Nishida's day started very well. After opening his communicator and going through his messages, he stumbled upon one that was unusual. His Day wasn't that well after that.

As soon as he read it, he had to act on this knowledge, so he waited in a conference room in the lobby of the embassy for his unexpected guest. Akechi and Himei stood behind Nishida in the respective corners of the room, looking a bit tense about the sudden meeting.

It was not long before the, not entirely intentional, source of that bad day was shown into the room. By all appearances it was a contagious condition as the ronin, while well dressed by his standards, still seemed more drained and subdued than on their previous meetings. Nothing a good night's sleep might not clear up but that was feeling a while away yet.

Still he remembers his manners and offers a polite bow, "Miya-sama."

"If it isn't Dai-san," said Nishdia netural, "Please do sit down, as you can imagine I have some questions for you."
He pointed to a cushion at the end of a small table, "May I offer you some drinks or food first?"

Dai sat as directed and shook his head, "Thank you for the hospitality, Miya-sama, but I suspect our discussion is not one conducive to appetites."

"No, no it is not" he confirmed".

Nishida cleared his throat, took out his Densai and began to open his notes.

"Well, Dai-san. The first, and probably most important question, how did you learn that the Glimmerstone are soul pieces?"

"As you recall I recovered two pieces on that trip. Eventually a priestess bought the other from me as a curiosity. I am not certain exactly how she ascertained her information - I imagine through mystical means. She contacted me yesterday with her findings." He pauses, "Not that I had any reason to doubt her then but later, as I was leading an expedition into the wastes, I witnessed a spirit dissipating and leaving behind another piece of glimmerstone which, to me, confirmed her findings."

He offers a polite nod to Nishida, "My sincere apologies for not contacting you even sooner. Said expedition was a taxing one and I required some rest and healing before I could properly gather all this together."

He made notes before answering, "That's terrible news, the spiritual imbalance here is greater than I thought. I don't suppose you found out any more on your expedition?" he asked, clearing his throat.

"I did find another piece, yes."

"I didn't ask about the quantity of Glimmerstones," he said and blinked, wondering if Dai was taking everything very literally on purpose. "What I asked was if you had found out more. Other than the fact that there are souls in the stones."

"Ah, my apologies. I misunderstood. Nothing else pertaining to this specific, nor similar, situation."

He nodded, "I see." he continued to scribble things down. "Were there any other samurai who can testify to this, other than the priestess mentioned earlier?"

He nods, "There were others present, yes, if it were to come down to matters of testimony. I think we both know, however, that there is no chance the Scorpion are unaware of this situation and must be content with the matter. So I doubt the magistrates will be seeking much in the way of such testimony."

"Who says this is just a matter of the Scorpion anymore?" he asked sharply, "I don't think I need to remind you where you are and who you're talking to, do I?"

Nishida was strangely emotinoal about it, almost as if he finally had something in his hand that he could do something with.

"Oh I am very aware of where I am. And even more cognizant of the greater where we are." He shrugs, "Much less sensitive topics have let to accidents for much more important people. I have no intention of endangering others due to their being associates in unrelated matters. If that means my claims go uncorroborated... then so be it. Informing you was an issue of courtesy since completed."

Ronin, Nishdia thought to himself, there was a reason why they were at the bottom of the food chain.

"Well, it seems we're done here."

Dai rises and bows again, "Of course, Miya-sama."

"I still want to thank you for the info, even though we have a difference of opinion" he said, rising himself.

He motioned to an intercom to call a servant to escort Dai out, "However, should you change your mind and wish to offer me more information, I always have an open ear."

Dai nods as he prepares to depart, "If I make any headway on this matter I will keep Miya-sama informed."

"Very good" he bowed slightly "May the Fortunes be with you".

One of the servants of the embassy entered the room ready to escort Dai out.

"Be safe, Miya-sama. The city is often not kind to questions."

His tone makes it clear that it is not a threat but a statement of honest concern. The Scorpion had to know about this issue and if that knowledge was not widespread they must not want it to be widespread. Even Imperial status was only so much of a shield.

He follows the servant out of the room.

/exit