Jake nodded to Travis, Rasmin, and Cole in turn, grateful for their efforts to pull him out of his doldrums. The Texan looked thoughtful when Cole spoke about still needing to figure things out, for Jake had also been wondering about what had been behind the attack and kidnapping of his pard. From what he could recall, Cole had spoken about killing a white man who had tried to hire him to gun down some Celestials. So, why are the Celestials comin' down hard on Cole now, when he stood up for them afore? he had wondered.

Could be that this last bunch was hired by other big bugs who was in tight with the feller who Cole killed, I reckon. An' who the hell was behind gettin' the charges dismissed against Cole, any damn-how? I think that Travis has been here to Frisco afore. Mayhaps he's got a better grasp on what's goin' on than I do -- I'll have to ask him about it when I git the chance.

The ex-Wells Fargo man had listened quietly when Charles spoke his advice concerning meeting with the Celestial who had requested a meeting with the men. When Charles had finished, Jake glanced around at his assembled companions. "Anyone here among us parlay Celestial? Or know anything 'bout the Celestial way of doin' things?"

"If so, I'd nommynate that person to be our spokesman for the meetin' with this Celestial big bug."

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 14):

All of us share some responsibility for Randy's death. Randy and me did not see eye to eye on many things, but his sacrifice does not set right with me. It is contingent on all of us to bring down hellfire to his killers.

OOC: unable to edit with orange text.
JM edit: added formatting
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:46, Wed 15 July 2015.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 16):

I'm not knowledgeable of Oriental customs but can hold my own negotiating. A useful trade I acquired when I had a badge.

JM edit: added formatting
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:46, Wed 15 July 2015.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 17):

Continuing to stare at the ground, Cole quietly responds.

Agreed.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 19):

ENS was quite shaken with the death of two of their group in the space of a few days; it was a stark reminder of the danger of the frontier. He hadn't known any of these men that long, but he felt great loss, especially for Randy, who was the first friend he had made at the Flat.

During the ensuing months he became somewhat antsy in the apartment, and when the men started small forays in groups he would join whenever he could. After the legwork of the first few days here, he was interested in continuing the study of the Barbary Coast cultural mix... he was, after all, supposed to be doing field work!

Being trained in pharmaceuticals and aided by the fact that he spoke Mandarin and understood a bit about the Chinese culture, he took a particular interest in the local herbalists. He would steer his companions to one of these shops whenever they allowed it (which wasn't too often as the others found the shops disturbing). Regardless, he was able to make the acquaintance of one of these herbalists, Hai Feng, who seemed intrigued with ENS' many questions and comparisons to western medicines.

ENS had also had a chance to send a telegram to his university in New York, explaining his change of location (without many details), asking if they received the artifacts he had sent from the Flat, and asking about any desired lines of research. When he received their reply he was very pleased that they were interested in him doing a cultural study of the area. He had already made copious notes after each foray and was well on the way to fulfilling their request already!

It seemed that, despite the terrible start, the Barbary Coast held great promise. And he was extremely interested in the proposal that Mr. Conway's 'businessman' would be presenting.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Thu 16 July 2015.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 20):

When Jake finally opened up, ENS also chimed in.

The others are right Jake, Randy was a whirling Dervish within that attacking group... I was much closer than you and I had trouble picking him out!

When the conversation turned to the impending meeting, ENS listened closely to Mr. Conway's advise... nodding as he confirmed items of etiquette that ENS was aware of.

I speak Mandarin, but I wonder if that might better be kept under our hat... you never know what might be revealed if your opponent doesn't think you understand his language! It sounds like this Mr. Xu is no fool, but still, fortune favors the prepared.

Mr. Conway's description of the meeting etiquette sounds right to me, and I believe Sheriff Beauregard is politic enough to conduct the meeting well.

Jake stood with his back leaning against the wall and his arms crossed across his chest. After a moment, he spoke up and said, "All's I know is that I ain't in the runnin' in this race. My mind jest ain't presently right for such goin's on . . . if'n it ever was."

Coop pulled on his cigarillo a couple of times and then gradually exhaled grey smoke.  He was dressed as he usually was in rough, worn trousers, a cheap shirt and vest with a longcoat over the top.  The coat was one of his two concessions to style, or rather style as he perceived it.  The other was his pair of Colt Frontier revolvers, matched as such in that they had been bought from the same dealer at the same time, one worn in a holster slung low on the right hip and the other concealed to some degree in a shoulder holster on his left side.  They were more of an affectation than stylish, something distinctive for a man who was trying to avoid sticking out.

After another long puff on his cigarillo Coop spoke up on the subject of Mr. Xu.  "From what I've heard," he said in his slightly odd accent, a mixture of a native of England, somewhere on the south coast if you know your dialects, combined with years of living in America, "this fella Mr. Xu is a businessman of standing in Chinatown.  The sort of fella who has meetings in better places than this.  I can only guess at what he wants to talk to us about but the fact he's comin' here rather than us goin' to see him suggests that it ain't somethin' that he want talked about in public.  That'll be a factor in any bargain."

Coop had spent the last few weeks spending increasingly greater amounts of time hanging around with this group that Conway had introduced him to.  He had been dangerously down on his luck when he had met Conway, considering desperate schemes to liberate sufficient funds to feed himself, but Conway had proved to be a very beneficial man to know and very quickly, without much risk it seemed to Coop, he had earned himself substantial funds for a small amount of effort.  He wasn't about to get rich working with Conway on his schemes but he wasn't going to starve either and that was certainly good enough for the moment.

This group seemed to have the focus of Conway's attention so Coop had decided to stick around and see how it would improve his finances.

---

OOC - Minor edit with text
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Fri 17 July 2015.

In reply to Alfred Coopwood (msg # 23):

Travis listened to everyone.  He reminded himself that Rasmin had apparently not departed as mentioned in msg #10 had heard him wish him dead and regretted it immediately.  He had little to say.  He was likable enough but no formal negotiator. He could scare a man or work a fence or an underworld contact pretty well but this seemed different.

I speak Chinese.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 24):

OOC: Rasmin's statement occured before he departed, as clearly stated in msg 14
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:27, Fri 17 July 2015.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 24):

Unless Mr Xu speaks decent English there's no point in me conducting the meeting. I defer to Ringgenberg and Sunday in this matter.

JM Edit: color text, assuming JEB meant it as such
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:41, Fri 17 July 2015.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 26):

"Mr. Beauregard, of course you may defer to another, but you might not need to do so. In fact Mr. Xu doesn't converse well in English, although he speaks enough to conduct himself adequately." Conway speaks in a calm, passive voice to JEB. "Mr. Sunday or Professor Ringgenberg could interpret for you. Our guest certainly has managed other business dealings in this fashion, so I don't believe he will find it distracting in the least. Would still desire to stand and represent the venture?

"Professor Ringgenberg, if you feel strongly about keeping your language skill secret, I will honor your wish.

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 27):

ENS looks from one man to the other.

Well, as I said, the man sounds like no fool so I doubt he'd let anything slip either way... So let's go with Sheriff Beauregard as our leader and I will interpret for him. To insure that the sheriff looks important to Mr. Xu, I propose that I stand just behind and to the right of the sheriff and only provide interpretation as needed; and I will ensure that I'm dressed well for the meeting.

The last sentence likely generates a chuckle from as few of his pards as, as soon as things settled down in the apartment, ENS had taken every bit of clothing he had and had them laundered, and has maintained a fairly impeccable visage ever since (though he would have called it 'casual').

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 28):

"Yes sir Professor, an enlightened choice. I, too, shall be dressed for the occasion." Conway looks pleased.

"Mr. Xu will sit here, as I mentioned earlier. I will make all introductions when we arrive. I will offer water to the men at the table, and to you as well Professor Ringgenberg. Once this is concluded, I will step away from the table. Mr. Beauregard and Mr. Xu will likely exchange some cordial greetings in English, but I would not imagine the conversation will continue further in our native tongue.

"He is a businessman. He will expect a counter offer to his for compensation for the task he brings us. Please be mindful that information is as strong a commodity as gold is currency.

"Finally, Mr. Beauregard, think of the specialized skills each man brings into this affair. If you do not feel you have the correct talents to complete his mission, it is always worth the request for him to direct you to the men who can help. If not, and only if he is unable, I might be able. There is no harm in asking when you don't reveal your weakness."

Conway heads for the door. "I have cleared all my thoughts. Would anyone like to make a request?"

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 29):

The Chinese equivalent of a bottle of fine scotch, two glass tumblers and two good cigars for the negotiating table.

JM Edit: Again, changing color formatting, assuming this is JEB's dialogue.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:04, Sat 18 July 2015.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 30):

"Mr. Beauregard, although I understand your intent, I feel that would be too much for this caliber of meeting." Conway responds respectfully. "Additionally, I fear any such merchant from whom you would purchase those items has already concluded their work day. Perhaps one of the melodeons or saloons in the Barbary Coast could provide the items you seek, but I would ill advise a venture there after nightfall."

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 31):

Fair enough. It is my limited understanding that offering gifts was a sign of respect in oriental custom. That was my intent. Respect is the most optimal starting point for any negotiation. If you feel it is too much, so be it.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 32):

Conway nods and says, "Thank you, sir."

The man-in-the-middle explains how other courtesies will be extended to the businessman. Conway gives the example that he has hired a coach to bring the two of them to the meeting. That same coach will stay outside to carry Mr. Xu on his way afterwards. "The greatest gift you can offer the man is to speak in his tongue. I suspect his respect for you will immensely elevate."

The young man stops just before exiting. "We will arrive shortly after evening meal. I am so very excited to learn about this mysterious mission. I sense an adventure is upon us." Despite his words, he remains stoic.

"Until then, gentlemen." Conway leaves.

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 33):

JEB nods and asks Ringgenberg, "can you teach me some basic Chinese, such as greetings, yes, no, that sort of thing?"

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 33):

ENS watches Conway depart.

Interesting fellow... well sheriff, if you like I could teach you an appropriate greeting in Chinese?

At the appointed time, Conway returns to the apartment, with the Chinese man he introduces as Xu Jie Jing. As Conway stated earlier, he makes formal introductions all around.

The Chinese man bows to each of the men in the apartment as Conway recites their names. Mr. Xu stands roughly five and one-half feet, with short-cropped hair showing gray at his temples. Unlike many of the celestials in the city, Xu has no queue. He wears a well-tailored, if unadorned, traditional winter gown. Although he treats all of the men with respect as they are introduced to him, Xu seems most interested in the man called Cole Trayne.

Upon the invitation to be seated, Xu takes his place across the table from Beauregard. He waits patiently, his eyes focused on JEB, as if awaiting permission to begin.

------------

OOC: Pausing here to allow PCs to post narrative, if desired, upon meeting Xu. Also allowing Beauregard the opportunity to initiate the conversation.

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 36):

Conway arrives wearing one of his lesser suits, though still stylish and nice by modern standards. He serves three glasses of water; one to each man at the table and one to Professor Ringgenberg. Mr. Beauregard, Mr. Xu will make his proposal once you invite him to do so. The young man then slips back with the others in the room; his involvement is likely over.

In reply to Charles Conway (msg # 37):

ENS, freshly shaved and wearing a clean suit, takes up position behind JEB and waits to be called upon for translation.

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 36):

JEB makes the traditional Chinese greeting taught by Ringgenberg, takes the seat across from Mr Xu and says cordially for ENS to translate, "how may we help you today?"

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 39):

Xu Jie Jing bows from his seat. Or more precisely, he bows his head in a deliberate fashion, that seems at once sincere and practiced.

"I am honored," he says in an even tone, in English. After a moment's pause, he continues, switching to his native Mandarin.

"Forgive me for using Mandarin. I believe that Professor Ringennberg will translate." He pauses, allowing ENS to do just that. With every man acknowledging his understanding of the process by a nod or a word or a gesture, and given JEB's approval, Mr. Xu continues in his own tongue, allowing space for Ringgenberg's translation.

"I have come to ask you men to do what I can ask of no one else. A great injustice is being done in this city. Juvenile daughters of my homeland, children, are being sold into slavery as if they were barrels of rice. I ask you," summarizes the Chinaman while meeting the eyes of Beauregard, "to help me save those that might be saved."