Re: Chapter 6 - the problem with answers...
PM
[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: The servant leads Sumi to another set of offices, those of Kakita Asakura--the aging commander of Toshi Ranbo's armies, with the death of Doji Kusanagi, and the highest ranking Crane beneath the Governor. Upon entering the servant whispers somewhat lengthily in Kakita Asakura's ear before departing.
"Well, Tsuruchi-san," Asakura bows, "it seems that more immediate concerns have caught up with our illustrious Governor. I hope that you take no offense that you must negotiate with this old man," he smiles, before proffering a cup of steaming tea, "tea, Tsuruchi-san? I always find it helps to talk with something to drink, and negotiations such as this one often involve more than a little talking."]
[Private to Kedo; Lin Ru-Fang: The servant leads Kedo and Ru-Fang back to Doji Kasarugi. "My apologies to take up so much of your time, gentlemen," Kasarugi says brusquely, "but time is quite suddenly of the essence. Lin Ru-Fang-san," he says, handing the ronin a scroll and a small box, "you have served the Crane well in the past and I expect you to continue to do so. Your instructions are in that letter, we can negotiate the contractual fee later.
<blue>"Kedo-san," he says, looking at the other ronin, "dealing with you promises to be somewhat more problematic. The Crane does not have a long term contract with you as we do with Lin Ru-Fang-san, but your battle prowess and combat expertise are valuable assets which we would like to retain. Daidoji Ryu writes that you are not interested in a long term contract, but would you be open to service to the Crane for the duration of this siege? You would, of course, be rewarded handsomely, but I think that love of koku is not the force which drives you."]
[Private to Lin Ru-Fang: the note reads: There is a sealed door within the prisoner complex. Inside the box is a key, use it to unlock the door, but do not enter with an open flame.
Doji Kasarugi is aware of your role as a Crane agent, and is trusting your with a mysterious but obviously urgent task.]
[Private to Kedo: though I doubt Kedo would be tempted, he would nonetheless be aware that he could ask the hand of Kakita Kaori as his price; he might also ask to train with the Kakita smiths or any number of other things which would aide him in his personal quest that I can't think of off the top of my head ^_^]