Far Houjin and Kai Hǔ Wáng were enjoying a late afternoon cup of tea at the Tachibana estate; sitting lotus style while next to a freshly raked sand garden, the two white were-tigers were surprised to see both Tachibana No Akane and her grandson Diasuke join them. While Tachibana chose to be in her were-vixen fursona; a standard red fox, with subtle streaks of grey running throughout her red coat of fur. Diasuke wearing a fine Armani suit chose not to go furry. Both sit and join the white were-tigers.
“Far Houjin,” Tachibana being the first to speak; “Are you aware of the recent activities going on regarding Knight Industries?”
“No,” Far responds; “I left my laptop in the guest quarters you provided.”
Daisuke signalling one of the awaiting attendants; instructs them in Japanese to fetch Far Houjin’s laptop.
“I take it,” Far Houjin opening his eyes; “that this is a possibly serious problem?”
Tachibana briefs the two were-tigers regarding what just happened after the closing bell at Wall Street. She informs them that a were-panther going by the name of Jack Crawford was attempting to muscle in on Knight Industry; hoping to put his family back into the company his father helped found.
“A little history here,” Diasuke speaking up; “Knight Industry was once called Crawford and Knight. Founded by both Joseph Crawford and Anton Knight; it wasn’t until Benton took over when the Crawford’s and Knight’s friendship soured.”
“So Jack Crawford is looking to regain what Benton took from his father,” Far Houjin answers; “but how does this-“
“Voting stock,” Daisuke interrupts; “Jack Crawford was trying to buy up voting stock along with shares. Benton was able to stop most of his advances; yet there were a few transactions that Benton could not halt. How we don’t know.”
“Right now,” Tachibana accepting the tea from one of the attendants; “the only remaining voting stock of Knight Industry left in play is the stock controlled by Wáng Technological Consortium.”
“Ahh,” Far Houjin realizes what both were-foxes just told him. Before he could answer, the attendant Diasuke ordered came back with Far’s laptop. Handing it to the were-tiger; Far Houjin quickly confirms everything that has happened. His feline face gasps in surprise.
“Apparently,” Far Houjin reading what he sees; “Benton sent me an email regarding the stock in question.”
“Only Benton has contacted you,” Tachibana looking thoughtful; “Has Jack Crawford not contacted you as well?”
“I doubt Jack Crawford knows how to get in touch with us,” Kai Hǔ Wáng finally joining in; “I’m surprised Benton knew though.”
“Yes grandson,” Far reading the email and PDF attachment; “Benton Knight is nothing but resourceful.”
“Do you have any ideal in how to proceed,” Daisuke asking.”
“Well I’m not going to sell to this Jack Crawford individual,” Far Houjin handing the lap top to Kai; “and from what Benton just stated in his email, I couldn’t sell to anyone but him because he invoked his first right of refusal clause in the email.”
Far Houjin thinks for a few minutes before deciding a course of action.
“Would either of you have an email address to Jack Crawford,” Far asks while creating a new email.
“Just what do you intend to do grandfather,” Kia asks ask Daisuke hands Far an email address on a piece of paper.”
“I intend to remain neutral, Kia,” Far Houjin smiling; “How’s this for an email.”
‘Dear Jack Crawford. It has come to my attention that you seek to take back what Benton has stolen from your family. While I hold no love towards the man myself, I will not get involved with this feud your families have. While I do have enough voting stock to give you a major foothold into Knight Industry; I could not sell to you even if I was able to. Benton Knight has already contacted me and invoked his first right of refusal clause; his effort to block you from gaining an advantage no less. I wish you all the best in your attempts; provided they do not interfere with mine or my Grandson’s. You do not want to make an enemy with me or the White Tiger Clan.
Best regards, Far Houjin’
Both Tachibana and Daisuke don’t answer as Far Houjin hits send. Putting the lap top back down he sips his tea.
“As for Benton,” Far recalling the email; “I’ll ignore his email for a few days. Let him stew.”
“As long as you let him know soon,” Tachibana answers as she gets up to let her guests go back to their meditations. Daisuke joing his grandmother, also gets up to leave the two white tigers to their thoughts.