Ch. 55: Opium
2:24 PM, October 25th, 1922, International Settlement, Shanghai
An automobile was passing through the streets and heading towards the Black Army's HQ. Zero and Kae were sitting in the back talking about the meeting they just had with the Provisional Government earlier that day.
"It seems today we made many gains today." said Kae.
"Indeed we did. The increased funding approved by the Provisional Government today will surely improve current situation. Ronan and the R&D will be happy to hear this. They've been sending me multiple proposals to give them more money for weapons development." replied Zero.
"It's interesting how only a few months ago the Provisional Government wanted to keep a good distance from us, but now they are more willing to work with us side by side. I mean look at all the agreements we've recently made. They've agreed to invest more resources in Asia rather than overseas, rescinded some of the limits towards how much we can aide the Zhili Clique, have increased efforts to advocate other resistance groups to merge with us, and allowed greater access to their communication networks."
"Ever since our plan to back the Zhili Clique to take control of China and counter Japanese influence was shown to be successful, remaining doubt amongst many of the Provisional Government members has decreased significantly. It showed China and the rest of the Asian continent is not a total lost cause. Many of them were also idealistic and hoping that the good will of others such as the United States and Europe will assist in our cause. The representatives have now realized that the rest of the world has lost much interest in international intervention. Therefore it's not surprising more of them are supporting our proposals."
"However, despite this increase of approval, it still appears the President is heavily against your proposals and will not deviate from his position."
"I talked to Kim Gu about that Kae. He told me President Rhee is the type of man who doesn't like it when people resist or challenge him."
"Sounds like the stubborn type. Hopefully Mr. Rhee will understand the interests of the Korean people and will come to terms with what they desire."
It was then the automobile stopped in front of the Black Army's HQ. Zero and Kae both exited the car and walked towards the entrance
"Excuse me Kae, but I have some business I need to attend to." Zero told Kae before he parted way with her.
Zero walked up a flight of stairs and through some halls. Passing Black Army officials and office workers quickly saluted him or nodded their heads in respect. Upon reaching a door with plaque on it saying "DIETRICH RIED - MINISTER OF PROPAGANDA AND COMMUNICATIONS", Zero knocked three times at it.
"Come in!" yelled Dietrich.
Zero opened the door and entered Dietrich's office. Inside was Dietrich, sitting at his desk in front of a typewriter.
"Ah Zero, pardon my appearance. I'm just typing up a report on the current situation in Peking. According to our informants in the city, it appears that while the Zhili Clique has managed to consolidate power, the relationship between General Wu Peifu and his mentor Cao Kun has rumored to be deteriorating. However evidence seems to indicate this will have no effect on the integrity of the Zhili Clique."
"That's good to hear Dietrich. Anyway I stopped by to talk to you about the recent events in Italy. The Blackshirts and their leader Benito Mussolini have already taken control over several strategic points and are currently marching onto Rome as we speak. As you already know, we have invested a decent sum of money in Italian banks and companies. As a result me and Minister of the Treasury Yoo are worried that all the money we have poured in there will be lost. Yoo has even suggested we withdrawal all money we have in the country before the whole nation is engulfed in civil war."
"I have already investigated the situation in Italy and have come to the conclusion that our overseas investments there will not be threatened." explained Dietrich. "I highly doubt the King of Italy will allow this confrontation to grow into a civil war, therefore opening the door to more threatening groups such as the socialists and the anarchists. Also many of the supporters of Mussolini and his National Fascist Party are members of the business class, meaning their holdings should be safe."
"Interesting." said Zero as he stroked his chin. "Still, I am still wary of these Blackshirts. From what I have heard, they advocate for a system where one gains power by trampling over the weak and innocent. If that is the path they will take, then it will be extremely difficult to invest money there while also fighting for justice."
"I don't think that should be difficult to remedy. We've already gotten many people to understand our reasons of working with Soviet Russia, despite many of the violent reports coming out of there. All we have to do is show the public that our connections with Italy are purely economical and not political. I can also arrange a team to work on a program to highlight our commitment to justice and the ideals we fight for. Hopefully that could counter any doubts people have on what we fight for."
"Actually I was thinking about doing something else." replied Zero. "Are you aware of the opium issue that is occurring in Korea?"
"Yes I am quite aware of the fact that the Japanese have established a monopoly over opium and are selling it to the Koreans. More and more potential people as a result are becoming addicted to the stuff." Dietrich answered. "It's no doubt that the Japanese are using it to get more money out of the people along with keeping them under control."
"Correct. That is why I suggest we show the public we fight for justice by focusing on the opium drug trade. The stuff is clearly hurting the Korean people."
"Hmmm. Very interesting plan Zero. It's perfectly feasible and easy to execute. It also would hurt the coffers of the Japanese and increase morale in the region. Give me a few days and I can get you some info on trade routes, drug producers, and dealers."
"I really appreciate that Dietrich."
Zero then turned around and walked towards the door. As he was walking, he noticed a framed photograph hanging on the wall. The photograph depicted two individuals wearing suit and tie proudly shaking hands with one another. Zero could instantly tell one of the individuals in the photograph was Dietrich. However, he couldn't identify the other individual, who had a distinct oval face, square chin, and short hair.
"Excuse me Dietrich, but who is you are shaking hands with?" he asked as he pointed to the individual in the photo.
"Oh. That's a photo of me with Joseph Goebbels, one of my most prestigious students during my teaching days at the University of Bonn. He was extremely bright and had much interest in literature, philosophy, and history. But the one thing that really impressed me was his oratory skills. As a result I practically taught him everything I knew about communication, social behavior, crowd manipulation, and public relations."
"Interesting. This Goebbels fellow really must be something if you were willing to teach him everything you know."
"Indeed he was." Dietrich replied. "Some days I constantly wonder what he is doing right now."
"Hopefully he's using the skills and knowledge you taught him for something good." Zero replied before proceeding to exit the office.
10:58 PM, January 2nd, 1923, Port of Inchon, Chōsen
A full moon shined brightly in the night sky above the quiet port. The only sounds one could hear was the sound of water hitting against the dozens of ships and boats docked at port. Several small cranes could be seen lining the edge of the docks. Adjacent to the docks were several large warehouses.
While all the warehouses were locked up, one was opened and had it's lights turned on. Unlike the others, this warehouse was surrounded by several armed men. Several other men hauling large crates could also be seen passing the guards and entering the warehouse. The warehouse contained numerous large crates stacked on top of one another. Large burlap sacks could also be seen stacked neatly.
Two men could be seen standing near one of the boxes. One of them was a man in his 50's, who wore a vested suit. The other was a slightly younger man with a mustache, who was wearing a customs officer uniform.
"Officer as you can see this opium from China is of the finest quality and will undoubtedly fetch a good price here." said the man in the vested suit as he opened one of the boxes and showed the customs officer numerous bricks of dried opium resin contained in it.
The customs officer picked up one of the bricks and checked it out.
"You weren't lying about the quality Mr. Moon. The chons will definitely take a liking to this stuff." replied the customs officer.
"Naturally you will receive 25% of the profits we make from this shipment in exchange for you not reporting this to the customs office."
"Of course Mr. Moon. The customs office will not know this shipment ever occurred."
"And that's why it's always a pleasure doing business with you sir." Moon replied as he shook the customs officer's hand.
Meanwhile the armed guards outside continued to patrol the area. However they failed to see several, plainly dressed dock workers, each one wearing a Black Army pin, hiding nearby. All of them were equipped with either a rifle or a pistol.
Once some of the guards patrolling the area passed by, the leader of the armed dockworkers signaled the others to prepare to move in. He then pulled out a smoke grenade out of his pocket, pulled the pin, and rolled it towards the guards walking away from them.
Back inside the warehouse, Moon and the customs officer continued to oversee the large delivery of opium.
"Since this opium isn't being sold by the Japanese authorities, we can sell it at a much cheaper price. That will definitely give us an edge over the competition." Moon explained to the customs officer.
Suddenly a loud explosion noise could be heard outside and the area started to be engulfed in thick smoke. Moon, the customs officer, and all the guards in the vicinity immediately closed their eyes and started coughing upon being exposed to the smoke.
"Where the hell did all this smoke come from?" yelled the customs officer.
It was then several thumping sounds, each followed by a grunt, could be heard. Moon immediately started to call for his guards to investigate the source of the smoke and sounds. As the smoke dissipated, Moon saw the armed dock workers standing in the entrance of the warehouse. The bodies of several knocked out guards could be seen laying on the ground.
"SHOOT THEM! SHOOT THEM NOW!" Moon yelled as he and the customs officer prepared to flee the area.
The remaining guards in the warehouse immediately raised their guns and fired back. The dock workers quickly took cover behind the nearest thing. Some of them agreed to stay behind and deal with the guards while the others continued to pursue Moon and the customs officer.
The whole warehouse as result became the arena of a full on shooting war. Gunshot after gunshot pierced the air as dock workers and guards fired at one another. Because the dock workers utilized stealth more efficiently, they were able to keep their casualties extremely low while the number of casualties for the guards increased dramatically.
As the shooting continued, Moon and the customs officer were being escorted to the back exit of the warehouse.
"Who are these guys?" asked the customs officer.
"How the hell should I know?" Moon angrily bellowed. "All I know is that they are really pissing me off!"
One of the guards escorting them opened the door and allowed both men to exit. Parked nearby was Moon's personal luxury car.
"The important thing right now officer is for us to escape this area with our lives. I know a safe house nearby where we can reorganize ourselves at."
It was then the luxury car exploded and bursted into flames. Moon and his entourage quickly raised their arms in order to shield themselves. Then within a blink of an eye, several gunshots could be herd. The guards escorting Moon immediately fell over dead.
Before Moon and the customs officer could fully register what was occurring, numerous fisherman, all armed with rope and wearing Black Army pins, popped out of the shadows and ran towards the two men. While Moon and the customs officer tried to fend off their attackers, they were eventually overwhelmed and tackled to the ground. Once on the ground, the fishermen immediately bound the both of them in rope.
"Remember men, our orders are to keep Moon and his contact alive!" said one of the fishermen overseeing the group.
As Moon and the customs officer were being subdued and tied up, all the remaining guards in and around the warehouse were quickly decommissioned. With the target and area fully secured, the leaders of each group of attackers met up and updated each other on their status. Once they confirmed everything was secured, they then prepared to execute phase two of the plan.
Several dock workers and fishermen started to douse all the crates and sacks in the warehouse with gasoline. Once everything was drenched and the warehouse was evacuated, one of the dock workers struck a match and threw it towards the open entrance. When the lit match made contact with the gas vapors, the whole inside of the warehouse was engulfed in flames. All the opium inside the building quickly started to burn in the process.
The fire then continued to grow inside the building to the point that the flames penetrated the rooftop. The towering flames emerging from the rooftop illuminated the entire port. It was so bright that people in the city noticed it.
10:21 AM, January 4th, 1923, Office of the Governor-General of Chōsen, Keijō, Chōsen
Viceroy Saitō was sitting at his desk, drinking some tea, as he anxiously read through numerous reports. It was then someone started to knock at his door.
"You may come in." a stressed Saitō replied.
The door opened and a young man wearing a suit and carrying a large book under his arm, entered the room.
"I presume this is the report I asked for regarding the current opium situation Mr. Nakajima?" asked Saitō.
"Correct sir. It seems that the opium policy we have maintained is showing some results. The number of reported opium users has continued to show a steady decrease. However..."
"However what?" replied Saitō.
"It appears that the number of morphine addicts has been steadily increasing. Obviously we can conclude that the chons are simply switching over from opium to morphine."
"First opium and now morphine. Will these chons just ever learn to follow the law?" said Saitō as he squeezed the bridge of his nose out of frustration. "Their drug addiction is causing this colony's productivity to decrease and crime rate to increase. I promised our superiors back on the Home Islands that I could pacify the chons and their illicit behavior."
"Personally sir I think you have a done a decent job so far. This rise in morphine addiction is clearly the result of corrupt officials and businessmen operating here, not colonial policy. Ever since you came and replaced Hasegawa, colonial resistance has overall decreased. You converted the military police into a civilian one and allowed greater freedom of the press. Surely the higher ups recognize those accomplishments." replied Nakajima.
"They have recognized my efforts and accomplishments. However their expectations have risen recently." said Saitō. "This is no doubt the result of them seeing the success Viceroy of Taiwan Baron Den Kenjirō and his assimilation policies had in reforming Taiwan from a troublesome colony to a well-behaved one. Naturally they expect me to return the same results Baron Den showed in Taiwan. And with Black Army activity suspected to be rising, that has made it more difficult for us."
"The Black Army?" Nakajima replied. "I thought a majority of them fled the peninsula or were neutralized?"
"That has been the overall case the past few years. However I have received recent reports from all over the peninsula of opium plantations and morphine processing plants being sabotaged along with storage facilities being destroyed. Also at each of these sites, a Black Army flag was always found nearby. All this shows the Home Islands is that we still have terrorists living here. In addition, our opium and morphine revenues are decreasing."
"I'm surprised the public hasn't really taken any notice of these recent attacks."
"Well in all the cases I have mentioned the attacks happened during the night after all the workers and administrators had left. As a result, there were no casualties at any of the sites. Even the guards who were stationed there were simply found knocked out and tied up. It's obvious that the Black Army is trying to avoid getting blood on their hands if they can and preserve public relations."
"What do you plan to do in light of these events sir?"
"I was going to start alerting the authorities and increase search efforts for subversive individuals and groups, but due to something that occurred almost two days ago, I decided to do something else." Saitō answered.
Nakajima looked at the 64-year old Viceroy with complete confusion.
"It was discovered that Moon Mu-yeol was operating out of the port city of Jinsen, or as the chons call it Inchon."
"Wait you found out where Moon Mu-yeol, the infamous drug lord and underworld dealer that has been evading us for god knows how long?" asked Nakajima with disbelief.
"I couldn't believe it too when I heard it. That son of a bitch has not only harassed colonial authorities, but he has also cost this colony a fortune with his smuggling. Along with Black Army leader Zero, Moon was one of the top men I wanted in my grip."
"Sir, if I may ask, but how does this relate to you not alerting the authorities on the Black Army's attacks on our opium and morphine facilities?"
"Because it wasn't me who captured, let alone discover, where Moon was operating from. It appears the Black Army beat me to them." Saitō frustratingly said. "Local authorities in the city reported seeing a warehouse on the port in flames. Naturally the local firefighters and police arrived on the scene and saw the aftermath of what appeared to be a shootout. It was then police found Moon, along with a corrupt customs official, behind a nearby building beaten and tied up."
"And you suspect the Black Army was responsible for this attack?"
"Correct Nakajima. We took both Moon and the customs officer into custody and thoroughly interrogated them. Moon confessed that while he and his men were suddenly ambushed by a group of what appeared to be armed dock workers and fishermen. He recalled seeing some of the men who attacked him wearing Black Army pins."
"Interesting. But if the Black Army is truly behind this, why would they attack a gang leader like Moon?"
"Well, Moon did confess that the warehouse that was on fire contained a large shipment of opium smuggled in from China. Seeing how the Black Army burned that particular warehouse, it's clear that the Black Army isn't just targeting colonial opium, but also that of smugglers and underground gangs."
"And it is because of this fact you are not going to alert the authorities of the Black Army? Sorry sir, but I'm still confused on why you won't send out full force to eliminate the Black Army's remaining presence on the peninsula."
"I don't intend to alert the authorities on all of the Black Army's activities. The only ones I am concerned about are those regarding the government's opium plantations and morphine production facilities. As for the attacks on these low life smugglers, drug lords, and corrupt officials, I really could give a damn. In fact we can look at this as a blessing in that the Black Army has volunteered to clean up the dregs of this land."
"Viceroy, while the Black Army's attack on Moon was a blessing for us, we cannot let this terrorist group usurp our authority and duties to keep this colony well-behaved and disciplined. It will undoubtedly lead to a rise in vigilantism. If word gets out that we are letting the Black Army go to clean up the messes we have failed to clean, then I assure you Tokyo will condemn us."
"Don't worry. I have thought this through." Saitō replied. "We still have a decent amount of influence over the press. If mentioning of Black Army is kept at an absolute minimum, then surely Tokyo can't paint us as being weak. Besides like I said before, they are more interested in fixing the opium and morphine addiction problem inChōsen."
"I am still somewhat uneasy about this. However you are Viceroy, and as a result I will respect your decision. I just hope everything will work out." Nakejima said.
"It will Nakejima. It will."
3:59 PM, February 6th, 1923, Provisional Government of the ROK, French Concession, Shanghai
Zero and Kim Gu both sat quietly outside of President Syngman Rhee's office. It was then the silence in the room was broken by a nearby grandfather clock, which chimed four times to indicate it was four o'clock. The door to the President's office opened and a receptionist poked her head out.
"Mr. Zero. Mr. Kim. The President will now see you."
Both Zero and Kim Gu got up from their seats and were escorted by the receptionist into the office. Inside the office were several receptionists typing up numerous reports, filing away files, or answering telephone calls. The receptionist continued to lead Zero and Kim Gu past the other receptionists until they reached another door labeled "PRESIDENT SYNGMAN RHEE - PRESIDENT OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA".
"Mr. President, the two men you requested earlier are here to see you." the receptionist said as she knocked at the door.
"Let them in." Rhee replied.
The receptionist opened the door and let Zero and Kim Gu into Rhee's office. She was then dismissed by Rhee, closed the door behind her, and continue doing her normal duties.
"Gentlemen, grab a seat and sit down." Rhee said as he sat stoically behind his large, crafted wooden desk.
The both of them proceeded to grab a nearby chair and sat down.
"Mr. Zero. Mr. Kim. You're are probably wondering why I called you for this private meeting on such short notice?" Rhee asked.
"I will be honest sir and will admit I was caught off guard. Nevertheless I am willing to answer any of your questions and address any concerns you may have." answered Zero.
"That's good, because I just saw something in the paper that concerned me greatly." Rhee replied. He then pulled out his desk drawer and took newspaper out o it. He then placed it on the desk so Zero and Kim Gu could see it and pointed to a specific article. "As you can see, the article I am focusing on is the one titled "PRINCE FUSHIMI SADANARU - PRONOUNCED DEAD". Would you have any knowledge of this story?"
"Sir are you suggesting Zero was responsible for Prince Sadanaru's death?" Kim Gu asked.
"That is exactly what I am suggesting. It wouldn't be the first time he ordered a high ranking Japanese official to be killed off without alerting me or the Provisional Government. You do recall the incident with Aritomo don't you Mr. Kim?"
"Mr. President, I can assure you that I, nor the Black Army, had any role in the death of Prince Sadanaru. Unlike the incident with Aritomo, Sadanaru was not deemed dangerous or threatening enough to warrant immediate action." Zero answered.
"His death was as much as a surprise to us as it was for you." replied Kim Gu. "From the small amounts of intel we could get on him, we had found out he was having some health issues recently. However, we never suspected it would develop into full blown influenza."
"I see. So to make sure I am understanding 100% clearly, you're saying that you had no role in his death and he was simply killed by a case of influenza?" Rhee asked.
"That is indeed correct sir. Kim Gu, the Ministry of Intelligence, and several members of my senior staff can all attest to our statement." Zero replied.
"Very well Zero. I trust you in regards to that issue." Rhee responded. "However there is another issue that concerns me. It's in regards to the recent opium policy your organization has adopted."
"You shouldn't be concerned about the opium raids. All of them have been successful and we have so far lost no lives. I have even ensured that no innocent civilians get caught in our operations." Zero answered.
"That's not the problem Zero. I have no problem with you raiding and destroying the Japanese opium plantations and morphine production facilities. The enemy is clearly using them to make more money to finance themselves. But I have also received word you are attacking gangs and smugglers operating in the area.
"Every week the Japanese papers are reporting more gang leaders being rounded up along with their shipments of smuggled opium being destroyed. Though the papers say it the destruction of the opium was simply the Japanese policy disposing of illegal contraband, any idiot could see that they are merely providing a coverup for the Black Army's actions. Can you explain to me why you are attacking people who are not enemies of the Korean people?"
"Mr. President, the gangs and smugglers are equally guilty as the Japanese colonial government of selling opium and morphine to the Korean people. That is why we are attacking them." Zero replied.
"Also by leaving them for the authorities to deal with, we preserve our reputation as fighters for justice in the eyes of the public." Kim Gu added. "If we were to execute them on the spot, the Japanese could use that to paint us as barbaric murderers."
"Nevertheless, I am extremely annoyed that you are using Provisional Government resources to help Japan hunt their criminals. Those gangs and smugglers should actually be aided by us since they are a burden towards Japan." Rhee frustratingly replied.
"First of all Mr. President my actions are legal in the eyes in the Provisional Government." Zero explained. "A majority of the members of the Provisional Government approved the plan to allocate resources to the Black Army to help us stop the production and circulation of opium in Korea. I even explained during the negotiations that gangs and smugglers were equally as guilty as the Japanese and therefore were going to be targeted." Zero explained.
"I still think the idea is a pure waste of resources." Rhee grumbled. "Still, if the majority of the members of the Provisional Government agree, then I have no choice but to oblige to the will of the Korean people."
Rhee then shook hands with both Zero and Kim Gu before dismissing them from his office. Once they were out of his office, Rhee clenched his fist and slammed it on his desk.
"Damn you Zero! You're really testing my patience! Do you think you're the President and therefore have the ability to dictate policy?" Rhee huffed.
Author's Note: For those who might be confused on why Japan is selling opium/morphine, yet simultaneously trying to reduce the number of addicts, that is normal. Japanese opium policy in Korea at the time was very contradictory.
For those who already couldn't tell from the beginning, but opium/morphine is clearly a counterpart to something in the Code Geass series.
Meanwhile the Provisional Government is showing more signs of cooperation with the Black Army due to more representatives seeing the success of Zero's policies.
Other things we see and find out include a bit more of Dietrich's background, Prince Sadanaru, one of the guys working with Hirohito, dying from influenza, and that tensions between Zero and President Syngman Rhee are really starting to heat up.