You follow Ed out of the apartment, walking just behind him as he descends the stairs to street-level. “What can you tell me?” He looks to the police officer, Mickey.

“The body was found right next to the docks, in an alleyway.” He grimaces. “Same thing as the others.”

“Of course.” He spits, adjusting his hat. “And I don’t suppose we have any witnesses?”

“None that will admit to it,” Mickey replies. “Victim was a Chinaman this time.”

Ed raises an eyebrow. “A Chinaman, in New York?”

You feel your stomach tighten up. “Are you sure they were Chinese?”

Both men look at you with confused expressions. Mickey is the first to speak. “How precisely would we tell the difference?”

You grimace, wondering if a passenger of the Great Eastern might have run afoul of some murderer here in the city. You’d made it a point to have your own cadre stay behind on the ship, but there are still dozens of other Japanese officials aboard that might have gone ashore. “Right,” Ed says. “You said you were doing work with the Japanese government. Do you want to come along with us, then? Perhaps help identify the body?”

>”I can’t. My ship is only going to be here for a few more hours.”
>”I suppose I should come along.”
>Write-in.

>>4173663
>>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>”I suppose I should come along.”
Murder mystery time!
Katana and LeMat when?

>>4173663
>>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>”I suppose I should come along.”

>>4173663
>”I suppose I should come along.”

“I suppose I should come along,” you reply.

“Follow us, then.” Ed grimaces, nodding in the direction that he and Mickey are walking. “Mickey, this is my cousin, Daniel.” He gestures to you. “Cousin, this is Inspector Mickey Malone. He’s my partner.”

“A pleasure,” you reply.

“Would be under better circumstances,” Mickey remarks. “Have you ever seen a dead body before?”

You nod. “I’m a soldier by trade.”

“Then you’ll handle this better than most people, at least.” Mickey produces a cigarette, lighting it and puffing for a bit. “The docks aren’t far.”

Indeed they aren’t. Perhaps five minutes later, you all arrive at what you assume is the scene of the crime. There is a crowd being kept back by a couple of police officers, as well as a small cluster of officers standing in an alleyway.

“Here’s the body, detectives.” A police officer greets Ed as you all arrive. The officer goes to bar you from entering the scene, but Ed, stops him.

“He’s with us,” is all he needs to say. The officer lets you through, and you are able to see the body.

You catch one glimpse of the body and nearly retch. “Jesus,” you say as you take a step back.

“See why they’re calling these the ‘Mad Butcher’ killings?” Ed grimaces. “Do you think he was one of yours?”

You take another glance, making a concentrated effort to avoid looking too closely at the center of his torso. The man is definitely wearing a uniform, though it isn’t the black wool of the Aizu forces. His jacket is, or rather was, gray with gold trim. You’ve seen other daimyos’ uniforms among the staff undertaking the missions, so you can’t rule out the possibility. “Don’t know for sure.” You shrug, turning away from the scene. “The uniform makes me think he was.”

“This is the sixth one we’ve found like this,” Ed continues. “No idea who is doing it, though. If there are any witnesses, they haven’t come forward.”

>”Let me get my superior from the Shogunal Government. He’ll be able to identify if this guy was part of our staff.” (leave to get Keisuke)
>”Are there any commonalities amongst the victims? Perhaps the killer is after a particular type of target?” (hypothesize)
>”This is all pretty far beyond me.” (wash your hands of the matter)
>Write-in.

>>4176866
>>”Are there any commonalities amongst the victims? Perhaps the killer is after a particular type of target?” (hypothesize)

then

>”Let me get my superior from the Shogunal Government. He’ll be able to identify if this guy was part of our staff.” (leave to get Keisuke)


get the killer profile just so we can be relieved or worried about Naka, gotta keep her close if there is a jap killer on the loose

>>4176868
+1

>>4176866
>>”Let me get my superior from the Shogunal Government. He’ll be able to identify if this guy was part of our staff.” (leave to get Keisuke)

>>4176868
i support this option, it seems the most interesting and sensible

>>4176868
Ditto

>>4176866
>”Are there any commonalities amongst the victims? Perhaps the killer is after a particular type of target?” (hypothesize)

>>4176868
Switch to this

“Are there any commonalities among the victims?” You look over at Ed.

“How do you mean?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Well,” you begin. “If these are all the work of the same killer, maybe he’s targeting specific people.”

Ed looks as if he’s about to say something, then he pauses for a moment. “Wait, you mean there might be a kind of logic to this madness?”

You nod grimly. “Killing a person is a pretty big deal. Even a madman would probably have some reason for doing this, no matter how twisted the reason might seem.”

Your cousin frown deeply, glancing at the corpse before speaking. “I’ll have to review the other murders to be sure, but I think there might be some things the victims had in common.”

“I should probably fetch my superior from the Japanese Government,” you say. “He’d be able to identify the body.”

“Very well,” Ed replies. “I’ll be here waiting.”

You leave without another word, heading straight for the other side of the island, where the Great Eastern is docked. Arriving there, you immediately ascend the ship’s gangplank and enter the passenger areas. Last you had checked, Keisuke is dining with the Captain at this hour. Your officers should be in the ship’s parlor eating their own lunch as well. Frowning, you mull over what you should do first.

>First thing’s first, make sure your own cadre is still aboard the ship. You don’t want them wandering around New York with a killer on the loose.
>Find Keisuke and tell him what has happened.
>Grab your weapons from your cabin. If you happen upon this killer while in the city, you don’t want to be caught defenseless.
>Write-in.

>>4178094
>Grab your weapons from your cabin. If you happen upon this killer while in the city, you don’t want to be caught defenseless.

>>4178094
>First thing’s first, make sure your own cadre is still aboard the ship. You don’t want them wandering around New York with a killer on the loose.

check if they are ok

>>4178094
>Grab your weapons from your cabin. If you happen upon this killer while in the city, you don’t want to be caught defenseless.

>>4178094
>First thing’s first, make sure your own cadre is still aboard the ship. You don’t want them wandering around New York with a killer on the loose.
>Grab your weapons from your cabin. If you happen upon this killer while in the city, you don’t want to be caught defenseless.

>>4178094
>do a Quick check on everyone, grab our weapons
>Ask if Naka wants to come along
Let’s make it a date

>>4178094

>First thing’s first, make sure your own cadre is still aboard the ship. You don’t want them wandering around New York with a killer on the loose.


But ideally this>>4178156 if possible

>>4178163
Sounds nice too

Heading to your cabin, you immediately grab your revolver and a couple of pre-prepared cylinders, concealing them beneath your coat. Thankfully, with it being the beginning of December, you can wear a full holster and ammunition belt beneath your frock without it being obvious.

After getting your weaponry and ammunition, you head to the ship’s parlor, opening the door to find your officers exactly where they should be: eating lunch. “Thank goodness,” you say to yourself as you look around.

“General?” Sato raises an eyebrow. “Is something the matter?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” you reply. “Just make sure everyone stays aboard the ship.”

Nakajima stands up, a concerned expression arising as she approaches. “Has something happened, sir?”

>”There’s a killer loose in the city. We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been killed already.”
>”Like I said, nothing you need to worry about.”
>Write-in.

>>4178870
>>”There’s a killer loose in the city. We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been killed already.”

>>4178870
>>”There’s a killer loose in the city. We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been killed already.”
Spent the last few days catching up with the archive. Underrated quest, Naka a cute.

>>4178870
>>”There’s a killer loose in the city. We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been killed already.”

>>4178886
this write in is goot too

>>4178906
absolute cute

>>4178870
>There’s a killer loose in the city. We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been killed already.”

File: Keisuke Otori.jpg (94 KB, 381x533)

94 KB JPG

“There’s a killer loose in the city,” you begin. “We think a member of the Shogunal Staff might have been a victim, I need to get Keisuke to identify the body.”

“A killer?” Sato frowns deeply. “Do you want us to accompany you as bodyguards?”

“No. Everyone is to stay aboard this ship. Don’t let anyone aboard that you don’t know.” You grimace, lighting a cigarette. “And nobody is to be alone at any time until we leave. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir,” both of them salute you.

“Good,” you nod. “Make sure those orders are followed by everyone on the ship. I don’t care if it counts as me overstepping my bounds.”

“Understood,” Nakajima replies. “What about you, sir?”

“I’m going to get Keisuke. He’ll be able to identify the body and decide how we should proceed.” You turn to leave, only to be stopped by the sound of Nakajima clearing her throat.

She stands at attention, a stony expression on her face. With a small nod, she speaks. “I’m sure you are the last person who needs to be told this, but be careful, General.” She frowns, lowering her cap slightly. “We cannot afford to lose you.”

You nod. “Right. I’ll be careful.” With that, you turn and head for Keisuke’s last known location: the Captain’s dining room.

You knock on the door to the cabin, with a muffled reply coming from within. “Come in,” Captain Thompson calls out.

You enter, seeing that Keisuke is indeed eating lunch with Thompson and his officers. In addition, two uniformed officers from other Daimyos’ domains sit at the table. “Ah, General Stockton,” Keisuke greets you with a smile. He is leaning back in his chair, having finished his meal, and has a cigar lazily balanced in between his fingers. “To what do we owe the pleasure?” With the entirety of the Great Eastern’s command staff here, as well as a couple Shogunal officers from other Domains, you aren’t sure how you should begin.

>”I have something important to discuss with you, Sir.” (be subtle)
>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)
>”A body has been found by the New York Police. They think it may have been a member of our ship’s cadre.” (be un-subtle)
>Write-in.

>>4179696
>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)

>>4179696
>>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)

>>4179696
Also, I'm not able to catch this quest very often, but know that I appreciate you Zap!

>>4179696
>>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)

>>4179741
Ditto

>>4179696
>>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)

>>4179696
>”Have any of the Shogunal staff gone ashore yet?” (begin with a question)

“Have any of the Shogunal Staff gone ashore yet today?” You grimace, looking at the various uniformed men sitting nonchalantly at the lunch table.

“To my knowledge, no,” Keisuke replies. “Why? Has something happened in the city?”

“Yes.” You nod bluntly. “We need to speak privately about it.”

“Very well,” Keisuke says immediately. He then turns to the others. “Please excuse me, Gentlemen.” Getting up from the table, he follows you out of the room. “So, what do you need to tell me?”

“A body has been found in the city, murdered. He was wearing a military uniform and appeared to be Japanese.” You put your hands in your coat pockets as you walk.

“How far away?” Keisuke’s expression is tense and serious.

“The other side of the island,” you reply. “Maybe a ten minutes’ walk.”

“Then it would be a two minutes’ carriage ride. Let’s go.” Keisuke takes the lead. You both stop by the Master-At-Arms’ office, collecting some rifles and a group of three ship’s security officers to accompany you.

It is almost exactly a two minutes’ carriage ride, after Keisuke is able to flag one down to take you all there. When you arrive, the crowd has mostly dispersed, scared away by an increased police presence. As soon as you dismount the coach with your security officers in-tow, the police instinctively take on a defensive posture. “You didn’t tell me you’d be bringing the Japanese army with you,” Ed grimaces as he steps forward. With a single movement of his arm, he orders the police to be at-ease.

“The armed guards were my idea,” Keisuke says with a bow. “I am General Otori Keisuke of the Shogunal Guard.” He returns to full height, offering a hand to your cousin. “And you are?”

“Ed Stockton,” he replies. Ed shakes Keisuke’s hand, then gestures to the alleyway. “I assume my cousin has already told you about the body?”

“Indeed,” Keisuke replies. “Though, I hadn’t expected to find General Stockton’s cousin as a police investigator.”

“General?” Ed raises an eyebrow, looking at you. “Never mind, follow me.”

You all do exactly that, with Keisuke taking the lead. He stops just short of where the body lays, putting a hand to his mouth in shock as he looks over the crime scene. “Was this done with some sort of cannon?”

“We don’t think so,” Ed replies. “But that doesn’t mean we have any solid leads on how it was done.” He looks at Keisuke with a blank expression. “So, is he one of yours?”

“No,” Keisuke says with a bit of hesitation. “This uniform… Gray and gold, this man was an officer in the Choshu Domain’s army.” He frowns deeply. “Or rather, the Mori Rebels’ army, these days.”

>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)
>”Well if it’s not one of ours, we should return to the ship.” (prioritize safety)
>”If he was an officer, that means he wouldn’t have gone anywhere alone. There’s a witness somewhere.” (prioritize the investigation)
>Write-in.

>>4188759
>>”If he was an officer, that means he wouldn’t have gone anywhere alone. There’s a witness somewhere.” (prioritize the investigation)

Someone that killed him means there are enemies of the choshu here. And we can outreach to them.

>>4188759
>>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)

fucking enemy

>>4188793
I think it is a serial killer by what our cousin said, so I don't know if it's a worthy ally....at least not until cousing comes forward with the data about the other victims so we can see if its just random attacks or if they are targeting the Choshu specifically

>>4188759
>”If he was an officer, that means he wouldn’t have gone anywhere alone. There’s a witness somewhere.” (prioritize the investigation)

>>4188755
>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)

>>4188759
>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)
He's probably a serial killer we should focus on dealing with the Choshu.

>>4188759
>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)

>>4188759
>”If he was an officer, that means he wouldn’t have gone anywhere alone. There’s a witness somewhere.” (prioritize the investigation)

>>4188755
>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)

>>4188759
Maybe we should suggest checking if that confederate ship docked here

>>4188759
>>”If he was an officer, that means he wouldn’t have gone anywhere alone. There’s a witness somewhere.” (prioritize the investigation)

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

Sadly I haven't been able to get to my computer all weekend, so our next session will have to be tomorrow night at the soonest. In the meantime, here's a video I think you guys might enjoy.

>>4188759
>”The Choshu are in America? What should we do about that?” (prioritize the presence of Choshu forces)

“Shit,” you say. “So our enemies have made it to America as well. What should we do about this?”

Keisuke doesn’t hesitate, his eyes not leaving the body before you. “We do nothing. This is the American Mission’s problem.” He turns and begins walking away. “Let’s return to the ship, General.”

“We’re not going to do anything about this?” You raise an eyebrow, following the Shogunal official as he walks. The bodyguards follow you as well.

“No. As soon as the American Mission disembarks, we are leaving.” He frowns deeply. “Between the presence of the Choshu and a deranged killer in this city, it is far too hazardous to keep anyone from the other missions here.” He sighs, rubbing his chin. “We will have to re-coal in either Boston or Canada before heading across the Atlantic.”

As you all reach the carriage, you try to word your protest as diplomatically as possible. “Sir, I have experience with the Choshu. Are you sure we shouldn’t delay for a bit so that I can investigate?”

“We are leaving, General.” Keisuke looks sternly at you. “As I said before, the American Mission will have to deal with these problems, should they happen across them during their stay.” You all hop in the carriage, the doors closing solidly as you leave the scene of the crime.

>”Understood.” (leave New York)
>”Is there any conceivable way I could investigate this? I believe it is critical to the Realm's security” (attempt to change his mind)
>Write-in.

>>4197916
>>”Understood.” (leave New York)
>>Write-in.
Make sure to brief the US mission about this finding.

>>4197916

>”Understood.” (leave New York)
>Wish our family good luck, and Brief the US mission about it.

>>4197916
>>”Understood.” (leave New York)

>>4197916
>>”Is there any conceivable way I could investigate this? I believe it is critical to the Realm's security” (attempt to change his mind)

>>4198455
Support.

We may truly and utterly be shipping up to Boston (to re-coal)

>>4197916
>>”Understood.” (leave New York)

“Understood,” you reply. Though it leaves an admittedly bad taste in your mouth, you must defer to your superior regarding this matter. You all return to the ship without any further commentary or conversation, and once boarded, you see off the American Mission with a quick briefing about today’s encounter with the (former) Choshu officer.

No later than half an hour after the departure of the American Mission’s staff, the Great Eastern slips away from the docks and sails out of New York Harbor. The next day is spent sailing up the Eastern Seaboard, ultimately passing Boston in favor of re-coaling in Nova Scotia. It is the next morning when the Great Eastern arrives in Halifax, and with bitterly-cold weather now descending on the North Atlantic, nobody leaves the ship during the replenishment process.

As the sun descends over the horizon, and with warm chowder in everyone’s bellies, Captain Thompson orders the Great Eastern to make for Great Britain: the next stop on the vessel’s journey. It takes six days of careful sailing (captain Thompson explains to you that though rare, icebergs can sometimes be seen during this time of year) to enter visual range of the United Kingdom. Another day of sailing brings you over the top of Scotland and to the port city of Hull, where the British Mission disembarks. The Great Eastern resupplies once more, then promptly crosses the North Sea and enters the territorial waters of Holland.

Leaning over the railing, you look out at the city of Amsterdam. It is every bit the old European city as you’d imagined it, with the small streets and crowded buildings. There is a certain stately nature to the place, however. Regardless of whether the Netherlands will prove to be a useful source of support for the Shogunate, Amsterdam is the place where your mission gets off the ship.

Producing your notebook, you look at the notes you’ve written down about the Dutch homeland. Though not an industrial powerhouse, the Netherlands is the seat of a global empire of trade and commerce. Not only that, but the Dutch have always been known for masterful shipbuilding and seamanship; you remember hearing of a time when the Dutch navy sailed into an English port and burned much of the Royal Navy down to the waterline. Apparently they still have a trophy seized from the British flagship during that particular engagement.

You frown, wondering how precisely to begin your mission in Europe.

>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.
>Try to focus on making business contacts first. Dutch money and resources could provide a great boon to the Japanese economy.
>See if you can get a foot in the door with the shipbuilders around here. The Japanese Navy will need to expand once the Realm’s internal affairs are stabilized.
>Write-in.

>>4199804
>>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.
The Dutch and Japan go back a long way after all

>>4199804
>>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.

>>4199804
>>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.

>>4199804
>>4199804
>Try to focus on making business contacts first. Dutch money and resources could provide a great boon to the Japanese economy.
>Money
It could be a good idea to first try and get some potential business contacts that are not going to be after the biggest paycheck ever once we meet with the Orange or the Staadholder or what they have this year.

>>4199804
>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.

>>4199804
>Attempt to gain favor with the Dutch government. Official recognition goes a long way.