[Day 1 - Early Morning] Duty Awaits

[Boogiepop]

Taiki

He took another pensive drag from his cigarette before exhaling some smoke, followed by a throaty chuckle. There was a rather amused smirk on his aged face on the offer. He moved to tap a few ashes on the ashtray that was provided. "That's a really tempting offer, Bayushi-sama...and I have been forewarned there would be such things in the city. That's rather generous of you, of course. Money isn't too much of an issue but it's the leg work I will need help on. What I'm looking for is pretty simple, of course. I'm looking for something, or rather someone. I think he resides in the slums somewhere around here, a researcher or archivist of some sort, a very specific one. Cheung, I believe was his name. He's been looking after something of my master's and has gone missing."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"Yes," she says with a smirk, "that problem sounds rather simple. That doesn't necessarily mean that the solution isn't difficult or perplexed, though. What else can you tell me about this researcher? I believe that we may be able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement once you fully accept the fact that money really isn't an issue, because it isn't money that I want."

[Boogiepop]

Taiki

"Yes, a rather simple problem but those often tend to be the biggest hassle. People tend to overlook them and they sometimes grow to become bigger problems, quite insidious in their own way. As for my friend, Cheung...I suppose he wasn't much of a secret until recently. Like any ronin, he offers his services for coin when it comes to applying his academic skills, not something that's a very common service. I'm sure Great Clans such as yours must have scholars plenty to entrust someone of lower education. Anyway, he's gone missing from his workshop, one of the first places I've made sure to check. He could be anywhere, here...the undercity, or maybe even at the desolation." He shrugged haplessly on that note.

"No, I didn't think so," he said after another drag from his cigarette, tapping out the ashes after. "Nothing ever comes free, of course. I'd assumed so, even from a greatly generous soul such as yourself. I'm sure money would be almost insulting if anything."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"I'm not a Lion to get vastly offended by your actions, but yes, it would be best if we made this arrangement mutual beneficial for both of us. This is not a raid after all." She replies meaningfully. She's close to making a deal so it is high time to show a few cards in her hand.

" I would like intelligence. On other clans, on companies, on what deals are made, who sells what and to whom. You know how it goes. I am quite certain that you and your people do it all the time. I would really like to suggest a more exclusive employment for the otokodate for the next days, but I get the feeling that we are not there yet. Perhaps in the future. What do you think, mighty Taiki san? If I deliver, will you do the same?"

[Boogiepop]

Taiki

Taiki raised a brow at the Scorpion with a croaked smirk, there was a slight jerk as he repressed some laughter from his chest. "Very astute, Bayushi-sama! How very astute of you. And no, this isn't a raid, I suppose. Requires more subtle than I'm typically familiar with."

He crushed his cigarette in the tray and stroked his chin in thought. "Information...is that the currency of this season now? I would have thought that the Clan of Secrets would have their fill of it already. Well, we're not exactly too versed in the trappings of planetside politics. We're a hammer in a place with so many tight screws. A maze befitting of more subtle tools. That said, I think I can see to finding some amount of information for your generous time."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"We are good then. I will need the address of the man's workshop and house and the names of any known contacts. When I'm ready, I'll revisit the place. The breakfast was exquisite." She obviously lies and beams. "Be ready yourself and, pretty please, remember that I'm a Scorpion in a Scorpion world. Don't do anything fishy."

She takes a few coins out of her pocket and leaves them on the table for the innkeeper. "Perhaps if things go well we can continue taking care of each other's needs and wants. Perhaps not."

[Boogiepop]

Taiki

Taiki raised his hands up as a show of defense and chuckle. "Of course, not, Bayushi-sama. We both know that doing something like that would be very much akin to a death sentence. I'd like to think I didn't get this far by being foolish. You can find Cheung's shop over at 112 Third Barley Way. Just don't mind the mess. I don't know think you'll find much there but it will be a start."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

"No, you don't seem foolish at all." The Scorpion raises and offers a quick bow. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Taiki san. We will talk again soon. Farewell till then."

With that she departs. There is work to be done. By others, but still work.

/thank you for the thread

[Boogiepop]

Taiki

"And farewell, Bayushi-sama," he would raise to bow deeply in return.

After that order of business, he would cede the table that they have been sharing so that some heimen can have their turn at breakfast. He would stroll off into the streets, blending in with the heimen and other people of questionable standing.

/scene