This took longer than I hoped but finally Princess Pina has crossed the Gate.
The Janus Campaign Chapter 15:
Through the Looking Glass, Part 1
As her Princess stood in shocked awe at the gleaming towers of Tokyo, Panache tried to put herself in the eyes of her brother on the day, now four months past that the Imperial Army marched confidently through the gate into a world, unlike anything any of them could have possibly imagined. This city was huge, with towers of glass and iron rather than the comparatively more modest stone, brick, and marble buildings of Sadera. Towers everywhere obscuring what lay beyond, the army's commanders would have no frame of reference to help them understand this place and to her horror, as she began to pay closer attention to the people living in these towers and moving past on the street beyond the iron fence and the gatehouse, she began to picture how the people here must have reacted to the sudden appearance of an army bent on looting and conquest appearing from out of nowhere.
The Demi-Human Auxiliaries had probably run wild in these streets and many Legionaries scarcely better.
Tiberius would have been sickened by it. He had their mother's heart and kindness and then the army would have been confronted by the defenders of this land, facing angry warriors whose homes had been violated and who had wielded unbelievable destructive power. She shivered, even as the Elven girl Tuka shivered but unlike Tuka, this was not from the cold in the air.
At the gatehouse, they were met by a man who introduced himself as Komakado. Taylor explaining to those who didn't understand Japanese that this was the head of the security detail assigned to escort them while in Tokyo. Taylor sighed as he heard Kuribayashi's stunned disbelief to the revelation that Lieutenant Itami had somehow qualified Special Forces.
Not that Taylor understood it either. There was always the chance that Itami's file had been doctored for some reason or that political shenanigans were involved or just perhaps Itami really was that good? Nah! Taylor dismissed the notion. Itami was trained but if anyone would ask Taylor for one word to describe Itami, what word would that be? He considered: The single word that came to mind was affable but beyond that, Taylor began to believe he was starting to put the pieces together. The man that could pass rigorous training without wanting to live that life. A man whose hobby was more important than his career. It occurred to Taylor that every choice Itami had made was an escape. He could pass those training programs because he had to. In the service, he escaped the outside world and still supported his hobby, which was an escape. His specialty in Ranger Training: Evasion and escape. The one thing Itami could be counted to give his full attention to was getting away from things.
And that was the key. Erwin Rommel had once said there were four kinds of officers: The Stupid and Lazy ones were generally harmless, Rommel opined that these men could safely be left alone. The Smart and Industrious officers were good staff officers. The remaining two were the Dumb and Industrious sorts whose determination inevitably led to more work and complications for everyone. These men were to be rooted out at all costs. Finally were the officers which Rommel described as the Smart and Lazy ones: These men would find ways to achieve their goals with the least amount of effort possible. These men were the best leaders Rommel thought. Apparently, someone had believed this true of Itami. But was it enough? If Itami had been running toward a goal, it might have been but if Itami were running away from something? Well, one either kept running or what one was running from eventually caught up.
Something to think about alright Taylor. And where are you going? Are you running at all? Or just standing still? Taylor sighed. He was a Naval Officer, not a psychiatrist and he had a job to do. There's a Star Trek reference in there, he told himself.
Security arrangements now in place, they boarded a bus with Itami instructing the driver to head for a popular high-end fashion store. It was deemed inappropriate for Tuka to give testimony before the Diet wearing blue jeans. On arrival, with the assistance of the store staff, Tuka was outfitted in a rather nice business suit, one that complimented her build quite well. Coming to NBC this fall: Elven Law. Taylor chuckled to himself. A guaranteed hit.
After this, a short break for food seemed to be in order. To Taylor's surprise, Itami opted for Gyudon. It wasn't that Taylor had any dislike for Beef Bowls, Though I would practically KILL for some authentic Brooklyn style pizza…
"Itami? Why this place? We're escorting the Imperial Princess and well, not to put too fine a point on it but if this were Los Angeles and I had us pull into a Taco Bell, that might not fly too well."
"We only have vouchers for 500 yen per meal. Budget's tight."
Taylor rolled his eyes. "Seriously? Itami, we're officers. This is the part where we pull out our wallets, bite the bullet for a more upscale meal and file the paperwork to get reimbursed."
Itami grimaced. "You know you can't use your allowance here." He replied in reference to the coin purse Taylor still carried.
"Itami… the service pays me a good forty-five hundred dollars a month basic pay. I live on base, I have virtually no bills and no social life. Saving money is not my biggest problem."
"You don't have an ex-wife either," Itami muttered.
"Ehh?"A number of heads turned with varying degrees of shock and disbelief.
"Who would marry him?" Kuribayashi exclaimed incredulously.
Itami gave her a cross look. "You make it sound strange that I could possibly be married." He looked at Taylor. "It is a long story."
"No doubt. " Taylor agreed. "But the main point is that between your ex and your hobby, you are broke."
"Pretty much," Itami sighed.
Taylor smirked and held up his cell phone. "Well, I got a text while we were getting Tuka dressed to kill. Mother is expecting us for dinner."
"You keep referring to her as your mother. Is that even legal?" Itami asked. "I assume you're not referring to your birth mother."
"No. Mom doesn't do dinner parties. As for the legality? I have no idea what Imperial law is on the subject but I am not going to be the fool that challenges that woman's will. If you want to be the guy that questions 'whether she is allowed to do something she has already decided' is a 'thing', then by all means and its been nice knowing you."
"I'll pass on that."
"Very wise of you." Taylor agreed.
"Thank you." Itami paused as he fished out his own cell phone and pulled up a text. "You think I could bring a 'plus one' for dinner? Risa has been texting me. The usual," Itami shrugged. "She's out of food, money, the electricity is about to be cut off and she has a deadline with her publisher."
"Ah! The usual," Taylor agreed."You're going to have to explain this to me sometime. You know it's your butt if she turns out to be a security risk?"
"I know but please! Risa's only interest and care is her work. I doubt anyone will find anything subversive about a doujin writer… At least nothing criminally subversive," Itami added. "So?"
"I don't think mother will have a problem," Taylor told him. "She says that not even pitched battle is an excuse for poor manners and inhospitality. Of course, if someone is determined to be of ill manners, then I expect she'd be pretty ruthless about them."
"Duly noted."
After eating, the group reboarded the bus and headed for the Diet building. Much to Princess Pina's surprise, Itami informed her that while Itami, Rory, Lelei, and Tuka would give testimony before the Diet, Pina and her party would instead be taken to a different location for a meeting with Allied representatives.
Driving to the Foreign Ministry, the group paid no particular attention to the black Mercedes which left the ministry as they were pulling in. What did catch Taylor's attention was the familiar face of Chief Richardson waiting for them.
Taylor quickly introduced the Chief. "I got your text but I take it you're here for more than just to tell me 'Soup's on'."
"Yes sir, just follow me Lieutenant." the Chief led them into the Ministry building and out a side exit where a grey Chevy Suburban in US Navy markings was waiting. "Sorry for all the cloak and dagger sir," Richardson said once everyone was seated and belted in. "There's been a security leak. Somebody leaked info to a certain member of the Government opposition. We don't know how much got leaked so we're heading for Yokosuka. Vice Minister Shirayuri will be waiting for us there. I do have one piece of good news sir," The Chief noted as he put the vehicle in drive.
"Oh?" Taylor noted that the Chief was eager to tell this, so it probably involved an officer making a fool of himself. He was not to be disappointed in this assumption.
"Remember Lieutenant Fallon?"
"Yes Chief, I remember him quite well." He recalled quite well Fallon's describing the difference between a Lieutenant and a Lieutenant junior grade to him.
"You may be the last person who does, LT." Richardson allowed himself to smirk. "He picked trouble with the wrong lady!"
"Oh, really?"
"I may have had a small role."Richardson smiled. "Sir, with all respect, on the rare occasion, the wrong man gets put in the wrong place and well… Fleet politics isn't pretty sir," the Chief noted. "Anyway, it took one week for Lieutenant Fallon to be replaced. You'll like Lieutenant Colonel Mihara. She's good people. For a Marine, of course."
"Anything else I should know, Chief?"
"There was a thing or two but your mother will fill you in sir. She'd have my ugly head if I spoiled her surprise and with her, I'm not sure that's a figure of speech."
"I read you Chief," Taylor replied.
It was not long before they arrived at Yokosuka. Passing the guard station, Pina and her knights took notice that there were many people in uniforms like those worn by Taylor and Chief Richardson but virtually none wearing uniforms like Itami, Tomita, or Kuribayashi. Pina mulled on this. For some reason it was unsettling. The Empire would never have allowed another nation a base on its territory but they would use such a base in someone else's country.
That suggested something very disturbing: Pina had accepted that Itami's country was vastly more powerful than the Empire. She had assumed that this Pacific Alliance was an alliance of equals or that Taylor's country was a client state of Japan in much the same way her father had summoned the armies of the Empire's vassal states. But now it began to dawn on her that Taylor's country was the dominant partner, backing up an ally the Empire had been foolish enough to attack. The power of Japan was enough to give Pina nightmares. That another nation might be more powerful still, was terrifying.
"Here we are folks!" Chief Richardson announced. "Sadera West! No littering, no loitering, and please don't feed the pigeons." The vehicle came to a stop before an impassive woman who looked to be in her late thirties and wore the olive green uniform of a Marine Lieutenant Colonel. Though not even five feet tall, this woman still radiated command authority and presence. Taylor briefly thought she was like a more seasoned and mature version of Kuribayashi. On exiting the vehicle, Taylor saluted her and introduced Pina and her party and sergeants Tomita and Kuribayashi.
"Your Imperial Highness, I am Lieutenant Colonel Mihara, United States Marine Corps. "If you will kindly follow me, Lady Octavia, Vice Minister Shirayuri and Special Envoy Russell are waiting for us."
Entering the familiar main hall, Taylor took note that Lady Octavia was not seated in her customary place at the head of the long table. Across from Octavia were seated three individuals who were definitely not Saderans. Taylor assumed the woman seated across from Octavia was Vice Minister Shirayuri. Next to her was a tall man greying hair and wisened eyes that Taylor recognized immediately. Henry Russell was, to say the least, a bit old-fashioned in his approach to campaigning. Where Joseph Dirrell had been a master of the 30-second sound bite, the former Secretary of State was at his best in a debate. Those skills had brought him close to becoming President of the United States.
And now it appeared that the career statesman and diplomat was President Merwin's representative on the 'Janus Question' Taylor wished him well. The third individual, seated on Mr. Russell's left was introduced as Koji Sugawara of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
Octavia rose with pride. "Madame Vice Minister, Mister Ambassador, Mister Sugawara, I introduce to you, Her Imperial Highness, Princess Pina Co Lada."
Pina smiled and gave a slight nod to Lady Octavia. Privately, Pina had to admit just how much she envied the older woman's apparent calm. Not only surviving among people who had no reason to wish her well but apparently thriving.
Octavia took a moment to address a family issue. "My daughter, Lucilla and my sons Antonius and Marcus all wanted to be here when you arrived but there are serious matters to discuss first. I promised them you would be here for dinner but again, weighty matters set before us first." She turned to the Vice Minister, who addressed Pina with courtesy but also frankness.
"These will not be formal peace talks but we can hopefully establish a solid foundation for such talks. Mister Sugawara and I will represent Japan, Mister Russell is here at the behest of our American allies and of course, we appreciate both the efforts of Lady Octavia as hostess for these discussions and your own efforts, your Highness. Your willingness to come here gives us hope that a satisfactory resolution can be made to the current unpleasantries and possibly someday, a more rewarding and mutually beneficial future can be created".
Octavia then gestured for one of her household maids to withdraw seats for Her Highness, Lady Hamilton, Bozes, and Panache on Octavia's left.
"Lieutenant," Colonel Mihara told Taylor. "I'm certain you remember where the Rec. Lounge is. You and Sergeants Tomita and Kuribayashi can avail yourselves of the facilities while the discussions are in progress."
"Yes, ma'am." Taylor acknowledged the dismissal. Diplomacy, like all forms of war, was best left to the professionals.
It should have been little surprise that the large television in the rec room was tuned to coverage of the hearing before the Diet. Presently, the camera followed Tuka as she stepped down from testifying. All things considered, Taylor was glad that Aenaire had declined his invitation to come to Japan. This was growing into a circus.
"Attention on deck!" Chief Richardson barked, saving more than one man from letting slip an unfortunate comment in Taylor's presence as everyone bolted upright.
"As you were people." Taylor smiled. "Just remember those girls are like my little sisters,"
"Lieutenant? You know those girls?" Petty Officer Sanchez asked.
"Like I said, like my little sisters."
"Begging your pardon, sir." A Petty Officer 2nd remarked, gesturing to the screen where Rory Mercury was taking the stand. "But she doesn't act like anybody's little sister.'
"That's because she's the apostle of death. I watched her kill two score men with a halberd as if she was doing a ballet."
"What's a halberd, Lieutenant?" The petty officer asked.
'It's a long, heavy bladed weapon that dices, slices and makes tons of julienne fries out of idiots who don't get out of her way."
Meanwhile, in the meeting hall, Princess Pina was immensely grateful to have the sharp mind of Hamilton at her side. The form of the High Tongue used here was reasonably close to what they used at home but 'reasonably' close still left room for error and that, above all else, Pina was well aware she had to avoid. The Empire was not a nation that excelled in diplomacy in the way most nations understood it. For centuries, diplomacy consisted of what the Empire wanted and making it clear how far they would push to get it. This was different. They had finally run up against nations that could not be threatened and bullied by Imperial might. Japan and America were nations that could crush the Empire with ease if they chose to do so. That they had not yet done so offered Pina a small hope that she might save The Empire, although it was dawning on her that there were many living in its lands who would shed no tears if the Empire was destroyed.
If having Hamilton at her side was a blessing in this discussion, then the presence of Lady Octavia was truly a gift from the gods. The older woman was an anchor of calm and she had apparently garnered a good amount of trust and respect from the Japanese and Americans. Pina had many things she wanted to ask her later but for now, she merely envied Lady Octavia's skill at guiding the discussions. It was also apparent that someone had spent considerable time with Octavia discussing issues that might come up well ahead of time.
"Your Highness, Madame Vice Minister, before we move on to the issue of Prisoners and Detainees," Octavia made the slightest ironic smile at that. "I should address the concept of reparations. Namely that while it would be altogether appropriate for the Empire to make a considered redress to the victims of the Ginza incident, that not only has the Empire already suffered serious loss in life that will affect the Empire for the next generation on all levels of society,but that I will caution," she said addressing those on the other side of the table. "There are practical limits to just how much the Empire can do without dangerously destabilizing itself. This could lead to unnecessary grief later. I understand that the fall of what you call the 'Weimar Republic' was partially a result of such heavy a burden?"
Pina certainly had no idea what this 'Weimar Republic' was but the Japanese and American representatives clearly understood the reference, with Mister Russell leaning back with a nod and an appreciative smile.
"You seem to know a fair amount about our history."
"Thank you. It helps make understanding each other easier. Certainly, peace must be based on understanding each other?"
"Very true." Russell agreed.
"Of course ending a war should be seen beyond simply defeating an enemy if one can seize the opportunity to make an ally instead. Don't you agree, Your Highness?"
Pina took to this with enthusiasm."Yes! Absolutely." Pina was not certain of how she would convince her father or the Senate to see things in that light but this was a path that would assure the survival of her nation.
"And now on the topic of Prisoners and Internees." Vice Minister Shirayuri announced. "Currently, our governments are holding approximately seventeen-thousand military prisoners. Also, there are four thousand non-military internees in the care of the American Government." This total included prisoners taken during the battles at Alnus as well as the Ginza Invasion.
"That's twenty-one thousand Imperial citizens!" Hamilton exclaimed.
"Speaking of which," Octavia commented. "Your Highness can be assured that we have been treated quite well. Not only those of us considered non-military but I have been allowed to see my husband who was severely injured in the initial invasion. He is recovering and I have no reason to believe they have been anything less than diligent in his care."
Russell nodded. "We have very firm laws governing the treatment of prisoners."
"And how much to get them back?" Pina asked in a calm and businesslike tone. Prisoner ransom was certainly a concept the Empire knew well.
"We do not engage in the practice of prisoner ransom and we will be happy to release a small number as a sign of good faith. Also, we are obligated to release civilian internees at the earliest practicable time," Shirayuri replied. To which Lady Octavia shook her head.
"At present, I must suggest that it would not be wise for us to return to the Empire." She turned to Pina. "Our position here might tend to make us suspect to those who inevitably will not want peace. Our families and lands would be easy targets. "
Pina considered this. Though part of her wanted to insist that no one could be so insane as to wish to continue a war with nations so much more powerful than her own, she had to recognize that peace might be a harder sell to both her father and the Senate than she wanted to believe. Her father could not be seen as acting from a position of weakness and the Senate had a mix of those who either feared damage to their own power if branded a coward or might actually be unable to understand and accept that the Empire was in a completely untenable position.
"Very well. I would wish to have your steady counsel close at hand, my lady but I understand your position."
"Thank you, your Highness. I have some thoughts about the governance of my House in my absence but they are better suited until after we finish our official discussions for the day."
"As for military prisoners," Sugawara noted, "We have cataloged all known names here." He slid over two heavy bound volumes. "We would be prepared to release a few prisoners immediately as a show of good faith."
"And a reciprocal act on our part," Pina noted.
Sitting at the end of the Imperial delegation, Panache looked apprehensively at the two large volumes. Seventeen thousand names! That was more than one in ten of the soldiers that the Empire had marched through the gate. It is possible my brother's name could be written there. And if it isn't?
"We wish to look over the names first, of course," Pina noted,
"Certainly. Now as that concludes the formal list of topics, is there anything else we should discuss?" The Vice Minister asked.
"Actually," Lady Octavia smiled. 'I do have a matter of family concerns to be addressed…"
While the discussions continued, Itami pulled up to the gate about an hour late, his ex-wife sitting in the front passenger seat, clutching her laptop. Every few seconds she turned to glare at Itami.
"I said I was sorry Risa." Itami sighed as the woman continued to glare while clutching her laptop like a mother protecting her child.
"They forced the door to my apartment! Detained me! Took my laptop! All of my work is on that! I'm behind as it is!"
"I explained to them it was a misunderstanding." Itami defended himself.
"They knocked down my door and detained me for 'A suspicious volume of text and email traffic'?"
"Everyone is a bit jumpy. Especially Public Security. This is important!"
"So is my work! I'm not a security risk! They had no reason to handcuff me!"
"You bit one of the officers!" Itami objected.
"He was taking my laptop! Like I said! All my work is in there!"
"Look, you were cleared and they promised to fix the door."
"Small favors." The small young woman groused.
At this point, Itami noticed Taylor, Tomita, and Kuribayashi watching them expectantly.
"Um...everyone, this is Risa. She is my ex-wife."
"Welcome to Camp Augustus, Risa," Taylor greeted her. "So Itami, I see your day has been a rousing success!"
"Define 'success'," Itami groaned.
To Be Continued...