Ch. 27: Clouds of Revolution
9:00 PM, January 22nd, 1919, The Dangun, Keijō, Chōsen
The Dangun quietly rested on top of the calm water while it was anchored next to one of the many docks lining the river. Inside was the Black Army's cabinet working on various issues ranging from finances to intelligence.
"As you can see Zero, the Irish have recently decided to fight back against their oppressors with full force. They have heard of our achievements and are willing to have open dialogue with us." said Minister of Foreign Affairs Won as he adjusted his spectacles.
"So Ireland has now decided to declare war against the British...this would give us a greater advantage." Zero replied. "Send them a message of thanks and that we will agree to have open dialogue with their government as well."
"As you wish sir." said Won as he left Zero's presence and headed towards the wireless telegraph.
"It seems like Ireland is really sympathizing with us huh?" said Kim Gu who was sitting right next to Zero.
"The Irish too have been oppressed by an Empire. It's not a surprise they are willing to open diplomatic relations with us. If we manage to achieve independence from the Japanese, then the Irish believe they can gain independence from Britain." replied Zero.
"It's good we have people in other places who support us. By the way, I'm surprised you made Kae second-in-command of the Zero Division. She's our newest member and you gave her control of your own personal guard." said Kim Gu.
"She's a fighter and someone who knows how to hunt. She's strong, fast, clever, and a terrific marksman. She's perfect for the job. The Japanese government have caused her much loss and pain, meaning her devotion to this cause it undoubtedly pure. Also, by integrating the Tigers into our ranks, we have influence in the remaining Northern regions along with control over some of the underground black markets." Zero explained.
"Speaking of her, what happened to that abandoned mansion she used to live in?" asked Kim Gu.
"The mansion and the area around it is now being used as our provincial headquarters and a training ground for future combatants. The area is far enough away from Japanese authorities that we can perform various drills without having the fear of getting caught." said Zero.
"Training ground? That will definitely improve the fighting potential of future soldiers enlisted in the Black Army." said Kim Gu.
In another room, Seo was monitoring one of the various telegraphs on the ship. Suddenly, the telegraph in front of him started rapidly beeping. Immediately surprised by the sound, Seo grabbed a pen and a piece of paper before proceeding to decrypt the message. Carefully listening to each dit and dot, Seo wrote down the message one letter at a time.
"No way. This can't be." Seo whispered to himself.
"Everyone! Everyone! I just receive important news today from one of our informants in the city!" yelled Seo as he ran into the ship's common room.
Everyone on the ship quickly headed to the common room to hear the important message Seo had just received.
"What is it Seo?" asked a concerned Zero.
"It better be important because my food is getting cold!" responded an annoyed Roh.
"I am sad to say this...but our former ruler...Emperor Gojong...has been confirmed dead." said Seo slowly.
Everyone in the room gasped in disbelief for a second before whispering to one another.
"What? What do you mean? How did he die?" asked a concerned Won.
"They say they aren't sure, but there have been reports blaming cerebral anemia as the cause of death." answered Seo.
"I don't believe that report one bit!" yelled Roh. "I bet the Japanese poisoned him just like they tried the last time!"
"I agree! There have been rumors that he was unwilling to swear an oath to Japanese rule. The Japanese I guess weren't satisfied with just forcing him to abdicate in favor for his son!" yelled Myo.
"Those murderers will pay for killing the last man in power who fought against Japan!" yelled Park.
"However, these are just rumors. We can't fully verify whether or not the Japanese were involved." responded Kim Gu.
"But Deputy Chairman, rumors of Japanese involvement in the death of the late Emperor could work in our favor." responded Dietrich. "Emperor Gojong is seen by the Korean people as a symbol of hope to gain Korea's independence from Japanese rule. However, if Japan is rumored to be involved, the Korean people will rise up en masse due to their faith in the late Emperor."
"Dietrich makes a point. As Minister of Propaganda and Communications, I want you spread this rumor as much as you can. This could be the perfect chance to rally Koreans who are too afraid to fight back." said Zero.
"I shall not fail you Zero." said Dietrich.
Everyone in the room then resumed with their previous activities.
"Are you sure we should do this? I mean, isn't it being dishonest to the Korean people?" whispered Kim Gu.
"We are fighting for independence here. Our enemy is one who will stop at nothing to crush us. From what I've experienced in life, one must sometimes hide the whole truth in order to attain results." replied Zero.
"You do make some valid points." replied Kim Gu.
8:00 PM, January 29th, 1919, Business District, Keijō, Chōsen
The council comprised of various Korean resistance leaders and underground movements were having an emergency meeting. The various Korean leaders, young and old, were discussing current events and how to respond to them.
"Ever since the death of our late Emperor, Korean nationalism has skyrocketed. More people are voicing their opposition to the Imperial Japanese." said Park Eunsik, wearing his usual traditional hanbok.
"And American President Woodrow Wilson's recent "Fourteen Points" speech at the Paris Peace Conference has promoted a message of self-determination. As we speak, independence advocates in America are attempting to gather attention to our cause." said Yi Sang-ryong.
"I've also received word from Mr. Kim Gu who states the Black Army is currently spreading the popular rumor that our late Emperor was poisoned by the Japanese." added Yi Dongnyeong.
"Yes I heard. Though I have my qualms about spreading rumors, they are unquestionably riling up the people. This surge of determination and anger could help us get the attention we have desperately wanted." replied Park Eunsik.
"Sir if I may add, me and my associates in the Cheondoism religious movement have suggested of using this as an opportunity to finance a nonviolent protest movement." suggested Son Byong-hi.
"But what about the Black Army? Where exactly do they stand on such an issue? Due to the successes and popularity the Black Army has accomplished, not getting their approval could potentially divide us, making any movement of the masses impossible." asked Yang Gi-tak.
"Yes, what about the Black Army?" asked Hong Jin.
"I will discuss this issue with Kim Gu and Zero as soon as possible. Hopefully Zero will understand and approve taking a nonviolent approach to this issue." answered Park Eunsik.
"And what if he doesn't understand?" asked Yi Sang-ryong.
"I say we still go through with Son Byong-hi's plan." said Hong Jin. "Even if the Black Army won't follow our plan, I believe we still have enough supporters directly under our control to carry out a movement large enough to make an impact. The Cheondoism movement has underground channels and connections that the Black Army doesn't possess."
"I would have to agree with Mr. Hong. The Black Army says they represent our cause. Well if Zero is smart, he will support this plan, otherwise the Black Army will be discredited and loose the support of the Korean people." added Yi Dongyeong.
"As one of the biggest believers and financiers of the independence movement, I too believe we should decisively act even if the Black Army refuses." said Son Byong-hi.
"Very well. It seems the council here has come to an overall agreement." said Park Eunsik.
Everyone in the room then nodded to one another before they decided to adjourn their emergency meeting.
1:34 PM, February 9th, 1919, Black Army Northern HQ and Training Ground, North of Hongwon, Keijō, Chōsen
After reviewing various training drills in the surrounding area, Zero returned to the mansion now being used as region's local headquarters. Once inside, Zero immediately headed to his office, which had been recently cleaned up and refurnished. He hung his cap on a coat hook and sat down at his desk.
He picked up one of various reports laying on the desk. The reports were mainly about establishing diplomatic channels and economic aid with the newly formed independent Irish government.
Suddenly the sound of someone knocking on the door could be heard.
"You may enter!" said Zero.
The door opened and Kim Gu, who was carrying a telegram in his hand, walked in and closed the door behind him.
"Zero, do you have a second. I think you should read this." said Kim Gu.
"What is it?" asked Zero.
"My recent talks with the council have indicated that they believe the recent rise of nationalism would be perfect for gaining attention." replied Kim Gu.
"Good. We can finally strike back at the Japanese with more force than ever now that we have hot passion within our soldiers."
"However, the council is advocating backing up the influential Cheondoism religious movement along with some other minor nonviolent, pro-independence groups." added Kim Gu.
"What?! Don't they understand the Japanese are starting to fear us because we are actually beating them at their own game?! How can they abandon me like this?" Zero replied.
"They haven't abandoned you Zero. But Son Byong-hi and his Cheondoist movement is on par with us. They are one of the biggest financiers of the council and are allied with various Buddhist and Christian intellectuals. The council also believes confrontation in this nationalistic climate will result in massive casualties of non-combatants. The idea of innocent, unarmed Koreans getting caught in the battlefield makes the council very uncomfortable." explained Kim Gu.
It was then Zero memories of the Special Administration Zone Massacre started to flash through his mind.
"The council may have a point. A direct confrontation in this atmosphere would probably result in the Japanese responding harshly. They might be willing to burn whole communities down just to make sure any traces of nationalism are snuffed out. If that were to occur, I would responsible for bringing the battlefield to Korean civilians like I did with Japanese civilians at the SAZ Massacre. I mustn't repeat the past." thought Zero.
"If that is what the council wishes, then I will, despite some initial opposition, support the council's plan." said Zero.
"The council will be very pleased with you cooperation and understanding." said Kim Gu. "While we're on the topic, I just received reports from one of our intellectual groups stationed in the Japanese home islands."
"What happened?" asked a concerned Zero.
"Yesterday a group of students calling themselves the Korean Youth Independence Corps made a daring move by sending a declaration of independence to various newspapers, teachers, and government officials." answered Kim Gu.
"They actually made the declaration?" asked Zero with a shocked look on their face. "Has the council said anything on this?"
"Well the council is somewhat surprised, but still supports the move. However, currently the council is also somewhat angry due to the fact that a KYIC meeting was dispersed by Japanese authorities, which resulted in the arrest or imprisonment of 36 people." Kim Gu replied.
"There's no doubt going to be a surge of anger against the Japanese." said Zero. "Tell the council that I would like to speak with them as soon as possible. I want to get a clear explanation of their current plans regarding this declaration."
"I'll see what I can do." replied Kim Gu as he excused himself out of the office.
Zero then went back to reading the reports laying in front of him.
7:45 PM, February 15th, 1919, Business District, Keijō, Chōsen
"So Zero, Kim Gu has told me that you understand our nonviolent approach regarding the growing nationalism we are facing?" said Park Eunsik as he stroked his semi-long beard.
"I totally think we are not making the ideal move, but I am willing to cooperate with the council in order to maintain the integrity and legitimacy of the Black Army's cause." Zero responded. "But what I'm here for is to understand your future plans regarding this recent declaration of independence."
"We have carefully analyzed the situation and thought about the consequences of the various scenarios we have come up with." responded Park Eunsik.
"With the death of the Emperor, the "Fourteen Points" speech at the Paris Peace Conference, and the arrest of various Korean independence activists, the Korean people are loosing tolerance for the colonial authorities by the second." said Yi Sang-ryong.
"Add in the Black Army's cooperation Zero and we will have a real advantage. You are a symbol of the Korean people's freedom. People will find the strength within themselves to come out and join us once they hear you are standing alongside us. And a nonviolent approach will prevent anyone from blaming any casualties on our cause." added Yi Dongyeong.
"That is why we have concluded that making the declaration on a grand scale in front of the Korean people directly is the best course of action." said Son Byong-hi. "We have planned to make our move two days before the Emperor's funeral. The Korean people at that time will be overflowing with emotional patriotism due to the respect for one of the last remnants of the independence era."
"Two days before the funeral? So since the funeral has been reported to be on the third of March, that would make the declaration occur on March 1st." said Zero.
"Precisely. We are currently making preparations on spreading the word and deciding where to make the actual declaration. So Zero, what is your opinion regarding declaration of independence?" asked Park Eunsik.
"Like I said before, I will cooperate with using the political climate in a peaceful manner. But declaration is a big move politically and diplomatically. I feel that even though the people are getting riled up as we speak, it's still not enough. I need to think this through." responded Zero.
"Very well. Just give us an answer before the end of the month. Timing is everything if we want our plan to work 100% smoothly." responded Park Eunsik.
Zero then nodded and proceeded to exit the meeting room.
8:03 AM, February 24th, 1919, The Dangun, Keijō, Chōsen
Zero was standing outside on the deck of the ship looking at the vast amounts of water in the Han River. He was quietly thinking to himself various scenarios and moves to play in the near future. Suddenly Dietrich came out from inside the ship's main cabin.
"Zero urgent news." said Dietrich.
"Wait what?" said a surprised Zero.
"Remember how you said you were unsure to support the declaration because you felt there wasn't enough anger or passion?" asked Dietrich.
"Yeah." Zero answered.
"Well, I just received info that states that a large pro-Korean independence demonstration erupted in Hibiya Park, Tokyo. According to my sources, it was organized by the KYIC." said Dietrich.
"Another demonstration in the heart of Japan?" said Zero with some disbelief.
"I know, but this just shows us how much determination and spirit the people have. If they are willing to fight for independence in Japan's home turf, then that's proof they are ready to do anything. This event will also lower the Korean peoples' tolerance towards the Japanese significantly." said Dietrich. "That's why I suggest you tell the council that you support the declaration."
"You're right. The Korean people are undoubtedly ready to move to the next stage. Tell the council immediately about my decision. For on March 1st, a new chapter will be written for the Korean people." said Zero valiantly.
Author's Note: Zero, the Black Army, the council, and the Korean people have now planned to make a huge move on the 1st of March. The council wants to make this move peaceful and nonviolent, something Zero will agree with since he knows the political climate will cause unarmed masses to be involved and he doesn't want to be the cause of the massacre of innocent civilians once more. However, the Japanese response is still unknown at this point, and things many times don't work according to plan.
The Emperor who had just died, Emperor Gojong, was the second to last Emperor of Korea and the Joseon Dynasty. He tried resisting Japanese influence in the region through reform and diplomacy. However, due to his resistance, Japan pressured him to abdicate in favor of his son Sunjong, who was weaker and less resistant than his father. At the time of the Emperor's death, many people really thought the Japanese had a role in his death. In 1898, Gojong's coffee was poisoned with opium by disgraced members of the Korean court. However, there has been suspicions that the Japanese were involved. As a result, anger towards Japan increased.
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