderboard. It's pretty nice having all three of you on the board. It really shows your clan's support of my business." she offers, since everyone knew there were four temples and three Scorpion representatives.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Well, there are four...oh, I imagine you haven't met Hinata-san," Kazushi says. "He's also from the Orchid Department - technically here as part of my security detail, although he's been busy and I haven't needed more than what Kurumi-san can provide."

Kurumi nods - she's quite capable of seeing to Kazushi's safety on her own.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka smiles.

"Well, that is good news though. I'd hate to think our island was so dangerous you needed to have a full security detail just for tea." she offers. "But such is the way of things. It's a large island, so even the most productive courtier is unlikely to get to spend time with every person of interest."

She took another sip of tea.

"But I"m glad that I got you meet you Bayushi-san. It's nice to know talented people."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"My talents are modest only," the Scorpion admits, "but I am dedicated to self-improvement. That counts for something, I suppose."