are parts enabling us to repair and maintain the engines,

airframes and instruments.

'There are a number of basic infantry weapons on offer - all capable of

high rates of fire and which also do not infringe the Sacred Edict.

Before enumerating these, I would like to pass onto the second heading

- industrial machinery and techniques.

'The Federation is offering to supply the necessary machinery,

precision tools and specialist metals to enable us to set up home-based

production lines for these flying horses and other weapons including

new and extremely powerful explosives.

'They are also willing to introduce into Ne-Issan, two new sources of

motive power based on' - Ichiwara switched into Basic - 'gas and diesel

technology." He reverted to his mother tongue. 'The first can be

found in marshes, rotting vegetation and heaps of animal manure, the

second is a liquid fuel extracted from ground-oil, and will be used in

the engines of the flying ' He was interrupted by a rapid tap-tap on

the door screen.

Ieyasu motioned him to see who it was.

Reaching the anteroom, Ichiwara found two of the Chamberlain's guards,

with Tokimasa, the Resident Steward. After the usual exchange of bows,

the Steward - who seemed greatly agitated- asked if the Chamberlain

would receive him as a matter of some urgency.

'May I know what it is you wish to speak to him about?"

Tokimasa mopped his sweating brow. 'The Lady Mishiko."

Ichiwara invited him in and told the guards they were not to be

disturbed until further notice.

Shedding his indoor shoes, Tokimasa shuffled across the floor and knelt

before Ieyasu. 'My lord! Excuse this interruption, but I have just

discovered that the Lady Mishiko, her children and half her retinue are

in the Palace! How they came to be here I cannot say. No one informed

me they were expected and I was not on hand to greet them. I hope you

will not think me negligent.

Her tiighness has been gracious enough to make light of the matter but

- ' 'Yes, yes, yes!" cried Ieyasu. 'Did she tell you what prompted

her to journey here?"

'She did indeed, my lord. She wishes to speak with you privately on an

affair of the utmost importance."

'I see... Does the Shogun know she is in the Palace?"

'No, sire. The Shogun has withdrawn to his apartments and his guards

have been ordered to admit no one."

'Good. Until I order otherwise, it is vital that her presence here

remains a secret. Those on your staff who share your knowledge must be

sworn to secrecy.

Let me explain why. We have reason to believe that Lady Mishiko may be

involved in a plot to kill her brother - ' Tokimasa's jaw dropped. 'My

lord, I had no i - I' 'I said "may", Tokimasa. We have no proof- only

grounds for suspicion. I'm sure you will be the first to agree it is

best not to take any chances."

'Of course!" 'That is why the Shogun must not discover she is here.

We cannot allow her to approach him until we are satisfied that she

poses no threat to his safety."

'Of course, of course!" 'Good! Tell her I will send Watanabe to

escort her here.

We shall need a sealed carriage-box."

'I will arrange everything!" Tokimasa made his exit, bowing each time

he took four backward steps.

The guards outside slid the screen shut.

Ieyasu looked at his two crestfallen aides. 'That fool of a Captain!

You assured me the plan could not fail!" Ichiwara hung his head. 'His

men must have blown up the wrong boat."

'That's not possible,' said Watanabe. 'There must be some other

explanation. She must have - ' leyasu cut him off with an angry

wave.

'How she escaped does not concern me! If our men are to blame they can

be dealt with later. What matters is that she is here now!" He turned

on Ichiwara. 'Find Mashimatsu.