Amiko Kobayashi (hotlittlehands) wrote in marvel_nextgen,
@ 2013-11-23 22:31:00

Entry tags:

Backdated to October.
They have a lot of investigations on their plate, and Swallows games against the Giants are among the times one could actually catch them on television. But there's nothing Amiko can do about any of their pending investigations right now, despite how much she's worked, and television is only a last resort in terms of watching baseball like a civilized person. Especially since it's the Swallows' last shot at the playoffs. Her boyfriend doesn't like baseball, so Amiko is in the stands with the world's second-greatest samurai.

"I wish it were a home game," she grumbles just slightly. "Feels more right. Anyway, what else needs explaining? I covered scoring, the positions, the difference in the two leagues..." The Central League's forbidding of designated hitters being obviously better, in Amiko's extremely biased opinion.

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	get_medieval 2013-11-24 03:06 am UTC (link)
	He's done his best to follow the explanations. He understands why the Swallows are the best - even if their record wouldn't normally suggest it. The responsibilities of the positions and teamwork involved also makes sense, for the most part. "And they are certain that favors have not been traded to ensure favorable officiating for one team?" (Reply to this)(Thread)

hotlittlehands
2013-11-24 03:31 am UTC (link)

Amiko frowned slightly. "...We should probably be more certain than the poor Americans, anyway. At least here they have to confer properly on a controversial call and usually explain themselves. In America, they can be much more dismissive," she says quietly. "But I'm afraid it's difficult for me to talk with any certainty about any lack of corruption when looking at the Giants. They are somewhat famous for using money to make their problems disappear."

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get_medieval
2013-11-24 03:39 am UTC (link)

He nods seriously. After all, in the courts it was only polite to ensure the Emperor's favorites, or those of the host, did well. No one had to say anything - it was sometimes in a judge's best interests to keep certain people happy. At least in early rounds, and when determining who should face who in competition. When prizes and prestige were truly on the line later on, things had to be far more balanced. But this was just to get in to the 'serious competition' phase - so he couldn't be certain of anything.

"Of course the Americans cannot be certain of anything. I am surprised that they do not allow their corporate sponsors extra commercial breaks to decide the most favorable outcome of calls. These officials will need to be watched very closely, if there is suspicion that the Giants would interfere." A pause. "Unless the Emperor favors the Giants." Then they are, by default, above suspicion.

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	hotlittlehands 2013-11-24 04:30 am UTC (link)
	"Despite the Giants' attempt to appropriate everyone's patriotism, the Emperor does not openly express a particular favorite team. Something at which he is well-practiced." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	get_medieval 2013-11-24 04:39 am UTC (link)
	"Ah, yes. He would be above their attempts. So yes, they will need to be watched closely to ensure that their efforts to corrupt the game do not extend into this post season." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	hotlittlehands 2013-11-24 04:52 am UTC (link)
	Amiko smiled. She'd say he was a good friend, but basically, he was Samurai. "I suppose t--" the next pitch caught her attention. "You call that a strike?!" she shouted. "In New York, maybe!" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	get_medieval 2013-11-24 04:59 am UTC (link)
	Hajime's eyes narrow. He checks the program carefully to see who that umpire is, and makes a careful note of it. "And whether a ball is a strike or a... ball... is entirely up to that person, with no review?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hotlittlehands
2013-11-24 05:32 am UTC (link)

Amiko breathes. This is Hajime. She needs to be clear and set a good example, because she might take it too seriously, and he'll take it moreso. "If it affects the score, and a complaint is made, there may still be a conference." As it happens, the next pitch is more obvious, and the batter walks, so whether that particular pitch was in the strike zone or the American misconception of a strike zone is rendered moot.
The Swallows' early lead soon increases ... then slowly erodes. Amiko sighs.

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	get_medieval 2013-11-24 05:34 am UTC (link)
	"I am noticing a trend, following crowd reaction, and more calls being complained about as the score has become closer. How does a complaint get lodged?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hotlittlehands
2013-11-24 10:16 pm UTC (link)

"The team managers can raise the issue, but admittedly, how much to confer and whether to check the video is still a matter for the collective umpires. But yes, it does indeed get more agitating when it could make or break the game."

Even without controversial umpiring, however, the Swallow's lead continues to erode until it is gone, then surpassed. The Giants are going for the pennant, and the Swallows are done. Amiko sighs. "Well. Next year."

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	get_medieval 2013-11-24 10:22 pm UTC (link)
	Hajime nods. "That was very suspect officiating. I believe a formal inquiry is required. Should I take the head umpire into custody for questioning on suspicion of rigging the event?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hotlittlehands
2013-11-24 10:47 pm UTC (link)

Amiko sighed. "Thank you, Hajime, but no. The suspicion of being a sore loser causes a loss of face. If it happens again and they get the pennant by it, maybe I'll have a talk sometime with a distant cousin on the Baseball Commission." The Yashida rolodex was a constant comfort, but Amiko had used it a bit often lately. "But thank you." When all involved in the game is said and done, she stands, and the walk home begins. "It still was good to see a game, and I appreciated your company."

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	get_medieval 2013-11-24 10:53 pm UTC (link)
	He nods, but continues to look disturbed. "Of course. I would not want to shame you to their level. However, I wonder if the esteemed Mr. Oh realizes what sort of questionable people have become involved with the team's management? Regardless, I am very glad I could keep you company and watch the game, whatever the difficulties." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hotlittlehands
2013-11-24 11:37 pm UTC (link)

"I'm very aware that you would never shame me," Amiko says as they head home. "And that's hard to say."
Amiko's natural impulse is for more isolated streets -- a little something of her Father and Yukio's influence. It is difficult to say if this is fortunate or unfortunate, in terms of there not being many bystanders around when the shots are placed from the tranquilizer rifle.

With at least four snipers, Amiko's reflexes are not enough, and the last thing she manages to remain awake for is to see the figures approaching and being surprised. She'd expect the hand before .... Russians?

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get_medieval
2013-11-24 11:49 pm UTC (link)

Hajime's first instinct betrays him. He goes for his sword - to find nothing there as he's turning. That also leaves his defense open, and the first darts strike home.

He tries to focus through the growing haze, going defensive well past where he should be unconscious, but his reflexes are still slowed. Two more darts hit, then two more, and he's staggering.

By the time the people are actually approaching, his attack is clumsy, and the Russian's easily take him down - having the snipers hit him with another round, just to make sure. He's left lying where he fell - assumed to be either dead, or dead soon with the amount of tranqs in his system.

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