"So, this came in early this morning," the captain said, sliding a sealed envelope across the table.
It rested there for a moment — deliberate, untouched — before someone passed it to me.
The paper was thick. Official. Stamped.
EASTERN IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE — THE WHITE SHADE
Internal Memorandum
From: Thorn Court — Fúlì Zhōu Node
To: Frost Garden — Squad Leader Ren, South East Sector
Date: Ashfall, 14
Classification: Level IV — Secret (Okurisho)
Reference ID: TS-TC-03 /Renkei
Protocol: Renkei
Subject: Surveillance & Apprehension Authorization — Target "Red Clay Magistrate"
Purpose
To notify Frost Garden of a confirmed high-priority internal threat operating within the South East Sector and to request coordinated containment.
Background
The subject, codenamed "Red Clay Magistrate," has been identified as a principal actor in the Stone Garden Red Clay Incident. Intelligence confirms alignment with a rogue ideological faction and probable foreign contact.
Further assessment indicates capabilities exceeding standard cultivation parameters, including suspected matter-state alteration.
Observations
Location: South Central Sector, Fúlì Zhōu Province
Abilities: Preliminary evidence suggests manipulation of physical matter composition; verification ongoing Associates: Confirmed association with Mr. Lucius, Stone Garden, Fúlì Zhōu. Nature of relationship undetermined
Behavioral Profile: Impetuous; demonstrates a pattern of intervention in civilian crises. High probability of public engagement if confronted indirectly
Directives
1. Frost Garden to initiate discreet surveillance and behavioral confirmation
2.Thorn Court operatives to remain on standby for rapid containment
3. Civilian exposure to be avoided unless escalation necessitates controlled disclosure
4. All intelligence to be relayed via encrypted channel under Renkei Protocol
Apprehension authority pending confirmation of hostile intent.
"Loyalty before power. Containment before chaos." Signed, Warden Kiyora — Thorn Court, Fúlì Zhōu Node
"Do we have a picture of the target?" Zǐ Shān asked, pouring herself coffee as if it were any other morning.
"They walked into our sector gift-wrapped," Fēng said, leaning back.
Everyone looked at the captain.
"Yes. They were spotted at the airship dock."
He placed the photograph on the table. We all leaned in.
"Hmm," I muttered, stepping closer.
Zǐ Shān glanced at me. "Do you know them?"
I nodded and pulled out the case file I had been building on Miss Hazel.
"Well," Fēng said, sipping coffee over the folder, "looks like the original suspect might've been a rabbit's foot."
"It seems the butterfly did carry some pollen," Bòhé added lightly, handing me tea.
"So, boss," he asked, "what's the move?"
"Surveillance," the captain said, stirring sugar into his cup. "As stated."
"And?" Fēng pressed, dipping a biscuit into his coffee.
"We apprehend when we have evidence."
A pause.
Then Fēng grinned at me. "Careful what you wish for."
The captain raised an eyebrow.
"Their schedule shouldn't be difficult to obtain," Zǐ Shān added.
"Who's the third beauty in the picture?" Fēng asked, pointing lazily.
"A member of the rogue faction in Stone Garden," the captain replied.
So they were behind it. Good.
The operation unfolded smoothly — too smoothly.
EASTERN IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE — THE WHITE SHADE
Supplemental Memorandum
From: Thorn Court — Fúlì Zhōu Node
To: Frost Garden — Squad Leader Ren, South East Sector
Date: Ashfall,17
Classification: Level IV — Secret (Okurisho)
Reference ID: TS-TC-03 / Renkei-II
Protocol: Renkei
Subject: Third-Party Interference — The Concord Delegation
Addendum to Prior Directive
Intelligence confirms that an external diplomatic body identifying itself as The Concord of Maritime States has entered Fúlì Zhōu Province.
Their arrival coincides temporally with Frost Garden's ongoing surveillance of the individual designated "Red Clay Magistrate." This convergence is assessed as non-coincidental.
Assessment
1. The Concord delegation disembarked via civilian airship at Eastern Dock 4
2. Three senior representatives identified; two confirmed security attachments unregistered in Imperial manifest
3. Delegation has formally requested a courtesy audience at a private shrine residence within the South East Sector
4. Local civilian sentiment toward target assessed as favorable.
The location corresponds to the current area of interest.
Risk Evaluation
-
Probability of diplomatic shielding of target: Moderate to High
-
Probability of intelligence extraction attempt by Concord operatives: High
-
Probability of political escalation upon overt Imperial interference: Severe
Any direct apprehension action taken in the presence of foreign representatives will be interpreted as an act of hostility.
Directive Revision
1. Surveillance posture to be maintained
2. No apprehension action to be executed without explicit authorization from Thorn Court
3. Engagement with Concord representatives to remain cordial and non-accusatory
4. Identify intent of delegation prior to operational escalation
Frost Garden is reminded that containment of internal threats must not compromise Imperial foreign stability.
"An exposed blade invites war. A sheathed one shapes it." Signed, Warden Kiyora — Thorn Court, Fúlì Zhōu Node
Then another envelope arrived. Darker. Heavier.
The captain broke it open in silence. He read. Did not speak. Then he slid the paper across the table.
"The Concord?" I muttered. "What do they want?"
Zǐ Shān scanned the page, jaw tightening. "So what do we do?"
"We should've grabbed them off the street," Fēng sighed, rolling an unlit cigarette between his fingers.
"Any action now invites scrutiny," Bòhé said calmly. "The sun's setting. They're already home."
"When do we expect them?" I asked.
"By morning," the captain replied.
Fēng let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "Meaning they're already here."
The captain stood. "Get some sleep." A beat. "We'll need it."
Morning came sharp and bright. We were already at the shrine, professional smiles in place. The Concord delegation did not dress to blend in.
Neither did we.
"Do they always announce themselves like that?" Fēng murmured under his breath. His gaze mapped exits, elevations, blind angles. "Where do you think the sniper is?"
Then he stopped joking.