Ch. 17: Operation Breakfast
9:34 PM, August 12th, 1918, Somewhere Outside of Mukden, China
The night sky made the outskirts of the city of Mukden almost completely dark and quiet. However, a passenger train heading towards the southeast disrupted the quietness of the night and brought some light to the dark countryside. Since it was night, the passenger cars were mostly empty except for a few quiet passengers. Sitting in one of the almost empty passenger cars was a plainly-dressed Lelouch. In one hand he held a small journal while in the other he held a pen.
"It is currently August 12th of 1918. The Black Army continues making progress as we gather more and more support from the general populace. As we expand our influence in other regions, we strengthen our grip on the regions we already have influence over. As far as what I have gathered from intelligence, Viceroy Hasegawa has distanced himself from the Black Army issue in order to concentrate on Korea's role in Japan's war with Russia while Marshal Tōdō oversees colonial security and investigations.
Marshal Tōdō Isamu is by no doubt a near duplicate of General Kyoshiro Tohdoh. Besides looking a like, both men seem to be serious, intelligent, quick thinking strategists. Unlike General Tohdoh, Marshal Tōdō seems at moments more ruthless. As reports show, the Japanese call him the Shinigami for he is like a god of death. Wherever he is, an excess amount of bloodshed is inevitable. This is something General Tohdoh would never do.
The Marshal's tactics have made things slightly more difficult for the Black Army. By fully utilizing the two major secret police agencies within Korea, the Kempeitai and the Tokkō, more officers than ever are monitoring colonial activities ranging from communications to merchant ships. There have been rumors of massive interrogations being carried out, supposedly more bloody and painful than the one I experienced. Though we have still evaded the authorities, we still must be more careful than ever.
On the issue with Russia, after establishing connections with Moscow via secretly hijacking Japanese telegraph lines, the Bolsheviks have said they are willing to assist our cause if we assist theirs. Premier Vladimir Lenin told me that the Eastern Siberian city of Chita currently possesses gold confiscated from various mines in the surrounding countryside. According to him, various White Army forces have taken much of Central Siberia and are close in dividing the country. As a result, Moscow has very little communication with their forces in Chita. Mr. Lenin stated that troops in and surrounding Chita are reported to be running low on food and other supplies. He stated that we could have some of this gold if we give him a large amount of supplies. After thinking about how I would get such a large amount of supplies, I agreed to the deal with Mr. Lenin and told him that this will be a potential for future cooperation.
However, the situation is now worst since the intervention of Japan and the other Allied Powers. The Eastern port city of Vladivostok is occupied mainly by the Japanese, along with the Americans, British, French, and Italians. Intelligence has also shown that the Japanese are supporting a man by the name of Grigory Semyonov, a White Army Transbaikal Cossack. The aid given to him by the Japanese have enabled him to take over the Northern half of the Chinese Eastern Railway, which was formerly under control of Russia. With Japan controlling the Southern half and the White Army controlling the Northern half, getting any resources to them is going to be difficult. Hopefully my little visit to Harbin should make things easier." thought Lelouch as he wrote in is journal.
He then proceeded to close the journal, put it back in his coat pocket, and stared out of the passenger window.
"Man going to the Harbin Train Station was somewhat weird. It just reminded me of that dream I had where I saw the murder of Prince Ito Hirobumi, which occurred at the very same station. But that dream or vision I had seems to be trying to tell me something. It feels like I have some important role to play, like I've been assigned something. I just can't put my finger on what it is." thought Lelouch as he started to fall asleep.
1:30 PM, August 13th, 1918, The Imperial Inn, Sinuiju, Chōsen
The city of Sinuiju was a growing city sitting adjacent to the Yalu River. The river acted as a natural border line since the land across the river was Chinese soil. The city's recent development is mainly due to the railroad running through the city. A railroad bridge across the river connected the Chinese Eastern Railway with the rest of the railways in Korea.
Within the city was Lelouch, who recently arrived from Harbin the previously night. He was currently staying at "The Imperial Inn", a local resting stop for railroad passengers and workers. Lt. Jo, Capt. Gang, Kim Gu, Roh, Park, Yi, along with some other Black Army members had also rented rooms at the same inn as instructed by Zero before he left for Harbin. The Dangun, along with some of the other main Black Army members, were currently docked at Heijō, where they continued to monitor Japanese activities. Zero then summoned all the top officers of his group to his room so that they can discuss their next operation.
"You want us to make a trade deal with the Bolshevik Russians? Are you sure you want to do that?" asked Capt. Gang with concern.
"Currently the Japanese are trying to use the civil war in Russia as an excuse to acquire more territory. There is also evidence of them supporting troops of the White Army. Helping the Bolsheviks will help us strategically and allow us to become stronger." explained Zero.
"However the Bolsheviks are fighting for reasons different from ours. We fight for Korean independence while they fight for the proletariat. Can we even trust them Zero?" asked Kim Gu.
"Though we differ in overall intentions, the Black Army and the Bolshevik's Red Army are all fighting against the same enemy. As the saying go, the enemy of my enemy is also my friend. I've also managed to talk with the leaders in Moscow and they are willing to reciprocate. Due to the current dire situation they face now, going against their word is not in their best interests."
"Ok, ok. We understand Zero. Now what is this trade deal?" asked Lt. Jo.
"According to my sources, the Red Army in the Russian city of Chita currently is in possession of a large supply of gold. Acquisition of this gold would be a financial boost to our organization." said Zero.
"Yeah, but we have to trade them something for it. What do you expect us to give them?" asked Roh.
"Simple. It's with this." said Zero.
Zero pulled out from his jacket a medium-sized folder filled with papers and notes. The folder was labeled "OPERATION: BREAKFAST".
"Breakfast?" said Kim Gu with confusion.
"They say the most important meal of the day is breakfast, for one is potentially weaker without it. This is the problem the Red Army faces in Chita and the surrounding region. Reports have said they are running low on food and will probably run out within about a week. It is therefore essential we get food to them as soon as possible." replied Zero.
"Ok, but we don't have enough food in our supply warehouses to fulfill such a demand." added Capt. Gang.
"That's why we're going to get the Japanese to pitch in." Zero said.
Everyone in the room looked at one another with confusion as Zero pulled one of the many sheets of paper tucked away in the folder and showed it to everybody. Everyone then took a closer look at the paper and read it.
"This is the Imperial Japanese Army's train schedule for the delivery of shipments." said Park with amazement. "Though I'm not surprised someone like you would be able to get his hands on such a document."
"So what's the plan then?" asked Lt. Jo.
"It's simple. According to this schedule, a train carrying grain, salt, preserved meat, along with some weapons is going to depart later today from the port city of Dalian in the Japanese Kwangtung Leased Territory. It's intended destination is Vladivostok, where the Japanese intend to resupply their forces occupying the city and the surrounding area. However, the train is supposed to stop at the Chinese city of Changchun for the night, where it will get more coal and undergo maintenance inspection. It is at Changchun where we'll take control of the train and take it to Chita." explained Zero.
"Makes sense. As shown on the railway maps, the next city after Changchun is Harbin, which is a central hub for the railroads leading to Vladivostok and Chita. All we have to do is to redirect the train to go West of Harbin, not East." said Capt. Gang.
"But Zero, you said we have to go to Changchun, which is in China. Wouldn't hijacking a train there give a good reason for China to intervene?" asked Roh.
"Mr. Roh that shouldn't be a problem at all." interjected Kim Gu. "Japan has gained extraterritorial rights on the railroads between Dalian and Harbin, also known as the South Manchurian Railway. Approximately 62 meters of land on either side of these tracks is technically Japanese soil. The railroads leading to Chita from Harbin are under jurisdiction of the White Russians. China will not be able to intervene since we never touched their soil. Right Zero?"
"Correct. Anyway, I want all of you and the rest of the men we have here to go to Changchun today. Once there we'll meet up at the train yard adjacent to the station at about 9:00 PM, where you should find a box car with a large #11 painted on it. I will then explain the next phase of the plan there. Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, yes Sir!" said everybody in the room as they rose up and saluted.
Everyone in the room except for Kim Gu and Zero left to their rooms so that they could prepare to leave the city.
"I'm guessing your geass had something to do with getting that schedule?" asked Kim Gu.
"A little..." replied Zero with a slight smirk on his face.
8:58 PM, Changchun, China
Numerous box cars and locomotives sat in the large train yard as the moon slightly shined above. Though not many trains were running at the time, the smell of burning coal hovered in the air. Using the little moonlight available, Kim Gu led the Black Army, who were all wearing civilian clothing, through the dark maze of box cars. As they kept moving, Kim Gu also made sure that there were no patrol guards in the general area.
"So where did Zero go again Kim?" quietly asked Lt. Jo.
"Zero told me that he had to go ahead of us in order to make sure everything was in place." answered Kim Gu.
"Kim you seem to trust him a lot, despite the fact that he keeps many things to himself. Are you comfortable with that exactly?" asked Capt. Gang.
"Zero is an honest person truly fighting for our cause. If he does have any secrets, he must have a good reason to have them." replied Kim Gu.
"C'mon Captain. Look at the results Zero has brought us. The guy is by no question definitely on our side." added Roh.
"Ok, ok I was just curious." interjected Capt. Gang.
Kim Gu and the Black Army kept walking, carefully reading the numbers painted on the freight cars.
"#8...#9...#10...#11. Here it is." said Kim Gu. He then slowly walked up to the door of the freight car and gave it a slight knock. "Pssst. Zero. Are you there? It's us."
Suddenly the sound of metal latches being moved could be heard coming from the inside of the box car. The door then slid opened and standing in the freight car doorway was Zero, already wearing his Black Army officer's uniform and cap.
"Good. You guys managed to get here." said Zero.
"That reminds me Zero, why did you want us to meet you here?" asked a curious Park.
"Because I needed a spot that could be accessible, close to the station, and be able to hold all the tools we'll need."
"Tools?" said Park with utter confusion.
Everyone then slowly peeked their head into the freight car and saw boxes of rifles, machine guns, explosives, and ammunition all over.
"This is ingenious Zero. Once again you've done the impossible." said an amazed Yi.
"Hmmm. Nothing is impossible, especially when you geass some soldiers to give you a box car full of arms and hide it among other similar freight cars." thought Zero.
"This is going to be awesome. So Zero, when do we strike?" asked Roh.
"We'll attack right after the train's maintenance inspection and before it departs, which is approximately at 7:30 AM. So I plan to initiate the next phase of the plan at around 7:25 AM. Is that clear?"
"Clear." said everyone in unison.
Everyone then grabbed a rifle from the box car to defend themselves before deciding to go to sleep. Half of the team slept in the freight car carrying the armaments, while the other half slept in an empty freight car adjacent to the first one.
7:20 AM, August 14th, 1918
The Japanese train, along with the food and supplies it was carrying, was preparing to depart to Vladivostok. The sound of hissing steam could be heard as the train's boiler started to heat up. Maintenance workers were checking every part of the locomotive to ensure that they didn't overlook anything. Japanese soldiers were also present in the area, making sure everything was in order.
"WHOOOT WHOOOT!" could be heard coming from the train whistle as the train's engineer started ringing the bell to indicate to everyone that he was ready to go.
"ALL CHECK DOWN HERE!" yelled one worker.
"EVERYTHING OK HERE!" yelled another worker.
"THIRD AND FOURTH CARS IN GOOD CONDITION!" yelled a third worker.
As the workers were making the final preparations, Lt. Jo calmly walked towards the station. However, two Japanese soldiers guarding the station instantly went on the defensive and aimed their rifles at him.
"HALT. The station is currently under jurisdiction of the Imperial Japanese Army Railways and Shipping Section. Identify yourself and explain your purpose!" commanded one of the Japanese soldiers.
The other soldier meanwhile realized Lt. Jo was tightly clinging onto his small leather bag.
"What do you have in that bag?!" asked the other soldier.
"Uhhh...nothing. Just some food I carry." responded Lt. Jo.
"Don't lie to me. Just show us what you have in there!" yelled the soldier as he vigorously grabbed the bag out of Lt. Jo's hands. The other soldier instantly grabbed onto Lt. Jo so that he wouldn't be able to escape.
"Now let's see what you were hiding..." said the soldier as he opened the bag. To his surprise, the bag was filled with a large closed can with a fuse sticking out from the top. The fuse was connected to a crudely-made firing pin, which itself was connected to the gears of an alarm clock.
"WHAT THE...?!" yelled the soldier looking into the bag. Once the clock read 7:25, the firing pin was activated, lighting the fuse which in turn quickly ignited the contents of the can. The bag instantly started regurgitating large amounts of thick smoke. The soldier holding the bag and the soldier holding Lt. Jo found themselves blinded by the thick smoke.
Taking the opportunity, Lt. Jo pushed his feet against the ground below him with such force that the soldier holding him lost balance and fell.
"ALRIGHT! PROCEED WITH PLAN: ALPHA-EPSILON!" yelled Lt. Jo as he got himself off the ground.
The rest of the Black Army, each one armed with a rifle and pistol, came out from their hiding spots and charged into the train station. As the Black Army ran towards the station platform, they suddenly saw some more Japanese soldiers guarding the station. Before the Japanese realized they were being attacked, each member of the Black Army grabbed a homemade grenade from their pocket, pulled the pin, and rolled them towards the feet of the Japanese. Each one caused a giant explosion of black smoke to appear and engulf anyone who was near it. Any soldier who was blinded was easily knocked over by the Black Army. More smoke bombs were thrown onto the platform as well. Within a few seconds, all the Japanese soldiers on the platform found themselves blinded and coughing from the smoke.
With the Black Army knocking out all the Japanese soldiers guarding the train, Zero used the black smoke as a smoke screen and ran towards the front of the train with no problem. He then hopped into the steam locomotive's cab, where he found a surprised Japanese engineer. Zero quickly took out his contact lens and activated his geass.
"You will surrender this train to me immediately and not report or remember anything at had occurred here." commanded Zero.
"The train is all yours." responded the geassed engineer. The engineer walked off the train while Zero put his contact lens back in is eye.
With the train now under his control, Zero looked everywhere for the train whistle. Once he found it, he immediately pulled it a few times, causing the train to give off a loud "WHOOOOOOT! WHOOOOOT!" sound. The sound immediately caught the attention of the rest of the Black Army.
"THAT'S THE SIGNAL! BOARD THE TRAIN!" yelled Capt. Gang.
The fighting within the large black smoke clouds suddenly ceased and the Black Army immediately ran for the train's box cars. Once opening some of the box cars, the Black Army climbed or jumped into them
As instructed by Zero earlier, Roh and Yi ran towards the cab of the train where they met up with Zero.
"Alright Zero, we did the first part. Now what?" asked Roh.
"Due to your physical strength and familiarity with steam engines, I want you to monitor the train's boiler. Yi, your job is to assist Roh in overseeing the boiler." said Zero.
"Don't worry Zero. Me and Yi here will make sure this coal-burning beast is tamed!" responded Roh.
"Same here!" yelled Yi.
"Very well!" said Zero as he saluted the two men. Roh and Yi saluted back before Zero got out of the cab and ran towards the nearest open box car.
Once he was inside box car, Roh and Yi immediately turned some valves and pulled some levers. Within a minute the chimney of the train started bellowing a stream of steam while it's pistons and wheels started to move. As the train moved faster, the sound of the pistons moving back and forth became more frequent.
Due to the box car having no windows, Zero and the rest of the Black Army decided it would be better to leave the sliding door open. Wanting to get some fresh air, Zero looked outside and saw the distant black smoke engulfing the train station was starting to dissipate. He then sat on the floor of the box car so he could relax for the time being.
8:30 AM, Kempeitai Colonial HQ, Keijō, Chōsen
Inside the Kempeitai's Colonial HQ, various men in suits and uniforms were reviewing various reports while sending out commands to various military outposts. The sounds of ringing telephones and people moving about filled the whole room. There was also a door that led to the office of Marshal Tōdō Isamu. The office consisted of a wooden desk, a chair, telephone, hat rack, maps, and piles of reports.
"Sir, the trail we were following in Sector 12 of the city of Gwangju has led to a dead end. Sectors 3 and 7 are still investigating, but the probability of finding something of significance is slim." reported a uniformed officer.
"Traces of a smuggling operation have been found in the port city of Wonsan. An abandoned warehouse near the city was found to be holding a whole supply of smuggled German, Russian, French, and British arms. The Black Army however must've been a step ahead of us for the warehouse was empty by the time our forces reached the place." reported another officer.
Sitting stoically at his desk opposite the two officers was Marshal Tōdō. Once he heard the reports from the two officers, he steepled his hands in front of him.
"Anything else...?" grumbled Tōdō.
"Well we have arrested and interrogated two dozen people who potentially have connections with the Black Army. However all the info they give us just leads us to stuff we already know." answered the first officer.
Tōdō then angrily groaned in frustration upon hearing this update.
Suddenly the loud sound of the candlestick telephone ringing surprised everyone in the room. Marshal Tōdō then excused himself from the two officers in front of him as he unhooked the earpiece from the phone and placed it on his ear.
"This is Marshall Tōdō Isamu." said the Marshall upon picking up the phone. He then nodded his head slightly as he casually listened to the caller. Suddenly his eyes widened in disbelief. He then jumped out of his chair, grabbed the tube shaft of the phone, and raised the mouthpiece towards his lips.
"WHAT! HOW DID THIS EVEN HAPPEN? HOW LONG AGO DID THIS OCCUR?!" bellowed the infuriated Marshall. The caller on the other end of the line gave his answer. "IT OCCURRED THAT LONG AGO! HOW COME YOU DIDN'T REPORT THIS?!...HMMM. VERY WELL. THEN CATCH UP WITH THE TRAIN WITH WHATEVER YOU GOT!...DON'T WORRY, I'LL HANDLE THE REST FROM HERE!"
Once Tōdō was done talking on the phone, he put the earpiece back on its hook before slamming the telephone onto his desk.
"What happened sir?" asked one of the now concerned officers.
"That call came from one our outposts guarding the South Manchurian Railway. They said that a train full of supplies meant for Vladivostok was hijacked at about 7:25 in the Chinese city of Changchun. I'll bet you my life this is the work of the Black Army." responded the now angry Marshall.
"Hold on, how come we weren't alerted of this when it occurred?" asked the second officer.
"According to what I just heard, communication wires in certain parts of the city were found to be severed. Zero must've wanted to delay us raising the alarm and reacting to his move. The call only came through now because our men in Changchun finally were able to repair the main lines." said Tōdō.
"So what should we do now? Shall I go to Viceroy Hasegawa and ask him to issue the use of the Chōsen colonial forces?" asked the first officer.
"No. That won't be necessary. The last thing we need is to have the Viceroy intervene and make Japan look like a complete fool again." responded Tōdō.
"So how do you plan to respond then?" asked the second officer.
"Simple." said Tōdō as he walked over to a map of the South Manchurian Railway hanging on the wall. "If Zero and the Black Army are controlling this train, then they are going to have to go through the Chinese city of Harbin. All we have to do is to dispatch some forces to chase the Black Army while also alerting our forces guarding the railroads in Harbin. Zero and his men will essentially be cornered, allowing us to apprehend the bastard."
"Are you going to the front lines and lead the force chasing Zero?" asked the first officer.
"Unlike Viceroy Hasegawa, I'm going to command from here for now." answered Tōdō. The two officers looked at one another with confusion. "You see, I understand how tricks work. Zero has been called "the man who makes miracles". But he doesn't make miracles. What he does do his perform elusive tricks that have multiple layers to them. If I leave my post here in order to be a the front lines, Zero could potentially exploit that for his own purpose. If Zero has any tricks prepared for me, he'll have to come to me, away from his battlefield."
"Very well sir." said both officers simultaneously.
"Now I want the two of you to alert the forces in Harbin about the train that is about to come through them. Tell them to stop it and, if they can, to not destroy the train or its freight. Also tell the 12th, 18th, and 23rd Cavalry divisions stationed in Changchun to pursue the train. They should be quick enough to catch up with the Black Army." commanded Tōdō.
Both officers then slightly bowed their heads before leaving Tōdō's office so they could send out the Marshall's command.
Tōdō, with his hands behind his back, walked over to the window.
"Zero, you might have easily won the first few rounds, but I'm different. I am the Shinigami, and my hands will take your life away." thought Tōdō as his fierce, serious eyes stared outside.
Author's Note: About Marshal Tōdō's role in the Chōsen government, he is only in charge of the investigation of Zero and the Black Army. Basically he has been given extensive policing powers by the Japanese home islands, since Tokyo knows the Black Army is not just a simple group of rebels. The bulk of the colonial forces in Chōsen are still in the control of Viceroy Hasegawa. However, Marshal Tōdō, due to his status within the Empire (he's regarded by many as the Emperor's top warrior within the Empire), Marshall Tōdō has immense influence over various divisions of the military.
If anyone is wondering where Viceroy Hasegawa is, he's currently busy overseeing the colony's role in the war between Red Russia (Bolsheviks) and Imperial Japan.
Next chapter, which I will finish as soon as possible, will continue on with the Black Army trying to meet up with the Red Army and deliver the supplies while also trying to evade the Japanese forces. As you can see, the fight between the Black Army and Japan is expanding into surrounding nations. And I will say this, Russia is just the start. I plan to have non-Koreans to join the Black Army also.
Also even though Hasegawa and Tōdō are combatting the Black Army right now, another antagonist is acting behind the curtains. Like I've said earlier, he'll be the quasi-duplicate of Schneizel and will make an appearance soon.