Andrew doesn’t comment about the Iktomi thing, but he does nod sagely about hardships and changes to business models.

“It pleases me that you are well. Tea to your health.” He raises his tea cup. The tea smells lightly smoky and is pleasant by Redmond standards.

Some dishes come out of the kitchen. The kitchen staff look harried and nervous, like they didn’t sleep last night and they didn’t shower this morning and then they were pressed into service. But, unsurprisingly, they are heavily deferential toward Andrew.

The food is completely inauthentic – Japanese cuisine with Touristville ingredients – but it looks hot. The noodles and broths waft fragrant steam, while the sauces are surely packed with MSG.

“Thank you, Takashi-san,” Andrew nods. The staff bow deeply and then withdraw, looking relieved.

Andrew encourages you to serve yourselves first while he speaks.

“You have touched upon the nature of our appointment,” he begins. “I find these bullets and bombs to be disagreeable for business. And, in the end, they are ultimately unnecessary. It is much more civil – and profitable – to spill ink instead of blood, to waste your breath instead of to waste your assets, wouldn’t you agree?”

It’s a rhetorical question; he doesn’t pause for a response.

“I have a vision of a Redmond without war, of a district without violence. That vision may seem very distant after the events of last night but I assure you that it is within our reach. And I don’t just mean within our lifetimes; I mean within the year.”

This is a bold statement, given that it’s late November.

“Allow me to tell you how, and to tell you how you fit into this vision. Allow me to refresh your memory that in our initial conversation, we agreed to a lower monthly rate for our support in exchange for the occasional favor or service. What I’m about to describe is one of those favors, which – if executed with the competence that I know you possess – will be easy. And, dare I say it, even fun.”

That sounds familiar. He launches into his speech.

“There are forces at work in this district that are trying to find common ground among many of the competing interests. Some would call these forces unnatural but I disagree: they simply represent a new way of thinking, a new order. Certainly those who benefit from the current state – the old ways – are resistant to change. But change we must. Change or die.”

This is a bit rich, as the Yakuza are among the most traditional and conservative enterprises of the Underworld, but maybe living and working in Redmond will affect your world view.

“Now to the matter at hand. There will be a party tonight at the Funhouse. You’re familiar with it, are you not? Almost every local organization will be represented. At this party, negotiations will be conducted and agreements will be made. I believe that these agreements will be in the best interests of the district.

“What I would like you to do is to attend this party. Be neutral diplomats. Use your social graces to smooth out misunderstandings, to iron out differences. Be a bridge between the revelers. Say kind things about the others, and put a positive spin on things. Help people get along and have a good time.

“There may be some naysayers and malcontents there. Counter their voices with your own, and get them expelled if you can. Inciting violence is one of the surest ways to accomplish this, as the party’s host has no tolerance for it.”

He holds up his hands.

“That’s it. Attend a party. Ensure everyone has a nice time. An easy favor, is it not?” He sits back and waits for your response.