Ch. 34: In Dextrum et Sinistrum
10:01 PM, May 4th, 1919, Black Army HQ, International Settlement, Shanghai
The lamp posts lining the streets of Shanghai brightened the city as the dark, night sky hovered above. Like many other metropolises around the world, many lights placed on signs and buildings were also keeping the overall city lit up. However, few people were walking down the streets and most buildings showed almost no activity.
All the offices in the Black Army's HQ were empty and locked up for the night. The important, high-ranking cabinet members of the Black Army were all asleep in their rooms located in the residential section of the headquarters. Zero, however, was still fully awake. He was sitting at the desk in his office, writing another entry into his journal.
"Ronan and the engineering team are almost finished repairing the ShinkirÅ. It's a good thing we still had the debris of the plane stored and delivered here. Ronan has also told me he has equipped the ShinkirÅ with a better engine. It supposedly uses less fuel and runs more efficiently. Other additions to our arsenal include better kinds of incendiary shells, more accurate artillery guns, and smaller communication devices.
Situation regarding the young Provisional Government is slow, but progressive. Event though a constitution was set up and a government was declared, no positions have been filled yet. Kim Gu has told me he believes this is partially due to the varying political beliefs among the newly arrived resistance members. Left and right wing factions have been debating on what path the new government should take.
We are also waiting to hear from other important resistance leaders and members all over the world. Division is something we can't afford now. With the addition of the Provisional Government set up in Seoul last month, three separate groups are now calling themselves the Provisional Government. Main members of the Provisional Government have assured me they will promote solidarity among themselves.
Recent events in China have be chaotic. Earlier today student demonstrations erupted in Beijing. Apparently they were upset about the Chinese government repaying some of the large debts accumulated by the warlords running the government by leasing the Shandong Peninsula to Japan and expand Japanese extraterritoriality rights in China. Anger is also due to the fact that the Chinese diplomatically failed at getting attention at the Paris Peace Conference. The situation is currently being reviewed and evaluated."
Zero then closed his journal and placed it in his pants pocket. He then got up from his desk chair and turned off the lights in the room. He then walked down the dark hall quietly and reached the door leading to his bedroom. Grabbing a key from his pocket, Zero unlocked the door, entered the room, and prepared to go to bed.
12:45 PM, June 25th, 1919, The Dangun, Shanghai
Zero was standing outside on the Dangun's deck as it rocked back and forth on the river. His elbow was resting on the railing as he stared into the distance. Suddenly Kim Gu approached him from behind.
"Nice day isn't it Zero?" asked Kim Gu.
"Kim, do you know what today is?" Zero asked back.
"Uh...June 25th?" answered Kim Gu with a confused look on his face.
"Correct. It was one year ago today that I arrived to this world." said Zero.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot what you told me when you helped me escape from prison."
"Amazing isn't it? One year has passed, and it seems like forever I was in my own world." said Zero.
"Well, within that one year span, you have achieved things that would take an ordinary man five years to do." Kim Gu replied. "Anyway, have you been looking for a way to return?"
"Sort of. The thing is I don't fully understand how I got here. Like I told you before, I was in an explosion and then I just found myself in this world."
"Must be some explosion to do something like that. I mean, it sounds like you broke the laws of science itself." said Kim Gu.
"Personally I think my geass along with some other specific factors were involved. But that still doesn't get me any closer. The only clue I got was in a "dream" I had, which indicated that I must fulfill a purpose. Of course that just makes things more difficult." Zero explained. "As a result, I have already prepared to face the inevitable fact, I am here forever, and I must make use of what is available in front of me."
Kim Gu then quietly left the deck of the ship to allow Zero to reminiscence everything he had gone through the past year.
9:50 PM, August 19th, 1919, Provisional Government of the ROK (Republic of Korea) HQ, French Concession, Shanghai
Zero and Kim Gu were both sitting in the passenger seat as the Black Army officer escorting them stopped in front of the Provisional Government's HQ in the French Concession of the city. The driver opened the passenger door and both men exited the car and walked to the door of the building. Once they were inside, Zero saw the council members, along with a few other men in suits and ties, all sitting around the large conference table in the adjacent room.
"There he is! The man who has made the Japanese actually fear us!" yelled Park Eunsik as Zero and Kim Gu entered the meeting room. Everyone in the room rose out of their seats and immediately started clapping.
"Thank you, thank you! But it was the Korean people who brought us the fruits of victory. I just merely offered some guidance." Zero replied.
"Nonsense! Don't be so humble about it. There is no doubt your leadership has brought much to our cause." Park Eunsik replied.
"I am just protecting the innocent from those who use their position and wealth to exploit and kill." said Zero.
"Anyway, Kim, would you like to introduce Zero to some of our other guests?" asked Park Eunsik.
"Oh yes. Well there's one man I would like you to meet first." Kim Gu said. He led Zero to a Korean man in his early forties wearing a suit and tie. His hair was neat and he had a semi-thick mustache.
"It's an honor to meet the man who has given hope to the Korean people. My name is An Chang-ho." he said as he shook Zero's hand.
"An here has been mostly operating in California, USA, where he help found Korean National Association to represent the Korean people overseas. He's also the one who provided the funds for this new government headquarters." explained Kim Gu.
"Wait, then that makes you Dosan." Zero said. "You must be pretty successful if you managed to afford a place like this."
"That is correct. Dosan is the pen name I used to protect myself." answered An. "Besides the KNA, I also managed to help found other Korean independence institutions in America such as the New Korea Society and the Young Korean Academy."
"And over here we have Kim Kyu-sik and Lyuh Woon-hyung." said Kim Gu. Kim Kyu-sik was a man slightly younger than An while Lyuh Woon-hyung had a light mustache. Both men also were wearing Western-style suits.
"Nice to meet the both of you. Kim, I know you just got back from France. How was your trip back to Asia?" asked Zero.
"About so-so." answered Kim Kyu-sik. "Me and my colleagues have heard many of your achievements."
"Thank you. By the way, Lyuh, I thank you for arranging us to take refuge in Shanghai. Your connections really made things less complicated." said Zero.
"No problem. With all the work you have done, along with my passion to see an independent Korea, it was my pleasure to assist you." replied Lyuh Woon-hyung.
Kim Gu then introduced Zero to the other newly arrived resistance leaders and officials. These included representatives from the Provisional Governments proclaimed both in Seoul and Vladivostok, nationalists, communists, and other officials returning from overseas. Everyone then took their seat around the table.
"Good evening gentlemen. It is an honor to have all you assembled here tonight." said Park Eunsik. "As you know we are all here for the same reason, to ensure the unity of our cause."
"The fact that three governments proclaiming themsleves to be the legimitate government of the Koreans is problematic. That is why we shall decide who and where will run this new government." said Kim Gu.
"As a representative of the socialist faction, I believe this new government should be primarily led by the organizations based in Siberia and Manchuria. Yi Donghwi has suggested that we should work with the Bolsheviks. He has already prepared several brigades of guerillas along the Yalu River, all ready to fight for Korean soil." said a middle-aged man wearing a suit and tie.
Suddenly one side of the room voiced their opposition by yelling "NO!" repeatedly.
"Uhm, Yi Dongwhi?" whispered Zero.
"He's a prominent Korean socialist primarily operating out of Russia. Primarily he's known for his friendliness to the Bolsheviks and their cause." Kim Gu whispered back.
"I object to that decision!" yelled another man. "The Bolsheviks cannot be trusted. What we need is an ally who will actually protect the core values of liberty. I suggest approaching the United States of America!"
Half of the room yelled their opposition once more when the man was done speaking.
"The United States has been making deals with the Japanese. The US along with the Western powers only want to exploit the labor of foreign peoples, which makes them no better than our current enemy! And may I say that the Bolsheviks are currently facing an army consisting of the Japanese, British, French, Czech, and American forces. Moscow has told my associates cooperation is heavily desired." said the middle-aged man.
"But, President Woodrow Wilson of the US is a promoter of self-determination." said Kim Kyu-sik. "When I went to America to receive my college education, I was able to witness the values embraced by the US. If we want to find for our freedom and independence, then the US would be the better choice."
"Yet you failed to get any attention to our cause when you attended the Paris Peace Conference. This just reveals America's hypocrisy. It's willing to promote the self determination of Europeans, but doesn't give a damn when it comes to Asia." yelled another delegate.
"Perhaps we should approach someone else, someone who appeals to the left-wing communists and the right-wing nationalists." said Lyuh Woon-hyung.
"Then who else do we approach?" asked another man at the table.
"I say we should ally ourselves with Sun Yat-sen and his allies here in China." suggested Lyuh Woon-hyung.
"If you haven't noticed but China practically doesn't exist!" yelled an official in the room. "Warlords are dividing up whatever they can find while Sun Yat-sen and his remaining allies have been hanging on by a thread. We need a strong ally to stop Japan's expansion. With their recent acquisition of the South Pacific Islands along with increasing influence in Russia, Japan has shown it will not stop until every enemy is crushed."
"What about the people in Korea as we speak? They are being tortured and beaten every second. Remember that massacre back in April where the Imperial Army rounded up and locked innocent people in a church before setting it ablaze?!" yelled An Chang-ho. "Well, if we keep this disagreement up, then that massacre is just the first of many!"
"But sir, we can't possibly work with the Bolsheviks. They are already having much difficulty holding off the Japanese-allied White Russian advancement. It's too risky to invest resources in something with little or no return." debated an official.
"However, we have had indirect contact with the Bolsheviks, and our cooperation has been viewed positively on both sides." said Park Eunsik. "Zero, could you explain?"
Everyone in the room looked down the table and eerily stared at Zero. After taking a deep breath, Zero got out of his seat so he could address all the officials present in the room.
"It is true the Black Army has made contact with the Bolshevik leadership in Moscow. We have provide each other with lots of resources and intelligence. If you already didn't know, a few of my men and generals were working under the Bolsheviks before they were transferred to the Black Army. Our relationship overall seems healthy and stable." said Zero. He then sat down back in his chair once he finished speaking.
"As you can see, the Bolsheviks understand our cause and can be trusted." said Park Eunsik. "Initially I doubted approaching the Bolsheviks, but Zero as shown that though we differ in motives and causes, we both oppose the advancement of the Imperial Japanese. The Bolsheviks also force the Japanese to extend their already limited resources. So despite their many losses the past year, helping them will help us. We need all the help we can get if we want to regain our country."
Suddenly everyone in the room started whispering to one another.
"I agree with Mr. Park." said An Chang-ho. Everyone in the room stopped talking to one another and looked at him. "We need to utilize every available resource and ally available. We cannot risk loosing anything that will assist us attain our goals. We must put our ideological opinions aside and concentrate on the future of Korea."
"Are you saying we should work with the Bolsheviks? If so, won't we be therefore promoting communism?" asked a long-bearded representative.
"Not exactly." replied An Chang-ho. "We won't work with just the Bolsheviks, but we shall also work with our associates in America, the Chinese, and any other organization that fights for Korean independence."
"And who will lead this ideologically-unified government?" skeptically asked another representative in the room.
"That will have to be a decision for the representatives and delegates here and abroad to decide." answered An Chang-ho. "However, it's about 10:00 PM and I think we should continue this discussion a week from today. Therefore, do we agree to adjourn this meeting?"
"Agreed!" chanted everyone in the room simultaneously. Everyone then got out of there seats and proceeded to exit the room. Zero wiggled his way through the crowd as he approached An Chang-ho.
"That was some fine speaking you did." said Zero.
"Thank you Zero." replied An Chang-ho. "We cannot deny any assistance. It is essential that we work with anyone willing to fight against the Japanese. We also cannot let ideology prevent us from moving forward."
"I totally agree. Ideological differences and arguments is what Japan wants. Because without unity, we are powerless to do anything. At least all the separate independence groups are now in agreement to assist in forming one single Korean government." said Zero.
"Speaking of assistance, what is your exact relation with the Provisional Government?" asked An Chang-ho. "Because if I'm not mistaken, the Black Army is not technically connected with the main Korean resistance movement."
"Well, Kim Gu is the only tangible proof of a connection between the Korean resistance and the Black Army. Park Eunsik and his associates were worried about supporting armed resistance, but still wanted me to assist in the fight for independence. Therefore, the Black Army and the council only shared contact information with one another. That way the Japanese couldn't blame the council for terrorism and armed insurgency." explained Zero.
"I understand that Zero. But since the council is going to be part of this new government, how will the Black Army play in this new system? Will you still work independently of us? Or will you allow the Provisional Government to nationalize the Black Army?" asked An Chang-ho.
"Since you and the others seem to understand the political landscape better than I do, I personally think the Provisional Government should act independently of the Black Army in regards with internal affairs and diplomacy. However, I think it would be more efficient if I were to continue leading the Black Army, away from the bureaucratic system." answered Zero.
"Hmmm...I see. Well I will have to discuss your opinions with the other delegates and officials the next time we meet." replied An Chang-ho.
Both Zero and An then said goodnight to one another before parting ways. Zero then met up with Kim Gu and proceeded to walk back to the escort car waiting outside for them.
10:32 PM, September 9th, 1919, Black Army R&D Facility, International Settlement, Shanghai
Three weeks passed since the representatives and delegates of the various independence groups agreed to create a single Provisional Government representing all ideologies and beliefs. Despite agreeing to create a single government, there was still many questions on how this new government would be constructed. As a result, the various politicians and bureaucrats met at the Provisional Government HQ weekly to help design the government's constitution and to nominate its leaders. Zero, however, did not attend these briefings and instead sent Kim Gu to represent the Black Army.
Instead, Zero was inside a giant warehouse converted into a research center. The warehouse was large and filled with various engines, firearms, blueprints, flasks, beakers, and a whole variety of tools. At one of the tables, Ronan was showing Zero and Dietrich various sketches of several different plane models.
"How about this model Zero?" asked Ronan as he held his wooden tobacco pipe in his mouth.
"No. The wingspan seems a little shorter than the ones I saw. Also the height is seemingly a little off." replied Zero. Ronan then grabbed another sketching and showed it to Zero.
"How about this one?" he asked.
Zero carefully analyzed the sketching of the plane repeatedly to make sure he didn't miss any key details.
"I'm pretty sure this was the type of plane that attacked us before we left Korea." said Zero. "However, it seems the guns and the engine size are a little off. Otherwise, it's a match."
"Interesting." Ronan replied. He then took the tobacco pipe out of his mouth and held it in between his two fingers. "This plane is of British origin. However, the fact that you said the engine size and the guns were different raises eyebrows."
"How so?" asked Dietrich.
"Because, if the guns and the engine were altered, one could possibly improve the plane's performance and firing ability." replied Ronan. "But to make the amount of planes you saw with these adjustments, one would need access to some kind of large industrial facility. Chemical tests I did on the uniforms worn by bomb victims also seem to indicate a refined combustible formula was used."
"I see. So whoever provided these weapons must have access to lots of resources and have the industrial capacity to do so." said Zero. "Dietrich, investigate all industrial and financial activity in Japan. I also want you to look into recent Japanese exports and imports. Hopefully this can create a faint trail to who managed to figure out our strategy and provide the Japanese forces these weapons."
"Very well sir." Dietrich said before he separated from Zero and Ronan. As Dietrich walked out of the R&D facility, Kim Gu walked in and approached Zero.
"Kim, how was the meeting? Anything accomplished?" asked Zero.
"Zero, I can happily tell you that a constitution has been written up. The only thing left is the official ratification and inauguration. However, that shouldn't be a problem." answered Kim Gu.
"Excellent." Zero responded happily. "If I may ask, but how was this government set up?"
"Well, thanks to An Chang-ho's input, the government will be led by a President accompanied by a Premier." explained Kim Gu. "Below them will be a cabinet, consisting of elected officials serving in the legislature, the Provisional Assembly."
"I see. And the people elected to those positions...?" asked Zero.
"So far only the position of President and Premier were filled in at tonights meeting." answered Kim Gu. "Since there was debate on whether or not we go to the United States or the Russian Bolsheviks, both factions agreed to let the position of President go to one side while the position of Premier will go to the other. The pro-Russia faction elected Yi Dongwhi as Premier."
"So the Premier has ties with the Bolsheviks." Zero said to himself. "This will be quite interesting in the near future."
"As for the Presidency, there were many nominees listed among the pro-American faction and it was therefore difficult to find someone that appealed to the officials." said Kim Gu.
"Is it An Chang-ho?" guessed Zero. "I know he has lots of connections overseas in America. I also know he got much of his education there."
"Surprisingly no." replied Kim Gu. "An Chang-ho was the name everyone had in mind, but An had a better candidate in mind."
"What do you mean by "better" candidate?" asked Zero.
"Despite his connections with America, An recommended the position to be given to someone he knew who had more experience with American culture, education, and society. Like An, this individual too converted to Christianity and has been overseeing organizations helping Koreans in America. However, he got his education at George Washington, Harvard, and Princeton University."
"What this guy's name then?" asked Zero.
"Oh sorry. His original name is Yi Seung-man, however he nows go by the name he started to use during his stay in America, Syngman Rhee." said Kim Gu.
"Thank you for the information. Hopefully after the constitution and this new government is ratified and formed, we can then negotiate an agreement between the Provisional Government and the Black Army." said Zero.
"No problem." replied Kim Gu. "However, despite the fact the Black Army has little to no role in the creation of this new government, if it wasn't for the victories you delivered, the odds of other Koreans overcoming their fears against tyrannical oppression would've been a lot lower."
"You're giving me too much credit." replied Zero. "The victories we achieved was achieved by the sheer willpower of the Korean people. The people always have the power to deliver justice, it's just a question of focusing it in one general spot."
"You do make a point there. But personally, I think your charisma and style of leadership has impacted me and the Korean people in more ways than you can imagine." said Kim Gu.
Kim Gu, already feeling tired, left Zero's side and headed towards the exit as Zero resumed reviewing Ronan's diagrams and blueprints spread all over the table.
Author's Note: The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea is only steps away from being a full-fledged, self-governing, body. Zero and the Black Army will now have to join forces with the Republic to fight the expanding Japanese Empire. However, will this new government be perfectly compatible with the Black Army?
The title of the chapter means "the left and the right" in latin, which I thought was appropriate since this chapter deals with the left-wing Bolshevik faction and the right-wing nationalist faction of the Korean resistance.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask and I will answer them as soon as possible.