"Daidoji Sakura-san, Daidoji Sayuri-san, Daidoji Kumi-san, thank you for responding so promptly," the Governor bows, "This is Bayushi Gong-Xue-san.  Gong-Xue-san, Daidoji Sakura-san will act as your liason for the duration of this engagement.  I'm sorry to pull you away from your tasks, but there are no others of the requisite status who can be spared from the preparations."

At that moment, the samurai nearest the pavilion part to allow two riders to pass.

"Ah, Miya Momoko-san, Bayushi Kenshin-san," the governor greets them, </blue>"what news from the front?"

"So, Daidoji Sakura-san,"</blue> Bayushi Gong-Xue rumbles, "where should I station my soldiers?  Will they be integrated into the Crane defenses or ought we to develop a parallel strategy?"

OOC:  anyone who is curious can roll an Intelligence/Lore:  Dragon, Lore:  Unicorn, or Lore:  Mythology (or other appropriate Lore skill)

Kenshin took his proper place -- slightly behind, and to the side of Momoko. Otherwise he said nothing. This was, after all, her mission and the credit for success would be hers as well.

"That is a question I have been pondering for some time ..." Sakura replied cordially, "the situation being what it is." Sakura lowered her voice so that only those close by -- Gong-Xue, her Yojimbo, and the Governor -- could hear.

"We have been visited by the Ninube ... and they seem to think that their job is finished."

"My Yojimbo witnessed the whole thing" she continued, indicating Kumi.

"I was thiking 'integrated parallel'" she said in a normal tone, "though I must confess a lack of understanding in things tactical. Kumi-San, what do you think?"