So this is Nippon

The personal diary of Darig, son of Lorraine, part 23

24^th Hebi 3658

At the Hotel Zigo, in Nippon. I trump Benedict and update him on the situation. We can't get to Zircon without passing Silicon or passing through waters that they control. Ben reminds me to 'think technocracy' I am familiar with their weapons but most of the others will not be; they need to be aware of the firepower and range. I had unconsciously noticed the security staff were carrying laser carbines. After I have finished talking to Ben I advise the others about the risks presented by the local weaponry.

Torc says that he has been trying to use glamour, lesser glamours seem to work well but the greater are affected by the trace of pattern in this shadow and fail painfully. Those who can are going to have to use glamours in order to fit in with the local population, though the city is fairly cosmopolitan we still stand out somewhat. Hector says he is able to get to some contacts and get us a supply of local weapons.

And so to bed.

25^th Hebi 3658

Over breakfast Torc say that he has been in touch with Constance and her group, they have all arrived safely in Rebma. Hector welcomes us, around here the large bacon, egg, sausage, and slice are the traditional breakfast, because he likes it like that. Tetsuro arrives, he has obviously been up all night but he has found the information, the contacts and the supply of guns that were requested.

A discrete gentleman arrives with a large suitcase filled with assorted weaponry, a range of firearms is displayed, he knows his stuff but does makes the mistake of trying to give Surpanakha a small gun, 'because she is a girl!' Alitta takes the gun she rejects. I choose two handguns, the largest that will fit in a shoulder holster, .45 Broadsword a well omened name.

There are ships in port the most hopeful of this is a Zirconian tramp 'steamer', if that is the right word when she is nuclear powered. The other ships are another merchantman, a liner and a tanker, the latter two are definitely out. The Yakuza are blockading the ships so we are going to have to use force. Tetsuro has made contact with Jake Obi, the captain of the tramp. Tetsuro will bring him to the hotel after dark.

Hector has arranged for basic firearms training at the local police headquarters, Delambre seem dismissive of these weapons, but I do not want anyone to shoot themselves in the foot, or to shoot each other by accident. The police are very respectful to Hector, but from comments made I think that they are under pressure and the Yakuza are getting stronger.

The basic training goes well, even though the demons think that the weapons are dull they handle them well. Surpanakha obliterates the head of the target with her first shot. Lord Torc seems the least comfortable but is an excellent shot once he gets the feel of the weapon.

We return to the Hotel, spend the day relaxing and planning. Jake Obi, the captain, is brought up in the lift by Tetsuro about an hour after dark, his clothes are scruffy and he seems to have taken a beating but he has an air of command, seems a hopeful choice. His accent is different, with a Zirconion lilt to his Thari. He came into Nippon with a passenger from Zircon, as well as his cargo, his crew went out on the town and did not come back, he has spoken to a couple and the Yakuza have put the frighteners on them, The only one who is still backing him is the second mate. The Yakuza are holding his ship with armed guards and he was beaten when he tried to go back to her. There were two crew on 'Anchor watch', he hopes they are alright.

The biggest problem is the lack of engineers, the ship is nuclear powered and needs someone trained. I could handle sail or steam, I even have a little knowledge of turbines but even when I had such a ship under my command I have never even set foot on the deck. Note to self, pay more attention when the workings of things are explained, don't just smile and say 'very good'.