I like the variety of unique challenges when training in a group, especially when some are of the level of Tao.
Although I am warmed up as Sensei says, I stand again and take up a bokken of my own. Part of the challenge of repetition is to fall in…
My schedule fluctuates widely, given what work I'm doing. Tao and I do work together in the dojo sometimes, but not regularly enough to say that we "study together." It's a pleasure to see them, though. I nod my head in acknowledgement. As they walk…
"Thank you, Keira. I'll follow your instructions. If something happens to cause a delay, and I'm not there by midnight... is the job forfeit, or should I make other arrangements for delivery?"
I nod, again. "You'll understand if I ask for the more... pecuniary... side of the contract to be established, before I accept this? What is my benefit, here?"
I nod. "This is very much in my usual line of business. How big is the package, what are the start and end points, and how much opposition am I likely to run into?
I smile tightly. "I am fine without refreshment, thank you, and my other obligations are being discharged by a more-than-competent surrogate." I give a slight, respectful bow. "You require my services?"
This is Delightful. I'm sure those looking through the Veil see something an order of magnitude more grand, but this is what I see:
They're professional, and we've traded jobs back and forth for a few years now. It's mostly that, a professional rel…
Kai intrigued me... I'm on the way to accept his gig, but not without first making sure that the offer from Salomé has been handed off to the unlikely-named "Delightful," who is fast and careful, and knows to call in backup if they're out of their d…
I plan to let them go. I don't know who Havana was with, and I'm not much interested, but it seems like Havana wasn't the target. Only a fool continues a fight after he's won, and I certainly won this contest.
Well, I've given Havana time to get out of the immediate threat, and there's no real reason for me to take any risks here. I have the quarry at bay, they're mine to set free. I step back. "Go, then... but I'll be watching for you."
"Are you after Havana?" That's what makes the most difference to me. Don't know the other person. "And why would you think it was okay to operate in the Neon Pagoda?"
I step into a patch of light, on the balls of my feet and blocking their escape route. "There's no need for violence. Who are you after, and who sent you?"
I don't know this area well, but I know areas like it. I leap off the roof and grab the supports of those sky bridges swing myself up into a shadowed nook so this assassin? or whatever won't see me when they run past.
[ROSTAM] I'll take these three:
Leave no trail or trace.
Navigate to an advantageous spot.
Change, reorganize, or manipulate the environment to their detriment.
I'm juiced up on adrenaline, and Havana may not be one of "my" people, but they're still known to me... and this mysterious attacker seems to be an interesting challenge. I pursue to the roof.
I don't fall often, but I don't much want a fight up here, so my best course of action is to push before they pounce, I think. I use the trusses to make my way over to my target and aim a kick at their shoulder, trying to knock them down.
This shadowy figure, drawing its blade... well, to be earthy about it, they're drek on my shoe. Hiding in the Veil, or at least I suspect so. I need to get to where I can act directly on this threat. (Rolling Parkour+Powerful, since I'm feeling it..…
I make a quick bow with no apology and move off, tracking this shadow in the rafters. I've seen Havana effectively naked, and I can't ignore that responsibility.
And how is the Honor Guard or Giri enforcement not essentially just running more dangerous and politically fraught errands for more dangerous and politically fraught people? I don't say this out loud, of course.
"I find it sufficient, sir. My needs…