Ch. 63: Final Judgment
11:02 AM, January 1st, 1925, Black Army HQ
Numerous Zero Division soldiers who had participated and been wounded in the raid the previous night could be seen being treated in the Hospital Wing of the Black Army HQ. While most of them were being treated for simple things such as bruises and cuts, the one soldier who was shot in the back underwent intensive surgery. Several nurses and doctors moved back and forth as they treated each patient as fast as they could.
Kae, who had suffered some cuts from flying debris, was lying on one of the many beds while being treated by a doctor. The doctor, after dabbing the cuts with alcohol-soaked gauzes and picking out tiny pieces of debris with some forceps, proceeded to stitch the wound close.
"OOH! That stings." Kae grumbled as the doctor treated her wounds.
"Sorry. Just a few more stitches." the doctor replied.
"Don't be sorry doctor. The pain just surprised me for a second. Besides, it's not as severe as a bullet or stabbing wound."
"Well that's a good thing seeing how these cuts aren't severe and only require simple stitches. Your friend over there who was shot almost died several times while we were operating on him."
"Fortunately the number of casualties from last night's operation were extremely low. Only one person died while another suffered severe injuries."
"I heard about your comrade's death. Sorry to hear about that."
"Thank you. His participation in this crucial operation will not be forgotten." Kae replied. "I've already alerted Kim Gu on the situation and he told me he plans to posthumously award him."
The doctor then made one final stitch in Kae's forehead before cutting the string. He then covered the stitched wound with some bandages to allow it to heal without much external disturbance.
"There you go. You're all patched up. Just remember to come back once your wound has healed completely so I can remove the stitches."
"Thank you doctor. Your services have been extremely helpful for me and everyone else."
Kae then got up from the bed and proceeded to exit the Hospital Wing. She stepped out into the hallway and walked towards the entrance lobby. Several Black Army soldiers passing by greeted her by quickly giving her a salute, which she properly returned.
Upon entering the main lobby, she proceeded to climb up the wooden staircase that led to the second floor. Once on the second floor, she continued to walk down one of the long hallways until she reached Kim Gu's office. She then knocked on the door several times.
"Who is it?" asked Kim Gu from inside his office.
"It's me Kae. May I come in?" she asked.
"Yeah sure."
Kae opened the door and walked into the office. Inside was Kim Gu, who's desk was covered with the confiscated financial records along with pages upon pages of notes and reports. Behind him was a large web diagram with pictures of all the suspects and organizations involved with framing Zero.
"So how's the final report coming along?" she asked.
"Somewhat ok. While these records, along with the testimony from both Yun and Qian, conclusively show that Zero was framed for embezzlement of funds, I have yet to identify the mysterious person who came up with the plan and started this whole mess.
"But we have the information that can prove Zero is innocent. Shouldn't that suffice in the eyes of the Provisional Government?"
"It should. However, we cannot afford to have any holes visible in this final report. Any hole noticed will result in the integrity of all the evidence to be up for question."
"Well Qian said that the person who came up with the scheme put 25,000 yuan into his bank account. Have you tried finding the source by looking at the bank receipt?" Kae asked.
"Already working that angle. Asked Dietrich to try to retrace the transaction to its original source by analyzing the code printed on the receipt. Hopefully by determining which bank the money came from, we can narrow our search range and identify the culprit."
"Hopefully that doesn't take too long. The vote on the resolution is going to be held in four days. If we don't have the evidence to fully convince the Provisional Government, then we will cease to exist as an independent organization and Zero will be disowned."
"I know Kae. The mere fact that he is being subject to this frustrates me greatly." Kim Gu replied. "Zero is an innocent man who has devoted everything to helping the Korean people. This treatment he is receiving is not what he deserves after everything he has done for all of us. That is why I will fight to my very last breath to help protect him."
"KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!" could suddenly be heard coming from the door.
"Who is it?" Kim Gu asked.
"It's me Dietrich. Have some information you would like to see."
Kim Gu then told Dietrich to come in. The door opened and Dietrich, carrying some folders under his arm, entered the office and closed the door behind him.
"Oh hello Kae. Didn't realize you were in here." Dietrich said as he spotted her standing next to Kim Gu. "Kae, if you don't mind, but could you give me and Mr. Kim some time alone so I can show him this..."
"It's ok if she stays Dietrich." Kim Gu interjected. "As Commander of the Zero Division, I believe she has the right and seniority to be privy to this information."
Dietrich slightly bowed his head to acknowledge Kim Gu's authority as Acting Chairman of the Black Army. He then approached the table the two of them were standing in front of and placed the folders he was carrying on it.
"Well as you can see by all these papers and reports, I analyzed the code on the bank receipt showing the transfer of 25,000 yuan. Based on the numbers in the code, the intelligence department was able to determine that the money came from a bank in one of these three locations." Dietrich explained as he opened up one of the folders.
Both Kim Gu and Kae leaned forward slightly to read the list of locations. The three locations listed on the reports were Rome, Honolulu, and Edinburgh.
"Hmmm interesting." Kae said to herself. "None of these locations are remotely near the Asian continent."
"That doesn't mean the Japanese or the drug lords aren't behind everything." Kim Gu replied.
"He's right. The Japanese or drug lords could've simply decided to put their money in a distant location in order to make tracing the money back to them much more difficult along with protecting it from immediate rivals." Dietrich added.
"Nevertheless, this information narrows our search range considerably and will make it much more easier for us to find out the owner the of the bank account along with who they are associated with." Kim Gu interjected. "How long could it take for intelligence to sift through and analyze the accounts of each of the banks?"
"That's kind of hard to determine." Dietrich answered. "First we would have to alert our intelligence gatherers stationed at the three locations. Then, assuming we have enough resources in the area, we would have to infiltrate each bank and access the account records. And an operation like that drawn up at the last minute has a pretty low percent chance of success."
"Can you give me a broad estimate?"
"In an ideal situation, I would have to say three to four days."
"Three to four days?!" Kae blurted out. "The vote is going to be held in four days. A three to four day time range is really cutting it close."
"I know it's a giant gamble Ms. Kae but what else can I tell you." Dietrich replied. "My men can do only so much with such limited resources and time."
"Excuse me but debating the specifics with one another will accomplish nothing." Kim Gu interjected.
"Kae I understand your concerns. I agree a three to four day estimate is cutting it close and wish it was shorter. However, I understand the obstacles and difficulties Dietrich and his men have to face when undertaking these operations. Still, seeing how we have no other better options and time is of the essence, we should still be blessed with the three to four days we have and make use of them immediately."
Kim Gu then instructed Dietrich to contact all personnel stationed in or near Rome, Honolulu, and Edinburgh to infiltrate the main banks located there and search the account records for any recent 25,000 yuan transactions made to Shanghai. He also instructed Kae to prepare written testimony for the final report regarding the infiltration of the Fenghuang Casino and the abduction of Qian.
Once they received their orders, Kim Gu excused the both of them. Both Kae and Dietrich saluted Kim Gu before heading to the exit.
"If the three to four day window is the best we can get, then we might need a miracle to get out of this." Kae told Dietrich as the both of them left Kim Gu's office and closed the door behind her.
"Then perhaps I shall be the one who will create such a miracle." Kim Gu quietly said to himself as he returned to writing the final report.
10:50 PM, January 3rd, 1925
With the room only lit by a single lamp placed on the desk he was sitting at, Zero quickly glanced to the clock hanging on the wall as he quietly wrote in his journal.
"In less than 48 hours the Provisional Government will vote on the resolution on whether or not to terminate all relations with me along with taking complete control over the entire Black Army and its assets. Based on word I have heard from others, many members of the Provisional Government are still convinced I am guilty of embezzlement and should be dealt with accordingly, meaning it is heavily likely the resolution will be approved. My only hope in escaping my current predicament that doesn't involve force or further tarnish the symbol of Zero is Kim Gu's investigation into the matter. If he succeeds in proving my innocence convincingly, then the resolution will fall apart and I will be fully reinstated as Chairman of the Black Army.
"So far he has gathered enough evidence and testimony to show that the financial records were doctored in order to make it appear embezzlement had taken place. Nevertheless, he still is unable to find any hard evidence pinpointing who exactly was responsible for setting everything up. While we might be able to turn some members to vote against the resolution without identifying the overall culprit, I fear it might not be enough to block it for without an identified culprit, the representatives, needing someone to take a hit for their financial woes caused by the embezzlement, might still vote for it. Still, even with little time remaining, I do not doubt Kim Gu will be able to pull something off and alleviate the current situation I am in."
Zero then put down his pen for a moment and rubbed the temples of his forehead out of slight frustration for being put in check and not being able to do much to get himself out.
3:13 AM, January 4th, 1925
Dietrich slept peacefully in his bed as the only sound one could hear in the bedroom was that of the moving parts within alarm clock placed on his night stand. Though all the lights were turned off and the window curtains were pulled over, some light from emanating from nearby buildings and the street lamps below managed to seep into the bedroom, illuminating it slightly.
Suddenly the phone on his desk started to ring repeatedly and shattered the tranquil silence. Dietrich, wearing button pajamas, was instantly awakened and sprang up from the bed. Realizing what awoke him, he slowly got out of his bed, approached his desk, and picked up the phone.
"Who is it?" he asked before yawning.
"This is Intelligence Officer Nam Min-Seok." the voice on the other end of the line replied. "Sorry to have awaken you but I have just received some information you definitely would like to see."
Dietrich turned slightly to get a quick look at his alarm clock to see what time it was. "It's 3:15 AM. Couldn't you have waited till the morning to tell me about this?"
"Trust me sir, this is information you definitely want to see now." Nam replied. "It's regarding the bank accounts you asked us to investigate."
Upon hearing that detail, Dietrich eyes widened and he suddenly became more attentive. "Alright you caught my attention. What exactly did you just find out?"
"I'm sorry to ask this of you sir, but due to the subject matter of the information at hand, I feel telling you over the phone line is too risky."
"What are you talking about Officer? This line is practically safe from any form of external surveillance."
"That's the thing sir. We may be protected from external surveillance. But what about internal surveillance?"
"Internal surveillance? From whom?" Dietrich asked with disbelief. "Are you telling me there is a spy amongst us?"
"Just come down to the Intelligence Ministry offices and I'll tell you everything in full detail."
Realizing that Nam wasn't going to tell him over the phone, Dietrich relented and told him that he would be down in a moment. He then hung up the phone, put on his robe and slippers, and exited his room.
He then walked down the dimly lit corridor. After exiting the corridor, he proceeded to walk down the wooden flight of stairs that led to the main lobby. Turning to his left, Dietrich walked down a corridor connected to the lobby that led towards the Intelligence Ministry. After passing numerous offices, he reached the door leading to Nam's office and knocked on it.
Intelligence Officer Nam, a thin, spectacled man with a slightly scrawny figure, opened the door. Because of the long hours of work he had recently put towards the investigation, Nam's hair was messy, his buttoned shirt was wrinkled, and his eyes showed clear signs of fatigue.
"Thank you for taking the time for coming down here sir." Nam said.
"Just cut to the chase." said an irritated Dietrich.
"Ok, just give me a sec."
Nam then let Dietrich into his office before shutting and locking the door behind him. He then quickly went to his desk, which had a telegraph key, a teleprinter, a few code conversion charts, and several piles of coded messages and notes. Grabbing one of the coded messages from the top of one of the piles, Nam returned to Dietrich's side to show him its contents.
"I received this message approximately half an hour ago. However, due to the complexity of its coding, I wasn't able to decipher until just now." Nam explained.
Dietrich, who carefully read the message's contents, suddenly felt fully awake and energized as he realized the impact and value of the information contained in the message.
"Do you see why I was afraid to tell you over the phone?" Nam asked.
"Officer, you're absolutely sure this is what the message said?" Dietrich asked as he continued to read the message. "Because if this is true, then this changes everything."
"I've checked the message multiple times. There is no doubt the bank account associated with that person is the one that paid the Syndicate to frame Zero for embezzlement."
Dietrich silently paced back and forth as he thought of the next more he should make regarding this potential, groundbreaking information.
"Officer, this is not to be reported to anyone else except for me and Kim Gu until further notice. In the meanwhile I will be keeping this message with me."
"Sir!" Nam said as he nodded his head.
Dietrich then thanked Nam for his efforts as he shook his hand. He then exited the office and quickly headed back upstairs. Once he was back on the second floor, he immediately walked down the hallway, approached the door to Kim Gu's room, and knocked on it several times.
"Who is it?" asked a tired Kim Gu from inside his room.
"It's me Dietrich. I apologize for disrupting your sleep sir, but I have just received critical information you should see right away."
"Just give me a second."
A minute passed before the door opened and Kim Gu, who was wearing a robe, appeared in the doorway.
"Ok Dietrich, what did you want to show me?" he asked as he yawned.
"This message." Dietrich replied as he pulled out the message he received from Nam.
Kim Gu took the message, adjusted his glasses, and began to read it.
"Oh dear god." he said to himself once he finished reading it. "I assume this information and its source has been verified?"
"Yes. I was told the message was checked several times and it would seem that there were no errors. Also, due to how well all the information here fits together, the odds of this being a coincidence is extremely low." Dietrich replied.
"I also assumed no one else besides you or the person who reported this to you knows about this?"
"That is correct sir."
"Good. If this damning evidence gets out before further investigation, then I fear our opponents will retaliate in kind and possibly cover up everything or worst." said Kim Gu. "That's why this information shall remain confidential between us and those directly involved with this investigation in the Intelligence Ministry."
"Very well then. When the rest of the Intelligence Ministry wakes up, I'll have them all focus on analyzing all records and transactions relating with that specific bank account. In the meanwhile I will gather everything and compile it into a single report."
"Thank you Dietrich. If everything in that message is 100% true, then we can positively pinpoint the conspirator and clear Zero's name."
"That is why me and my men will put in all the effort we can muster into this operation." Dietrich proudly responded.
Dietrich and Kim Gu then saluted each other before parting ways. Kim Gu then closed his door while Dietrich headed back to his room so he could get some rest, which he knew he would need to successfully carry out his mission.
11:57 AM, January 5th, 1925, Provisional Government of the ROK
One by one, the representatives of the Provisional Government entered the building and gathered in the main meeting room to vote on the resolution on whether or not to cut all ties with Zero and to seize full control of the Black Army and its assets. Chatter filled the room as each one of them talked with one another while taking a seat in one of the many chairs arranged behind a lone, small table situated towards the front of the room. A few feet in front of it was a long, slightly elevated, rectangular table that was reserved for the President, the Cabinet, and other senior members.
Unlike previous meetings, every representative, including those who normally work overseas, were present in the room due to the importance of the vote. As a result, space was extremely limited in the room. In fact the room was so crowded that there were not enough chairs for everyone, meaning some of the representatives were forced to stand.
Sitting at the lone table towards the front of the room was Zero and Kae, who had been instructed by Kim Gu to serve as his escort to the vote. Both of them stoically sat in their chairs and showed no signs of fear or anxiety to the representatives present in the room.
"Can't believe it has come down to this." Kae whispered to Zero. "I mean do these people realize who exactly they are condemning?"
"They know exactly who they are condemning Kae." replied Zero. "There's no doubt they haven't forgotten the progress and miracles I have brought them. However, because they have taken an oath to serve in the interests of the Korean people, their devotion to me is secondary to the Korean people as a whole. And since they are convinced I am guilty of embezzling money, they have concluded I am against the interests of the Korean people."
"Surely the evidence showing you were framed will change their minds."
"But a culprit has yet to be identified. Without someone else to point their fingers to for the Provisional Government's financial problems, the representatives, who definitely aren't going to accept the blame themselves, will most likely have no choice but to punish me."
"So basically you're just going to allow these politicians to sacrifice you like a lamb for the slaughter just so they can protect their reputations?" asked Kae with disbelief.
"Unless someone else is identified as the culprit, then I'm afraid that might be a possibility."
"Presenting the President of the Provisional Government of the ROK and his Cabinet!" announced a voice in the room.
President Syngman Rhee, Kim Gu, the Cabinet, and some other senior members entered the room and proceeded to take their respective seats behind the elevated, rectangular table at the front of the room. Each one of them pulled out reports and notes from the briefcases they were carrying and arranged them neatly in front of them.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!" echoed throughout the small room as Rhee banged the gavel in front of him.
"Members of the Provisional Government. As you are all aware, two months ago Mr. Zero here was accused of embezzling Provisional Government funds, which has been determined to be the cause behind some of our recent financial struggles." Rhee announced.
"After reviewing all of the Black Army's and Provisional Government's financial records, we determined that massive amounts of money was missing from the Provisional Government's treasury while equal amounts was appearing in the Black Army's treasury." Yi Dongyeong added.
"In addition to the embezzlement situation, the massive setbacks of the Zhili Clique, whom Zero lobbied us to support despite much skepticism, has decreased our confidence in Zero to the point that we have questioned his actions and leadership." Yang Gi-tak also added.
"As a result, because of the embezzlement accusation and our concern regarding the high cost of Zero's recent gambles, the Provisional Government deemed Zero a potential threat to the interests of the Korean people. Because of this, Section 6 of the Shanghai Agreement was enacted, therefore suspending Zero's powers as Chairman of the Black Army until a method of alleviation could be agreed upon." continued Rhee.
"After much discussion it was agreed that the best course of action that could be taken in response to this situation was to sever all relations with the accused and transfer control of the Black Army and all of its assets to the Provisional Government, hence the proposal of the recent resolution." added Hong Jin.
"And in accordance with the Provisional Government's laws, a resolution needs to receive a simple majority of votes from the representatives currently present in order to become official." said Rhee. "Now before we vote, I am also required by law to open the floor to anyone who has any final words they would like to share."
Suddenly Zero slightly raised his hand, an action which immediately grabbed the attention of everyone in the room. Even though he was the one being accused by the resolution, Rhee still recognized Zero and gave him the floor to speak. Zero then responded by getting out of his chair and clearing his throat.
"Members and representatives of the Provisional Government. Ever since the day I was recruited to help Korea be liberated and become the symbol of hope and justice that the weak could look up to, I have always put my whole heart and soul into every operation, mission, and battle me and the Black Army have participated in. While costly sacrifices were made and losses did occur, the overall progress the Black Army has so far delivered has been greater.
"Just think about. Seven years ago the Korean people had no nation to speak of. Resistance was limited and Japan oppressed the people without question. But now Koreans have an independent nation they can call home and Japan has to think twice before trying to oppress others. However, there is still much more work that I, along with my comrades in the Black Army, need to do in order to get us closer to complete liberation and keep our gains permanent.
"Nevertheless, there are many in this room who truly believe I am guilty of embezzling Provisional Government funds and, rightfully so in the name of justice, want to see me gone. As I have stated before, I maintain my innocence in the charges based on the fact that I, the Black Army's Treasury Minister, and other financial experts explicitly looked over the records for discrepancies before handing them off to you for auditing. As for those questioning my decisions regarding the geopolitical situation in China, I will admit the situation may look grim now. However, as the Man of Miracles, I will turn the tables and counter the creeping Japanese influence.
"That is why I hope many of you in this room will still believe me and in the interests of the Korean people, decide to keep me and the Black Army. Thank you."
Upon finishing his statement, Zero sat back down quietly. In response, some representatives and senior members of the Provisional Government immediately applauded.
"That was a very touching and inspiring speech Zero." Rhee replied. "There is no doubt you have done terrific things for the Korean people and by extension the Provisional Government. We are all eternally grateful. Nevertheless, as many in this room can attest to, the financial records you gave to us showed discrepancies when compared with that of the Provisional Government's. The charge of embezzlement by itself is enough to warrant your expulsion from our affairs."
Many of the representatives and some of the senior members silently nodded their heads in approval to Rhee's explanation.
"The only way we can possibly drop the charges is by providing us physical evidence that the financial records you checked and gave us had no discrepancies. Do you have such evidence you can show us?" Rhee continued.
"No I do not sir." Zero replied.
"Very well. Is there anyone else in this room would like to take the floor for final statements?" The room was mostly silent as no one in the room had nothing to say. "Seeing how there's no final statements, I hereby am calling for a vote on the resolution right now. Those in favor of the current resolution please raise your hand..."
"Excuse me Mr. President!" Kim Gu interjected. "But I would like to say something before we vote."
"Proceed." Rhee replied.
"Thank you Mr. President." Kim Gu said as he rose out of his chair and pulled out some documents from his briefcase.
"Out of all the members in the Provisional Government, I have known Zero the longest. I can tell you he is the most selfless individual I have ever met or seen. Because of this, I find the idea of Zero embezzling money for his own selfish gain absolutely ludicrous. That is why I believe the financial records Zero and his associates initially sent out had no discrepancies.
"However, because the records obtained by the Provisional Government did have discrepancies, I therefore concluded that the records must've been tampered with after Zero sent them out and before the Provisional Government received them. As Acting Chairman of the Black Army, I ordered the Zero Division to launch an independent investigation. This was done confidentially without any involvement or influence from Zero whatsoever."
Surprised by Kim Gu's statement, everyone in the room immediately started to whisper and deliberate with one another.
"Mr. Kim, why not report this investigation to the Provisional Government?" Park Eunsik asked.
"I felt that any involvement from a member of the Provisional Government would dilute the investigation with bias and prejudgement." answered Kim Gu.
"I can't believe this!" Rhee added. "Mr. Kim, you have practically cost the trust of everyone in this room."
"Well I wouldn't say everyone." An Chang-ho added. "I for one am pretty curious to what Mr. Kim has found in his investigation."
"You do realize that he launched it without our knowledge?" Hong Jin asked.
"While I do admit that Mr. Kim's investigation is unorthodox when it comes to Provisional Government procedures, I see no reason to brush it off unless we see it in its entirety." An explained.
A few of the senior members, along with the representatives that support them, starting calling for Kim Gu to continue what he was saying. Feeling the pressure and knowing fighting back would be unwise, Rhee and the other members who opposed Kim Gu's actions backed down.
"As I was saying before, I ordered the Zero Division to launch an independent investigation into the matter. It was during this time that we discovered that Yun Tae-min, the Co-Director of the Financial Records Department for the Black Army, was offered a large extremely large sum of money to replace the correct financial records with fake ones in order to have Zero removed from power.
"The Zero Division then proceeded to intercept and interrogate Yun. According to his testimony, the ones who made the offer to him was the Qian Trading Syndicate."
Like before, everyone in the room immediately started to whisper and chat with one another upon hearing the news.
"It was then decided that Qian Liu, the founder and head of the Syndicate, would be able to corroborate Yun's statement and provide hard evidence showing he deliberately replaced the financial records with incorrect forgeries.
"After analyzing drug distribution routes and patterns, it was determined the main distribution center was at the Syndicate-ran Fenghuang Casino. Posing as a potential gang who wanted to buy some opium, the Zero Division infiltrated the casino in hopes of finding Qian. While he wasn't there, we were able to find out Qian was hiding out at one of his luxury estates.
"With his location known, I ordered an assault on Qian's estate. The assault initially went smoothly and the Zero Division successfully managed to capture Qian."
"Hold on, you managed to capture Qian? Where is he now?" Lyuh Woon-hyung asked with disbelief.
"That is correct Mr. Lyuh. Qian along with Yun, are being held in a secure, undisclosed location for the time being."
"I assume Qian must've provided extremely vital information if you guys are taking such steps to secure him?" one of the representatives asked.
"Yes. Qian confessed to arranging the switch of the financial records in hopes of framing Zero and ultimately knocking him out of power. Apparently the recent Black Army's raids against opium and morphine smuggling routes, distribution centers, and dealers were severely hurting the Syndicate's overall profits. Wanting to protect his revenue and trade routes, Qian figured that getting rid of Zero, the one who ordered the raids, would allow him to continue selling opium and morphine without any interference."
"So what you are saying is Qian and the Syndicate are the ones behind this plot?" asked another representative.
"Actually there is more. Qian also mentioned to us that while he was the one who set up the situation for Zero to be framed, it wasn't his idea. The one who came up with the idea to charge Zero with embezzlement in hopes of having him removed was an associate of his."
"Interesting. Was this associate identified by Qian?" asked Yi Dongyeong.
"No sir. Because Qian has always communicated with his associate through intermediaries, he has no knowledge of his associate's identity. However, because this associate sent him money to set everything up, we managed to procure a banking receipt."
Kim Gu then pulled out the bank receipt for 25,000 yuan out of briefcase and presented it to everyone in the room. The crowd of representatives, like before, started to whisper and deliberate with one another.
"By analyzing the code printed on the receipt, my team was able to narrow down the list of possible banks that the money came from. With the search range reduced significantly, we focused on looking for any bank account that sent out 25,000 yuan to Shanghai right before the financial records would've been replaced. After painstakingly analyzing the records and much effort, my team managed to identify only one account that fit the description.
"Who did the account lead back to?" one representative asked.
"Was it the Japanese?" asked another representative.
"Was it the Fengtian Clique?" a third representative asked.
"What about the Green Gang?" a fourth representative asked.
"I'm afraid it's much more frightening. It was determined the money Qian received came from an account located in a bank in Honolulu!"
"So it's Honolulu. How does that identify the owner of the account?" asked Yang Gi-tak loudly.
"Simple Mr. Yang. Because after a little digging on this particular account, I found out the owner of the account was associated with a Korean Christian organization based in Honolulu. The man that runs this organization goes by the name of Syngman Rhee."
Rhee, with a shocked look on his face, quickly turned his head upon hearing his name called out. Meanwhile all the representatives and senior members, surprised by the sudden accusation, frantically started to deliberate with each other. The sound of all the multiple conversations filled the entire room.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!" echoed throughout the room as Rhee once again banged the gavel several times. All the representatives and senior members stopped talking and focused their attention on him.
"Mr. Kim! I highly object to this reckless and baseless accusation! Why would I want to get rid of Zero?"
"Because he was threatening your profits as well!" Kim Gu loudly replied.
Everyone in the room suddenly became confused by Kim Gu's explanation.
"President Rhee, you must know full well that I am talking about the numerous payments and kickbacks you have received from the Syndicate. How in exchange for a cut of their profits, you allowed them to use the networks set up for use in the Korean independence cause for opium and morphine distribution."
Rhee's eye started to twitch while his whole body started to shake as he became more frustrated and angry by the second.
"What you have just said is simply idle speculation! You have absolutely no hard evidence to back up what you just said!"
"Yes we do Mr. President! Upon further investigation into your bank account in Honolulu, we discovered that over the past year deposits were made by numerous known subsidiaries and proxies of the Syndicate. We also have the testimony of Mr. Qian himself, who stated that he gave you a cut of his profits so he could have access to a distribution network away from the eyes of competitors and the authorities."
Kim Gu then turned and faced the representatives in the audience.
"Additionally when me and Zero had a meeting with the President about his opium raids, the President expressed extreme frustration with Zero's policy being condoned and aided by the Provisional Government. In addition, the President also showed much frustration towards the Provisional Government deciding to pursue Zero's policy of focusing on China rather than his which advocated focusing on America. Taking all this into account, it would seem that the resolution being put up for a vote right is simply an attempt for the President to take over the Black Army and to protect his illicit financial activities."
Suddenly the discussions occurring between the representatives in the audience started to turn into complaining and yelling. Some representatives could be seen leaping out of their seats and yelling in favor or against Rhee in response to the evidence.
"Because of the information I have just presented, I believe the vote on the resolution made in response to the allegations against Zero be suspended until the President's guilt or innocence can be confirmed by the Provisional Government. That is why I am proposing to have the Provisional Government launch its own investigation into President Syngman Rhee and his finances."
"I agree with Mr. Kim!" An replied. "The evidence presented seems to indicate the President committed an offense. However, further investigation is necessary in order to explicitly prove he is guilty."
"I too agree an investigation should be launched." Park Eunsik added. "If the President is truly innocent as he maintains, then the investigation should support his claim. But if it contradicts his claim and supports the evidence presented by Mr. Kim, then punitive action must be taken."
Due to the overwhelming evidence, most of the other senior members of the Provisional Government, along with the representatives that supported them in the audience, started to voice their approval of postponing the vote until an investigation on Rhee's financial activities is completed. Some members even shouted to have impeachment proceedings be launched.
Rhee, growing angrier by the second, slammed the gavel he was holding several times, causing a loud sound to reverberate throughout the entire room. The sound immediately silenced all the shouts and protests coming from the representatives and the senior members.
"Mr. President, it would seem that a majority of the senior members and the representatives approve of Kim Gu's proposal. However, we must still put it up to an official vote. If you don't mind." An said.
Seeing his support and control over the representatives and senior officials starting to fall apart, Rhee became more and more angry by the second. Eventually his level of anger could not be contained, resulting in him leaping out of his seat.
"THIS IS RIDICULOUS! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! THEY'RE ALL LIES! IT'S ALL A CONSPIRACY! KIM GU IS SIMPLY TRYING TO SEIZE POWER FOR HIMSELF! HE'S CONSPIRING WITH ZERO TO ELIMINATE THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT! THE BLACK ARMY MUST BE DISSOLVED AND INTEGRATED FOR US TO SURVIVE!" a wrathful Rhee ranted at the top of his lungs.
"Mr. President! Are you saying you refuse to put the resolution up to a vote?" Yi Dongyeong asked.
"THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I'M SAYING! I REFUSE TO PUT A VOTE ON SOMETHING THAT IS BASED ON FABRICATED LIES AND IS BEING PUSHED BY FOOLISH, NAIVE PEOPLE!"
Rhee's comments immediately infuriated everyone in the room, causing all of them to vocally condemn him and repeatedly chant "VOTE!".
"ORDER! ORDER! ORDER!" Rhee screamed as he smashed the gavel against the table once more before regaining his composure. "I have always respected the institutions of the Provisional Government and those who participate in it. By accepting the Presidency, I was prepare to put as much effort as I could muster to fight for the Korean people. But support for this investigation on me simply because of lies made by my political rivals has made me loose faith in a majority of the members present. As a result, me and my supporters will withdraw ourselves from this assembly immediately."
Rhee proceeded to gather his things before walking down from the elevated platform the table was on and towards the exit. As he passed through the aisle that passed in between the crowd of representatives, and handful of his ardent supporters also got out of their chairs and followed him out of the room. The crowd of representatives started to heckle Rhee and his supporters as they walked past them.
"GENTLEMEN!" Park Eunsik roared.
All of the representatives became silent and turned their attention back towards the front of the room where Park Eunsik and the other senior members were sitting.
"It would appear that President Syngman Rhee has chosen to not participate in today's session any further. As second highest in seniority, the President's duties and powers fall to me. I therefore call for a vote on the proposed investigation on the President's financial activities and a suspension on the charges against Zero." Park Eunsik announced. "All those in favor say aye!"
"AYE!" said the entire room in unison.
"All those against say nay!"
No response was given by anyone in the room. Seeing that there was absolutely no opposition, Park Eunsik got up from his chair and sat in the President's chair located at the center of the table.
"With the proposal approved by a unanimous vote, I hereby declare it official!" Park Eunsik said as he banged the gavel several times.
Seeing how there was nothing more to discuss at the moment, the senior members along with a majority of the representatives then agreed to adjourn the meeting. Everyone then proceeded to get out of their seats and exit the room.
As Kim Gu, after shaking hands with some of the other senior officials, stepped down from the elevated platform. Immediately numerous representatives crowded around him so that they could ask questions about the Black Army's investigation and Rhee's fate. He answered as many questions as he could before rushing off.
Zero was also approached by some of the senior members and representatives. Convinced that he was innocent and was being framed, some of them apologized for supporting Rhee. Others asked him about his thoughts and opinions on the outcome and Kim Gu's investigation. Meanwhile Kae tried keep everyone approaching him at a distance while simultaneously escorting him out of the room.
Kim Gu then suddenly appeared out of the surrounding crowd. He told the crowd that he wanted to speak with Zero privately. The crowd started to slowly disperse as he, Zero, and Kae exited the room.
Once away from the crowd, Kim Gu asked Zero if he would like him to escort him back to the Black Army HQ. Zero nodded and told Kae to head back without him. Kae acknowledged Zero and headed back to the car she and him arrived. Meanwhile Zero followed Kim Gu back to the car he took and entered it. Once both of them were inside, Kim Gu instructed his driver to head back to Black Army HQ.
"So Rhee was the one behind all this." Zero said.
"Are you surprised?" Kim Gu asked.
"Not really. I always felt that if there was one person I could trust the least on our side it would be him. Still I never thought he would resort to such measures to simply see me gone."
"Well we were very fortunate that the information from Honolulu came at the last minute. Without that piece, the identity of Qian's associate would still be unknown, you would've been punished, and the Black Army would've been amalgamated with the Provisional Government, effectively giving Rhee total control."
"You definitely pulled off a miracle Kim, which is pretty ironic since I am the one who usually makes them. I thank you for everything you have done during my suspension. I really owe you one for this."
"You owe me nothing. In fact you can say I am repaying the debt I owed you when you broke me out of prison. And while I appreciate your compliments regarding my leadership of the Black Army, I am still not you. Unlike me, an ordinary man fighting for a cause, you are a symbol of justice, liberation, and resistance."
"Stop being so humble Kim." Zero replied. "If I were to die or disappear, I can think of no person better than you to assume to role of Zero for you are the only one I have every seen who exudes the same aura that Zero does."
Kim Gu and Zero then continued to discussing further matters regarding the Black Army and the Provisional Government as the car they were in navigated through the busy streets of Shanghai.
Author's Note: I am finally complete with the "Embezzlement Arc". Definitely lasted longer than I had anticipated. Originally planned to have this chapter out a month ago.
Zero is now on the way towards complete exoneration while a disgraced Syngman Rhee is now under investigation. With the infighting about to be concluded, Zero, the Black Army, and the Provisional Government can now refocus their attention back on Hirohito and Japan, whom if one recalls is in the process of plotting something significant in China.
Really curious to read people's review on this chapter. Was anyone surprised by who was behind everything?