Ch. 22: The Black Army's Rebirth
9:00 PM, Decmeber 19th, 1918, Keijō, Chōsen
Gusts of cold, frigid air could be felt all throughout the night. As a result, the Black Army had a wood-burning furnace in the abandoned warehouse Zero first met Capt. Gang and his men. The warehouse was now repaired, with the holes in the ceiling being covered up, along with electric lighting being set up. Any windows were boarded up in fear that the light or sound from the inside would alert the Japanese authorities.
Also inside the warehouse were many boxes of surplus supplies stacked on top of each other. The middle of the warehouse was empty, and it was here where many of the higher up lieutenants, captains, generals, and other non-military administrators of the Black Army were waiting for Zero, who had called a special session. Most of the military officials were wearing their Black Army uniforms, while the administrators were wearing western-style suits along with a button depicting the Black Army's insignia on their chest.
Everyone was talking with one another, all wondering why Zero would call this special session. In the crowd was Kim Gu, Capt. Gang, Park, Jeong, Seo, Yi, Roh, Myo, Lt. Jo, General Rozhkov, and the recently recruited Dietrich Ried, who was proudly wearing his button on his suit.
Suddenly the doors opened and Zero, in uniform, entered the warehouse.
Everyone suddenly stopped talking, faced Zero, and saluted him. Zero then saluted them back. As he was walking in, everyone noticed he was carrying a large, rolled up piece of paper, along with an foldable easel.
"Members of the Black Army. I thank you for coming on such short notice. But I have news that will affect this organization." announced Zero.
Suddenly everyone in the room started whispering to one another.
"Do not worry. It is merely some changes in structure. As you know, we have recently recruited some newer members into the organization. Therefore, I have decided that the command structure must be changed to accommodate this." said Zero. He then unfolded the easel, unrolled the paper, and hung it on the easel so everyone could see.
The whole crowd was surprised to what they were seeing. It was a chart that depicted new positions along with a new chain of command.
"The following changes are as followed:
Chairman of the Black Army - Zero
Deputy Chairman - Kim Gu
Minister of Defense - Gang Chul-moo
Chief of Staff - General Jo Yong-sun
Commander of the North - General Vasily Rozhkov
Commander of the South - General Park Jae-sun"
announced Zero.
"Furthermore, the respective regional subdivisions of the peninsula will each be commanded by their respective captains or lieutenants. I also would like to introduce some of our newer recruits. I would first like to introduce Dietrich Ried, who will be our Minister of Propaganda and Communications."
Everyone suddenly looked at Dietrich and applauded for him.
"Won Chang-uk, a former ambassador for Korea, will become our Minister of Foreign Affairs."
Everyone then applauded for Won, a man in his forties, who wore a suit and a pair of spectacles.
"Former accountant and banker Yoo Sang-ki will be Minister of the Treasury."
Like with Dietrich and Won, everyone applauded for Yoo, a well-dressed, mustached man in his thirties.
"As for Capt. Gang's original team, I have created a new, special unit within the armed forces called the "Zero Division"." announced Zero.
"Zero Division, what exactly is that?" asked Roh.
"The Zero Division will be personally commanded by me directly. I have known you guys the longest, which is why I am entrusting you with this unique position." said Zero. "Anyway, I thank you for coming here and I hope these new changes to our organization will make us even stronger."
Zero then saluted the crowd as the crowd saluted back. He then declared the meeting adjourned, and everyone proceeded to exit the warehouse quietly.
Accompanying Zero, who was walking towards the door, was Kim Gu.
"So, I assume you discussed this with the council?" asked Kim Gu.
"Yes. Realizing I would need a proper cabinet to run this organization, I requested the council to ask intellectuals they knew if they wanted to join the Black Army. They also approved all the appointments that were made, including yours." replied Zero.
"I am surprised with that one. I would think they would refuse an appointment for me since that would connect the council to the Black Army directly." Kim Gu said.
"They allowed it because they trust this organization now. Originally, they didn't know how we were going to achieve our goals and whether there was a chance of success. But with our recent victories, the council feels more secure with us since they want to support someone who can win." Zero explained.
"Well, if the council has made that decision, I will fulfill my duty as Deputy Chairman with everything I have." said Kim Gu.
"I really appreciate that Kim. You truly are someone who fights for a cause, no matter the challenges." Zero replied.
Kim Gu thanked Zero and both of them proceeded to exit the warehouse and head to the car Zero had taken to get to the meeting. As they left the building, they could feel the harsh, cold air hit their skin. Both of them quickly got into the car so that they could get out of of the cold, night air. A Black Army soldier was already sitting in the driver's seat, and once both Zero and Kim Gu were in, the soldier started the car and drove towards the harbor, where the Dangun was docked.
2:41 PM, December 28th, 1918, The Dangun, Keijō, Chōsen
Zero and the key Black Army members were working on the Dangun. Recently, some of the extra rooms within the large steam yacht were converted to offices and rooms for the three new ministers, Dietrich, Won, and Yoo, could work in. The members of the newly formed Zero Division were either keeping watch, maintaining the ship, or completing errands.
Zero was sitting at the main discussion table in the ship's main room. Sitting with him was Minister Gang, Minister Won, Minister Yoo, General Jo, and Kim Gu. Dietrich was supposed to be there, but he told the others to go on without him because he was working on something important.
"As you can see Zero, our funds are doing well so far, however, by my calculations, we could be going into the red if we expand anymore." said Yoo. "With Japanese security being tightened, the cost of acquiring arms and supplies are rising rapidly."
"Hmmmm." Zero said. "Minister Won, has any word of foreign aid been heard?"
"Well, as you know, Admiral Kolchak's White Army government has occupied much of Eastern Siberia, making communications with Moscow practically impossible. I've attempted reaching out to German arms dealers, however they are in no position to send aid to us due to the chaos that has plagued the nation. Just yesterday there was a massive uprising of Poles within Germany. Possibly we could receive aid via donations from oversea Koreans in America, but that would only help a little." said Won as he adjusted his spectacles and read his report.
"What about the status of our armed forces?" Zero asked.
"General Rozhkov has sent me reports that there are some Northern regions still not fully under our influence. He is doing is best trying to preserve the influence we have there. General Park has stated no massive changes have been seen, but the soldiers are on high alert." said Gang, who now wore a suit instead of a uniform.
"I see, I see. We need to make another blow to the Japanese. We can gather more supplies and arms to use or sell, therefore alleviating our potential financial problem. General, do you have any targets that can do that job?" Zero asked.
"I'm sorry sir. Currently there are no potential targets of high value. Information is tighter than ever. Neither Tōdō's or Hasegawa's location is known at the moment. We are working on it as we speak though." replied General Jo, wearing a new uniform consisting shoulder marks indicating he was a general.
"Damn it!" mumbled Zero. "The enemy is obviously trying to keep us blind. If we can't see his next move, we're at a severe disadvantage."
Everyone at the tabled instantly nodded. Suddenly, Dietrich, with a bunch of papers in his arm, came out of his office and walked towards the table.
"Zero, sorry for missing the meeting, but I was piecing together information that you would like to hear." said Dietrich.
"Go on." Zero replied.
"Well, the press shops loyal to our cause have been secretly distributing propaganda pamphlets to the general public. As a result, more and more people are encouraged to tell us any conversation or rumor they heard. After sorting through rumors and facts, I suddenly got a clear picture. According to various sources, a large British ship was seen entering the Northern port city of Chongjin." Dietrich explained.
"A British ship? Why would they be here? They must've brought something. That's the only explanation." said Won.
"Which is why I had several people sent out to investigate. One of the men I sent out encountered some Korean dock workers who said that they saw some a few large boxes being lifted up by cranes and put into the back of trucks. The ship along with the boxes it was carrying, was heavily guarded by Japanese soldiers. Whatever is in there is apparently very important to them." Dietrich continued.
"So, the Japanese are pulling cards from their sleeves via the British. We need to find out what they were transporting and possibly get our hands on it." Zero said. "Dietrich, have you found out where they were taking these boxes?"
"About that, due to the fact that our influence is the weakest in that region, trailing them without them suspecting anything was too risky. However, a local Korean fisherman reported that he overheard some Japanese soldiers who apparently had a little too much sake. The soldier was mostly jabbering gibberish, however he mentioned the phrase "Shinigami...meeting...Viceroy"."
"Did you just say Tōdō is meeting Hasegawa?!" asked a surprised Gang. "This couldn't have worked any better. We can launch attack at them both simultaneously."
"All we lack now is a location. Even if the we know they are in the North, there's no way we can search everywhere." replied General Jo.
"Actually, that's where you're wrong General." replied Dietrich.
Everybody suddenly looked at him with confusion.
"You see, realizing this soldier had information, the fisherman searched the drunken man's uniform to see if he had anything of value. And he found something." Dietrich explained.
"What the hell was it then?" asked General Jo.
"Apparently what was found in the man's inner pocket was a map towards a military base secretly set up in the mountains."
"WHAT!" everybody yelled simultaneously.
"Interesting. I presume the map is still in our possession?" asked Zero.
"Yes of course. I had it copied for security reasons and a messenger is on his way here carrying one of those copies." said Dietrich.
"Perfect. Now that we have a location, we can ambush the Japanese without them even realizing it." said General Jo.
"However, we don't want to rush this. First of all, we have no knowledge of this base whatsoever, meaning we're going to need to do some reconnoissance first. Second, our goal besides giving the Japanese another crushing blow is to secure arms and supplies along with finding out what the British gave them." Zero added. "Gang, you and General Jo spread this info to as many available divisions that you can find and tell them to be on stand-by alert until further orders are given out. I want them prepared for the our next move."
"Very well sir." replied Gang.
"Dietrich, you've done very well." said Zero. "Continue investigating the enemy's movements just in case they are planning any tricks."
"As you wish Zero." said Dietrich as he saluted Zero.
"Minister Yoo, do we have any money we can spend on more uniforms?" asked Zero..
"According to my calculations, we might have enough in our coffers, but I don't think we should spend that on fashion." replied Yoo.
"It's not for fashion. I'm going to need you to obtain uniforms designed for the cold. If we fight up in the mountains at this time of year in these uniforms, we'll be lucky if we don't freeze to death." Zero explained.
"I'll see what I can do." answered Yoo.
"As for you Minister Won, try to find any more external sources of support. Even trinkets are good enough."
"Of course." nodded Won.
Suddenly Dietrich and everyone at the table except for Zero and Kim Gu got up and left to do their respective duties.
"Facing both the Viceroy and the Shinigami simultaneously in territory not under our influence. This is probably going to be the most difficult battle we've had to face." said Kim Gu.
"I know. They may know the playing field more than we do, but that doesn't guarantee them victory. But if succeed, Japan's reputation and spirit will be stabbed once more, thereby encouraging others within and outside the Korean Peninsula to join our ranks. Japan's imperial ambitions will be thwarted, and justice will have a chance to be served to those who deserve it." Zero replied.
Zero then got up from his chair, put on his officer's hat, and went to his office to evaluate the upcoming situation.
3:54 PM, December 29th, 1918, Aoyama Palace, Tokyo, Japan
Princes Aritomo, Kotohito, Sadanaru, and Konoe were sitting around an ornate table within the palace's Baroque-syle lounge. At the head of the table was the fifth figure of the group. Like Konoe, he wore a suit, vest, and tie. However, unlike Konoe, he wore a pair of round glasses.
"Though I respect His Majesty's decision, but why hasn't he fulfilled his duties as Emperor?" asked a frustrated Aritomo.
"I've tried to approach him several times about the issue, but he always evades the subject. Everyday he seems to becoming more and more reclusive." said the fifth figure.
"That's proof he's unfit to rule. I say we take action now." said Kotohito.
"The time isn't right for action Kotohito." said the fifth figure. "There's not enough pressure to declare him unfit to rule."
"But the future of this Empire could be at stake. The Black Army is causing us to bleed slowly while the liberals are gaining power." said Konoe.
"The rice riots back in September proved Prime Minister Masatake's weakness, which resulted in his resignation. Now we have commoner Hara Takashi as Prime Minister. It just sickens me to see one of them in power." said Sadanaru.
"Takashi is just another weakling in my opinion. He represents everything we oppose. There's even rumor that he and his supporters wants to pass liberal reforms. Besides, he's a civilian. A civilian shouldn't be involved in these kind of political affairs." angrily said Aritomo.
"If the liberals manage to make significant gains, the military and the Empire's destiny may be changed for the worst." replied Kotohito.
"The Emperor could intervene and dissolve the lower house. But this reclusive behavior of his is making this problem bigger than it is." said Sadanaru.
"This problem is complex, yet not unsolvable. If my father decides to neglect his duties, then he should be stripped of his powers and role as Emperor. That's why the Black Army comes useful to us." replied the fifth figure.
"Is that why you persuaded the Imperial Diet to allocate resource meant for fighting the Black Army to the war in Russia?" asked Konoe.
"With the war against the Germans now practically over, our fight with the Russians is the most important aspect of this Empire's future. Japan must settle its issues with Russia and it needs Siberia's natural resources to continue growing. The Black Army is simply a side problem and can be dealt with later." replied the fifth figure.
"But you know Zero is no ordinary fighter." said Kotohito.
"He's smart and crafty no doubt. But even the best players have gaps in their plans. What Zero doesn't realize is that every action he makes gives us a better insight of him. As he starts playing more and more cards, we can dictate and predict his next move. It's all about time, because if you rush in and use force, you may have unnecessary losses that you will regret. And if Zero manages to make one or two more blows to this Empire, then that will finally open the eyes of the people and persuade them to declare the Emperor unfit to rule." the fifth figure said.
"Your Highness, you know these statements can be interpreted as not only treason against the Emperor, but disrespect towards your own father." warned Aritomo.
"Aritomo, is it treason to do something to protect the integrity and interests of this Empire, along with fulfilling its destined role? Is it disrespectful to relieve the stress of an unhealthy, reclusive father? All I want is what's best for the Empire and the people living within its borders." replied the fifth figure as he adjusted his glasses slightly.
"You do make a point." Aritomo replied.
"The Black Army will shine light and reveal the holes in this Empire caused by liberals, pacifists, socialists, and others who want us to look weak in front of the world. If the Black Army manages to defeat the influential Shinigami and therefore ruin his credibility in the eyes of his political supporters, it will also remove an obstacle between me and my father." said the fifth figure.
"Agreed." said Konoe, Sadanaru, Kotohito, and Aritomo simultaneously.
Suddenly the fifth figure rose out of his chair. The four princes immediately rose out after him.
"This meeting is hereby adjourned. And as we all know, everything discussed in this room is not told be told to another living soul. Is that clear?" asked the fifth figure.
"Clear." every said as they nodded.
"I'm taking my leave. Proceed with your normal duties until further notice." said the fifth figure as he exited the room.
"Yes your Highness." said the four princes simultaneously as they bowed.
Author's Note: The Black Army has been reorganized and now has a cabinet. They now think they know where both the Shinigami and the Viceroy is and are preparing for one of the largest fights they've had in the harshest environment imaginable. Meanwhile, the behind-the-scenes princes led by a shadowy figure is exploiting the situation in Korea to fulfill their nationalistic/imperialistic goals.
Next chapter is going to be a big one. The Black Army will have to traverse through the frigid, snowy mountains to find out what the British secretly gave the Japanese, along with potentially taking out both commanders.
Once again we meet Schneizel's unidentified counterpart. Though I haven't given a name yet (I'm approaching this slowly), there's a lot of clues in this chapter that point to who it is.
By the way, does anyone have any guesses on what the British gave to the Japanese? I'll tell you this much, it's a reference to something that existed in the Code Geass universe.