Audience with the Shogun

Luckily for him, it appeared the Shogun was open to conversation, and did not seem perturbed by Mach's presence. He went further as to indirectly laud Mach's success in his mission with Escort. Either the Navi was very professional, or Escort didn't exactly divulge every bit of information to her leader, due to the slightly embarrassing happenings that transpired. Mach sat up, still sitting on his heels.
I'm glad I could be of service, sir.

Aera and Vector sat up as well, feeling slightly more relaxed since the conversation seemed to be starting smoothly. Vector's eye glowed softly and unwaveringly looked towards the Shogun, as did Aera's eyes as they sparkled slightly from the flickering torch programs lighting the area. Mach felt slightly more relaxed as well, but he continued to speak formally, as he was about to make a request of the NS head.
Honorable Shogun, I am new to the Neo Shogunate, and unsurprisingly unfamiliar with the specific nuances, policies, and goals. I have had the organization's basic doctrine of net unification explained to my one of your soldiers through the BBC, but I thought something like a discussion of your group's goals warrant a face-to-face meeting.

Though Mach wasn't entirely sure the figure ahead was indeed the shogun, just due to the lack of movement, he continued on.
I know our goals is to expand the influence of the Neo Shogunate to unify the net, but to what end? What are we willing to do to achieve our goal, and what will happen once we succeed? I apologize if my questions are too forward, or if I'm asking for privileged information.
"Our goal is one unified net, where no man will raise a weapon against another and all will be as one army,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] the shogun answered. "I desire nothing more than an end to conflict, which has always persisted across the net in various forms, like brushfire... It arises suddenly, quells itself, and then reemerges when one becomes unprepared."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

Still staying completely still, the shogun continued his response. "We must act with reason and patience, yet be prepared to do whatever is necessary in defense of our goals. We must have a plan for everything, be prepared to do anything, and yet strive to harm nothing. As you can understand, we live in a complex web of politics, being a faction opposing all other factions,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] he rasped enigmatically. "Currently, our goal is to accomplish as much as possible while avoiding a fight. The situation demands a gentle touch as the net will only offer its own hand to another extended in peace. We must be careful to handle all of our affairs with sensitivity."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

"The greatest honorable feat for a soldier in these times is to have the strength to do whatever is asked of him while exercising restraint and control,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] he finished.
The Shogun directly approached the question, and didn't seem to hold anything back. If he wasn't being truthful, he was very good at hiding his pure motives behind a very convincing mask. It jived with the soldier's testimony, the NeoShogunate was no longer interested in military conquest, and prefers a much gentler, negotiative way of handling things. Though Rhea claimed the NS was a hostile organisation, and historically it proves her theory, but it really looks as if the NeoShogunate has made a complete 180 in its methods for obtaining their goals.

Aera couldn't help but feel slightly flushed by the Shogun's eutopic goals for the future. The Shogun had some very lofty goals, but he didn't seem to have his head in the clouds, and conveyed an understanding that such goals will require persistence and patience. Unless there were much more large-scale missions being accomplished, it seemed to Mach the NS was steadily chipping away at their goal, instead of trying to unify the net overnight. Mach bowed his head politely, prompting Vector and Aera to do the same.
We're honored to help bring peace and safety to the network, and hope we may be of use. It's a cause we will gladly stand behind.

Mach raised his head, showing some tangible relief in hearing the Shogun's pacifistic policy.
In the pursuit of those goals, I believe I may have a potential avenue to explore. I have contacts with a few NetPolice officers, and I may be able to act as a liaison between the two organizations, to further assist our diplomatic efforts. Having a strong positive relationship with the NetPolice could be quite advantageous.
"It's an interesting proposal..."[font=eras demi itc][/font] the shogun responded; two heavy, metallic clacks sounded before his body began to move for the first time. The armor rose to its feet and began to stroke the chin of its mask thoughtfully as two yellow, glowing lights lit up in its eye sockets. "Remember, however, that our goal ends with the NetPolice yielding to unification. The NetPolice is not an entity that inheritly must be at war with our army, and yet they their organization is now rife with goals running opposite or perpendicular even to other goals that they themselves claim."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

The shogun paced the floor with heavy thuds, thinking carefully about MachMan's proposal. "A peace-keeping entity is necessary for the net; my envisioned society is not so perfect as to avoid interjection by small pockets of wrong-doers. The NetPolice now have a myriad of roles, however... a perhaps middling but none-the-less influential sector is corrupted by wealth.More importantly, individual ambitions are scattered. I'd like to see them more committed to a singular goal,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] he explained. "Still, one cannot offer only half a hand in peace and expect full reciprocation. For now, it is best that we accept the NP's existence and operation."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

"Keep your ties to this NetPolice operative, Subordinate MachMan. At the same time, however, be wary of what you say to her. The NP retain a healthy suspicion of our organization and we cannot expose all of our cards to them either. I make certain to build an army that I can trust; I have handpicked my generals and accept only recommendations from trusted officers when it comes to expansion. I don't have the same confidence in them. You can trust your friend just as Escort trusted you; at the same time, we cannot put absolute trust in all of her acquaintances. That means that you must guard your flow of information to her, as a word delivered in private could disperse further out into the uncontrollable and unknown,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] he finished.
It appeared the Shogun's interest was piqued by Mach's proposal, prompting him to stand and begin to pace as he thought the situation through. It was obvious the NP would have to eventually become a part of the NeoShogunate, or be swallowed up in its quest for unification. Mach listened intently as the Shogun continued, it appeared his knowledge of the NP was rather vast, and he explained there were various levels of fragmentation and corruption within the NetPolice, something Mach wasn't entirely aware of.

"Hm, *ehem* it seems even the NetPolice isn't immune to corruption, though I'm not exactly surprised."
Mazer spoke to himself as he was listening closely as well, trying to follow the Shogun's thought processes and see things from his point of view.

Mach sat a little straighter upright as the Shogun started to give him marching orders. He was approving of his contact with the NetPolice, wanted him to exercise caution in what information he should divulge.
Of course, Shogun. Information is power, and we cannot let it tip the scales in their favor. I will only give as much information as necessary to get an equal or greater amount of information about the NetPolice, and even the NetMafia.

Mach understood the need for InfoSec, considering the rather fragile state of affairs between the two organizations. Any loose information may undo weeks to months of hard work.
Is there any particular information you wish to know about the NetPolice? It should help guide my search, and I don't want to waste your time with intel you are already aware of.
"There is much information that would be useful for us on a tactical level, but that information is precisely what we cannot drill down to. Any attempts to learn weak points in the NP, or even to learn of sectors that disapprove of our activities or plan to seek us out, will be seen as a threat. Although I realize that everyone's time is valuable, the greatest interactions you can have with the NP at this point will be ones that ensure them that we have no ill will against them. The information here is less important than the means of interaction; therefore, sow seeds of friendship by continuing your relationship as is ordinary,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] Neo-ShogunMan suggested. "Of course, there are some threats I have the right to know about. Be certain to report any direct threats you perceive."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

Crossing his hands behind his back once again, the shogun turned to face the three. "If any of you have other suggestions, do not hesitate to voice them."[font=eras demi itc][/font]
The Shogun made a point to mention attempts to gain sensitive intel have a high potential of setting off red flags by the NP, and potentially consider Mach's mission a threat. This was no surprise to Mach, getting such information without alarming the NP would be incredibly difficult. However, gaining info on the NM through the NP may not be as big of a blip on the NP's radar, though Mach would likely have to tread lightly in that area as well.
Absolutely, honorable Shogun. Developing a strong relationship with the NP will my top priority, and I will ensure you are made aware of any and all threats I detect.

The Shogun turned back to the group, asking if they had any suggestions or anything else to add. MachMan bowed his head politely.
Your judgement is sound, honorable Shogun. If we devise other suggestions we will let you know. Since we're here, are there any current matters that could use our assistance?
"I appreciate the diligence you have shown, MachMan, but at this time, the camp is quiet. We should be thankful for the peace,"[font=eras demi itc][/font] the shogun informed his subordinate, raising one hand to signal for him to rise. "Yasu would know about operations; if you are interested in doing more worth for the empire, feel free to take work at the GNA board. For now, though, why don't you spend some time with your friend? A friendship was the cornerstone that started this army, after all."[font=eras demi itc][/font]

The shogun returned to his sitting position in the dimly lit hall, not elaborating on the story he'd vaguely mentioned.
The Shogun did not have an immediate use for the trio, but he did refer them to the GNA board, and Yasu. Mach recognized the name from his NS_Uniform.GMO note, Yasu had a hand in its design. Was it a side project to operations, or maybe Yasu is a "jack of all trades"? Mach made a mental note, trying to map the NS's command structure. Obviously the generals are under the Shogun, one of them being Escort. Yasu may be a general as well. Mach stood as requested, prompting his SPs to do the same.
Essentially dismissed, the trio bowed politely.
Understood, honorable Shogun. Thank you for your time.

Mach took a couple steps back before turning around, SPs in tow. They quietly followed the path on the floor to building's exit. Upon exiting the building, Mach stopped and started to discuss their next step with his SPs and Operator.
Alright, that went better than expected, the Shogun is rather level-headed. I know he said we should get back with our contact, but I'll bet she's on her way to the NP to get information as well, if she isn't there already.
That wouldn't surprise me, sire. In her situation I would do just that.
So, since she's likely unavailable, what should we do now?

Mazer's face appeared on a small pop-up window in front of the programs. He looked a little pale, and had a bad case of bed head, but he looked okay.
[Well, I could *erhem* head over to SciLabs to pick up some upgrades, we have a decent amount of money saved up.]

Mach raised an eyebrow, concerned due to Mazer's recent bout with an unknown illness the night before.
You sure? I don't want to burden you when you're sick.
[Yeah, I should be fine. A little cold can't take me out that easily, haha. *cough*]

The blue and orange Navi shrugged, giving in to the netop's confidence.
Alright then, I won't object to that.
[Cool. Stand by, I'll log you three out.]

The trio stood there for a few moments, then they rapidly began to glow a bright cyan before beaming up and out of the network.

((Logged Out))
((MachMan gets: 4 Neo-ShogunMan FXP))