Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Having alerted Edogawa to the appointed hour, Hametsu led his pony up the ranks to see the XO. This could be a delicate operation, but he felt that Edogawa had the right idea, and that made it worth the effort.

Edogawa arrived promptly.

"Good afternoon, Doji-sama."

"Good Afternoon, Kitsuki-san," Hametsu permitted himself a small smile. "Everything in order to meet the XO?"

A guard at the tent looks at the pair briefly.

The guard looks very much like she knows she's window-dressing at best.

"Hai. I believe so." he nodded.

Hametsu nodded. "Excellent." Then he addressed himself to the guard. "Doji Hametsu and Kitsuki Edogawa, 4th Kaisha, here to speak with Shireikan Osoroshii."

The guard nods and admits the pair to the XO's tent. It is surpriringly neat and tidy, as is the shireikan who is finishing securing his daisho.

"Gentlefolk," Osoroshii says, giving a nod, "I hope you've eaten today."

"Hai, Osoroshii-sama." Edogawa bowed respectfully.

Hametsu bowed deeply as well. "Yes, thank you, Shireikan."

"Good!" Osoroshii says. "You'll need your strength for the march!

"But for now, you had ideas about interacting with the Crab, correct?"

"We were concerned about potential friction between the Legion and the Crab forces." Edogawa nodded. "On one hand, there's the question of how accepting of our aid they may be. Some clans may take umbrage to the idea of accepting outside assistance. Beyond that, many within the Legion may not be familiar with what the Crab face, or with what the Crab must do to defend the Empire. Many of us have heard stories. The Hida of the Fourth Kaisha have been trying to educate us. Still, if what we've been told is accurate, some may falter when confronted with it."

"That leads to the other hand." he continued. "The Crab will likely have expectations of what we should and should not do, of where they want our aid. And, they may not express that with the decorum other clans might expect. Some among our forces may find offense in how the Crab direct us. Obviously, it would be best if we can avoid any confrontations between us."

"I am certain that these are concerns that have been considered already. And, there are likely factors and measures that I am unaware of. This is simply my current understanding of things." he added. "Doji Hametsu-sama felt we should discuss the matter with you. So, that we may better understand the situation and learn how we might help, if necessary."

Hametsu nodded his agreement. "I think adjustments might need to be made to legion regulations regarding dueling, in particular. Culture training courses might not be a bad idea, either."

"As far as dueling goes," Osoroshii replies, "there's standing orders that require sanction from, well, either myself of the Rikugunshokan. For purposes of service in the Legion, after all, he is your lord, and I might have to be."

He gives a small shake of the head.

"Nobody wants that.

"Had we more time, a detailed training course wouldn't be a bad idea," he continues. "But, given time, a simple 'You're their guest; do what they tell you' ought to be enough to tide things over. Anything that's more than just soldiers carrying on in downtime, command will address."

Osoroshii smiles. It's strangely predatory.

"Nobody wants that to happen, either."

"Of course." He smiled. "If we do see any issues, we will do our best to convey the consequences of acting brashly."