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xiashtra 03d949abaf 7.45 follow-up (#99)
* Update cn

* 7.45 follow-up
2026-03-03 21:04:14 -06:00

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10TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_SEQ_00Lord Hien seems keen to take stock of the situation.
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2524TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TODO_00Speak with Rasho on Onokoro.
2625TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TODO_01Inspect the hull.
2726TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TODO_02Report to Ihanashi.
2827TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TODO_03Speak with Hien at the Kienkan.
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4948TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALPHINAUD_000_000So Yotsuyu has returned to the bosom of the Empire after all. I cannot say I am surprised. But what I struggle to fathom is Asahi's aim in all of this.
5049TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_001So Asahi got his way in the end, and at an unspeakable price. He really is a vile little worm, isn't he.
5150TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_002Yotsuyu hid her recovery well─I had no inkling that her memory had returned. I keep asking myself when it could have happened. At the meeting with her parents, perhaps? But then why would she─? Nay. There is naught to be gained from such conjecture.
5251TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_KIENKANGATEKEEPER_100_003Lord Hien is expecting you. May I show you in?
5352TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_EVENTAREA_WARP_100_004Enter the Kienkan?
5453TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_010So, my friends...that which we feared has come to pass. Yotsuyu has regained her memory and returned to the imperial fold.
5554TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_011It is, by any measure, a cruel twist, not least for Gosetsu...but one which does not invalidate our agreement. According to the terms of the contract, we were bound to surrender Yotsuyu into the Garleans' hands should her condition improve prior to the hour of the exchange. By that reckoning, all is...if not as it should be, then...as it *must* be. This I can accept.
5655TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_012But what I *cannot* accept are the unconscionable lengths to which Asahi went to achieve this outcome.
5756TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_013Given his recent conduct, and his apparent admiration for Zenos, it is plain he cannot be trusted. And that is to say nothing of the unexplained containers he insists on bringing to our meetings. Whatever the ambassador is planning, I think it unlikely our negotiations will end peacefully.
5857TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_014In the event of hostilities, the safety of the conscripts must be our first concern. As such, I would have an escape route in place before the meeting begins.
5958TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALPHINAUD_000_015A wise precaution. If the main structure of Castrum Fluminis is to be the stage for the exchange, then I believe a thorough inspection is in order...
6059TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_016The citadel has stood empty ever since the imperial withdrawal─while we took steps to ensure that it could not be defended by an occupying force, it is entirely possible that the ambassador has arranged things there to his advantage. I will slip inside, and make certain we have an unobstructed exit.
6160TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALPHINAUD_000_017Pray allow me to join you. I have some experience of imperial facilities. And should matters take a turn for the worse, I would hope to be of at least *some* use...
6261TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_018Very good. That should be enough to guarantee us a way out of the castrum. Beyond that, however...
6362TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_019We will need a ship to ferry the conscripts back to the enclave. Even with every skiff we have, it would take several trips to evacuate everyone.
6463TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_020...A Confederate sekibune, on the other hand, would require only a single run, *and* leave us far less vulnerable on the water. Assuming, of course, Rasho can be convinced to part with one.
6564TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_021Might I take the lead on this? I've had dealings with Rasho and his pirates before.
6665TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_022And I won't be alone, will I, Player?
6766TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_Q1_000_000What will you say?
6867TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_A1_000_001You can count on me.
6968TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_A1_000_002I suppose not...
7069TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_023Much appreciated. I quite fancy parleying with pirates again. It's just a shame Lyse won't be there to reprise her role.
7170TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_024Well, that was enthusiastic. Were you hoping to join Yugiri and Alphinaud on their skulking mission, by any chance...?
7271TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_025Hm! I am certain you would make a persuasive pair─but I think I will accompany you to these negotiations all the same.
7372TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_026My lord, the ruler of Doma should not be seen consorting with common brigands...
7473TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_027Come now, Yugiri─they stood with us against the Empire. If we would ask their aid once more, we must treat with them as equals. My presence shall serve to demonstrate our sincerity.
7574TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_028...Indeed, my lord. Pray forgive my presumption. By your leave, Master Alphinaud and I shall be about our task.
7675TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_029And we should be on our way to Onokoro. Time is short, and Rasho may take some convincing.
7776TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_030Now there is a face I did not expect to see. What brings the noble lord of Doma into the company of bilge rats such as we?
7877TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_000_031If you've come to offer Doman chains in place of Garlean ones, then I'm afraid you've wasted a trip.
7978TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_032Ahahaha! And what fine subjects you would make! With your fleet at our disposal, our restoration efforts would be hastened tenfold.
8079TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_033But let us speak seriously. I stand before you not to demand your fealty, but to request your aid once more.
8180TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_034Mayhap you are confused. Doma's liberation was but a means to an end. We aided you only to save ourselves.
8281TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_035Now we have no such incentive. We have sworn no oath to you, and will not come running like hounds at their master's whistle.
8382TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_036And I would not presume to treat you thus. I come to petition your cooperation as an ally of equal standing.
8483TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_000_037Equal standing, you say? Seems a bit lopsided to me. Where's the profit for us in all of this?
8584TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_038*Profit*! Must you always think in such shortsighted terms? Have you ever heard of *doing the right thing*?
8685TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_000_039Have you ever heard of *pirates*, little miss? You'll find we're simple souls: you pay our tithe, you sail in peace; deny us our due and we take it by force. We'll pull you out of the water if we see you drowning, but we are not in the business of doing something for nothing.
8786TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_040Calm yourself, Mistress Alisaie. We did not come here to moralize. We came here to talk. And there is more to be said.
8887TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_041According to records recovered after the liberation, relatives of your Doman-born brethren were among those conscripted into the imperial army. And as you may be aware, we recently negotiated the return of said conscripts. Many, alas, will arrive to find no families waiting for them, no homes to grant them shelter.
8988TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_042I would ask that you offer them a place in the Confederacy. You would not be rescuing strangers, but welcoming brothers and sisters into your ranks. And has not the Confederacy been in need of new recruits...?
9089TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_043You seem well-informed of our affairs, Lord Hien.
9190TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_000_044The losses we suffered at the Garleans' hands are no secret. But since we drove them out of Doma, the Ruby Sea has come alive with traders and travelers. So many vessels to tax, so few pirates to tax them.
9291TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_100_044We could do with some more hands on deck, and doubly so if they're familiar with the inner workings of the Empire.
9392TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_045Very well. The Confederacy agrees to your request. You will have your ship.
9493TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_046...But before that, you must do something for me. The vessel I have in mind was damaged during your battle with the Empire. Though we have mended her, she has yet to be declared seaworthy.
9594TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_047She is sound enough down below, but when you load her up with conscripts and the waterline rises...those upper planks had best be free of cracks.
9695TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_048Assuming you want your people to stay dry, you will do me the favor of swimming around the hull to check for weaknesses. That is, if Doman lords are not averse to getting their robes wet?
9796TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_049Not this Doman lord! If we each inspect a third of the ship, it shall be done in a trice.
9897TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_050That is the spirit. The ship is moored at Quickscape Pier. Our apprentice shipwright will be on deck to hear your report. Look for a lad named Ihanashi.
9998TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_051And I thought I had a knack for parleying with pirates... For the record, my previous attempt was an unmitigated success, and *yes*, I should have quit while I was ahead.
10099TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_100_052Well, well. I'd thought the rumors exaggerated, but the young lord lives up to his reputation...
101100TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_055The sekibune is moored at Quickscape Pier. Speak with Ihanashi when you have finished your swim.
102101TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_TANSUI_000_056So Yotsuyu found her way back to the imperials, did she? I did warn you about being merciful...
103102TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_057For once, I'm actually glad Yugiri isn't here. I doubt she would have taken kindly to a pirate inviting Hien to inspect his hull...
104103TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_058The water is so invigorating! I have not swum in the Ruby Sea since─ Ah, but I should be concentrating on the task at hand!
105104TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_059...Ihanashi? Aye, that's me. The captain said someone would be coming to inspect the hull. You...haven't finished already, have you?
106105TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_SYSTEM_000_060You see no signs of damage here.
107106TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_SYSTEM_000_061Upon closer inspection, you spot a small crack in one of the planks...
108107TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_070Aye, I'm the shipwright─er, *apprentice* shipwright. Did you find anything that might need attention?
109108TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_071The section I inspected seemed solid enough.
110109TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_072...On the port side, near the bow, you say? All right, I'll have a look and see what I can do.
111110TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_073My apologies, I seem to have lagged behind. I could float in that gentle sea all day... Otherwise, I am happy to report no visible cracking or holes in my section of the hull.
112111TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_074You─ Y-You─ You're Lord Hien! The captain sent *you* to inspect the hull!? Kami have mercy... Forgive us this discourtesy, my lord!
113112TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_075Hah! 'Tis quite all right. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. I take it you are of Doma?
114113TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_076Y-Yes, my lord. The imperials took my father away after the uprising, and I had nowhere else to turn. The Confederacy became my family.
115114TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_077But someone told me they're releasing the conscripts now. Maybe my father will be among them. Not that I can go back─there's no leaving once you've joined...
116115TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_078(-???-)How fares our lady? Is she seaworthy?
117116TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_079Captain! W-We've found a small crack in the port side, but I'll have it fixed before you know it!
118117TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_080I see you have met the boy. Did he tell you his story? He babbles when he is nervous.
119118TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_081Should his father be among the conscripts, as he hopes, I mean to give him the choice to leave this life. If he so chooses, I expect you to see they are provided for.
120119TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_082I have heard that those who join the Confederacy forswear all ties with kin and homeland. Is that oath so easily put aside?
121120TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_083If I allow it. ...I see in him the lad I was twenty-five years ago. You say the words, you mean them, but the yearning for home still lingers.
122121TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_084My family is long dead, and I know this life is my lot. But he has scarce dipped his toes with us. If there is a life for him in Doma, he should have the chance to live it.
123122TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_085Well said. The Empire's conquest has uprooted many and more. Be it in Yanxia or out on the Ruby Sea, we have a duty to ensure that Ihanashi and others like him are free to dwell where they desire.
124123TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_086Then the matter is settled. I will make preparations to cast off.
125124TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_087Well, my friends, it seems we have our ship. Let us return to the enclave.
126125TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_RASHO_000_090The sekibune is set to sail. We will be ready when the time comes.
127126TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALISAIE_000_091Alphinaud tells me they had little trouble finding a suitable route out of the castrum, but he won't say much more than that. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was hiding something...though I can't imagine what.
128127TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_ALPHINAUD_000_092The castrum was deserted. Quite deserted. 'Twas a simple matter to plot the surest path out. H-Hence our swiftness.
129128TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_093We found the castrum's tower unoccupied, and betraying no signs of recent activity. Only shadows and echoes awaited us there. Alphinaud seemed oddly reluctant to linger, but I saw naught to concern us.
130129TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_IHANASHI_000_094Thank you for being so thorough. My father may soon be boarding this ship, and I wouldn't want the hull to spring a leak...
131130TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_100It seems Yugiri and Alphinaud completed their task before us. They have been waiting.
132131TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_YUGIRI_000_101We scouted the structure and determined the swiftest path to safety. In the event of hostilities, we will lead the conscripts outside with all possible haste.
133132TEXT_STMBDD104_03073_HIEN_000_102From there, the Confederacy has pledged a ship to ferry us across the One River. Now we have but to attend the exchange, and pray to the kami these precautions were unnecessary.