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[Hat]

Kato gathered the materials he needed, having found a bit of needed time to take care of this errand personally.  There were several requests to send to his grandfather related to his investiture that he would trust to no other, not even Miles.  He didn’t see the need to potentially make anyone else a target.  Two of the three requests were each encrypted with predesignated one time cyphers as agreed to years ago.  The third while important was fine if it’s contents were reviewed.  He found it unlikely that MIIO or anyone else would be able to get a copy of it.  He wouldn’t put it past Comstar to review it, but after the work the Rangers had done on their behalf, he would hope that had bought some good will.

He had timed his visit as close as he could to the transmissions being sent as an added precaution.  They were to be sent later today.  Normally he wouldn’t have been concerned but recent events demonstrated that sadly honorable behavior by his allies was by no means a guarantee.

The first two notes went smoothly.  A brief plain text message with the keywords to indicate which of the cyphers to use accompanied them.  The third note he reviewed one more time before sending.

——-
April 17, 3053

To: Lieutenant Zin Edward, Death Commandos, CCAF
From: Colonel Kato Yamamori Atayde, Commanding Officer, Numenorean Rangers

Lieutenant Zin,

As you are no doubt aware my Grandfather is currently planning my investiture as Sheng Mandarin of Ceres City and my formal in person designation as his heir to the Sheng Shonso of Llagarres.  I expect the occasion to be a happy one as it has been years since I’ve seen my Grandfather, and may see other family there as well.  I will be bringing my command with me as I have become close to many of the men and women under my command.  

I am formally requesting that you not assassinate any of my guests while on planet for the investiture or should we arrive here in the future.  I am duty bound to look after the health and wellbeing of those under my command and those who come to share my hospitality.  I apologize if my words seem unnecessary.  Recent events have demonstrated that failures in communications can lead to unpleasant and often embarrassing outcomes.  Ones that we would all do well to avoid.

Should for some reason you be unable to honor my request, I at least ask the courtesy in this case to inform me in advance so I can take proper precautions.

Sincerely,

Kato Atayde

———

Comfortable that it was appropriately worded and didn’t vary significantly or in this case at all from what he had shared with his Grandfather, he sent this final message.

It would still be some time before they knew for certain when they’d complete this contract, but for all their success so far, he was looking forward to it being over.

[Hat]

April 20, 3053

Kato calls Benton into his office at a time when they won't be disturbed.  "Good to see you, have a seat."  Once both men are seated he will exchange some pleasantries then get into the heart of it.  "As we discussed before, I'm working on getting things squared away for my investiture after the end of the current contract.  My grandfather's making all of the arrangements and I expect at a minimum all the nobles on Capella will be invited from the Duke on down.  Given my Grandfather's recent elevation to Sheng Shonso, I expect a strong attendance, including potentially folks from off-world as it'll be the first time to get a look at me, not just as a newly elevated Mandarin, but heir to the Shonsonate as well.  There is no chance that the Death Commandos would be unaware of the event or the guest list.  As such I have taken steps to prevent both on this visit and possible future visits any attempts on your life.  The request has been submitted both through my Grandfather as well as directly to Lt. Zin to avoid confusion or miscommunication.  I sent it just a few days ago.  This was the first opportunity I had to speak with you."

"It'd mean a lot to have you there, Roger.  Not sure how much of my family will be able to make it.  I'm hopeful, but realistic to know that with the split in my family there are no guarantees.  My older brother isn't a fan of mine.  I told you he was angling for this Mandarin I think.  I'm happy to take additional precautions, let me know what I can do to help make this easier on you my friend and I will."