#fenixtj

"Can you address the matter without provoking a war?" she seems honestly to be trying to clarify the intensity of these incursions.

"I'm unsure, the chief instigators are nobles themselves" he states simply "And we as a class can be prickly. I doubt a full war would be the cost, but retaliation that distracts us, costs us resources? Very possible. So far they have buzzed through, disrupted fishing, and some minor damage to other boats."

A serious frown. "The incursions are costing us resources, then."

"They exact a small toll on the commoners here" He admits

"So... either allowing it or confronting it will cost us resources but allowing it costs us perception as well?"

"It costs us a SMALL inconvience, versus a larger one where we draw attention away from more serious threats. It's akin to deciding not to go after pickpockets so you can stop roving street gangs that mug and murder"

"And we can't do both?"

"In my estimation? Not likely. We would need outside help"

"Outside the barony or the county?" she asks for a sense of scope "Please understand, Baron... if I have to face our people and explain while I am allowing damage to them and thier livelihoods, I will -not- answer 'Because it was too hard to do otherwise.'"

At THAT, he seems to understand, "Ah yes, the town councils and such.." a frown "I was thinking outside the county. But in truth while I don't like the woman, I don't know the full capability of Tweak's skyhook, and Regent Mitra may have some suggestions despite her landbound people. Another option is diplomacy, but I do not have sufficient rank to truly go to Pacifica and bring complaint"

"I mean I could, but as a Baron I'd likely be ignored by whatever Duke or Count I went to"

"Have you kept records of these visits?"

"Some, but likely there are others we don't know of. If you wish I'll have my scribe get your scribe what we do have"

"Yes please. I want to read up. And I definitely want documentation of all future incursions. Do you know who's boats and fishing were damaged?"

"No. I shall however assign someone to make inquiries on my side of things and track such unfortunates down if you wish, Countess"

"Yes please." she nods "Ok, once we have that information I'd like to consult with you about the best ways to approach this. At this point I don't even know so much if I want reparations. I -am- pretty sure I want an acknowledgement that we aren't southern California's doormat."

He actually smiles at that "Show them some teeth, eh? On that, we are agreed, Countess."

"It feels like, if we do, we might avoid bigger trouble down the line. Last thing we need is ongoing conflict with mainland Nunnehi, trouble with the Mer in our waters, a tentative relationship with our local Nunehi, AND Pacifican nobles barging in and spoiling things."

"Your will will be done, your excellency, but I will need more resources from elsewhere to do it"

She nods. "Can you give me a rough idea now, and then send details along?"

"A rough idea of how many ships I'll need?"

"Of the resources you'll need, ships included."

"A privateer might be ideal. One ship, letters of marquee possible, and a decent crew. With enough dross and wealth I could hire one if you like. THey couldn't stop ALL intruders, but they could raid one or two intruders and thus word gets out. It would save resources , reduce risk to our own, and if it goes south we could feign innocence"

A sigh. "Hm."

"You have likely candidates?"

"A list of three come to mind... have I your leave to pick one and make purchase of services?"

A long pause. "Is one of them my sister?"

"She is known to us, and further, can even disguise herself. She even has her own ship." he states

"What she needs is a crew, and one can be provided for her. Her loyalty should be solid, at least to you. Further she's a Fiona, they love adventure"

" I also know a redcap corby that goes by sea, but they're harder to control"

Jess rubs the base of her horns. "Those are your two best options?" without much hope.

"Well, there is a Balor captain I could call but he costs a great deal"

"I trust your best judgement, Baron. And yes, you have permission and funding."

"I thank you for that. I believe this to be the best way to discourage without withdrawing our own protectors from the more violent ones. I'll see which of the three agree to such, and keep you informed"

"Thank you."

"Would it be convenient to take a look at the Mer situation now, or should I come back another time?"

She asks, knowing that her unannounced arrival might not be timely for him.

"Well, our Selkie ally has been working hard, normally I'd have him explain it to you but I think he's out to sea again. But he has taken some meticulous notes. I'll be happy to get them to you. Fortunately we are in my study." He snaps his fingers ,and a boggan brings him a journal ful of notes and he hands it over to the Countess

"Thank you. Are you sure you want me to take it? I could read installments as they are copied if you're prefer."

"I'll have my scribe make a copy but it could take a bit longer than a day"

She nods. "Which is why I suggested installments; if you can get me a first few pages, I'll read them and the rest as they come in. If that works for you. If not, I can wait a day or two, or take it with me."

"I'll have the first installment before this evening then. Is there anything else?"

"Would a site tour be a burden? I could take myself."

"A site tour of the beach? Or do you mean here at my hold? I had thought you'ed seen both, but I can understand if you wish to access current status. "

"The beach." she clarifies.

"A tour can be arranged. You are not likely to see much fighting from the shore however"

He says "At least I hope not. I'll get some of my thanes to escort us" He leaves orders for a scribe to begin the first installment, and gathers three or four thanes to join them, "We'll start now unless you wish a meal?"

She nods. "No, I'm fine. Let's go when you're ready."

And they head towards the shore...

As they make their way, they see a fishing boat limping back. It's motor seems damaged