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ssassins sent by the Yama-Shita might

attempt to land from just such a vessel. It looks as if they have

blown themselves up while preparing explosive devices which they

intended to use against us.

'Make sure all the bodies are brought out of the water, and search the

outer islands in case there are survivors hiding there. No one must

be allowed to escape justice.

Do I make myself clear?"

'Yes, sire."

'See that the men are rewarded. And you shall have your long-awaited

promotion. I shall not of course tell the Shogun the real reason for

the glowing recommendation I will make on your behalf."

Mashimatsu gave a deep bow. 'To be able to serve you, is honour

enough, sire. Your generosity overwhelms me."

Ichiwara accompanied him to the door then returned to his place as his

colleague asked: 'What are we to say when the lady and her children are

reported missing from the Winter Palace?"

'We say nothing, Watanabe! We simply look as puzzled as everyone

else!

In time it will be discovered that she and the traitor Min-Orota

boarded two ships at Oshana - bound for an unknown destination.

Questions will have to be asked. We must pursue the matter with our

usual zeal, but her fate will remain shrouded in mystery.

'It will be a sad loss to our family, as you can imagine and I fear her

brother will feel it more keenly than most."

Ieyasu gave a dry laugh. 'We will have to find another young soft-eyed

bum-boy to console him. But this time, we must make sure he is one of

ours and not another of those accursed Heralds!" Ieyasu clapped his

hands together. 'Excellent! Now that tiresome business has been

attended to, we can all sleep more soundly in our beds." He turned to

Ichiwara.

'Let us return to our friends from the Federation. But before you say

anything, I think Watanabe should explain the factors which have led us

to this point, so that you can put these proposals into the proper

context. Before any agreement is concluded, we shall need to consider

the possible impact of these alien goods and services on our society

and decide if the dangers outweigh the benefits.

Your opinion, as always, will be invaluable."

'I am deeply honoured, sire."

Ieyasu invited Watanabe to speak.

'As one of the Inner Circle, you are aware that the secret treaty with

AMEXICO has enabled us to detect and control many of the subversive

elements within Ne-Issan.

We have scored some notable coups against those who seek to overthrow

the Toh-Yota, but our enemies are as numerous as ever, and never tire

of hatching new plots.

'For the last ten years, the Federation has supported us in our aim to

maintain the present era of peace and stability in Ne-Issan under the

house of the TohYota.

They recognise the wisdom and foresight of Lord Ieyasu has been the

principal factor in preserving this stability, but they fear - as we do

- what may happen when his steadying hand is no longer at the helm.

'The Shogun is a young man dedicated to upholding the ancient

traditions we all revere, but the inflexibility of his principles will

make it impossible to continue to govern the country in the same way.

Compromise will be replaced by confrontation, and the peril of armed

conflict will remain with us until Prince Yoritomo reaches the age of

wisdom, or can be persuaded to adopt a more pragmatic approach.

'Therein lies our problem: for there is no one who is able to influence

him in the way Lord Ieyasu has done in the past. We had hoped to groom

Lady Mishiko to act as our intermediary but as you know she has

suddenly become a potential liability. Until a replacement can be

found, we have to draw up and put into action a plan that will enable