Ch. 37: Gathering Pieces
3:55 PM, January 4th, 1920, Provisional Government of the ROK HQ, French Concession, Shanghai
Key members of the Provisional Government and the Black Army were discussing the terms of their relationship with one another. An Chang-ho, Park Eunsik, along with some other key officials in the Provisional Government sat on one side of the meeting room's long table while Zero, Kim Gu, Foreign Minister Won, and some other key Black Army officials sat across on the other side. Security guards from both organizations kept the window curtains closed and made sure no one was eavesdropping from the outside.
"Mr. Zero, what exactly do you mean when you say autonomy?" asked An.
"Mr. An, I request that if I agree to attach the Black Army to the Provisional Government, then I wish to retain full command over the forces." said Zero. "An army needs one commander, for many commanders in the form of a joint committee as you suggest will hinder the performance of the Black Army."
"If you insist retaining full command over the Black Army, how come you want to integrate into the Provisional Government?" asked Park Eunsik.
"As you may know, the loss and retreat from the Korean Peninsula resulted in giant losses in our numbers. Though we have managed to make some recovery, the Black Army is still under equipped and unable to confront the Japanese head on." explained Zero.
"Intelligence of ours also indicates the Japanese are putting more emphasis on research and development." explained Dietrich. "The Japanese will be even tougher than ever. The Japanese must be confronted before they can fully get the upper hand."
"Of course that would mean we would need access to more manpower and funding." added Kim Gu. "The Provisional Government would allow the Black Army to access untouched sources of manpower via the guerillas in Manchuria and volunteers from overseas."
"Though you do understand why we have a problem with letting an self-governing army within our government?" asked An.
Both Foreign Minister Won and Kim Gu then whispered into Zero's ear for a few seconds.
"Of course I understand. However, there is another solution that would appease both parties." said Zero.
"We're listening." replied An.
"My Foreign Minister and Deputy Chairman has instead advised me to fully integrate the Black Army's command structure into the Provisional Government." said Zero. "Since you said you want to ensure the Black Army is kept in check with the government, I hereby suggest giving me a seat in the Provisional Government's cabinet."
Suddenly all the Provisional Government officials were looking and whispering to one another.
"If the Black Army as a whole is given a seat on the cabinet, the whole organization would be overseen and kept in check by the Provisional Government." replied Zero.
"In theory, this would also allow the Black Army to function separately from the government's main armed forces." said Kim Gu.
The room fell silent once more as the representatives of the Provisional Government started to whisper to one another.
"If we allow you to have a seat in our government, therefore putting the Black Army as a whole under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government, then what powers will this position supposedly have?" asked An.
"The holder of this seat would have supreme command over the Black Army and its administrative organs. However, the Black Army would be obligated to tell the rest of the Provisional Government about all its plans and intentions. The Provisional Government would also provide a small amount of funding." explained Zero.
Silence fell upon the room once more as the Provisional Government officials deliberated with one another.
"Your proposal sounds interesting Mr. Zero. Integrating parts of the Provisional Government and the Black Army would allow smoother performance." said An. "However, I must alert this info to the officials overseas before a vote can be taken on this proposal."
"Very well. I am patient. I also thank you for taking the time to think about it." said Zero as he shook An's hand. Everyone around the table rose out of their seats and thanked each other before leaving the room.
Zero, Kim Gu, Dietrich, and Won climbed into one of the Black Army's cars parked along the road. Once seated, Zero instructed the driver to take them to the Black Army's HQ. A few minutes of passing through the crowded streets of Shanghai went by before the car reached its destination. Once the car stopped, Zero and the others stepped out and walked into the headquarters.
As the four of them entered the main lobby and walked down one of the many hallways, a man in a suit and tie ran up to them while holding a sheet of paper in his hand.
"Zero! Dietrich! Won!" yelled the man quickly.
"Calm down! What is it?!" asked Dietrich.
"Just received urgent intelligence from General Rozhkov." said the man.
"Rozhkov?!" said Zero. "What exactly is it?"
"Well, according to second hand resources from soldiers patrolling the mountains near the Manchurian-Korean border and multiple communication channels, there's been major geopolitical change in Russia." said the man quickly. "Apparently Admiral Kolchak has resigned from his position as Supreme Ruler of the Provisional All-Russian Government."
"Did I just hear you correctly?" asked a stunned Zero. "You're saying that Kolchak, one the most brutal and iron-fisted White Russians, stepped down from power?"
"Correct. All communication channels seem to indicate that he was retreating towards the city of Irkutsk as the Red Army was pushing back his forces." replied the man.
"Have you investigated the details of this turn of events?" asked Dietrich.
"Well, uh, let me see here." said the man has he jumbled through the various papers he was holding.
"Damn it! Can't you hurry it up?! We need the details now!" said an impatient Dietrich.
"Oh yes here it is." said the man as he pulled out of the many papers he was holding. "A third party channel with Bolshevik forces say that Kolchak was sidetracked in another city when a group of leftists set up a new government called the Political Centre in Irkutsk last month. It was after receiving this news when Kolchak announced his resignation and."
"And who's in command now?" asked Dietrich.
"Well, it's a bit sketchy, but it has been reported that Denikin will receive Kolchak's office while Semyonov will be given command of all remaining forces in Eastern Siberia." answered the man.
"Very well. Meet me in Intelligence and Communications in five minutes. I want teams of men investigating the circumstances behind this change." said Dietrich.
Dietrich then excused himself from the group before he and the man in the suit walked down another hallway.
"What exactly do you think is going to happen now?" whispered Kim Gu.
"Don't know exactly. However, I think we might get that answer very, very soon." answered Zero.
7:50 PM, January 14th, 1920, Black Army R&D Department, Black Army Airfield/Depot, Outside Shanghai
The Black Army's R&D Department was located outside of the city on a large piece of mostly empty land. While two hangars and a workshop was already built, more buildings were being erected, which was indicated by the many construction sites, crew, and equipment. The construction site was far enough away from the city that it didn't attract too much attention.
Inside one of the hangars were various engineers and mechanics tinkering with a whole assortment of machines. Zero, who was accompanied by Kae, was reviewing the progress Ronan and the R&D Department had made.
"As you can see here Zero, we have managed to reconstruct the Shinkirō from the collected debris." said Ronan as he stood in front of the reconstructed, black painted plane.
"I'm impressed. It looks as if it didn't crash at all." complimented Zero.
"As you can see, we have added some custom modifications to it. Besides painting it, we have installed a better engine, stronger bullets, and sturdier wings." Ronan replied. "I have estimated the plane's fighting ability to have increased by about 30-50%."
"Well I'll have to try it out soon." Zero replied. Zero then walked over to a line of newly built planes nearby. One plane particularly caught his attention. This specific plane was similar to the Shinkirō in that it too was a monoplane, unlike the others which were biplanes. The only other main difference was that it wasn't painted and it only had one gun turret. "I see you have constructed five fighter planes already. But what's so special about this one?"
"Well, monoplanes need more resources since one set of wings needs to be strong enough to allow the plane to take off. Due to our limited access to such resources, along with using much of it in rebuilding the Shinkirō, we only had enough to build this one." explained Ronan. "Anyway, you're probably wondering what makes this plane different from the Shinkirō. If you notice, this plane only has one gun turret. However, due to weight and structural design, the lack of any more gun turrets increases the agility and speed."
"What about the gun? Anything special about it?" asked Zero.
"The gun is a specially modified gun me and my team worked with. Previous tests on the other guns has shown it has poor accuracy and relies more on spraying bullets in front of you and hope it hits a target, a waste of bullets according to me. As a result, we've adjusted the barrel, feeding mechanism, and mechanics within the turret to increase the turret's accuracy and precision." explained Ronan.
"So basically this plane sacrifices firepower in exchange for precision and speed?" asked Zero.
"Precisely. Though it is a prototype, we believe this plane will pass the tests and be ready for battle." replied Ronan.
"I see." Zero replied. "Kae, I have a question for you."
"What is it Zero?" asked Kae.
"How would you like to be the pilot of this plane?" asked Zero.
"Hold on, you want me to be the one to pilots this thing? Why me specifically?" asked a surprised Kae.
"I think the plane fits your fighting style in that it is fast and has an accurate shot. Also, as head commander of the Zero Division, you probably are going to need it in the near future seeing how the Japanese are developing more advanced weapons by the second." answered Zero.
"Though it is all of a sudden, it would be my honor to pilot this plane and use it to fight against the Japanese." said Kae.
"Ms. Kae, if you are going to be the pilot of this plane, are there any customizations you would like?" asked Ronan.
"Hmmm...well...I don't know...I mean it looks alright to me the way it is and..." answered Kae.
"Sorry to interrupt but I have a suggestion." said Zero. "How about we paint the plane crimson red?"
"Crimson red? You mean like the Red Baron from Germany?" asked Kae.
"Kind of. Kae, you are one of the toughest, most loyal fighters under my command. When they see the flash of red in the corner of their eye, I want them to equate that with death. Also, I want the enemy to fear not only you, but the willpower and determination of the Black Army." said Zero.
"Well, I guess crimson red would work. Besides, it's my favorite color." Kae replied.
"I also want to suggest a name for it." said Zero. "How about Hongyeon?"
"Deep red lotus? That name does have a ring to it." said Kae. She then thought to herself for a few seconds before making a decision. "I like it."
"Great. Ronan, remember to paint the plane crimson red. Me and Kae have some other business to attend to." said Zero before he and Kae started to walk away.
"The Hongyeon. Interesting choice. What made you think of something like that?" asked Kae.
"Well, all I will say is that the name is similar to something in my past." answered Zero. Kae, looking confused and baffled for a moment, accepted Zero's answer and continued to walk with him out of the hangar.
"First the Zero Division and now this? Entrusting me with a division is one thing, but a whole plane? Zero, who exactly do I remind you of someone you trusted in your past? In fact, where are you from and who are you really?" thought Kae as she and Zero entered the car waiting for them outside.
8:39 PM, Black Army HQ, International Settlement, Shanghai
After dropping Kae off at the harbor so she could meet up with undercover Black Army soldiers waiting for a secret shipment of food and medicine, Zero told his chauffeur to take him back to the Black Army's HQ. Once he arrived there, he entered the building and immediately headed for his office. Inside on his desk were various reports and papers detailing all recent Black Army activities. Zero proceeded to sit on the chair behind his desk and review each report.
"Submarine training drills went smoothly. All three torpedo boats equipped with new prototype torpedoes. Underground cells in Seoul report no suspicious Japanese activity. One thousand propaganda papers printed and distributed all around Shanghai. Twenty new recruits awaiting approval." thought Zero as he quickly skimmed through each report.
It was then Zero noticed a sealed envelope placed next to the pile of reports. Zero picked it up and turned it over. The words "ZERO - IMPORTANT" were printed on the envelope. He then immediately ripped the envelope open and pulled out the message it was carrying. After unfolding the message, Zero read it.
"What the hell?" thought Zero as he read the message. He then put the message down and grabbed the phone on his desk. He hand cranked the phone before picking up the handset.
"Connect me with Minister Ried's office." Zero told the operator.
"Hello?" said Dietrich.
"It's me Zero. Just received the message you left for me on my desk. What do you mean that Kolchak was arrested?" asked Zero.
"Actually this info came from the Cheka in Moscow." replied Dietrich. "They've just received word that the Czechoslovak Legions controlling the railroads arrested Kolchak and gave him to the Political Centre's forces in Irkutsk."
"Why the hell would they do that?" asked Zero.
"I, along with my Russian counterparts, seem to believe that the Czechoslovak Legions gave Kolchak, along with large amounts of gold stolen from Imperial reserves, up in order to given safe passage through the Political Centre's territory." answered Dietrich.
"That would make sense." Zero replied. "Ever since the Great War has ended and an independent Czechoslovak state has been established out of the remnants of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechs and the Slovaks in Russia have reportedly been eager to return to an independent country they can call their own."
"The only question we have now is to find out what the Political Centre is planning to do with Kolchak." said Dietrich.
"I can think of a whole list of options they could do with him. Ransom, execution, collaboration, etc. The data that is currently available isn't enough for us to determine their next move. Are you sure that's all the information on this issue?" asked Zero.
"Yes Zero. Cheka officials along with other members of the Russian government have told me that they are starting an investigation this instant. In fact, Moscow is preparing a committee as we speak to approach the Political Centre and negotiate with them." Dietrich responded.
"Good. Alert me as soon as possible if any new information comes in or any sudden changes have occurred." commanded Zero before he hung up the phone. He then pulled out his journal from his pocket and proceeded to record the newly received information in it.
9:00 PM, January 21st, 1920, Black Army HQ, International Settlement, Shanghai
Various members of the Black Army Cabinet and the Provisional Government of the ROK were sitting at a long wooden table as the ornate clock on the wall rang 9:00. The room then suddenly got quieter as everyone started to stop talking.
"Hello and thank you for taking the time to come out here tonight." announced Zero, who sat at the end of the table. "Members of the Provisional Government, you're probably thinking why I have asked you come here tonight."
"The message you sent to us seemed to indicate the issue you wanted to tell us was very important." replied An Chang-ho.
"It is important sir. Because earlier today I received an urgent report from Moscow that the Political Centre based in Irkutsk has recently ceded control of the city to a Bolshevik military committee." answered Zero.
"Wait, if the Political Centre gave up the city to the Bolsheviks, then does that mean they also gave up..." replied An.
"Correct. Admiral Alexander Kolchak, former leader of all the White armies in Russia, is currently in the hands of the Bolsheviks." Zero replied. "As a result, the whole geopolitical map of Russia has been altered dramatically. My Minister of Intelligence here can explain it."
Dietrich then placed a large folder right next to a large image projector placed on the center. After he pulled out a reel of film from the folder and prepared them into the projector, he then signaled the man standing by the door to turn off the lights in the room.
Once the lights went off, Dietrich then flipped the switch on the projector, which turned on the lightbulb inside the projector, resulting in a map of Russia to be projected onto the wall.
"As you can see from this map, White Russian forces were beginning to close in on the Soviet Russian capitol of Moscow in May of last year." said Dietrich. "The shaded area East of the Ural Mountains is Kolchak's territory while the shaded area in the Caucuses and Ukraine is Denikin's territory. Meanwhile, the Arkhangelsk territory in the North is Miller's territory."
"Miller sir?" asked one of the Provisional Government's representatives.
"General Yevgeny Miller. He's in charge of the White Army's Northern section. Also heard he was being backed by the British and Americans." answered Jo.
"Thank you General." said Dietrich as he slowly turned a knob on the projector. As the knob turned, a different map of Russia, labeled with a different month, was projected. It was similar to the first one, but the shaded areas were slightly smaller. There were also a few black arrows drawn to indicate retreating forces. A few red arrows were also drawn to indicate an advancement by the Red Army. "Each map that is being shown depicts Russia over a monthly interval. As we approach the present, the White Army has started to retreat, resulting in their territory shrinking dramatically. By the time we reach the January, 1920 map, we can see the Bolsheviks have regained most of Russia."
Once he was done explaining, Dietrich then asked the man standing by the door to turn the lights back on as he turned off the projector light.
"The resilience of the Red Army along with negotiations with some anarchists behind enemy lines, has resulted in several White Army fronts to be disintegrated or be reduced to a fraction of their size." said Gang.
"However, Semyonov is still in control of the Transbaikal region while Japan and the other Allied Powers still control Vladivostok." said Won. "However, what really interests the Black Army's Foreign Ministry is the Czech and Slovak troops that formerly monitored sections of the Trans-Siberian Railroad located in remaining White Russian territory."
"And why is that?" asked An.
"Because, while most of the Czech and Slovak troops are heading to Vladivostok as we speak so they can return to a now independent Czechoslovakia, a good portion of them have decided to stay behind." explained Dietrich. "Some of them are even joining the Red Army."
"Upon hearing this information, I thought of approaching these soldiers and asking them to fight in the Black Army. The addition of the Czech and Slovaks would alleviate some of the manpower shortage the Black Army is currently facing." said Zero. "However, to show that I am cooperative with the Provisional Government, Mr. Kim has advised me to bring this proposal to your attention before we make a final decision."
"I see." said An. "And you are sure you can make contact with them?"
"Well, due to Semyonov, the Japanese, and the other Allied forces occupying much of Eastern Siberia, direct communication with them is arduous and too risky." explained Dietrich.
"However, we can contact them via Moscow. All we have to do is to ask them to relay an invitation to the remaining Czech and Slovak troops." said Won.
"Then what will you do after that?" asked Park Eunsik.
"If they do respond to the invitation, then we would have to send someone to meet with them directly and negotiate a deal." answered Won.
"Alright, then who serve on this diplomatic mission Mr. Won?" asked Lyuh Woon-hyung.
"After careful thinking, we decided that sending Zero himself be the best choice." answered Dietrich. "Having the leader of the Black Army travel and meet the Czech and Slovak troops in person will make a deep impression on them. And as leaders you know appearance can be the most important factor in foreign relations."
All the Provisional Government officials then started to whisper to one another.
"Very well Zero. Me and the rest of the officials here right now agree to your plan." said An. "However, we will only agree with this if you are accompanied by Provisional Government officials since we want this meeting to be attended by representatives of the Korean people and not simply the Black Army."
"I have no problem with that request. But if you don't mind, I would like my personal guard to accompany on this meeting for security purposes." Zero replied.
"We have no problems with that whatsoever." replied An.
"Thank you very much for understanding Mr. An." said Zero. Zero and An then announced the meeting to be adjourned, resulting in all the officials sitting at the long table to get up and walk out of the meeting room.
"You are one interesting person Zero. Would've never guess you would want to go all the way to Moscow just to negotiate. It's moments like these that baffle me slightly. Either way, President Rhee and the other absent cabinet members of the Provisional Government will want to hear about this." thought An as he walked out of the meeting room.
Author's Note: For all who have been waiting for a new chapter, once I again, I thank you for your patience. Been very busy lately with other things.
The playing field in Russia has totally been flipped on its head. We also have a new potential source of manpower, the Czech and Slovak soldiers. Zero is also preparing to go to Moscow and meet the commanders of these soldiers. I will also tell you he will also meet some other historical characters in Moscow.
For all the people who love the battle scenes, I apologize for the lack of them. The reason there aren't many right now is because the Black Army is still recovering from the losses suffered during their retreat.
Please review if you can. I love reading the reviews for they help me keep the flow and structure of the overall story. They also sometimes provide me with ideas for future chapters. I'm also willing to listen to any suggestion or things to include in future chapters. And since this story is full of Code Geass counterparts, I was wondering if anyone has picked up on all of them.
The next chapter will come out as soon as possible.