Ch. 65: A Faustian Bargain
4:02 PM, April 17th, 1926, Black Army HQ
Inside the Black Army HQ building, one of the floors was an open plan office filled with rows upon rows of desks. The room was constantly buzzing with activity as clerks were either at their desks typing up reports, analyzing documents, and answering telephone calls from other offices or delivering files and documents in and out of the room. Because of all the activity, the sound of typewriter keys being pressed, telephones ringing, and multiple conversations overlapping with each another filled the air.
Kae, along with several other clerks and military officers she was talking to, could suddenly be seen walking across the office. Some of the clerks and officers walking with her were carrying files, ledgers, and notepads under their arms or in their hands.
"So what exactly is the status of our supply of gasoline?" she asked one of the clerks.
"The inventory reports we have received from our main warehouses believe our supply of gasoline has decreased by 30% since last month." the clerk answered.
"Thirty percent!" Kae replied with disbelief. "The calculations done by the supply management teams have stated we need to keep the monthly decrease at 15% or lower in order to prevent an overall shortage."
"Well we have been performing more tests and drills with our aerial and naval forces for the past month." explained one of the officers.
"That's no excuse for allowing that much extra gasoline to be used, especially when everyone has been ordered to not use more gas than what has been distributed to them unless otherwise noted." Kae replied. "Do we know who approved this action?"
"We're still ascertaining which commanders are responsible."
"Well find out as soon as you can. I want those commanders brought in and be charged with unauthorized usage of supplies. We cannot afford anyone to be reckless with our gasoline supplies at all."
"Very well." the officer said as he wrote in his notepad.
"Commander, I would also like to show you the test and training results of the newest Zero Division recruits." a second officer asked as he presented a file in front of her.
She took the file and opened it to review its contents.
"Good, good." she quietly said to herself. "The performance levels of the new recruits are progressing much better than we expected. At this rate we will surely have another few dozen professionally-trained soldiers within our ranks. Tell the training instructors to continue what they are doing."
Kae then closed the file and handed it back to the officer.
"While we are it, would you mind signing this intelligence gathering mission order I have just received?" one of the other clerks presenting a clipboard and pen asked.
Taking the clipboard and pen, Kae read the details of the intelligence gathering mission which involved having several Zero Division personnel deployed to Manchuria undercover so that they observe movements and positions of the forces of both the Fengtian Clique and the Japanese. Once she was done reading it, she grabbed the pen and signed her name on the very bottom of the document. She then handed the clipboard and pen back to the clerk.
"Commander!" suddenly could be heard coming across the room.
Kae looked to her left and saw a clerk in the distance waving her down. He could then be seen gathering two thick files before dashing towards her while navigating through the numerous desks and clerks moving all over.
"Glad I was able to catch you." the slightly out-of-breath clerk said.
"I assume it must be important if it warranted such a reaction?" Kae asked.
"Indeed it is. Just received confirmation that Zhang Zuolin's forces have ousted the Guominjun and retaken the city of Peking."
Kae, along with the other officers and clerks next to her, were instantly surprised by the sudden news.
"Well this isn't good for us." one of the officers replied.
"How should the Zero Division respond to this Commander?" asked one of the other officers.
Kae stroked her chin and silently thought to herself for a few seconds.
"Maintain surveillance on Zhang Zuolin's actions in Peking. I will personally relay this information to Zero personally right now. Do not order any actions to be taken until you hear back from me."
The officers saluted her before they and the other clerks parted ways to carry out their orders.
Meanwhile Kae walked towards the main entrance and exited the office. She walked up the stairs that led to the second floor and headed towards Zero's office. Upon reaching his office, she knocked on the door several times.
"Who is it?" asked Zero from behind the door.
"It's Kae. I have just received important intelligence that I think you should look out right now."
"Come in!"
Kae opened the door and entered the office. Upon entering she could see Zero sitting behind his desk and reviewing numerous reports, ledgers, and maps.
"So what is it?" Zero asked as he put down a report he was reading and looked up.
"The Fengtian Clique has kicked out the Guominjun and retaken Peking." Kae answered.
Zero leaned on his shoulder and started to pinch the bridge of his nose out of frustration.
"This is definitely not a good sign for us." he replied. "If the Guominjun is now on the run, then Zhang Zuolin's grip on China is stronger, making it easier for the Japanese to carry out their next move."
"Really anxious to know what Hirohito and the Japanese are planning. I mean the fact that they have made no significant against us or China for the past year really has me concerned."
"I agree Kae. The only conclusion I can come up with is that whatever Hirohito is planning for Japan to do next is complex and intricate."
"Zero, what do you personally think they are planning?"
"Based on all the intelligence I have received and reviewed with others, I would say I am 90% sure Hirohito is planning an all out invasion of the Republic of China."
"An all out invasion?!" a shocked Kae with disbelief. "What makes you say that?"
Zero then got up from his chair and walked over to a giant map of China hanging on the nearby wall. On the map, one could see China subdivided into regions based on which overall warlord controlled it.
"According to all intelligence we have received for the past year, the Fengtian Clique based in Manchuria has been importing record amounts of Japanese weaponry and equipment. Additionally we have observed Japan deploy several regiments and divisions in the Kwangtung Leased Territory, the South Manchurian Railway Zone, and the Korean Peninsula." Zero explained as he pointed to the various locations in Northeastern China on the map.
"And since all three regions border the Fengtian Clique's territory, you suspect Japan will mobilize these forces and send them into assist the Fengtian Clique once they make their move and all out war breaks out?"
"Not only that. Don't forget about the commanders Hirohito specifically deployed in Korea last year. That fact that Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura, three commanders who are renowned for their experience, intelligence, and cleverness, have been stationed there is a clear indication what Hirohito plans next is so important that he wants it to be overseen by the best."
"And with the Guominjun on the run, the Fengtian Clique will have no problem letting the Japanese pass through their territory and attack the other warlords." Kae replied.
"That's why it is imperative that we managed to reach an understanding with the Kuomintang. If we can get them on our side, then us, along with the weakened remnants of the Zhili Clique, the Guominjun, and the other numerous warlords who are not under Japanese influence, can band together and resist the Japanese and the Fengtian Clique. And if things really work according to plan, we might be able to get the Western powers involved as well."
"What are you talking about?" a confused Kae asked.
"If Japan is attempting an all out invasion of China, you can bet the Western powers will not be pleased. As shown with them approving the Open Door Policy, which states China is open to trade to all nations equally, the Western powers are against one nation having total control over the entire country. Japan invading and gaining a monopoly in China would effectively undermine that policy." explained Zero.
"I assume you have a plan then?"
"Indeed I do." answered Zero. "In coordination with the Provisional Government, the Black Army will send delegations to the Western powers and the other warlords. We can then use this opportunity to alert them about Japan's intentions. I've already made arrangements for Kim Gu to lead a delegation that will meet with the key leaders of the KMT."
"Really impressed you arranged something like that in such a seemingly short amount of time. Figured they wouldn't want to talk with us at all, seeing how we were avid supporters of their enemies the Zhili Clique for the past few years."
"You can thank our contacts in the Soviet Union for that." Zero replied. "They were the ones who arranged the upcoming meeting. Wasn't hard for them to convince them to meet us since they have been providing much of their funding and military training."
"Well I hope Kim Gu will be able explain the reasoning behind our previous actions and convince them we are still on the same side." Kae replied.
3:49 PM, April 22nd, 1926, Whampoa Military Academy, Canton, China
Inside his office, Commandant Chiang Kai-shek, a thin-faced man in his late thirties wearing a khaki-green military uniform and Sam Browne belt, stoically sat at his desk as he talked with Kim Gu and Black Army Minister of Defense Gang about future cooperation with Zero and the Black Army. Standing nearby was Chiang's aide-de-camp Colonel Li Jiahao, a young man in his early thirties.
"For the past few years the Black Army has been supporting my opponents within the Zhili Clique financially and militarily. So tell me again why Zero has now decided to show interest in me and the KMT?" Chiang asked.
"The Zhili Clique was initially determined to be in the best position to counter the influence of the Fengtian Clique and Japan. This of course recently changed when the Guomunjun defected from the Zhili, an act that ultimately lead to their defeat. No doubt Japan played a big role that." Gang answered.
"Also due to the death of Dr. Sun Yat-sen last year, leadership of the KMT was uncertain. Zero therefore concluded it would be pointless to approach and negotiate with any of the factions fighting for control. He therefore preferred to wait until it was certain we could be sure who was in control." Kim Gu added. "However, your handling during that incident with the Chinese Communists and the SS Zhongshan last month has shown us that you're the one in control of the KMT."
"That is why Zero has drafted these proposals for you to review and consider." said Gang as he reached into his satchel, pulled out a folder, and handed it over to Chiang.
Upon receiving the folder, Chiang placed it on his desk, opened it, and reviewed it's contents. Once he had a general idea of what was being proposed, he closed the folder and pushed it away.
"I can tell that Zero is very observant and is an expert strategist. The reconnaissance and intelligence report he has provided here is truly alarming. Should Japan directly intervene and launch a full scale military invasion of China, then we will surely be at a severe disadvantage." said Chiang.
"That is why Zero has proposed the Black Army reach an understanding with you and your forces." said Kim Gu. "He believes that if we all work together and coordinate with one another, then we can counter whatever Japan or their allies the Fengtian Clique tries to throw at us."
"Should you agree to our proposal, we ensure you and everyone else that works with us will have full access to our resources, weaponry, facilities, technology, and intelligence." Gang explained.
"I will say that Zero's offer is quite decent. However, there are certain parts I am...how do I put it...unclear and concerned with."
"Please indicate what confuses you Commandant. We'll gladly explain ourselves and answer any of your questions to the best of our ability." Gang responded.
"My first question is regarding Zero's plan to also recruit the assistance of the other warlords not under Japanese influence. How have they responded?"
"We have already sent proposals to the offices of Zhili Clique Generals Wu Peifu and Sun Chuanfang. They have both stated that they would consider accepting the proposal, provided they would be paid a substantial amount of money, be allowed to have a say in who would be the new President, and retake control of territory lost to the Guomunjun." Gang answered.
"Apparently they are still enraged over Feng Yuxiang betraying them and are unwilling to work with him and the Guomunjun, even though they are currently fighting against the Fengtian Clique." Kim Gu added.
"Interesting." Chiang replied. "However you proposed you would seek an alliance with the Guomunjun as well. Surely they will never agree to work with you and the Zhili Clique under these conditions."
"Zero has already taken that into account. He has sent a message to the Soviet Union asking them to severely decrease the amount of support they send to them in order to pressure Feng to step down. The hope is that with the biggest barrier preventing relations between the Zhili Clique and the Guomunjun to improve, Wu and Sun will possibly drop their demands for Guomunjun territory." Kim Gu explained.
"And what of the other warlords?" Chiang asked.
"The warlords of the Yunnan and Sichuan Cliques have only stated they would think it over while the Shanxi and New Guangxi Cliques have not replied." Gang answered. "As for the Xinjiang and Ma Cliques, we have yet to message them."
"Is there anything else you would like to ask and discuss?" Kim Gu asked.
"Indeed there is Mr. Kim." Chiang answered as he slowly rose out of his desk chair and walked towards the window overlooking a courtyard where newly recruited soldiers could be seen doing training exercises. "In addition to the other warlord factions, Zero also brings up the possibility of working with the British, Americans, and French as well."
"I'm afraid I heavily oppose such a proposal."
"But why?" Gang asked. "Our intel indicates Japan's next move in China will be extremely impactful. We need all the assistance we can get in order to effectively thwart whatever they have planned for all of us."
"Mr. Gang, the British, Americans, and French have for the past century forcing upon us treaties that have done nothing but humiliate this great country. They have forced us to pay ridiculous reparations, cede control of numerous cities and ports, relinquish our sovereignty in increments, and allow Westerners to frolic and meddle without legal consequences. I absolutely refuse to be indebted to anyone who has the desire to exploit our land and people."
"With all due respects, we have no intentions to exploit the Chinese people and its resources or have you become indebted to us or the Western powers." Kim Gu replied. "That is the last thing we desire.
"Also Zero understands the countless injustices the people of China have had to face over the past century. That is why he has stated he will try to the best of his ability to arbitrate a renegotiation of past treaties between the KMT and Western powers." Gang added.
The room went silent for a few seconds before Chiang responded.
"I see. How about this. Give me about a week to discuss this with rest of my senior advisors, generals, and members of my government. I would like to hear their opinions and thoughts regarding this proposal before coming to a final decision myself."
"Thank you Commandant." Kim Gu replied.
He and Gang then proceeded to get up from their seats and shook Chiang's hand. Colonel Li then opened the door to allow both men to exit Chiang's office. Once they were gone, the young colonel shut the door and approached Chiang, who was still staring at the training exercises occurring in the courtyard below.
"Those two definitely proposed some interesting things." Li commented.
"A little too interesting if you ask me." Chiang replied as he stroked his chin.
"Sir?"
"Zero suggesting we work with the Western imperialist powers, disaffected members Zhili Clique, and the Guomunjun sounds too good to be true. It would take a miracle to create such an alliance."
"Well they do say Zero is the Man who Make Miracles."
"But he is still a man, meaning he has his own agenda and interests." Chiang replied. "Also it seems nobody knows anything about his past. All we know is that he is reportedly a foreigner of Asia. I have much reservations putting the fate of the KMT and the rest of China in the hands of a foreigner we know almost nothing about."
"So are you going to reject the offer they just made?" Li asked.
"Not quite." Chiang answered. "There are many other ways Zero and the Black Army can be useful that don't require us to compromise our position and power."
9:21 AM, April 26th, 1926, Black Army HQ
Zero, Kim Gu, Kae, and the other senior ministers and staff officers were all gathered in the conference room discussing preparations and plans regarding expanding Japanese influence into China. Multiple books, folders, reports, and charts covered the table everyone was sitting at while a large map of China hung on the nearby wall. Numerous notes and symbols had been drawn on it to show ideal locations to deploy forces in an event of a Japanese invasion.
"As you can see Zero, the report from our training facility on the Korean Peninsula shows that fifty new volunteers have been recruited within the past week." General Rozhkov explained. "Based on the rate we are recruiting and training new troops, we should be able to have a whole company be ready for deployment in about two weeks."
"And what about our Southern forces? How many troops could be ready to be deployed here within the same time frame?" Zero asked.
"Because Japanese surveillance is stronger in the South, gathering and transporting troops without suspicion is much more difficult." General Park answered. "I can at best re-deploy thirty men here."
"Gang, how many men do we have deployed here within Shanghai and the surrounding region again?" Zero asked.
"About 200 sir." Gang replied.
"I see." Zero said as he wrote down some notes on a piece of paper. "Dietrich, any signs of Japanese movement or activity within Fengtian territory or along the Sino-Korean border?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary. No movements of Japanese troops stationed along the Sino-Korean border and the South Manchurian Railway have been observed. The only thing Japan is sending the Fengtian Clique right now seems to be loans." Dietrich reported.
"No movement?" Kim Gu asked with skepticism. "You're absolutely sure about that?"
"I found it hard to believe too sir, but based on my observations, the troops stationed haven't made any movements that would indicate they are preparing to go on the offensive."
"Jo, what do you have to say about this?" Zero asked.
"I would have to agree." Jo answered as he analyzed a copy of Dietrich's report in his hand. "The troops are mostly concentrated in areas that are not ideal for an offensive."
"Could it be possible that this is trick the Japanese are trying to pull?" Kae asked. "Seeing how these forces were deployed there on orders of Hirohito, it wouldn't surprise me if this is one his many complex, strategic moves meant to outplay us."
"It is quite possible this is a feint meant to deceive not just us, but the entire international community. Even if they are not showing aggressive signs, the fact they are gathering at certain points indicates they are waiting for something." Jo replied.
"Agreed." said Zero. "Hirohito has pulled numerous fast ones on us. We must assume he is trying the same thing again. That's why I want intelligence to continue observing and reporting every action these troops are making."
Dietrich nodded his head as he acknowledged Zero's order.
"On to further business, what is the status on our communications with the Western powers?"
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs are in the process of preparing the delegations and sending out requests to meet with representatives from the American, British, and French governments." Won answered. "Here's a copy of the report you asked me to write up for them."
Won pulled out the report he wrote up regarding the geopolitical situation in China and it's relation to Western interests. He then handed the report to Zero for review.
"This is good." Zero replied. "Have it sent out as soon as possible."
"Will do sir." the spectacled Minister of Foreign Affairs said as he nodded his head.
"Now Minister Yoo, how is our financial situation right now?" Zero asked.
"Currently the treasury is looking stable." Yoo answered. "Donations from overseas have remained steady. Also the our investments are looking healthy as well. Based on the current trends in the market, I suggest we sell off our holdings in..."
Suddenly the meeting was interrupted by the large doors leading into the conference room flying open. The gust of wind and loud "BOOM!" caused by the doors swinging open caused everyone in the meeting room to face the entrance. A disheveled and panicked-stricken clerk holding a newspaper stood at the entrance while a guard could be seen behind him.
"STOP THIS NOW SIR! ZERO IS IN A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING AND CANNOT BE INTERRUPTED AT...!" the guard yelled as the clerk forced his way into the conference room.
"OH JUST SHUT UP AND LEAVE ME ALONE!" the clerk yelled back.
Zero then got up from his seat and approached the clerk.
"What the hell is going on here!" Zero asked.
"I deeply apologize Zero." the guard replied. "This man kept insisting he come see you, but I told him you were busy and could not be interrupted. I did everything I could to stop him but..."
"It's fine" Zero interrupted. He then turned his attention towards the clerk. "I assume this must be something urgent if it meant forcing your way into an important meeting such as this one?"
"Indeed it is Zero!" the clerk responded. "Take a look at the front page of today's paper!"
The clerk proceeded to handed the newspaper over to Zero.
"PEACE IN CHINA? PEKING CONCLUDES DEAL WITH TOKYO." Zero read out loud. "Officials from both Peking and Tokyo have announced that after several months of talks, a momentous deal has been reached that can possibly signal the beginning of the end of the rivalries and chaos that has plagued the Asian continent for the past decade.
According to the most recent reports, Peking has agreed to allow Japanese assistance in the form of financial and materiel aide. It is hoped that the influx of resources will help the Republic defeat those who are against peace and improve the lives of the countless civilians affected by the infighting. The Fengtian Clique, which controls Peking, has used this message to convince various warlords from the Zhili, Shanxi, Yunnan, Sichuan, Ma, and Xinjiang Clique to cooperate with and pledge their forces to the central government.
Officials from Tokyo also announced that they have come to an understanding with their counterparts in Washington D.C., London, and Paris as well. To alleviate any concerns of one nation having too much influence over China, Tokyo has given it's full assurances that trading access to the nation will be preserved. Also should China request it, Japan, under auspices of the international community, has agreed to temporarily deploy only a limited number of troops on Chinese soil to assist in maintaining peace and stability."
Once Zero stopped reading the newspaper, everyone in the meeting room started to frantically talk to one another.
"How the hell did this happen?" Rozhkov asked.
"We never thought the Fengtian Clique would be able to cooperate with so many rival warlords." Dietrich answered. "Additionally the fact that the Western powers are seemingly approving this was totally unexpected too."
"The Japanese must be giving the Fengtian Clique something good to offer all these warlords. There's no other reason why they would re-allign with them after so many years of opposing them." Won replied.
"That part in particular concerns me the most." Kim Gu added. "I highly doubt the Japanese gave them assistance for free. There must be some form of concessions Japan is receiving in return."
"And seeing how much effort Japan put into to ensure there was no interference by the Western powers, the offer must be something extremely valuable." Gang theorized.
"What kind of offer are were possibly talking about?" a concerned Kae asked.
"China and the Western powers agreeing to have all of us and the Provisional Government deported out of Shanghai for starters." Jo answered.
"What we all need to do now is draw a whole new plan from scratch." Kim Gu interjected. "Right Zero?"
"You're absolutely correct." Zero responded. "Because of this new revelation, all our planning, talks, and proposals were for nothing. That is why I want everyone to devote almost all their time in finding out what exactly is going on and report back to me as soon as possible."
"SIR!" everyone in the room shouted.
"DAMN IT! SO THIS WAS YOUR GAME THE WHOLE TIME HIROHITO! THIS HAS YOUR NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER IT!" Zero frustratingly thought to himself as he slightly crumpled the newspaper in his hand.
Author's Note: So the Black Army/Provisional Government has had it's first direct meeting with KMT leader Chiang Kai-shek. We also now know what Hirohito's true plans in China were. Now the question is what exactly is Japan going to get out of this deal with the Fengtian-controlled government in Peking and how will it affect the Black Army/Provisional Government.
Would also like to apologize for the 9-month long delay. Been extremely pre-occupied with other things/issues this past year. I would once again like to thank all who have kept following this story over the many years.