Ch. 67: Ambush
8:39 PM, July 8th, 1926, Forbidden City, Peking, China
Situated in the center of Peking, the Forbidden City was a gigantic palace complex that dominated the landscape of the Chinese capitol. Surrounded by a moat and imposing walls, it was divided into sections, each one enclosed within smaller walls, consisting of several palaces, pavilions, halls, and gates of varying sizes. The palace complex also included a large artificial river and garden.
To celebrate the upcoming signing of the treaty, representatives from the Chinese, Japanese, and other foreign governments gathered inside the Hall of Literary Glory, which was converted into a banquet hall for the occasion.
The hall, like the other buildings within the Forbidden City, was supported by several large, red wooden pillars that lined both the exterior and interior of the building. The ceiling and halls consisted of ornate, jade green wooden decorations adorned with elegant, golden dragon motifs.
Because of the planned banquet, chandeliers were installed ahead of time for the occasion to illuminate the hall. Some of the Forbidden Palace's priceless treasures such as paintings, ceramics, and statues were used to decorate the room. Additionally, one side of the room was decorated with banners depicting the Five Races Under One Union flag of China while the opposite side was decorated with banners depicting the Rising Sun flag of Japan.
Men wearing formal white tie suits or military uniforms, along with some of their spouses who wore elegant Western-style dresses, could be seen socializing with each other while standing or sitting at one of the many round dining tables set up all over the hall. Caterers shuffled back and forth as they served fine dishes and drinks as musicians in the corner played traditional Chinese music.
Standing near one of the pillars and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious was Daisuke, who was holding a glass filled with Chinese wine. Matsuda, who was eating some food off a plate he was carrying, then approached him.
"So everything good over here?" Matsuda asked.
"Nothing out of the ordinary so far." Daisuke answered as he sipped some wine. "Where's Nishimura?"
Matsuda then pointed to her across the hall. "She's keeping surveillance on the other end."
Daisuke quickly took a look and saw her stoically watch over the entire hall like an owl looking for its prey.
"Looks like she's barely moved from that spot the entire night."
"Does that surprise you? Nishimura practically never talks with other people unless it's related to her assigned duties." Matsuda replied.
"Still, figure a young lady such as her should at least relax a little and show some emotion. Really concerned about her."
Daisuke then started to walk across the hall.
"Hey, where are you going?" Matsuda yelled out as he tried to catch up to Daisuke.
Both officers traversed through the crowd of people socializing with one another. Once he was through and across the hall, Daisuke, followed by Matsuda, approached Nishimura.
"So how are you tonight." Daisuke asked.
"Why are you both over here? Did something happen?" Nishimura asked.
"Nothing happened. Just wanted to come by and check on you."
"You abandoned your post for that?" she asked with disbelief. "Do you realize the perimeter is severely compromised without either of you on the other side?"
"Look, both me and Matsuda are as dedicated as you when it comes to carrying out our duties. But that doesn't mean we can't relax a bit. His Imperial Highness even stated we are allowed to partake in tonights celebration."
"Daisuke's right. Besides, even the most disciplined and dutiful soldiers are still human and need time to relax." Matsuda added.
"While I appreciate both of your concerns, I refuse to let down my guard while I am on duty. Besides, I'm not the type of person who likes to partake in celebratory events such as these."
Nishimura then excused herself as she walked away and headed towards the spot across the hall that both Daisuke and Matsuda were originally.
"Well it seems she doesn't want to let loose tonight." Matsuda whispered as he continued to eat off his plate.
"So it seems." Daisuke replied. "On another note, I wonder how the Prime Minister is doing."
Both officers then focused their attention on Japanese Prime Minister Wakatsuki ReijirÅ, a sixty-year old man with short hair and a mustache wearing a court uniform which consisted of a black frock coat and trousers. The frock coat he wore had gold-coated buttons along with golden paulownia flowers and buds embroidered on the chest and cuffs. Additionally the Prime Minister wore white gloves, two medals, and a large red sash across his chest.
"He seems to be having a good time." Matsuda said as he observed the Prime Minister talking with other guests.
"He sure does." Daisuke replied. "When was the last time we checked in on him?"
Matsuda pulled out his pocket watch to get the time. "A little bit more than an hour ago."
"An hour ago you say? I guess I'll go in and see how he's doing."
Daisuke then excused himself and walked towards Wakatsuki.
"Pardon me your Excellency," he said as he approached the Prime Minister.
Wakatsuki, who too was holding a glass of Chinese wine, stopped the conversation he was having and turned around. Daisuke then slightly bowed his head in response.
"Ah Colonel. What can I do for you tonight?"
"Just checking in on your current status and making sure everything is ok."
"I'm having the time of my life. The day couldn't be any better. In fact it's going so well that I really don't see the need for all these extra security measures you guys imposed on me."
"We've received direct orders from His Highness the Crown Prince to ensure your safety. Don't forget of your important role in bringing about peace, stability, and prosperity for China and the rest of Asia. And seeing how plenty of powerful and hostile groups still roam in this country, surely deep down you understand." Daisuke explained.
"I'm quite aware." Wakatsuki replied. "However we're within the Forbidden City, probably one of the most secure places in all of China. I find it hard to imagine anyone managing to penetrate the city's walls and bypass the security the Chinese have already provided."
"I find it hard to imagine too. However, we still cannot afford to take any chances."
"Understood..." the Japanese Prime Minister quietly said to himself. "By the way Colonel, since you're here, I would like to introduce you to someone."
Wakatsuki stepped aside to allow a lightly-mustached man in his fifties in military uniform to step forward. The man's uniform consisted of a blue double-breasted tailcoat that had a gold-embrodiered standing collar and gold lacing indicating rank sewn on the sleeves along with gold laced blue trousers. He also wore a blue sash along with a golden belt and epaulettes. Other noticeable features of his uniform included the gold aiguillette hanging from his shoulder and the numerous medals on his chest.
"Colonel, I would like to introduce you to Admiral Du Xigui, Acting President and Premier of the Republic of China."
"Truly an honor to be to meet you sir." Daisuke said as he shook the Premier's hand.
"Thank you Colonel." Du replied. "I, along with the people of China, are truly grateful for the assistance your nation has given us. We also appreciate your assistance in ensuring the safety of everyone that is here tonight."
"As far as I see it, ensuring the peace, safety, and prosperity of China also means ensuring the peace, safety, and prosperity of Japan as well."
"You're definitely right. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new era for all of Asia. China will finally be unified and firmly under centralized rule. You cannot imagine how relieved I am knowing that the warlordism that has divided this land and its people will finally come to an end."
"Well almost. The KMT nor the Guominjun have accepted the offer and agreed to cooperate with Peking so far. This indicates that even with the treaty signed, there are plenty of hostile forces that are obviously planning to continue the conflict. Hopefully your military commanders have made the necessary preparations for such a confrontation."
"I assure you Colonel that all necessary preparations have been made." said a man standing nearby wearing a military uniform similar to the one Du was wearing except it was tan, consisted of a single-breasted tailcoat, and had a red sash.
Following him from behind were three Western-looking men.
"We already have military plans drawn up and resources allocated to key points to ensure swift victory over anyone who decides to continue fighting."
Daisuke then turned away from Du and faced the man talking to him.
"General Yu Jingyi is it?" Daisuke asked as he extended his hand.
"That is correct." the General answered as he shook Daisuke's hand. "Have we met before?"
"We met briefly a few years back at Prime Minister Hara's funeral reception at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo."
"Ah yes. I remember you. We met right after that blackout in the ballroom. Surprise you remember."
"Well seeing how that reception, despite being held in the Crown Prince's palace, was interrupted by a guest getting into a fight and firing a gun along with a blackout, it's pretty difficult not to remember that day."
"You make a good point there." Yu jovially replied. "So why exactly are you here tonight Colonel?"
"Me and my two comrades are here to escort and protect the Prime Minister. What about you?"
"I'm here as the official representative of Zhang Zuolin and the Fengtian Clique."
"I see. And who are the three men behind you?"
"How inconsiderate of me. Allow me to introduce you to Sir Robert Ashford, General Louis Garnier, and Mr. Walter Stephens, the representatives for the United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America respectively."
Ashford, a balding man in his sixties, was wearing a court uniform that consisted of a dark blue button-down high-collar jacket with gold oak-leaf embroidery on the collar, chest, and cuffs along with dark blue trousers with gold stripes.
Garnier, a man with a handlebar mustache and goatee who was about the same age as Ashford, wore a horizon blue military tunic and trousers, a couple of medals, and a red kepi with gold-oak leaves embroidered around the band.
Stephens, unlike the other two, was a man in his forties with brown hair and wore a standard white tie suit.
Upon being introduced, Daisuke and Wakatsuki proceeded to shake hands with the three representatives.
"Truly an honor to meet you all." Wakatsuki said. "On behalf of my government and the Empire of Japan, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support."
"The pleasure is all mine." Ashford replied. "Though there have been disagreements between our nations, His Majesty's Government is nevertheless glad to see Japan be an active participant in the international community and continue to uphold the Open Door Policy. It can be agreed that a stable and peaceful China that is open to all is one that benefits all nations."
"My superiors in Paris have said the same thing." Garnier added. "Commercial activity within our numerous concessions within the country have decreased significantly due to the constant infighting and instability."
"Same thing can be said for our possessions as well." Stephens replied. "Hopefully this peace will mean more wealth flowing in and out of China."
"I hope so too." Wakatsuki replied. "The one thing I along with His Majesty the Emperor want to see is prosperity be spread all over China. Don't you agree Daisuke?"
"I absolutely do." the young colonel answered. "Hopefully those in this country who refuse to cooperate will not interfere too much."
"Like I said before, we already have resources allocated and forces positioned in anticipation of such a scenario." Yu explained before turning his attention to Du. "Isn't that right your Excellency?"
"Oh...of...of course." the Chinese admiral nervously answered as Yu gave him a slightly intimidating glare. "There is practically nothing to worry about. Besides if the situation somehow becomes untenable, we can call in the Japanese for assistance, provided if that's ok with you three."
"As long as the Japanese presence is only temporary and doesn't compromise the balance of power in Asia." Stephens answered.
"Like Mr. Stephens said, we approve Japan deploying a token force only to assist in maintaining peace." Ashford added. "No one nation should have special access to China."
"I assure you all my nation is fully committed to keeping China independent and open to all nations. The last thing we need is everyone scrambling and getting riled up." Wakatsuki replied.
"The Prime Minister is right." Du added. "Besides, we are trying to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to everyone not just in China, but all of Asia as well."
"Wonderful to hear everyone is on the same page." said Garnier. "As we saw with the Great War a decade ago, scrambling for territory, trade rights, and concessions just increases tensions and brings everyone closer to war."
Everyone then nodded their heads in approval.
It was then that Yu spotted a group of Chinese officers wearing tan, blue, or olive green uniforms representing the other cooperating Warlord cliques passing by in the distance. He excused himself from the crowd and approached them.
"Ah General Yu, been looking for you all night." said General Zhao Wei, a mustached man representing the Zhili Clique, upon seeing the Fengtian general. "Where have you been?"
"Was just in a conversation with the Premier, the Japanese Prime Minister, and the British, French, and American representatives."
"What? Is everything ok? Is the plan in jeopardy?" the Shanxi Clique's representative General Guo Qiang, a clean-shaven man with a lanky figure, asked.
"Everything is going according to plan. The Japanese are still on board with this deal and the British, French, and Americans have shown no signs of objection."
"And what about the Premier? Is he still cooperating with us?" asked General Ma Feng, a man with a long beard and a round face representing the Ma Clique.
"We don't need to worry about him. He's practically following the script we gave him word for word." Yu whispered as he leaned in slightly.
"Glad to hear that." General Li Jianjun, a portly gentleman smoking a cigar representing the Yunnan Clique, said. "Now all he has to do now is sign the treaty."
"Then we'll have access to all the resources we need to finally purge this country of our enemies." General Wang Fuhua, the Xinjiang Clique's representative that wore an eye patch over his left eye socket and had a pronounced scar down his face, excitingly added.
"Also let's not forget about the fortune each of us will also receive." the Sichuan Clique's representative General Yang Xueyou, a young man wearing spectacles, replied. "My superiors are already imagining themselves rolling in pools of money."
"Mine are too." Yu replied. "General Zhang Zuolin has been constantly telling me he is in urgent need for more cash since he's squeezed as much as he could out of the locals."
"What for?" Guo asked.
"Another palace for starters. Apparently he wants one constructed near the coast that he can use as a getaway and store some of his personal treasures." Yu answered.
"Well that's nothing compared to what my superiors are rumored to want." Li interjected as he let out a puff of smoke. "Apparently they plan to build a few palaces, one of which is supposedly going to have shipments of specially made imported foods, wine, and tobacco delivered to it via a newly constructed private railway line."
"With all that being said, I think we can all agree that all of our lives are going to be completely different come tomorrow morning." Zhao said with a smile.
All the other officers in the group simultaneously nodded their heads and continued celebrating.
Meanwhile several large trucks arrived at one of the security checkpoints situated outside of the entrance to the Forbidden City. The head security checkpoint guard approached the frontmost truck and knocked on the driver seat's window. The driver proceeded to open the window in response.
"Identify yourself and state your business." the guard sternly asked.
"We work for the Forbidden City's Committee of Ceremonies. We're here to deliver some last minute decorations they requested for tomorrow's ceremony." the driver, whose pupils glowed slightly unbeknownst to the guard, answered.
"Could you please show me your identification papers then?"
The driver quickly pulled out several papers and gave them to the guard. The guard then examined them and skimmed through them. Once he reached the end and saw both the signatures of the committee members and the seal of approval, he handed the papers back.
"Alright everything looks good here. However me and my team will have to quickly inspect the inside of the trucks."
"Very well sir."
The driver got out of his truck, walked to the back, and opened the truck doors. He then yelled to the drivers of the other trucks behind him to open each one up for inspection. Each driver, whose pupils also glowed slightly, got out and followed suit.
The guard then ordered his subordinates to enter each truck and inspect their contents. Once inside they discovered each of the trucks was carrying various wooden boxes labeled with what they were carrying.
"Looks like they're just boxes of statues, pottery, armor, and fabrics sir!" one of the guards inspecting the trucks reported.
"Same thing over here!" reported another guard.
Fully confident that everything was ok and checked out, the head guard signaled to the truck drivers that they were free to pass. The lead truck driver bowed his head slightly in response before he and the other drivers got back into their trucks. The guards up ahead opened the gates while the trucks slowly drove into the Forbidden City.
Once inside, the trucks drove towards and parked as close as they could to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest hall within the Forbidden City that sat atop a three-leveled marble stone base in the center of the complex. The drivers along with the work crew that accompanied them all got out and opened the truck doors. Liked the drivers, the entire work crew's pupils slightly glowed too. Once they laid out the ramps and set up the hand carts they had brought with them, the work crew proceeded to carefully unload the trucks and deliver them to their predetermined locations within and around the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
9:30 AM, July 9th, 1926, Forbidden City, Peking, China
The morning sky above the Chinese capitol was clear as the sun continued to rise. In commemoration of the treaty being signed, an airship depicting the symbol of Chinese armed forces, a red, black, white, blue, and yellow five-pointed star, on its side hovered in circles high above the Forbidden City. Attached to it's side was a large banner saying "Peace and Prosperity" in Chinese characters.
Below was the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the designated location for the signing of the treaty between the Chinese and Japanese governments. Supported by a series of several large, imposing red pillars, the hall was formerly used by past Chinese emperors for their enthronements and weddings. To indicate it's former role as the ceremonial center of power, dragon motifs could be seen all over.
Situated in the center of the room and surrounded by six giant, golden pillars along with several bronze vessels and incense burners was a two-meter high dais on which the Dragon Throne rested. Formerly the seat used exclusively by Chinese emperors, the Dragon Throne was an elegant golden throne crafted from red sandalwood that had dragons coiling around the back and armrests. Situated behind it was a giant wooden screen that like the rest of the hall depicted dragon motifs.
On the ceiling right above the throne was an intricately designed caisson that was decorated with a coiled dragon with its mouth open. A chandelier-like set of large metal balls hung from the dragon's open mouth.
Both Prime Minister Wakatsuki and Premier Du could be seen sitting at a large, ornate wooden table in front of the dais. Located in the center of the table a large, thin, leather-bound book containing the treaty. Two inkwells, fountain pens, ink pads, and wax sticks meant to be used to sign the treaty could also be seen sitting on either side of the table in front of Wakatsuki and Du.
A flag pole carrying the Japanese flag flanked the left side of the table while a flag pole carrying the Chinese flag flanked the right. Additionally a podium equipped with a microphone that connected to the Forbidden City's PA system was set up nearby.
Multiple rows of seats were also set up in front of the treaty signing table. A crowd of politicians, military officers, foreign dignitaries, and reporters gathered inside the Hall. The politicians, military officers, and foreign dignitaries proceeded to sit down in one of the many chairs while the reporters stood nearby in order to set up the cameras they had brought with them.
Sitting towards the front on the left side was General Yu and the other Warlord representatives along with Ashford, Garnier and Stephens.
"Today is a magnificent day gentleman." Yu told the three foreign dignitaries. "The darkness that has blanketed this nation will finally be dissipated by the light of prosperity."
"The Chinese people are truly grateful for your blessing of this agreement." Zhao added.
"We all can assure you that even with this treaty with Japan signed, the trade agreements between us and your respective nations will be preserved and no nation will get exclusive treatment." Guo added.
"Really appreciate that." Ashford replied. "The last thing London wants is a "Scramble for China" amongst the Great Powers."
Both Garnier and Stephens nodded their heads simultaneously in agreement.
"Excellent. Glad to see we are still on the same page." said Yu.
Meanwhile, sitting towards the front on the right side was Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura.
"Everything seems to be going smoothly." Matsuda whispered to Daisuke.
"Definitely looks like it." Daisuke quietly replied. "Still haven't seen or sensed anything out of the ordinary."
"Don't get complacent and overconfident." Nishimura interjected. "We still must be vigilant and assume our enemies could strike at any moment."
"Again, you're worrying too much." Matsuda replied. "I mean if someone as clever and tricky like Zero and the Black Army were going to make a move, wouldn't one expect them to do it before we entered the palace complex, a location surrounded by tall, impenetrable walls on all sides that is patrolled by countless guards practically 24/7?"
"Matsuda makes a good point." said Daisuke. "While I'm not the type to take things for granted and easily get comfortable, even I still find it hard for someone as smart as Zero to be able to get into the palace complex and retreat successfully. Like Matsudea said, tall, impenetrable walls and countless guards surround this entire area."
"True. Still, keep your eyes out for anything suspicious." Nishimura replied.
9:45 AM
The Meridian Gate, the southern and largest gate in the Forbidden City, was a multi-archway structure flanked by two gate towers on its side. Last minute guests and reporters that had arrived for the ceremony formed a line in front of the entranceway. Several guards stationed at the entrance would verify and inspect each person trying to enter the palace complex before letting them through.
"Alright everything seems to check out. You both have a wonderful day." one guard told a high ranking politician and his wife as he handed back their identification papers.
The couple thank him and nodded their heads before proceeding to walk through the Meridian Gate's large central archway.
"Next!" the guard called out.
It was then three reporters waiting in line stepped forward and approached the guard.
The first one wore a fedora along with a charcoal gray suit and tie while also carrying a notepad and pencil in his pocket.
The second one, on the other hand, carried a giant leather suitcase and wore a bowler with a light brown suit and bow tie.
The third and last reporter, who had more feminine figure than the other two, wore glasses, a newsboy cap, a white shirt, red tie, and tan vest. The third reporter could also be seen hauling a large tripod.
"Identification and passes please." the guard requested.
The fedora-wearing reporter immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out several papers. The guard took them and proofread read them.
"So you guys work for the Tientsin Daily News?"
"That is correct sir. Is there something wrong?" the fedora-wearing reporter replied.
"No, nothing's wrong." the guard replied as he handed back their identification papers and passes. "However, I will still need to inspect your possessions."
"Of course sir."
The guard first approached each of the reporters and quickly patted them down. He then asked the second reporter to put down the suitcase he was carrying and open it up. The second reporter complied and opened it up, revealing a film camera and several film reel cases. Because of how fragile the suitcase's contents were, the guard reluctantly complied with the reporters' demand to examine everything visually.
"Alright, you're all clear to go!" the guard said as he closed the suitcase.
The three reporters gathered their things and proceeded to walk past guard and through the large archway in the center of the Meridian Gate. They then followed the marked pathway that led to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The fedora-wearing reporter then leaned towards the reporter carrying the tripod.
"Well Kae it seems like the press passes Zero miraculously managed to procure worked." the fedora-wearing reporter whispered. "Everything seems much easier than I thought it was going to be."
"Easy for you to say Park." she quietly replied as she hauled the tripod. "You're not the one who has to pack their hair into a tiny cap, tightly bind their entire chest, wear these annoying glasses, and carry this bulky thing all at the same time."
"At least you don't have to carry this big ass suitcase." Jeong added. "All the equipment in here weighs like a ton."
"Ok let's stop complaining and go after the plan once more." Kae interrupted.
The three of them then quickly discussed the plan Zero had drawn up as they continued to follow the pathway leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
10:00 AM
The sounds of multiple conversations echoed within the Hall of Supreme Harmony due to the fact that all the guests and reporters had arrived. All the seats in front of the treaty signing table were occupied while all the reporters, ready to record and photograph the historical event that was about to occur, stood behind the seated guests next to their cameras.
After checking his pocket watch and seeing what time it was, Du rose out of his seat and walked towards the podium. The crowd within the room immediately went silent when they saw the Chinese Premier stand behind the podium and slightly adjust the microphone. A nearby assistant standing at the side then approached and gave him his prepared speech before withdrawing.
"Good morning everyone." Du said as his amplified voice echoed throughout the Hall. "I, along with the people of the Republic of China, appreciate you all for coming here for this momentous occasion."
Du then quickly cleared his throat before continuing with his speech.
"Fifteen years ago, the Chinese people overthrew a tyrannical and corrupt monarchy in hope of bringing about peace and prosperity for this nation. However, the peoples' efforts have seem to been in vain for peace and prosperity didn't come. Instead this nation lost leadership and guidance as it was divided by regional warlords looking after their own interests.
"As a result of this, the Republic of China and the Chinese people have been suffering from war, destruction, corruption, instability, and poverty for more than a decade. That is why I've made it my personal mission to end the warlordism plaguing this nation and bring the Chinese people the peace and prosperity they are long overdue."
Everyone in the room then took a moment to applaud. Once it ended, Du continued his speech.
"However, despite my determination, delivering peace and prosperity would prove to be a most difficult task to complete. Years of instability and corruption, along with continued hostilities from those who still oppose peace, have effectively crippled this nation and left it with no resources to improve itself with. It was therefore clear that if the wishes of the Chinese people were to be granted, outside assistance would absolutely be needed."
It was then Du quickly glanced over to Wakatsuki, who was still sitting at the treaty signing table.
"That is why I would like to take a moment to thank Prime Minister Wakatsuki and the Empire of Japan for taking notice of our problems and coming up with this agreement. The charity and good they offer will undoubtedly help us improve our infrastructure, defeat our remaining enemies, and stabilize our economy. The Chinese people will be absolutely grateful and forever remember the respect you have given us."
Du then turned his head forward again and focused his attention on Ashford, Garnier, and Stephens.
"I also would like to thank the British, French, and American governments for understanding our situation and allowing this agreement to go through. The Chinese people absolutely look forward to continue trading and having dialogue with those overseas." the Chinese Premier added. "Furthermore..."
Suddenly Du's voice on the PA system was replaced with static. Everyone in the room immediately either started whispering to one another or looked upwards in confusion upon hearing the static. Meanwhile Du was physically checking out the microphone to see if there were any technical problems.
Quickly as it appeared, the static on the PA system started to dissipate and was replaced by a voice which got clearer and clearer by the second.
"People of the world!" echoed Zero's voice on the PA system, prompted everyone to be shocked. "This is Zero, Chairman of the Black Army and fighter of justice! As someone who fights for justice and overall wants to see peace for those who are not strong, I normally would've congratulated the participants in this ceremony! However, I, along with the Black Army, cannot support those who would support an agreement that is built upon deception, treason, and lies!"
While a slight feeling of panic and disbelief continued to spread amongst the audience members and the reporters as Zero's voice continued to echo throughout the room. General Yu got up from his seat, walked over to the side, and summoned some nearby commanders.
"I want you and your men to head down to the PA room and find out what the hell is going down there!" Yu commanded to one commander before turning to a second one. "Meanwhile I want you to instruct your men to make sure no living soul is able to leave the Forbidden Palace! IS THAT CLEAR?!"
"SIR!" the commanders saluted before they along with several guards accompanying them ran off.
"Any peace that is achieved by these methods is a false one meant to keep subjugating and oppressing those below." Zero's voice could be heard saying on the PA system. "The Chinese warlords who drew up and cooperated with this agreement are doing so not out of love or devotion for the nation and people they claim to protect, but out of selfishness and avarice. That is why the Black Army has decided to take action and expose this great injustice to the people of China and the world!"
It was then Zero's voice on the PA system ceased. This just made all the guests and reporters even more concerned and frightened as they tried to figure out what Zero meant along with what exactly he was planning to do.
Premier Du, who was still standing at the podium looking confused, was approached by two gun-wielding guards who quickly surrounded him in order to keep him protected.
Meanwhile Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura immediately got up from their seats and walked over to the treaty signing table and approached Wakatsuki. Both Matsuda and Nishimura pulled out their guns and kept a constant eye on their surroundings while Daisuke stood behind Wakatsuki.
"Please stay close to us Your Excellency." Daisuke told the Prime Minister as he helped pull out his chair.
"Never actually thought Zero would be this bold to interrupt such a high profile event in a location as secure as this." Wakatsuki replied as he stood up.
"Just get ready to run if you have to." Daisuke replied. "Can't take any chances when it comes to Zero."
Suddenly smoke machines hidden within numerous multiple large decorations located within and around the outside of the Hall let out jets of thick white smoke. Everyone in the Hall immediately started to panic upon seeing the large clouds of white smoke rapidly fill the room. Within seconds people could barely see anything and started to cough profusely.
With everyone distracted, Kae, Park, and Jeong, who were standing in the rear of the room near the other reporters, took action and proceeded to the second phase of their plan.
Opening up the large briefcase he had brought with him, Jeong took out the film reel cases and removed the false backing, revealing a hidden compartment containing folded up gas masks. He also opened the film reel cases, revealing a flare gun along with handguns and some ammo. Kae, Park, and Jeong each put on a mask, grabbed one of the handguns, and pocketed the extra ammo.
Properly equipped, Park and Jeong ran towards the podium where Du was standing behind. Because of the low visibility in the room and everyone busy coughing due to the smoke, the two of them had no problem approaching the Chinese Premier, who was using a handkerchief to cover his mouth. Once close enough, the both of them proceeded to surprise and knock out the two guards accompanying him.
Once Du had realized the two guards were knocked out, he suddenly felt a gun barrel poking his back along with someone gripping his shoulder tightly.
"Just follow our lead and you won't get hurt." Jeong said as he pressed his gun into Du's back.
"What the hell is the meaning is this? Are you guys really the Black Army? Was that really Zero? What do you want?" Du frantically started to ask.
"Everything will be explained in due time." Park answered. "Just come with us and everything will be fine."
"Are you kidding me? Why should I believe you?" a frightened Du asked. "Guards! Guards! Help..."
Jeong immediately pressed his gun even harder into Du's back and gripped his shoulder even tighter.
"Don't make this more difficult for us." Jeong said. "If you want to get out of this unscathed, just be quiet and follow our instructions. Is that clear?"
Du, realizing he couldn't do anything as this point, stopped resisting and agreed to cooperate.
With the Premier now in their custody, Park, who held his hand so he could lead him through the smoke, and Jeong, who continued to aim his gun into his back and hold onto his shoulder from behind to ensure he wouldn't try to make a run for it, proceeded to escort him out of the Hall.
Meanwhile Kae ran up to the treaty table in hope of grabbing the treaty. Like Park and Jeong, she had no problem approaching the table due to the smoke. Once she was close enough, Kae could see through the smoke the leather-bound book containing the treaty sitting on the table. She proceeded to take the leather-bound book off the table and hold it underneath her arms.
Just as she was about to leave and meet up with Park and Jeong, Kae suddenly saw a fist come at her from within the smoke. Due to her expert reflexes, she managed to dodge it at the last minute.
It was then Daisuke, who could be seen covering his mouth with one hand and squinting his eyes due to the smoke hindering his eyesight, appeared out of the smoke in front of her. Kae immediately raised her gun and prepared to shoot, only to find him swipe with his available hand causing her to drop her gun. This was followed by him attempting to throw punches, all of which Kae managed to counter and dodge.
"Daisuke! Where did you go!?" Matsuda yelled out.
"Don't worry about me! You and Nishimura just focus on getting the Prime Minister far away from here!" Daisuke yelled back.
"Daisuke?" Kae immediately thought to herself once she realized who the man she was fighting against was.
Eventually while she was continuously dodging his punches, Kae slipped causing her to fall onto the ground. As she was in the process of sitting back up, he could see Daisuke bend over her and feel his hand gripping onto her mask.
"Alright, let's see you try to dodge me without this." he said as he yanked the mask off.
In the process of taking off the mask, he inadvertently ripped off the hat Kae was wearing, causing her hair to fall down.
With Kae's face exposed and her hair down, Daisuke suddenly recognized her as the girl he danced with at Hirohito's palace several years ago.
"What the? Kae is that you?" he replied with surprise and disbelief.
Kae, whose vision started to decrease and breathing became more difficult due to being exposed to the smoke, exploited Daisuke's brief distraction by kicking him in the shin. The kick immediately caused him to loose support and fall over right besides her. She then yanked the mask he pulled off before out of his hand and hastily put it back on.
Daisuke, who was still laying on the ground and trying to get back up, looked up and could see Kae flee the scene and disappear into the smoke.
With the Chinese Premier in their custody, Park and Jeong exited the Hall of Supreme of Harmony and ran outside onto the three-tiered marble terrace that overlooked a gigantic empty plaza. However, like with the Hall, numerous large decorations containing smoke machines had been positioned all around the plaza. All the smoke each one produced eventually coalesced into a giant cloud that hovered over the plaza, causing visibility over the entire area to be limited.
"Where the hell is Kae?!" Park asked. "She should've been ahead of us!"
"Don't know! I just hope she didn't encounter any complications!" Jeong answered.
"Well she better hurry! This smokescreen isn't going to hold up for long!"
Then out of nowhere Kae, with the treaty on hand, appeared out of the smoke and approached the two.
"HALT!" Park yelled out as he aimed his gun at Kae.
"Hold on guys it's me!" she replied while raising both her hands.
"Kae, where have you been?!" Park asked as he lowered his gun. "We were expecting you to be ahead of us."
"Sorry, but someone tried to stop me." Kae answered. "They managed to disarm me and briefly take my mask off.
She then started to cough profusely through her mask.
"Nevertheless I managed to obtain the treaty."
"Glad to hear that." Park replied. "Anyway, now that we are all assembled, we got to focus on getting out of here."
"Excuse me, but how do you guys plan to escape?" Du nervously asked. "As we speak guards are surrounding the entire perimeter and will close in once this smoke clears up. You're also surrounded by large walls that are practically impossible to scale."
Kae then looked at Park and nodded her head, signaling to move onto the next phase of their plan. Park nodded back, pulled out the flare gun he was carrying, aimed it straight up, and pulled the trigger. It was then a blinding ball of light instantly flew straight up into the sky.
Suddenly the sound of propellers could be heard in distance. As each second went by, the sound got louder and louder to the point that one could feel the vibrations. This prompted Kae, Park, Jeong, and Du to look upward and see the large airship that was circling airspace above the Forbidden City rapidly start to descend towards the empty plaza. As the airship got closer and closer to the ground, the running propellers started to clear the area of smoke.
"C'mon! We only have one shot at this!" Kae yelled as she led Park, Jeong, and Du down the marble stone stairway that led to the plaza below.
As the four of them ran down towards the plaza, the airship's rapid descent started to decrease in hope of making a stable landing. A loud screeching sound echoed throughout the plaza as the airship's metal gondola collided with the stone tiles. Sparks could be seen briefly as the metal gondola dragged itself across the tiles before the airship rose up slightly once more in an attempt to level itself.
Once the airship and the gondola below it were low enough and parallel to the ground, the gondola door swung open and a small rope ladder unfurled. Roh suddenly leaned out of the gondola entranceway while holding a handgun in his hand. He then waved it in the air in an attempt to signal Kae and the others.
"There's our ride guys!" Kae yelled as she pointed towards the gondola in the distance.
She, along with the others following her, continued to run across the plaza and towards the rope ladder hanging from the gondola hovering several feet above the ground.
Once they all reached the rope ladder, Jeong forced Du to climb up first by pushing him towards the rope ladder while continuing to aim his gun at his back. As a result, Du complied and nervously started to climb up the rope ladder. He was soon followed by Jeong and Park.
Just as Kae was starting to climb up the rope ladder, she and the others could see several Chinese guards running towards their position.
"Park, drop me your gun!" she yelled as she held out her hand.
Park, who was already in the gondola and slightly leaning out of its entranceway, dropped his gun. Catching it in her hand, Kae aimed the gun at the guards charging at them and pulled the trigger.
"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!" blasted through the air as the guards coming towards them were shot and fell over. This was followed by more guards coming towards them from a different direction. Kae repeated the process again and shot most of them down too.
It was then in the distance she could see more guards coming at them from multiple directions.
"Park, there's too many of them coming at us. Tell them to take off!" Kae yelled as he was still clinging to the rope ladder.
"Are you serious!" a shocked Park yelled back. "Do you realize you're still not onboard yet?!"
"JUST DO IT!" she yelled back.
Trusting her decision, Park then alerted Seo, who was piloting the airship, to take off. Within a few seconds the airship started to rise up and propel itself forward. Kae immediately held onto the rungs of the rope ladder as tightly as possible as she saw the ground below her slowly move away from her.
Some of the guards she hovered above aimed their guns at her and fired several shots. Kae could hear several bullets whiz past her and either make a tiny puncture in the airship's fabric or ricochet off the metal gondola. She then retaliated by shooting at the guards below.
Eventually the airship was high enough that the guards below weren't able to accurately shoot at the gondola. Kae, who was still hanging in the air, then used all her strength to continue climbing up the rope ladder. When she reached the top, Park leaned down and helped her into the gondola. Once she was in, he closed the gondola door.
"Thanks." she said as she laid on the floor and tried to catch her breath.
"No problem." Park replied. "Just don't pull off such a crazy stunt in the future."
"I'll try. But I can't make any guarantees."
She then stood up and analyzed the situation.
"So everyone has been accounted for?"
"Correct. Premier is still in custody and safely aboard vessel." Jeong said as he sat next to Du on the floor.
"Glad to hear. So far it seems everything is going according to plan." Kae said.
"Pardon me, but where exactly are we heading now?" Du asked.
"We're heading to our aircraft carrier that is stationed just outside Chinese waters Your Excellency." Zero, who was standing next to Seo who was operating the controls and navigation equipment located at the front of the gondola, answered. "Once we arrive there we'll head down south towards Shanghai where we can have you expose the secret provisions Japan put in the treaty with the Warlords' permission."
"Hold on you're Zero?" Du asked. "How did you evade all the security measures and manage to take control of the PA system? In fact how were you speaking when you were in here the whole time? Also how did you..."
Jeong, getting really annoyed by Du's questions, quickly raised his gun and aimed it at the side of his head.
"Just sit down and be quiet before you make me want to pull this trigger." he said.
The Chinese Premier instantly stopped talking and continued to sit silently on the floor.
Zero then resumed looking out the window as the airship turned and headed southeast towards the sea. As the airship cruised through the air, he could see the buildings, streets, and people of Peking pass below him.
Author's Notes: So one major purpose of this chapter is provide a first-hand look in the inner workings (most notably the corruption) within the Republic of China. Another purpose was to give some more scenes to Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura in order to flesh them out more.
We also meet several new characters such as the Warlords, the Chinese Premier, the new Japanese Prime Minister, and the British/French/American representatives. Meanwhile we have Zero and the Black Army launch a raid on the Forbidden City and successfully flee the with the Chinese Premier in their custody. For those who haven't noticed but this chapter in particular is full of parallels with people and events from the original anime. Am curious to see how many people can point out.
Anyway I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.