Scene Five: Landfall in Japan

[jbibblesworth]

Bridget watches the dramatics unfold and makes no motion to stop Jennifer, assuming one of the others will act to do so. Instead, she uses the opportunity to lean in close to Tony and whisper discreetly in his ear.

"Tony, something isn't exactly jake about our fearless guide." she whispers, "She knew my name. I never told it to her. She knew it from the get-go. Doesn't that seem odd to you?"

[BenTheRat]

Ted picks up the Saki but holds it not drinking it, "Your not going anywhere sister till we get some answers. I may be just some private dick from New York, but you're a lot more than you are saying." Ted puts the Saki up to his lips but brings it back down, "Now spill the beans sweetheart."
.

ooc,trying to read her reactions to both what he is saying and him about to drink the Saki, in case its poisoned and she knows it. Psych roll 50%: [dice]0[/dice]

oh yea,that I believe is what you call a CRIT success, I can read her like an open book.

[Priest]

Jennifer, having risen from her seat, looks toward Ted. Although the smile remains she looks far from happy.
"Mr Nelson, I assure you that I am nothing more than a humble student, trying to earn a few coins on the side. Japanese culture and behaviour is totaly different to that of the USA, if my behaviour and that of the custom official seems strange it is little more than a cultural difference between us and you Americans"
She retakes her seat and turns to the professor as if signalling the end of the discussion,
"So, professor why is this forest of such importance to you and your friends?"

Ted Nelson,She makes no indication that anything is amiss with the saki. However you can tell that she is hiding something even though her expressions and demeanour give little away. She is very professional in her manner, reminds you of dealings you had in the past with operatives from the 'Bureau of Investigation'.

[BenTheRat]

Ted Nelson
.
He keeps pushing ignoring Jennifer's attempt to move on. "So how is it you knew my friend Bridgett's name if you're just a student. I'm thinking more like" and he lowers his voice, "Tokko." Ted leans back and tries the Saki, "Now tell me how wrong I am. And then tell me why your government has such an interest in our little group."
.
the duldrums of the sea voyage having long since passed with this new mystery on hand.

[DrVendetta]

Paul listens closely to the conversation totaly inthralled with the confrontation going on.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yeah, that is hinky," Tony whispers back to Bridget. "Maybe she really does work for the Japanese government, sent to keep an eye on us."

[PatGrillo]

Professor Krugman: Gentlemen please! I'm not sure it's necessary to speak to the young lady in such uncivilised tones. We need to visit the forest Miss, on a matter of primary research. Myths and Legends, that sort of thing. A lot of taste for it in American academic circles and I'm ready to begin a new book - you know, needs must, keep the wolf from the door and all that. When we've finished our drinks we should be very pleased if you could come with us to the railroad station, there to enquire about the necessary trains and help us to purchase the appropriate tickets .

[Priest]

Jennifer concentrates on the professor, keeping her face turned away from Ted so as not to have to answer him.
"Ah I see professor, but tell me what has this search for myths and legends has to do with this forest? There are, as far as Iknow, no legends attached to that part of Japan, unless of course you include Fujiama itself. But be careful, what you see as little more than quaint myths to regail American interests, are religious facts to us"
With this last sentence she turns to Ted as if directing the warning to him personaly.
"Of course if you are determined to waste your time and efforts, I cannot stop you. It will be my pleasure to escort you to the main railway station and put you safely aboard a train for...?"

Paul Wellington (Dr V),Please make a Spot Hidden +10.

Ted Nelson (Ben),Continuing your psychological study of the woman, it is obvious that she is pumping for information and has probably identified [b]Krugman[/b] as a good source.

[DrVendetta]

Priest,spot hidden chance = 50 +10 = 60% chance [dice]0[/dice] so a success

Paul is still paying close attention to everything going on in the multiple conversations going on, while sipping on the water that he ordered.

[BenTheRat]

Psych,target = 50%, [dice]0[/dice]

.
"Professor, I don't feel its uncivilized and don't get me wrong. I don't mind working with the Feds, as long as all of us are up front in what we want. Ms. Jennifer maybe a lot of things, and maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree, but I get the feeling our tour guide and J. Edgars goons study from the same handbook." Ted finishes the Saki and shakes his head quick. "whew, thats good stuff, I'd like another round please," motioning to the waitress. "Professor, she's pumping you for information, you're just not seeing it."
.
Then talking to Jennifer, "Look, your good eye candy and I'm sure you can be a great help to us, but if you don't come clean, then please point us to the train depot and we will be on our way." Ted pauses for a second, "Or you can be honest for once and we can work together and just maybe help each other, instead of playing games."

[Priest]

Paul Wellington (Dr V),Even paying strict attention to the events unfolding around [b]Jennifer[/b] doesn't stop you from noticing a man dressed in a dark suit get up quickly from a nearby table. He pulls a fedora down upon his head as he flashes a quick glance at the under fire female. You cannot be sure but you think he raised a quizical eyebrow as he did so. Nor can you be certain, but you would swear[b] Jennifer[/b] made a slight shake of her head in reply. Whatever passed or didn't pass between them, he heads for the door. As it swings open to allow him an exit, you notice a long dark limousine outside.

[DrVendetta]

Paul starts speaking to Jennifer in Japanese

Priest,Quick question When did he stand up, where was the conversation at? Did it appear to be in reaction to the mention of the government or the forest? I am assuming that he was close enough to overhear the conversation let me know if he wasnt. Looking straight into [b]Jennifers[/b] eye's to help emphasize the seriousness in his voice [b]Paul[/b] says to [b]Jennifer[/b][color=#0000FF] "Look the game is up, you can let us know who you are working for and why and maybe we can come to an agreement that may benefit us both or I can just tell our friends here about the man you just gave the head shake too who walked out and got into the black limo"[/color] [b]Paul[/b] pauses for a moment to allow [b]Jennifer[/b] a moment to understand the importance of the next few sentences that are going to be coming out of her mouth. [b]Paul[/b] continues with the same hard look in his eyes as he continues [color=#0000FF]"Now if you do not trust everyone here at the table you can share it with just me in Japanese and I will ensure that it is retold to them in a way that they will believe and will protect you but the truth needs to start coming out now, and I would like it to start with who your friend was that just left"[/color]

[Mr. Handy]

"She may be a spy," Tony whispers to Bridget, "but now that we know she's one, she's less dangerous to us. If we cut her loose, we won't know where she is or what she's up to, but if we keep her close, we can keep an eye on her while she watches us. Besides, we need someone with local knowledge and pull."

[jbibblesworth]

Bridget nods in agreement with Tony's summation and then makes a broad, inclusive gesture for peace at the table.

"Fellas please!" she implores, giving them a jaw-clenched nod that accompanies an overly tight smile. "I'm certain we're just misinterpreting Jennifer's intentions. We've had a long trip overseas, we're in a different timezone, and in an unfamiliar land. I'm certain we're all just a bit nerve-shot. Yes, that's surely what it is!"

She turns to Jennifer and waits for her to conclude her conversation with Paul. She's quietly impressed with the somewhat stilted, but functional Japanese that comes pouring out of the young man's mouth. Her cheeks get a bit warm and she flips open her compact and dabs her face with powder to avoid anyone noticing.

[Priest]

Paul Wellington (Dr V),The guy stood up at the mention of the government. And he was close enough to possibly have overheard the conversation. [b]Jennifer[/b] looks at you making it obvious that she understands your Japanese. At mention of the guy who just left her left eye twitches very slightly, in a poker game this would be the tell.

*******************

Jennifer, stress beginning to show on her face, looks with relief toward Bridget, "Thank you"

"You are correct Mr Nelson" she smiles, "The game is, as you would say, up. I do indeed work for the Imperial government in a small capacity. It is my task to befriend any visiting foreigners, and find out if they bear any threat to our society. Having come to a conclusion it was my task to pass on these conclusions to my superiors who would then act accordingly. You will be happy to nknow that I quickly came to the conclusion that you represented no threat to our nation, you are most certainly innocent travellers, or the most inept spies I have ever seen"
She smiles at everyone around the table hoping that no one take insult at her description.
"The gentleman who just left is one of my superiors, I indicated that there was nothing to concern him...Now this forest, why do you wish to go there, you do not look like botanists"
She laughs gently and picks up her tea to cover her embarassment.

[BenTheRat]

"I apologize then if we got you in trouble with your supervisor. We are not spies, we have been hired to find a young girl." Ted drinks down his 2nd Saki and shakes his head. "I could get use to this. Anyway, the girls name is Veronica Chadwick,"
and he shows her the picture of Veronica. "Perhaps you also greeted her at the docks when she came in? We have reason to believe she is heading for the forest and might possibly harm herself. We just want to bring her home to her aunt who can make sure she gets the care she needs." .

Psych,another one to see if she is still lying. 50%: [dice]0[/dice]

[PatGrillo]

Professor Krugman glances at Ted, VERY unsure as to whether or not it was wise to reveal that information.

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,Do we have a photograph of [b]Veronica[/b]?

[BenTheRat]

ooc,I am pretty sure we got one from the aunt.

[Priest]

OOC:   Yes you have a photograph of Veronica.

Ted Nelson (Ben),As far as you can tell she is telling the truth.