I own nothing from Hearts of Iron nor the Kaiserriech Mod.
Private Bedros Sahakian
Journal Entry 17
June 22, 1932, Wednesday
Our whole regiment was assembled and transported out of base. Our destination was the Shanghai Race Club. From what I learned the city's high society with their guests often make high stake bets there. It turns out on special occasions the Legation forces like us march on it in demonstration. Command sure loves to keep us busy and the word there is a couple of big shots had arrived.
Within our squad Michail wasn't thrilled about this. In fact he resented it not wanting to parade for those wealthy elites, especially those from the countries that his homeland fought against in the last war. But even our Hercules realized there was no way out without serious consequences. In the Corps the way it works you go where they tell ya and when. That was drilled into us constantly in basic.
Al was the opposite. That show off just wanted the chance to meet and hook up with some rich lady there. He's wasting his time in my opinion. Some of us teased Allen about that, comparing him to Cinderella. That got him wrestling with Hector who started it until Corporal Felton got them to stop quickly enough. Even he believed Al was dreaming a fantasy.
Well we made it to the club on time and there were a lot of people present. Chinese and foreigners alike. We were joined by the other forces of the Legation. First were the Shanghai Volunteer Corps made of units from various nationalities and ethnicities that I lost track of except for the Russian Company. Next was the British royalists, the Scots Guard to be exact.
They marched with bagpipes, tarns and kilts alongside their rifles. Their expressions were a silent determination, readying for the day to reclaim the Isle from the Union of Britain.
After them was the Bosniak Regiment No. 2 of Austro-Hungary. As I understand it they earned the title as the bravest regiment for the Habsburgs' army through their deeds on the Italian Front during the Weltkrieg. For headgear they wore the red fez with blue parade uniforms. Most of them are Muslims with a few Christians in the mix judging by what we heard about them. Their fighting spirit is similar to ours I confess.
Then Japan followed with a few army regiments all in khaki dye. They were the most stone cold bunch of fellows I had ever seen like nothing can phase them. We heard the stories of their ferocity in both the Boxer Rebellion, the Russo-Japanese war, the Great War and the Manchurian War. Gunny once told us that they consider themselves heirs of the samurai, distasting the very concept of surrender as the ultimate disgrace. It was emphasized with their officers carrying the katanas for people to see.
Of course after them came a similar number of regiments for the German Kaiser. I can still hear their goose stepping even now. Their uniforms were stone gray color complete with recognizable Stahlhelm helmets. The swagger they had collectively was that of a boxing world champion and certainly Prussian in spirit. They know they're a Great Power and are not ashamed to flaunt it for all nations to see.
Finally it was our turn. Armed with our Springfield rifles, we marched through that track in summer khaki and brown campaign hats. Remembering our training and feeling rather competitive we conducted ourselves in a precise and confident manner. It was for the pride of the Marine Corps. We have not fought in the Great War like most of the other powers but we're no pushovers either.
As we neared the main stand we could see all the dignitaries stood there at attention. Such as the Mupipcial Council representatives but added to their numbers were the guests of honor that have come to Shanghai recently, most causing a fuss.
First there was the Black Baron, Pytor Wrangel of Russia in full Cossack regina. Beside him was the Duke of York the second son to the exiled British King, wearing a royal navy uniform. After him our secretary of state, I believe his name is Stimson but can't remember his first name. Coming next was the German Crown Prince Wilhelm himself dressed in ceremonial getup made more ridiculous by that big hussar hat he had on.
Seriously how he is not drenched with sweat in this murderous heat?
After Willie's boy there was the Austrian's monarch's younger brother displayed in a military uniform of his empire. Then there was a Japanese admiral, very professional as expected of his status. Kinda surprised they didn't send a member of the Imperial Family like the others but then again Tokyo is not friendly with most of them.
We finished the march but boy we were sweating like pigs. The summer temperature has worsened here. Some of our guys nearly fainted like Al. He won't be able to try out his Cinderella scheme after all. Once we were done they allowed us to rest for a little bit but Major Suvillian took me aside for a private chat.
For a moment I thought he was going to make me one of his typewriting clerks but instead the major had something else. Tomorrow night the council is hosting a party at the Cathay hotel for those big shots that are visiting and he wanted me to be present for the occasion. Officially I'll be there to stand at attention like a living decoration. But my real assignment is to listen to the conversations amongst the Japanese delegation where I will be conveniently posted near to. Given my experience in their language Suvillian wants me to report any significant piece of information that they may speak on.
I won't lie, it is an interesting assignment and I'm in no position to refuse such orders. It does make me nervous but I'll do it anyway. Besides, the Cathay Hotel sounds like quite the palace, might as well check it out. I'm not screwing up this chance.