D9EN, It's the Pits (Expecting, but Open)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:06 pm

Seitouna nods.

"I must confess, though, that this place has been...strange to my usual ways of looking. All ports are similar, in many ways, and I have been a man in port or at sea more often than not. It is something on which to think, I think."

And think he does, thinking along certain undercurrents about who benefits from a third group, formerly allied with one of two contesting groups, turning on its erstwhile ally. Think of it like gangs, Seitouna, for that is what they really are, at root.

(Lore: Underworld 42 to posit ideas in terms of benefit analysis of Group C breaking off from Group A when it is fighting Group B for something Group C wants. Upjumped lieutenant trying to undermine a seemingly weak captain with confidence that the opposition will be beaten or fall into line suggests itself, clearly, but when Group C is implacable, what is the likely outcome?)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 5:39 pm

Many examples come to Seitouna's addled mind. The pattern is the same, however; even with the splitting and division, one faction ends up winning, with the others driven out or destroyed.

"But I do not think there will be much room for those who had been opponents, whoever the victor turns out to be."

(With apologies for the successive post.)

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi nodded. "It will become quite difficult to maneuver openly in the coming future. When the boots of the masses begin to trample in earnest, it always sends the rats scurrying for cover."

The Scorpion was pensive for a moment, eyeing his sake cup thoughtfully. "It would be a remarkable time for a pair of exterminators to track down some of the more elusive pests in the city, ne?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:06 pm

Seitouna, who is still feeling his sake, takes a moment to understand. But he does get there, and he nods. "It would, indeed. And even if there may be some disagreement between two groups as to some pests, there is clear agreement that some things are doing no good for the grain."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi nodded softly. "One never knows what manner of vermin lie in wait, but when seeking them out, check every nest." He clearly had some specific vermin in mind, but was open to rooting out and managing others. "One wonders where two such exterminators might begin their search, and when."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:20 pm

"Soonest is likely best," Seitouna says before flagging the server to bring water. The server manages not to roll her eyes where the samurai can see it.

"As to where, it seems that one such exterminator has an idea already. It would be a good place to start, certainly, while other vermin can be traced from there."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Excellent, Seitouna-sama, excellent." It was a marvel that Degarashi wasn't steepling his fingers and cackling, so silken and venomous was his tone. "It's good to have reliable friends in these trying times."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:39 pm

The water arrives. Seitouna sniffs it, finds it clean enough, and drinks it off.

When he is done, he wipes the back of his hand across his mouth to get rid of the remaining drops.

"Should the exterminators proceed now, or will this be a task they will handle better under the light of day, my friend?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Certain of the vermin I'm after are more likely to be present during the day, where the crowds are thick and the wits of those casually observing them are thicker still. I am eager to move, but not foolish enough to do so prematurely. Daytime will be our ally in this."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:49 pm

"Good. Gives me a chance to sleep off too much indulgence. Later in the morning, assuming we're alive, then?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"I shall be taking considerable precautions against further invasions of alcohol against my person in the near future. This day has been wholly confusing in places, and the drink is at least partially responsible for leading me to them." Degarashi sighed and nodded. "That timing sounds agreeable."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:12 pm

"Sounds like a plan, then." Seitouna rises and bows. "Until then, my friend, smooth sailing to you."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi bowed as well, and smiled to his friend. "I appreciate the sentiment, Seitouna-sama, but I'm rather starting to enjoy the waves."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:21 pm

"Be sure that they don't swamp your decks, Degarashi-san. Pumping bilge is no fun."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"I thought we'd already discussed Sara-sama." Degarashi gave Seitouna a flat, completely not serious look. "I'll keep that in mind, however. If my ship is to sink I'd rather it be scuttled than lost in parts unknown." He chuckled and bowed once more, finally turning to take his leave. "May rest find you in warm waters, Seitouna-sama."

/exit

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:36 pm

(/scene, and thank you!)

D9EN, It's the Pits (Expecting, but Open)

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