---Attempt to duel Sora for leadership
Megumi Courtier vs Sora Etiquette= 33 v 52. Sora wins Luck auto used, void spent
Revised Result= 73 versus 52. Megumi wins
You take a deep breath, and begin to speak.
"Leadership of this squad must be determined, but given the task before us, I do not feel right leaving it in mere mortal hands. Bayushi-sama, let the heavens decide between us with a duel. Surely they will support the person who should lead us."
"Oh and what grounds does a ronin have to challenge a sitting member of a Great Clan?" Sora asks.
In any political conflict, there are three sources that can be appealed to for victory:
Precedent
Common Sense
Force
As a Ronin you almost never had precedent. However, you think you can bait her into a trap...provided she doesn't see through it. You begin your feint.
"The Ronin Yotsu Yatoshin-shiryo, was permitted to challenge the Emerald Champion Seppun Kiharu-shiryo. The Emperor allowed this to happen, since then the precedent has set. A ronin may challenge even an Imperial Samurai if there is need. I have standing Bayushi-sama"
There were a number of extenuating circumstances, but you wanted her to focus on the acceptance. TSo you stress Emperor and Champion. Making it clear you though that was enough.
Sora doesn't smile, but you can feel it in her voice.
"Ah, but a Clan or Imperial Samurai is under no obligation to accept, as shown by the actions of Usagi Reichin-shiryo and Bayushi Yusuke-shiryo." Sora responds easily.
And there you go...the trap is sprung. You had to gamble that Sora would focus on your focus...but then she thinks of you as dependable, not politically savvy. If you were, then you wouldn't be a ronin.
You don't smile as you ask a follow up question.
"Yet did not Usagi Reichin-shiryo earn the reward of his own family, after that refused challenge? More offensive characters would argue that there is reason the challenge was refused outside of status."
Sora's quick to rebut this.
"Bayushi Yusuke-shiryo died in the Battle of the Bloody Retreat, none can doubt his courage."
You say nothing. You don't have to, your face says enough.
'But you are not Bayushi Yusuke'
Scorpion do not follow Bushido as the rest of Rokugan has it. For the sake of the Clan or the Empire they will commit any sin it is said. Yet for all of that, they are still shaped by bushido. They will be cowards for the clan...but for themselves? No real Samurai, even Scorpion would do that.
The all concealing mask Sora wears does not help you see her frustration. However, you can feel it by the way she sits, and the way her hands slightly shift. Sora knows that you all but accused her of being a coward, and she knows you know that. She also knows that you said nothing that could be directly acted upon. Some would say that her ancestor was cowardly, you didn't, and you accepted her defence. The silence however puts it on her to continue to make the argument that she is like Bayushi Yusuke...and implicitly ceding you the roll of Usagi Reichin, the first ronin, if not the last to gain the right to found a minor Clan.
To deny you leadership with that parallel, would be to make a fool out of herself, and she knows that.
"...Your point is made, Megumi-san. A duel then, tradition dictates that we do this via the art of Iaijutsu, but leading a squad is about more than skill with a blade. The Heaven's can make their will known through any contest." Sora says.
"This is true" You allow.
She continues:
"Then let the duel be over a Shogi board. My own preference is Go, so that way you can be assured that I am not trying to swindle you."
You mentally frown for a moment. You have no doubt that Bayushi Sora, is smarter than you, and better educated in tactics, this could be essentially ceding the position to her. However...she has a point. Small unit tactics are more important than that....and by giving her ground, it will make it all the more impressive should you win.
But, its your choice to accept or not.
[] Agree to a Shogi match to determine who leads (Pro: Happier Sora and Yukiko, Con: You don't actually know how to play Shogi. Winning is a toss up)
[] Insist on Iaijutsu (Pro: Given your skill, you'll almost certainly win, Con: Sora and Yukiko unhappy)
AN: I know Sirrocco said to not insist it was a duel, but it seems only fair to put it to the vote. Luck was used on the Courtier Roll to get this result