You clear your throat. In front of you, seated at a hastily-assembled line of tables, are the Shogun and five of his generals. Though the Japanese have no legal system like the United States does, they’ve done well to assemble a familiar-looking setup for your trial. It is being conducted outdoors, perhaps a hundred yards from the camp itself. To one side, a few dozen feet away, your lieutenants and several enlisted men watch. Among them is Major Harp, who stands with his arms crossed. You also notice that Sarah Holman is standing next to Lieutenant Nakajima, and the two of them are having a quiet, yet clearly important conversation. News travels fast, it has been only three hours since you spoke with Commander Lee about this situation. Matsudaira Katamori, the daimyo of the Aizu Domain as well as your direct commander, stands by the Shogun and his generals. From what you can tell, he’ll be acting as both the prosecutor and defense attorney in this ad-hoc court martial. You imagine the scrutiny of the Shogun’s generals will be enough to keep him acting mostly as the defense attorney, however.

“Colonel Stockton,” the Shogun begins. He rests his head against his hand lazily. “Would you care to enlighten myself and the Generals as to a bit of your history before you came to Japan?”

You bow deeply. “Of course, your highness.” Returning to full height, you begin speaking in Japanese so that the generals will understand you. “I am from America. When I still lived there, I was in the United States Army.” One or two of the generals raise their eyebrows at your use of their language. You imagine they had been expecting to need a translator. “The southern states of the US attempted to rebel against the north, and it turned into a civil war. I was present for several major battles in it.”

“What exactly did you do in the Army, Colonel?” One of the generals, an old man with a bald head covered in liver spots, looks intently at you.

You clear your throat. “I was a sergeant on the front lines.” Frowning, you clarify for them. “I directly led troops, mostly light infantry like the ones I’ve trained here.” You can’t help but grimace as you say the next part. “I was captured near the end of the war and sent to a Confederate military prison, Andersonville. I nearly died there. After I got out and the war ended, I came here looking for employment.”

The Shogun speaks now, leaning forward and glaring at you. “And if I recall correctly, Colonel, you came into employment with the Aizu Domain after being caught trying to sell weapons to rebels and insurgents. You offered to instead give the weapons to the Shinsengumi after being captured in exchange for your freedom. What do you have to say about that?”

You fight the urge to swear aloud. The generals all look at each other, then eye you suspiciously. Glancing over at Matsudaira, you see him look straight ahead. He looks a bit paler than he did a few minutes ago, and you assume he must have not told his superiors about your entry into Aizu employment.

>”I wasn’t actually selling anything to anyone. I was hired as a bodyguard for an arms merchant. I had no idea he was planning on selling guns to rebels.” (explain)
>”Well I had to make money somehow.” (defensive)
>”That’s true.” (relent)
>”I’m honestly confused as to how it relates to my current predicament, your highness.” (question)
>Write-in.

>>3561060

>”I wasn’t actually selling anything to anyone. I was hired as a bodyguard for an arms merchant. I had no idea he was planning on selling guns to rebels.” (explain)

>>3561060
>write in

"My employer at the time sold the weaponry and offered up my services to the Shogun after learning he was dealing with subversives, Yes."

>>3561060
>”I wasn’t actually selling anything to anyone. I was hired as a bodyguard for an arms merchant. I had no idea he was planning on selling guns to rebels.” (explain)

>>3561060

>”I wasn’t actually selling anything to anyone. I was hired as a bodyguard for an arms merchant. I had no idea he was planning on selling guns to rebels.” (explain)

>>3561079
This is good

You cross your arms. “I wasn’t selling anything to anyone.” Frowning, you look at the generals before continuing. “At the time, I was doing bodyguard work for an arms merchant. I didn’t know the particulars of his dealings. He was the one who set everything up.”

“A hired gun,” one of the generals murmurs.

“Practically a ronin,” another says.

“Gentlemen,” the Shogun silences them. He then directs his attention back to you. “And since that incident, have you been in contact with this arms dealer?”

You shrug. “Not to any serious degree. We’ve exchanged communications maybe three or four times since then.”

The Shogun nods slowly. “And have you been involved with any business dealings of his since then?”

You shake your head. “None whatsoever.”

The generals look amongst each other, talking quietly. The Shogun speaks again. “And, would you say that your loyalties no longer lie with the arms dealer in question.”

“Our business arrangement ended on the night that I joined the Aizu Domain, your highness.” You bow again, if only to show your loyalty.

“Very well,” the Shogun nods. “Back to the details of your past. While training Lord Matsudaira’s men, you have proven to be quite the excellent commander.” The Shogun trails off for a moment, looking down at his hands, which he clasps together before looking at you again. “I have also heard talk of your combat prowess in the field.”

“Thank you, sir.” You bow your head momentarily.

Without hesitating, Tokugawa Yoshinobu continues. “Your combat prowess was proven, in fact, when you and your men left to intercept a combined force of Choshu and Satsuma troops yesterday.” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Seven hundred men against ten thousand, truly a heroic victory. One would have to catch their enemy unawares to secure such a tremendous advantage.” He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. “Nobody in my staff was even aware of the enemy reinforcements. How did you learn of their presence?”

>”A ronin I encountered early on has been working for me as a spy. He is quite skilled at what he does.” (honest)
>”An advance scout of mine learned of the enemy force.” (half-truth)
>”A detachment of cavalry discovered signs of an enemy force. We used that intel to predict their path of movement.” (lie)
>”I can’t reveal my source, he would be put into danger.”
>Write-in.

>>3561188
>”An advance scout of mine learned of the enemy force.” (half-truth)

>>3561188
>”An advance scout of mine learned of the enemy force.” (half-truth)

>>3561188
>”An advance scout of mine learned of the enemy force.” (half-truth)

>>3561188
>>”An advance scout of mine learned of the enemy force.” (half-truth)

I've got a bad feeling about this.

File: Tokugawa Yoshinobu.jpg (90 KB, 407x745)

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“One of my advance scouts discovered them.” You cross your arms, feeling a bit uneasy at telling a half-truth to such dangerous people.

The Shogun raises his eyebrow. “I see. You have some impressive advance scouts, then.” He looks at the various generals. “Wouldn’t you all agree?”

The generals all nod at each other, murmuring various things.

“Thank you, your highness.” You nod at the compliment.

The Shogun leans forward again. “You have a great deal of initiative, Colonel. Perhaps the exact opposite of what I was originally intending would be appropriate… We’ll see what happens when we all return to Edo.”

You raise your eyebrow this time. “Wait, what about the whole reason this trial was set up?”

He grins slightly. “I see you have a head for priority as well, Colonel Stockton.” His expression darkens. “It is true that you led the mission to intercept the enemy without receiving permission from command. It is also true that your mission could have crippled our army and campaign, had it failed.” He frowns deeply. “And your rogue mission resulted in our advance on Hagi being delayed. A punishment will certainly be in order.” He then leans back. “Would you not agree, Lord Matsudaira?”

Looking over at the daimyo, you can tell that he’s been put in an uncomfortable position by the question. His expression tightens into a small frown. “It would set a bad example for a Colonel to engage in unsanctioned military activities and go unpunished for it, yes.” He then takes a step forward. “However, I can attest that the responsibilities and limits of his station were not properly outl-“

“That will do, Uncle.” The Shogun waves the daimyo’s comment away. “Colonel Stockton, the only reason that you are not being shipped to a prison camp in Mutsu is because your poor decision actually put us in an advantageous position.”

“I beg your pardon?” You raise an eyebrow.

The Shogun crosses his arms. “With no reinforcements coming, and supplies almost exhausted, the Choshu Domain is in a tough position, strategically.” He leans forward, tapping his fingers together. “We can now negotiate a white peace more easily, and without losing face. Truly, we can see peace brought to the realm and begin the process of healing the nation.”

>”With all due respect, your highness. I have orders from the previous Shogun to take Hagi no matter what.” (honor)
>”White peace with the Choshu will only make their anti-Shogunal sentiments grow stronger. It will make us look weak, and they will capitalize on it.” (reason)
>”Indeed. Peace in our time. Long live the Shogun!” (duty)
>Write-in.

>>3561282
>”With all due respect, your highness. I have orders from the previous Shogun to take Hagi no matter what.” (honor)
>”White peace with the Choshu will only make their anti-Shogunal sentiments grow stronger. It will make us look weak, and they will capitalize on it.” (reason)

Both of these.

>>3561287
Same

>>3561282
I'll back these >>3561287

>>3561287
This

>>3561282
>>”White peace with the Choshu will only make their anti-Shogunal sentiments grow stronger. It will make us look weak, and they will capitalize on it.” (reason)

This is a man who politically needs to separate his accomplishments from his predecessor. I do not think reminding him of the former shogun is a good move and may actually harden him against continuing the campaign.

>>3561282
>”Indeed. Peace in our time. Long live the Shogun!” (duty)
Mercenary lyfe

>>3561363
But really, I think he's made up his mind already. The only thing to do is prepare for the next war.

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“With all due respect, your highness.” You clear your throat. “Prior to his passing, I met with the previous shogun. He gave me a single order.” Frowning, you pause to make sure everyone is paying attention. “He said to take Hagi, no matter what.”

The Shogun raises an eyebrow. “You mean to tell me you want to follow the orders of a dead man?” He leans forward, smiling incredulously. “I have learned of the state he was in during his final days. You really think he was in the right frame of mind to make strategic decisions?”

You shrug. “Well, the order to take Hagi is a strategically sound one, sir.” Stepping back, you gesture in the general direction of Hagi itself. “If we sign a white peace, it will do the opposite of uniting and strengthening the realm.”

You look over to see Matsudaira glare at you. “Don’t,” he growls in English, barely loud enough to hear.

You sigh, then continue. “If we don’t make an example of the Choshu leadership that rebellion is not tolerated, it will make us look weak.” Frowning deeply, you look at the generals more than the Shogun. “The Choshu Domain will have proven to all of Japan that it can get leverage and negotiate with the Shogun himself. Other domains with a bone to pick, or ambitions to fulfill, will come out of the woodwork.” You can’t help but let an incredulous chuckle escape your lips. “It won’t unite the realm at all. It will shatter it like a pane of glass.”

The Shogun’s face contorts into an expression of fury. “You think you know this country better than I do, American?”

“People aren’t all that different,” you grimace. “Especially people who want power.”

Yoshinobu looks like he’s about to send the guards in on you, but a commotion from the edge of the trial area catches everyone’s attention. You see a cluster of soldiers seemingly agitated, but they begin to part slowly, one by one. “Listen to me,” a woman’s voice can be heard. She’s speaking Japanese. “Let me through. Let me through!” Finally, she forces her way onto the trial ground itself. Tokugawa Hikari stands there. A soldier walks up to her, one of your men that was assigned to guard her tent. “Let go of me,” she swats his hand away. “I am the sister of the Shogun. You will not keep me hidden away!” She looks at you raising an eyebrow. “What is going on here, Colonel? I’ve heard that you are in danger.”

“Shit,” you mutter.

Yoshinobu looks at her with a surprised expression, which rapidly turns into a small grin. “The sister of the Shogun, you say?” He chuckles. “So they haven’t told you. I have been looking for you for quite some time. It is good to see you safe.”

“Keiki?” Her eyes narrow. “What are you doing here?”

“Ah, we can discuss that at my encampment.” He gestures to his personal soldiers. “Men, collect the princess, please.”

They immediately walk towards her. “No, absolutely not!” Hikari steps back, only for another guard to grab her shoulders. “Let go of me!”

Your hand instinctively drifts toward your revolver. However, Matsudaira walks up beside you. “Not now.” He hisses his words, his jaw clenching as he watches the guards drag Hikari over to the Shogun’s table. “I have a plan,” he whispers quietly.

You look over at the Shogun, who leans back and smiles confidently. You look to see your lieutenants, as well as a dozen or so enlisted men who have assembled here out of curiosity. They all look between you and the Shogun, seemingly ready to spring into action.

>Draw your revolver. “The princess stays with me, your highness.”
>Follow Matsudaira’s orders. If he has a plan, you’ll let him enact it.
>Write-in.

>>3561398
>>Draw your revolver. “The princess stays with me, your highness.”

>>3561398
>>Follow Matsudaira’s orders. If he has a plan, you’ll let him enact it.

>>3561398
>Follow Matsudaira’s orders. If he has a plan, you’ll let him enact it.

Currently tied. Since this is an extremely important vote, I'll wait another half-hour for a tiebreaker before I roll it.

>>3561455
Even though it invalidates my choice, I am compelled to point out that
>>3561401
changed his vote to
>>3561413

>>3561455
I changed my vote.

>>3561465
Oh shit, I hadn't noticed that. Writing now.

>>3561397

>Follow Matsudaira’s orders. If he has a plan, you’ll let him enact it.

File: Katamori_Matsudaira.jpg (23 KB, 316x470)

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You sigh, gritting your teeth as you move your hand away from your revolver. “Fuck.”

Matsudaira frowns deeply. “I know. Just trust me.”

You look over at him, preparing to say something when the princess’s protests fill the air again.

“No!” She struggles against the grip of the two guards as they drag her toward the new shogun. “You can’t do this! I won’t allow it!”

Yoshinobu stands up, wiping his hands as he walks toward Hikari. “I am afraid it is out of your control, Hikari-chan.” He smiles. “Don’t worry, it is in your best interests, trust me.” He snaps his fingers. “Bring her back to the camp. Make sure she is safe.”

“Yes sir.” The guards begin moving her toward the carriage that transported the Shogun here in the first place. “No!” She looks back at you. “Colonel, please! Don’t let them do this!”

You grimace, looking away. “I’m sorry.”

“Colonel!” She calls out once more before they get her into the carriage.

The Shogun turns toward you, smiling serenely. “I believe our business here is concluded, Colonel Stockton.” He turns away, heading toward the carriage. The generals all get up and follow him, as do his personal guards. “I now see that your loyalty is unflinching. Good day.” He then looks at Matsudaira. “Are you coming, uncle?”

He shakes his head. “I would like to stay behind, your highness, and ensure that the good Colonel doesn’t make any foolish decisions in the heat of the moment.”

Yoshinobu raises an eyebrow, nodding slowly. “Very good. I shall see you later, then.”

As Yoshinobu gets out of earshot, your lieutenants and enlisted men run up to you. “What are we going to do?” Sato is the first to speak.

“Return to your posts.” You don’t even look at them.

“Sir?” Nakajima speaks now.

“Return to your posts, now!” You glare at your officers. They all snap into salutes, then quickly disperse. As they leave, you grimace. Looking at the carriage as it trundles away, guarded by dozens of Shogunal troops, you feel sick to your stomach. “God damn it,” you hiss.

Matsudaira crosses his arms, his eyes never leaving the horizon. “I know things seem bad, Colonel.” He then turns to you, putting a hand on your shoulder. Even though he’s maybe five years older than you, he seems ancient right now. “But this was the best possible time this could have happened. Yoshinobu would have learned of Hikari’s presence here eventually.” He frowns. “I’d prepared for when it would happen.”

“What’s going to happen to Hikari?”

“Nothing, if you follow my orders.” Matsudaira frowns deeply. “But, his intention is likely to marry her, to solidify and legitimize his rule.” He turns away, walking toward his own troops, which are all clustered a few yards away. “Get some rest this evening. I will be paying you a visit tonight after sundown.”

File: 1559523909020.png (192 KB, 570x438)

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And that's all for tonight! Thanks for playing! We'll have another session tomorrow at the same time. After that, I'm not really sure what the week's schedule will entail, so keep a lookout for updates from me. In the meantime, feel free to post any questions, comments, critiques, shitposts and the like.

>>3561513
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH WE'VE BEEN JEWED. NOT THE PRINCESS WE FAILED

>>3561521
It will be alright dude, she'll probably be kidnapped or something, maybe we can marry her to Sato in secret or something

>>3561521
Sacrifices must be made, prices paid; such is war.

>>3561579
Playing matchmaker?

File: Lieutenant Nakajima.jpg (20 KB, 327x500)

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“So what is the plan?” Nakajima sits at your desk, facing you, as you sit on your cot.

“I have no idea,” you reply. Grimacing, you struggle to get a cleaning rag into the more difficult parts of your revolver. “He just said to wait until after sundown.”

She sighs, resting an arm on the back of the chair. “Truth be told, I am just glad things didn’t go worse.” Frowning, Nakajima continues. “We were on the verge of a shootout with the Shogun’s men there for a second.”

You nod. “It’s a good thing that nobody started pulling their pistols. We would’ve had no choice but to run to Ezo if that happened.” Sitting the cleaning rag down, you grab the cylinder of your revolver, as well as a powder flask. “I just hope Matsudaira knows what he’s doing.” You begin pouring powder into the chambers of the cylinder, taking care to measure the amount right.

Nakajima shrugs slightly. “Matsudaira Katamori is a veteran of the political machinery of Edo, sir.” She hands you her powder flask when yours runs out. You’ll need to refill it tonight. “If anyone is equipped to negotiate with a new Shogun, it is him.”

You nod, pouring more powder as you do. “That’s true enough. He seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders, at least.”

“It’s a shame that the Princess had to find out about the Shogun’s passing like that, though.” Nakajima frowns, looking at the floor.

“It is.” You grimace. “Though, considering our army’s current camping arrangements, I’m surprised it took her that long to leave her tent and begin getting into trouble.” Sighing, you finish loading the cylinder and move onto another. Once you finish the next one, you’ll have one in the revolver and three backups. “She picked about the worst time to do it, though.”

“It seems like many things happen at the least opportune times, sir.” Nakajima shrugs. “Perhaps that should be a written protocol for our army: always expect the worst-case scenario.” She chuckles.

You chuckle as well. “You’re not far off the mark there, Lieutenant.” Finishing the cylinder, you hand Nakajima her powder flask. You then lock one of the cylinders into your revolver and put the gun back together. “Well, four cylinders and a fully-loaded Henry.” You look over at your rifle. “I think I’m pretty much prepared for the worst.”

As you say that, you hear someone approaching your tent. You instinctively turn towards the entrance, readying some percussion caps in case you have to open fire. “Colonel Stockton.” Matsudaira’s voice can be heard outside.

“Ah, Lord Matsudaira.” You stand up. “Please, come in.”

The daimyo enters, flanked by two soldiers. He nods at you as you bow. “I assume you are ready, Colonel?”

You nod again. “Yes sir. As is my second in command, here.” You gesture to Nakajima, who salutes Matsudaira.

He shakes his head, his entire face tense. “No lieutenants. Just you, me, and my bodyguards here.”

>”I’m bringing my lieutenant.”
>”If you say so, sir.”
>Write-in.

>>3563079
>”If you say so, sir.”

>>3563079

>”I’m bringing my lieutenant.”

>>3563079
>”I’m bringing my lieutenant.”

>>3563079

>”I’m bringing my lieutenant.”
I bet we will need the backup

>>3563079
>”If you say so, sir.”

>>3563079

>”I’m bringing my lieutenant.”

File: Iron Frame Henry.jpg (31 KB, 1024x291)

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You shake your head. “I’m bringing my lieutenant.”

Matsudaira frowns. “Colonel…”

You shrug. “If you get to bring two bodyguards, isn’t it fair that I get to bring one?”

The daimyo rubs the bridge of his nose. “Very well. I will allow it.” He then looks over at Sakura. “Lieutenant Nakajima, can you be trusted to follow my orders? This is an extremely delicate situation that requires great precision of action.”

You’re surprised that Matsudaira knows Nakajima’s name, honestly. She merely nods. “Yes, Lord Matsudaira. You needn’t worry about my loyalties.”

He nods tightly. “Good. We set out at once.” He makes a gesture with his hand as he turns and begins walking away. Slinging your Henry over your shoulder, you follow him.

You both follow Matsudaira and his men out of the tent. As you all walk towards the edge of camp, you look over at the daimyo. “So what’s the plan?”

“Simply put, we will seize power from the Shogun tonight.” Matsudaira continues looking straight ahead as he walks.

“Seize power?” You raise an eyebrow. “How exactly?”

Matsudaira looks over at you. “By reminding him of where exactly he sits in the power dynamic. Yoshinobu may think that he wields the might of Japan’s armies, but he is sorely mistaken.” The man grins for the first time in a while, and it sends a small chill up your spine. “He has neglected to realize that I even have people loyal to me within his force.”

“You’ve got people in the Shogun’s camp?” You are taken aback by the realization.

Matsudaira nods as the five of you arrive at your horses, which are all tied up at the camp stables. “I command the domain that has sponsored and housed the Shinsengumi.” He leans toward you. “I have people everywhere.” Without skipping a beat, he gestures to the horses. “Now, let’s mount up. We haven’t a moment to lose.”

As you all mount up and begin riding away from camp, you don’t speak to each other. The cool night air flows against you, the scent of flower blossoms occasionally catching your nose. You steady yourself. It will be perhaps ten or fifteen minutes before your reach Yoshinobu’s encampment. Frowning, you think to yourself that now may be the best time to ask any questions, should you have them.

>”So if you seize power from the Shogun tonight, wouldn’t that effectively make you the ruler of Japan?”
>”I had always heard you were a traditionalist. Why does it seem like your domain is the one most set on modernizing?”
>”How will we proceed from here? What’s the strategy after tonight?”
>”Thank you, for being on my side during the trial.”
>Remain silent during the ride to Yoshinobu’s camp.
>Write-in.

>>3563165
>”Thank you, for being on my side during the trial.”
>”So if you seize power from the Shogun tonight, wouldn’t that effectively make you the ruler of Japan?”

>>3563165

>”Thank you, for being on my side during the trial.”
>”So if you seize power from the Shogun tonight, wouldn’t that effectively make you the ruler of Japan?”
>”How will we proceed from here? What’s the strategy after tonight?”

>>3563165

>”How will we proceed from here? What’s the strategy after tonight?”
>”Thank you, for being on my side during the trial.”

>>3563165
>”Thank you, for being on my side during the trial.”
>”How will we proceed from here? What’s the strategy after tonight?”

>“Lieutenant Nakajima, can you be trusted to follow my orders? This is an extremely delicate situation that requires great precision of action.”
He could probably trust Naka better than Stockton in that regard.

“Thank you for being on my side in the trial,” you say.

Matsudaira looks over at you. “I always side with who I think is right. Though your decision to act was very spur-of-the-moment, it gave us a significant advantage.” He shrugs. “To outright punish an officer for taking that kind of initiative would be foolish.”

You nod. “Well, thank you again.” Frowning, you stay silent for a few more minutes. “I am curious,” you begin after a while. “Even though I’ve heard you described as a staunch traditionalist, you seem more inclined to modernize your domain than any other daimyo.”

“That is because I am a realist.” The daimyo keeps looking forward, frowning slightly. “Japan will be changed by the outside world, that is unavoidable. If we do not seize our own destiny, we will be forced to conform to the will of outsiders unconditionally.” He looks over at you. “Fighting against the ocean’s currents will only make you tired, and cause you to drown.”

“That’s a far more nuanced position than I have seen from most people in charge around here.” You nod approvingly.

Matsudaira grimaces, his expression darkening. “That is because many daimyos are bloated, decadent fools. They choose to squander what their ancestors have built, letting their families’ reputations act as a cushion to support their own inaction.” He sighs. “They believe that they are infallible, and that nothing will ever threaten their way of life. They all need to be whipped into shape, made into proper warriors and scholars.” He looks over at you again. “Or if they are unwilling, then they need to be gotten rid of.”

“I see.” You frown. It’s a rather harsh worldview, but someone in Matsudaira’s position would know the score better than anyone else, you imagine. “So when you seize power from the Shogun, would that effectively make you the ruler of Japan?”

Matsudaira shakes his head. “Not by law, no. The Emperor is still the one who rules over even the Shogun, who is essentially the realm’s top military commander.” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “However, the Shogun has been the one with all the power to make decisions, since long before the Tokugawa Shogunate was formed.” As the lights of Yoshinobu’s camp come into view, Matsudaira’s expression hardens once more. “Though, perhaps the one who gives orders to the Shogun is truly the one in charge, so you may be onto something.” He nods forward. “Enough talking. It is time.”

You all ride into the Shogun’s camp, dismounting your horses just outside of the command tent. As soon as the Shogun’s guards see Matsudaira, they part and allow the five of you to enter the tent. It is much larger than the tent you command from, and appears to have two wings on either side. “What’s the plan of action?” You look over at Matsudaira as you all approach the entry flaps.

He folds his hands behind his back casually as he walks. “Do exactly as I command. It will all be over soon.” You all enter the tent. The main area is large and open, with nearly a dozen guards standing against the walls. Yoshinobu sits at the far end of the tent, looking over some papers. In one hand is a dish of sake. He looks up, raising an eyebrow as he sees all of you. “Hello, Keiki.” Matsudaira grins slightly.

“Uncle?” His expression quickly contorts into an angry frown. “Do not call me by that name.” He stands up, walking towards all of you. “What is the meaning of this? Barging in unannounced like a bunch of ruffians. I should have all of you arrested.”

Matsudaira puts his hands in his pockets. “We have come here to retrieve the princess, Keiki. Where is she?”

His frown only deepens. “Guards, arrest them.” As you look to the sides, the Shogunal guards unsling their repeaters and begin approaching you.

You reach for your revolver, only for Matsudaira to put a hand up. “That will not be necessary, Colonel.” The men continue to approach you, as does Yoshinobu. The new Shogun gets to within five or so feet of you and Matsudaira, grinning as he reaches for the hilt of his katana. You hear the guards' repeaters cocking as they level them at your group. The instinct to pull your pistol is overwhelming, if you don't act, these men will gun you down.

>Draw your pistol. You don’t want to risk being cut in half by this lunatic.
>Do nothing. Matsudaira must have a plan.
>Write-in.

>>3563288

>Do nothing. Matsudaira must have a plan
Subconciously move in front of Nakajima to protect/keep her from shooting

>>3563288
>Do nothing. Matsudaira must have a plan.

>>3563288
>Do nothing.

>>3563288
>Do nothing. Matsudaira must have a plan.

You swallow nervously, deciding not to draw your pistol. You do take a step in front of Nakajima though, just in case any bullets start to fly. You hear the footsteps of the guards getting closer. Grimacing, you expect the worst.

Only, instead of surrounding you, the guards surround the Shogun himself. The smile immediately fades from his face as he notices the guards pointing their weapons at him. “What is the meaning of this?” He looks around at the guards.

One of them, an older man with a thin mustache, speaks. “I’m sorry, sir, but we can’t follow that order.” He presses the barrel of his repeater against the Shogun’s torso.

“Uncle! What is the meaning of this?” The Shogun stares at Matsudaira, his eyes filled with rage.

Matsudaira steps forward, brushing the Shogun’s hand away from the hilt of his own katana. “You were so obsessed with becoming Shogun that you never considered who supplies you with all of your soldiers.” He takes the katana, sheath and all, right off of the Shogun’s belt, letting it clatter to the floor.

“You will pay for this treachery.” The Shogun hisses his words. He then turns to you. “As will you, Colonel Stockton.”

Matsudaira chuckles, then gestures to one of the guards. The guard in question whacks the Shogun in the face with the butt of his rifle, causing the man’s head to whip back. Blood spurts from his nose, and when he lowers his head in pain, you can tell at a glance that it is broken. “You are not even one one-hundredth the man that your predecessor was, Keiki. I know it, and so does every soldier in this camp. Each and every one of them are my men, Aizu soldiers who know that I would crawl through Hell in order to carry them into the Heavens. Their loyalties are unflinchingly with me, not you. They would shoot you without hesitation, and I would have a new Shogun ready within an hour.”

Yoshinobu, no, Keiki’s eyes widen. “You wouldn’t…”

The daimyo nods. “I would, nephew. You may be Shogun, but I am in charge now.” He steps toward the Shogun, grinning as he puts a hand on the man’s shoulder. His other hand, you notice, holds a revolver. He presses it up to the Shogun's stomach. “Do you understand?”

The Shogun looks around at the guards with wide eyes, then directs his attention back to Matsudaira. “I… I understand, Uncle.”

“Good.” Matsudaira nods. “Now, where is the Princess?”

“T-the munitions tent, that way.” He gestures to the southwest. “It is the one with a skull and crossbones painted on the side.”

The daimyo doesn’t skip a beat. “Colonel, take your lieutenant and go get her.” He turns to Keiki again. “And I swear, if any harm has befallen her, you will be the first eunuch shogun.”

You look at Nakajima, and both of you immediately turn and exit the command tent. As you walk along the main thoroughfare of the camp, it is easy to find the munitions tent. You both walk up to the entrance, where a Shogunal guard stands. He is young, maybe seventeen, and he immediately snaps to a ready stance as you approach. “W-who are you?” He readies his rifle, but you note that the hammer isn’t even back, nor does he have a percussion cap on the weapon.

>”The Shogun sent us.” (lie)
>”Step aside, soldier, for your own good.” (intimidate)
>”Are you one of Matsudaira’s men?” (question)
>Push past him without speaking. He’s not the type to shoot a man.
>Write-in.

>>3563393
>"Matsudaira sent us."

If every man in the camp is loyal to Matsudaira, we can't go wrong with this. If this one is loyal to the Shogun, he doesn't know what's just happened so we're good anyway.

>>3563393
>”The Shogun and Matsudaiara sent us.” (lie)

>>3563393
>>3563393
>>3563407
support

>>3563407
Support

“Matsudaira Katamori sent us.” You frown at the man.

“Lord Matsudaira?” His eyes widen. “I see. Please, enter.” He steps aside, allowing the two of you to step into the munitions tent.

“We’ve been ordered to release the captive in here.” You look at the guard. “Is she being kept under lock and key?”

He shakes his head. “No, sir.”

“Good.” You turn and enter the tent. Inside it is rather cramped, with barrels of powder stacked all over the place. “Princess Hikari, are you here?”

As you turn a corner, you see the princess sitting on the floor between two kegs of powder. “Colonel?”

You walk over to her, kneeling to get a better look. “Are you alright?”

She immediately leaps forward, clinging to you. “Colonel!” Sobbing, the Princess says your name several more times.

“Did they hurt you?” You pry her away from yourself, putting a hand on each shoulder to keep her steady. “Are you alright?”

She nods, wiping a tear away. “I am alright… Why are you here?”

Grimacing, you shoot a glance toward the entrance of the tent. Nakajima stands there, blocking the entrance and keeping any unwanted attention out. “Matsudaira and I were able to…” You trail off. “Persuade the Shogun to release you.”

She looks at you, eyes still watery. “Then, is it true? Is Brother really…”

You not solemnly. “It’s true. I’m sorry.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Though she still looks on the verge of tears, you see a hint of anger in her eyes. “Why?” She leans forward, her brows furrowing. “Why did I not learn the truth until that monster Keiki told me?”

You swallow nervously, trying to think of a response.

>Write-in.

>>3563465
>Because he ordered me and they were the orders of a dying man who wanted his sister to not suffer all of this.

Am.. am i remember correctly? I hope so.

>>3563288
>Do nothing. Matsudaira must have a plan.

>>3563477
As far as I recall it was Lt. Sato's advice, not the Shogun's orders, to not tell her until after Hagi was taken.

>>3563483
uh, Shit.. Hm I dunno then

>>3563483
>>3563492
Correction, I've just been through the archive. Matsudaira ordered us to tell nobody of the Shogun's death. We considered telling only our Lieutenants and the princess, and then Sato cautioned us against telling the princess.

>>3563505
Tell the true
Lord Matsudaira asked us not to tell and we obeyed

>>3563465
>"The last thing your brother said to me was that I must take Hagi, and that I must keep you safe. Lord Matsudaira and I both agreed that in order to fulfil those wishes, nobody could know of the Shogun's passing, lest such news reach the ears of someone who might exploit it for personal gain or use it against us; against you."

>>3563534

This is good. supporting this.

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You stand up, frowning. “The last thing your brother said to me was that I must take Hagi, and that I must keep you safe. Lord Matsudaira and I both agreed that in order to fulfil those wishes, nobody could know of the Shogun's passing, lest such news reach the ears of someone who might exploit it for personal gain or use it against us; against you.” Extending a hand, you sigh. “It was never something I wanted to do, but it was to keep you safe.”

She takes your hand hesitantly, getting up on her feet. “I see.” Sniffling, she glares at you. “While I don’t approve of your actions… I can at least understand them.” You can tell she’s still holding back tears, likely anger directed at you as well.

“Good. Again, I’m sorry.” You put a hand on her shoulder. Guiding her out of the tent, you turn to Nakajima. “Take the princess back to camp. I’ll wrap things up here with Matsudaira.”

She salutes you. “Understood, Colonel.”

“See you at camp,” you return the salute. As the two girls head off toward the horses, you return to the command tent. “Matsudaira?” Entering, you call out the daimyo’s name.

“Colonel.” He greets you without turning to face you. “I take it you found the Princess?”

You nod. “She’s fine. I had Lieutenant Nakajima take her back to camp.”

Matsudaira nods. “Good.” You walk up beside him, seeing the Shogun laying on the floor. He is bloodier than before, and breathing heavily. It looks like the guards beat the absolute piss out of him. Speaking of the guards, they now stand in a loose group, a few feet away, smoking cigarettes.

“Jesus,” you mutter. One of Keiki’s eyes is swollen shut, and his nose is even more broken than before. Several of his fingers are stuck at odd angles, likely broken as well.

“I had to ensure Keiki understood the nature of his position clearly.” Matsudaira rubs his chin. To your horror, you see that his knuckles are bloody and bruised. “I will be staying here by his side for the foreseeable future. Expect any orders I give to be relayed through Hijikata.”

You nod, grimacing. “So what do we do now?” Lighting a cigarillo, you puff on it as you look over at the daimyo.

“At dawn we march.” He looks over at you, cracking his knuckles. “By the end of this week, Hagi will fall.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkr0DWbhTk

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And that's all for tonight. Thanks for playing! Next session miiiight be tomorrow, but no promises. Things could change. After that, I'm not sure what our next day will be so keep an eye out for updates from me. Until then, please feel free to post any questions, comments, concerns, critiques, shitposts, and anything else you might want to post.

>>3563594
AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

what the fucking 7 hells is going on in this faction

>>3563594
Thanks for running, awesome

>>3563613
This is actually just normal politics

>>3563613
It's nothing compared to Sengoku period.

>>3563613
Anon by Japanese standards this is perfectly normal, it's just a coup de eat during a local civil war after the previous ruler's death.

Unfortunately, there won't be an update today. Not sure when we'll run the next session, I'll keep you guys posted.

>>3565336
be safe QM

>>3565336
Thanks for the heads up, see you next time

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Also, even though I’ll be away from my PC for a presently-unknown amount of time, I’ll still be monitoring the thread with my phone. If you guys have any miscellaneous questions about this quest or my other quest or anything really, feel free to ask. I’m more than happy to shoot the shit here until I can run again.

>>3565473
>other quest

Whaaaaaa-?

>>3565473
>other quest
You cheating on us?

>>3565473
Wait a moment, We're being memed on. What the fuck Zap

>>3565583
>>3565596
Starcaller Quest. Currently on long hiatus until I figure out how to make it fun again, sci-fi/space opera type thing. Filled with rookie mistakes since it was my first time QM-ing.

>>3565711
I remeber that and enjoyed it when you ran it.

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Status update, guys:
It looks like I'll be able to be home again for enough time every day to run sessions again. I need a day or two to readjust myself, but then operations as normal will resume. Expect a session on Wednesday at our regular time, barring anything unforeseen.

Another status update guys, our next session will actually be Sunday afternoon in a new thread.

>>3582279
>>3585645
lol

>>3585645
I am ready for fun and MORE PAIN