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“Who are all of these people, anyway?” You gesture to the various presumed dignitaries that occupy the room.

Keisuke chuckles, rubbing his chin. “Statesmen, mostly, as well as generals and prominent members of the merchant class.” He looks at you, then produces a cigar, which you take graciously. “The Shogun wanted to ensure he had the right people to get the most out of Europe’s advancements, in every way possible. This mission is focusing on far more than just military outreach.”

You light the cigar, puffing on it a few times. “I see. So the members of the merchant class are here to forge trade relationships?”

He nods. “As well as to send back information about various civil technologies and practices that could benefit the realm.” The young statesman then crosses his arms, chewing on his cigar a bit. “Though the Shogun seems to think that the mission to Russia will prove the most fruitful.” He then shakes his head. “His reasoning is that they are a powerful neighbor, as well as a large-scale agrarian society that could provide valuable information about modern farming techniques… Personally, I think the Russian mission is a waste of time.”

“How so?” You raise an eyebrow. In truth, you know very little about Russia beyond its size and proximity to Japan.

“They are a deeply troubled empire,” Keisuke says after a few puffs on his cigar. “Widely considered to be backwards and old-fashioned by the rest of Europe. The Tsar and his ministers have been steadily losing control for many years now. Plus their politics and loyalties are fickle.”

>”Then which mission do you see as having the greatest potential benefit for the realm?”
>”You seem to be quite knowledgeable about Russia. How did you learn these things?”
>”Indeed that may be true, but wouldn’t it be at least beneficial to have diplomatic relations with such a powerful neighbor?”
>Write-in.

>>3945656
>”Then which mission do you see as having the greatest potential benefit for the realm?”

Good to see you've returned!

>>3945656
>>”Then which mission do you see as having the greatest potential benefit for the realm?”

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“Which mission do you see as being the most beneficial for the realm, then?” You raise an eyebrow, puffing some more on your cigar.

Keisuke frowns slightly, rubbing his mustache. “The British, though a dangerous presence, could prove a valuable ally if swayed to our cause. Such a change in loyalty would be trivial for them as well, assuming we could convince them that their interests are better preserved by us than by our adversaries.” He grimaces slightly. “Personally I would prefer amiable relations, and perhaps even alliances, with the French. Their loyalties are more solid, and their honor can be relied on.” He grins slightly. “Plus their long-running rivalry with the British could be exploited, much to our benefit.” Shrugging, he puffs on his cigar for a bit. “The United States could be quite a powerful ally as well, but I worry about their reluctance to involve themselves in foreign affairs, especially given their recent civil war.”

You nod slightly. “And what of the other European powers? The Austrians, Prussians, and Italians, for example?”

Keisuke’s expression sharpens as he considers your words. “The Prussians… Their support could prove quite valuable to our interests.” He lets out a large cloud of cigar smoke, then rubs his chin with his free hand. “Prussia and Japan have a great deal in common, so they could likely be persuaded to make an alliance with us. Plus they have some of the most advanced technology in the world, military and civil.” He then grimaces slightly. “Though allying with them may put us in a sore spot with France… It would be tricky, trying to get one of them on our side without upsetting the other.” He turns to you, his expression lightening slightly. “As for the Italians and Austrians, I have little knowledge of them.”

You nod. “I’ve done a bit of research, seeing as both nations will be under my mission’s jurisdiction.”

“I am sure you will be able to foster good relations with the right people, General.” Keisuke says with a small smile. “And when you do, I will be there to sign the treaties.”

You both chuckle a bit. As the day drags on, you both mingle with the dignitaries, getting you better acquainted with the members of your mission. After an hour or two, you head back to your cabin and relax for a while.

The dawn of the next day brings a welcome sight on the horizon; San Francisco Bay. The city is soon clearly within sight, and the Great Eastern begins moving up alongside the many re-coaling stations at the docks. Once the ship is securely moored, the Captain informs you all that the re-fueling and supply replenishment will take approximately 48 hours. After that, the ship will make its way south, stopping one more time in Argentina to re-fuel before crossing the cape and heading into the Atlantic. Captain Thompson explains that all passengers and non-essential crew are permitted to go ashore during the 48 hours of downtime.

>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.
>Stay aboard. There’s nothing in San Francisco you’re particularly interested to see. (timeskip to arrival in Europe.)
>Write-in.

>>3945764
>>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

>>3945766
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

Gonna pause the session here for tonight and resume at 6PM tomorrow for a regular-length session. Thanks for playing guys!

>>3945764
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.
See if any of our old buddies are in the Presidio.

>>3945656
>Trying to learn agricultural techniques from Russia
Poor naive Shogun.

>>3945766
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

>>3945766
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

I bet Naka is dying to see a little of Daniel's country

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>>3945654
Oh thank God, you're back

>>3945766
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

>>3946221
It's not as bad as it sounds.
t. farmer with a degree

Session in half an hour.

>>3945766
>Explore San Francisco while you’ve got the time. It may be the last time you set foot in America for a long time.

fuck ya, Sup Zap had a good thanksgiving?

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You decide to visit San Francisco, getting both Nakajima and Sato to go with you. As the three of you walk down the gangplank, you are immediately greeted by the sight of a modern city. When you last stopped through here, over a year ago on your way to Japan, the city seemed rather smaller than now.

“So this is it,” Sato says as he walks alongside you. He wears a civilian suit and bowler hat, with a walking stick tucked under his arm. “A true American city.” He looks over at you. “I’ve heard it compared to Paris before, you know.”

Chuckling, you shake your head. “I wouldn’t exactly compare it to Paris. Maybe Sodom or Gomorrah.”

“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand your reference, sir.” Nakajima speaks up next. She wears her military uniform, the only one among you who elected to do so.

As you lead your little group along the docks, toward the entrance to the city proper, you explain. “It means be careful.”

As you say that, a young boy of perhaps eleven runs up to you. He wears threadbare clothes and a flat cap. “You folks don’t look like you’re from around here.” He grins, showing a couple missing teeth. “Want the grand tour? Only 25 cents!”

>”No thanks, we’ll see the city ourselves.”
>”Sure thing, kid.”
>Write-in.

>>3947166
I did, thanks for asking.

>>3947181
>”No thanks, we’ll see the city ourselves.”

NOPE I KNOW BETTER THEN TOO TRUST A CHILD IN THIS CITY OR THE BARS

>>3947181
>>”No thanks, we’ll see the city ourselves.”

>>3947181
>>3947181

>”No thanks, we’ll see the city ourselves.”
"Well, you are wrong, I was around here before.

"See, this is exacly what I was saying about being careful"

Give the kid the 25 anyway just to not let him down.

Question, does Sato knows about our relashionship with Naka?

“No thanks,” you reply. “We’ll see the city on our own.”

“Suit yourselves.” The kid shrugs, walking off in a different direction.

As soon as he is out of earshot, you look to your compatriots. “That’s exactly what I was talking about. That kid was probably going to take us down a back alley and have his buddies rob us.”

Nakajima’s expression is one of shock. “That is awful. Is there really so much crime in this city?”

“Around the docks, yes.” You nod. “This place is called the Barbary Coast because of all the treacherous types that call it home.” Producing a cigarillo, you light it and get a couple puffs in before continuing. “Many a sailor has gone into one of these saloons only to get drugged and placed on some other ship against his will.” For emphasis, you gesture to the row of saloons lining the edge of the dockyards.

“A hive of scum and villainy,” Sato remarks. “It makes sense, given the number of sailors and transients that likely pass through here.”

“The gold rush didn’t help it,” you add. “People coming here seeking their fortunes in the hills… Easy marks for people looking to make some money illegally.”

“Gold rush?” Sato raises an eyebrow. “Is there still gold being found in the hills, sir?”

You shrug. “I have no idea. Most of what I know about this place comes from newspapers. I stayed on the ship when we stopped here on our way to Japan.” The three of you turn down a wide street leading into the city itself. The sides of the street are lined with shops and apartments. “I do have some knowledge of the city’s layout, though.”

“So where do you suggest we go?” Nakajima looks at you.

>”Let’s check out some of these shops while we’re here.”
>”The Wells Fargo bank might be a useful contact to make while we have the opportunity.”
>”Let’s see about booking some lodging in a nice hotel. We’ll be here for two days, after all.”
>Write-in.

>>3947245
>>”The Wells Fargo bank might be a useful contact to make while we have the opportunity.”

>>3947245

>”Let’s check out some of these shops while we’re here.”

Tourism ho! Buy Naka a nice western dress.

>>3947245
>”The Wells Fargo bank might be a useful contact to make while we have the opportunity.”

>>3947245
>”The Wells Fargo bank might be a useful contact to make while we have the opportunity.”

“The Wells Fargo bank might be a useful contact to make,” you say. “Support from them could prove pivotal in arranging deals in Europe.”

“Do you know where this bank is?” Sato looks at you.

Nodding, you reply. “I have an idea.”

Soon, the three of you are walking through San Francisco’s financial district. There are many banks in this city, which makes sense given the gold rush that occurred here. It doesn’t take long to find the Wells Fargo headquarters, which is a larger building than most of the others on this street. It looks to have been newly built, with a beautiful façade out front. As the three of you enter, a man with a Pinkerton badge on his coat walks up to you.

“Sorry, sir. No Chinese allowed.” He gestures to a sign that says the same.

You step toward the man, grimacing. “Good thing my friends here aren’t Chinese, then.”

Sato speaks next, adding an American accent to his speech. “Indeed, we are representatives of the Japanese Government.”

The Pinkerton steps back, clearly not sure how to act. However, before anything else can happen, an older man in a black suit steps between you. He wears glasses, and has a tophat tucked below his arm. “Ah, my apologies, good sirs!” He then looks at the Pinkerton. “I’ll handle things from here, Harrison.”

“Understood, sir.” The man steps back and resumes guarding the door.

“Jeremy Copperton, at your service.” The man in the suit shakes your hand vigorously. “You’ll have to excuse my associate. How can I help you gentlemen?”

You nod slowly. “Well, me and my compatriots are here on behalf of the Japanese Government. We’re doing a series of outreach missions, and while docked in San Francisco I figured I would stop in here and take a look around.”

“Ah, I see!” Copperton nods and smiles. “Well then you’ve found the right man to speak to. I am in charge of the Wells Fargo headquarters here, as well as two branches in Southern California.” He gestures for all of you to follow him through a large doorway. Once you enter the next room, you see it is a wide hallway with several doors on either side. “We offer many services.” He begins gesturing to different doors as he speaks. “Over there is the property and real estate office. In there is the gold and silver exchange. Banking and lending is over there. This office is our mail and parcel service.” He then gestures to a final door. “And the one likely most useful to you is here. International banking.”

>”International banking? Show me.”
>”I’m interested in the gold and silver exchange.”
>”I’m interested in the property and real estate office.”
>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”
>Write-in.

>>3947343
>>”International banking? Show me.”

>>3947343

>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”
To let them know we are alive and then


>”International banking? Show me.”

>>3947353
Switching to this

>>3947343
>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”


>
>

>>3947343
>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”

Gonna pause the session here and resume at the same time tomorrow.

>>3947416
The American jew has us zap. Save us

>>3947343
>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”

>>3947343
>”Let’s go to the mail and parcel office. I’d like to send a letter to my family in Rochester while I’m here.”

>>3947343
>”International banking? Show me."

Unless. of course, for whatever reason we still have in-universe the old Japanese exchange ration, then changing it to
>”I’m interested in the gold and silver exchange.”
Which you all should do.

My apologies but something has come up. Postponing the session for today. Will probably try individual updates throughout the week.

>>3948818
Its all good Zap, We're just happy you never forgot about us.

>>3947343
>All of them