<div class="floatright">(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8uhwgxjacupikue/Ikuko.jpg?raw=1)</div><strong>Ikuko (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=313925.msg15196076#msg15196076)</strong><hr/><br/>Ikuko slid the cloth covers off the short wakasashi after revealing the katana.  “More often than I’d prefer, I’m afraid.  To carry a katana is to declare you are ready to use it at any time.  A ceremonial blade will just be resting in a temple.”  She explains that in a soft, kindly way, as if she was saying there would be radishes with the stew.<br/><br/>“There is no honor, or sense, in dying foolishly on the battlefield” she adds.   “One should use the right tool at the proper time... katana, laser pistol, sniper rifle or BattleMech.   On that note, many of us are Mechwarriors and none have Mechs.  It is an unusual contract that provides a whole lance of Mechs, but I am happy to have the chance to pilot one again.”