In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 40):

Your request is an honorable one. May I ask you a few questions before I confer with my associates?

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 41):

The Chinese merchant bows his head. "That is why I am here."

Conway has his notebook in hand. He marks in it as quickly as the pencil will glide across the page.

Coop stayed in the background leaning nonchalantly against a wall and listening to the translations from the Professor, watching the meeting unfold in front of him.  He had never seen or experienced anything like this conversation and was fascinated at the interaction between the three men.

He resisted the urge to cough or itch, feeling that such an interruption would be badly looked on by their visitor.  Conway seemed to be writing something and Coop briefly stared at him, wondering what he was noting down, before focusing again on the discussion at the table.

Missing Chinese girls being sold into slavery.  That was confusing as he'd fought in a war that was about removing slavery, or at least that was his recruiter had told him.  The reality of it had been very different though.

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 42):

Why are you here? Why bring this to us? I'm a former lawman and this is an issue for the sheriff to resolve.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Thu 23 July 2015.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 45):

The Chinaman maintains his focus on Beauregard.

"I might well say the same about the matter of Cole Trayne. I am here because you men have shown . . . " the Professor pauses for moment at this juncture in the translation before finding the right word, ". . . the capacity to take such matters into your own hands."

Xu Jie Jing continues. "The law does not concern itself with the plight of the Chinese in San Francisco."

Jake stood off to the side, with his back leaning against the wall and his arms crossed across his chest, listening to the conversation. He had on his best poker face, it was difficult to judge what he might be thinking from his expression.

One of the thoughts which crossed his mind was, Slaves, hunh? Well, I'll be. Wonder if Mister Lincoln would've invaded Californy to fix that, if'n he was still around?

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 46):

JEB maintains an impassive expression and continues, "the law seemed to care a great deal about a Chinese citizen Mr. Trayne allegedly killed. Regardless, I will take you at your word since you appear to understand our affiliations. Tell me about the perpetrators responsible for this injustice."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 48):

The Chinaman listens to JEB and then to ENS when the professor translates. A look of puzzlement hangs on his face.

"I will tell you what I know, and yet, I did not know that Cole Trayne killed a Chinese man. Please explain."

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 49):

ENS adds to the end of the translation quickly and in a low voice: Sheriff, didn't Cole kill a white man to save a Chinese family? Or are you speaking of another event?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 50):

The Wrangler, clearly in a mood, betrays little at the mention of his name.

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 49):

JEB allows an uncharacteristic look of discomfiture cross his otherwise stoic demeanor but in a brief moment bows his head,
"My apologies for the Misunderstanding. We are here to discuss the plight of young girls. Please continue..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Sun 26 July 2015.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 52):

The Chinese merchant observes Beauregard, as the lawman pauses to listen to the professor's translation before making his reply. Mr. Xu takes in Ringgenberg's translation, drawing a few breaths and allowing himself a moment to scan the room before he continues.

"Yes. That is why I have come to speak with you." He re-focuses his attention across the table, speaking directly to JEB.

"The perpetrators are many. There are those among the Tongs who support the practice, or at best they turn the other way. The children are smuggled in among the ships, taken to slave markets, and sold into servitude to the highest bidder. The market moves. It is a . . ." ENS pauses in his translation "well-orchestrated and clandestine business."

"I have information that will help to track down the location of the next market, but I cannot act on it myself. I have learned that the ships are expected within the next five days, perhaps as soon as two days. This is the task I ask of you . . . to disrupt the market and rescue as many of the girls as you can. I can ensure their safety once you have done your part."

Mr. Xu pauses for a moment, but everyone can sense he is not done speaking. He allows the professor to translate and then completes his current thought.

"Time is of the essence. I shall require an answer before I leave this apartment. If you have more questions, I will answer them, and I will provide the details that I have learned, but on this point I must be clear . . . I need your word that you will do this, tonight, or I will be forced to attempt another course of action."
EDIT: Minor fix; no change in Mr. Xu's words.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:42, Tue 28 July 2015.

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 53):

JEB studies the chinaman carefully.

"How can we be assured your motivations are noble?"

Jake did not move from his position along the wall behind the Missourian, but he cleared his throat.

"Afore you give the gentleman an answer, JEB, we all oughtta palaver," he remarked quietly.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 55):

A look of shock and embarrassment grips Conway's face. Was I unclear on how to treat the guest? He wonders if matters would unwind from this point. Are the hopes of profit now dashed? He does not know if JEB's authority was just compromised? Perhaps that happened when he misspoke.

The dark-haired man turns to a new page in his notebook and waits for what comes next.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 54):

The Chinese merchant shows no indication of taking offense to JEB's inquiry. Nonetheless, his answer goes straight to the point.

"You have no assurances, Mister Beauregard, except for my word."

In reply to Xu Jie Jing (msg # 57):

JEB nods to affirm Xu's statement.

Pardon me to confer with my associates on your proposal.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 58):

The Celestial merchant bows his head as he stands. He seems content to wait as the men move to the second of the two rooms in the apartment to discuss the matter at hand.

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

OOC: The Judge is using the fact that there are two rooms in the apartment to move the plot along, giving the PCs some privacy to talk while Mr. Xu waits.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 59):

I'll open the discussion by affirming that I have no cause to doubt the legitimacy of his proposal. Given our recent conflicts with the Chinese in this city I had suspicion that his offer may be a setup for an ambush of sorts, which is why I asked that last question. Based on his reaction it's my observation that he is forthright.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 60):

"I would like this opportunity to discuss our motivation. Altruism is a fine gesture, like the ultimate sacrifice your dear friend made to save your very lives. However, we have no such vested interest in the people involved." Conway converses in a mild tone. "We will incur expenses, need introductions, encounter violence, and a myriad of other and unforeseen consequences.

"Mr. Beauregard, would you seek expenses and compensation on our behalf. Although I prefer cold hard cash, I've been known to trade in favor, information, and opportunity. I only say so as a way to suggest open-mindedness to negotiate a strong and profitable contract."

"Good thinkin', Charles," Jake said, nodding to his old acquaintance. "I was thinkin' the exact same thing my owndamnself. I feel right sorry for them little yaller girls, but then we all done learned how it's a hard world, an' things is tough all over. My white-knightin' days is over an' done with, by an' large. We need to git paid for this."

The Texan turned to the wrangler. "Howsomever, afore we start treatin' this as a done deal, or nearly so, I'd like to hear what you think on it, Cole. Seems to me that thaere's still some unanswered questions 'bout who done what to whom an' why, concernin' yer own sit-you-aeshunn."

"An' if'n we take this other thing on, I reckon that we're all gonna be harin' off in a diff'rent die-reckshun other'n solvin' them lingerin' questions concernin' you."

"So, then . . . how you feelin' 'bout all this?"

Edit: Fixed minor typo.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:48, Thu 30 July 2015.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 62):

Travis waits for a pause in the conversation.  I'm in.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 62):

Before Cole states his piece I want to make it clear we will not profit from the plight of little girls. I will request expenses reimbursed but no more. Righteousness demands we take up this cause. We need no other incentive..

Cole looks at JEB, pauses a moment, then shrugs.

Subsequently, he turns his gaze upon Jake.

You make a good point, Jake. Running around town trying to fix a new problem, when we don't understand our current problem, seems not so wise to me.

Might be what happened to me is related to this here problem with Chinese girls. Least wise, I surely hope so.

Truth be told, I'm of a mind to have someone answer for what was done to me. And, to Randy and Rojas. There is too much trail between us for me to just walk away from this. But, I gotta say, I don't feel quite right putting my needs above children, either. My need can wait. These kids are out of time. Provided this here gent is telling the truth.

Are we sure about him?