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The Sino-Japanese Realism Summit
Topic Started: Dec 23 2008, 05:13 PM (371 Views)
Nag Ehgoeg
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Kinjō Heika carefully signed his name at the bottom of the two letters.

Yoshiko Mutsuhito
The Meiji Emperor
Kinjō Heika


Pleased with his penmanship, he placed the letters in sealed envelopes and handed them to the waiting attendant.

One letter was to Ezo. The other to Al Qalaa.

These nations, together with Nag Ehgoeg represented the real power in East Asia. Many things were to be discussed. The future prosperity of the three nations, rule of the Sino people and the role that they would play in the world at large.

There was nothing to do now, but to wait for the delegates to arrive in Tokyo.
Edited by Nag Ehgoeg, Dec 23 2008, 05:14 PM.
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A.Q.
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The cruiser QNS Islamabad was the first to arrive in Tokyo harbor, a long dark silhouette spewing smog from three stubby smokestacks. The ship carried, along with the ambassador, a company of armed marines, in preperations for the worst. These men, however, were left on the ship, and Ambassador Iqbal, now on his second trip to Japan, was escorted alone to the meeting.

His task was to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Guangdong colony, and perhaps to gain an ally or two in Asia in the process. The colony, had become unfortunately isolated from mainland Al Qalaa in the past few years, cut off by thousands of miles of ocean and straights controlled by unfriendly nations. Iqbal's mission, therefore took on further urgency, for if war with Byzantium broke out, Chinese Qalaaistan would be on its own.
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Menhad
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OOC: Now If I'm correct Sino refers to China, now I know The U.E.S.S isn't really close like Japan, but still I would imagine The U.E.S.S would have a say in China.

Unless this is Nag Ehgoeg ignoring The U.E.S.S on purpose...
In that case I'll shut up
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Tristan da Cunha
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Relations between Nag Ehgoeg and Ezo were courteous, but cool. The Bakufu and the Northern Alliance had fought on opposite sides during the Boshin War 30 years ago, but the war ended mostly amiably, with both factions agreeing to go their separate ways peacefully. The northerners exiled themselves to Ezochi island, and set up the Ezo state beyond the reach of the Nagian shogunate.

The Japanese nation seemed to enter an age of schism, not easily resolved. Nag Ehgoeg's quick embrace of Western culture and values, and Ezo's insistance on traditionalism, meant the two countries simply could not be reconciled.

But the years and the history march on relentlessly, and Ezo had to attend to these historical events and pressing matters of state. Therefore a boat carrying a contingent of Ezo samurai, led by the esteemed elder statesman of the Northland, Prince Kita-Shirakawa, arrived in Tokyo, answering the summons of the Meiji Emperor.

The Ezoans all wore their everyday dress, every day an occasion of solemnity and formality - the traditional samurai robes, wooden sandals, and a pair of swords. In addition to his swords the Prince Kita-Shirakawa also carried a pair of Thulean-made cavalry revolvers, as shooting was his hobby.

The Prince was last in this city 30 years ago, at the end of the war when he left for exile. But returning to Tokyo was not exactly a sentimental occasion, as he found too many foreigners in the imperial city. In the streets he glared disapprovingly at a large, hairy foreign man, who had pink skin, profuse orange-red hair and rectangular beard, and green eyes. The man looked like the brightly-painted wooden carvings of sentinel-demons that guarded the Buddhist temples.
Edited by Tristan da Cunha, Dec 24 2008, 06:21 AM.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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Menhad
Dec 23 2008, 11:32 PM
OOC: Now If I'm correct Sino refers to China, now I know The U.E.S.S isn't really close like Japan, but still I would imagine The U.E.S.S would have a say in China.

Unless this is Nag Ehgoeg ignoring The U.E.S.S on purpose...
In that case I'll shut up
OOC: Eh... Sino does refer to China. I did not mean to deliberately ignore you. But you were at the World Conference and established relations with Nag Ehgoeg. Al Qalaa left before setting up relations and PMed me about holding a diplomatic conference due to the proximity of our nations. Ezo wasn't at the conference either so I thought TC might like to have a say in relations with our close neighbour. You have an embassy in Nag Ehgoeg. So... you're not invited. If you have a problem with anything decided at this conference, lodge a complaint through your ambassador.

It's not that I'm snubbing you. I just don't see why you'd need to be here. Unless you want to aggressively expand to the south.

****

While the residents of Tokyo had become as blase to the presence of Gaijin as the residents of Nagasaki, the presence of Ezo samurai was something of a curiosity for most citizens. Those above middle age bowed courteously to the Northerners, and hurried out of their path. Younger citizens stood and gaped. The city's gaijin hardly noticed anything amiss.

The delegates from Ezo and Al Qalaa were greeted by the Emperor's guards and shown to the Imperial Palace. It had been rebuilt since the days when the Shogunate held absolute power: rebuilt in a manor that was unlikely to be pleasing to the Ezo delegation. While built traditionally, Japanese furnishings and Western furnishings had been thrown together - chairs and tables were placed upon the tatami flooring.

Elaborately dressed Geisha escorted the ambassadors to the reception room where the Emperor was awaiting them and showed them to their seats.

The Emperor spoke:

"Honoured guests, welcome to my home. I am greatly pleased that you both responded to my invitation to discuss the future of our nations.

"A conference was recently held in Nagasaki. All nations of the world were invited to come and learn of each other. To strengthen old bonds and forge new ones. Unfortunately, that conference was cut short, and while many ambassadors choose to stay and tie up loose ends there was much unfinished business.

"Most importantly, the future prosperity of Japan and our... neighbour China was not assured. While the Socialists of the North were keen to establish relations with Nag Ehgoeg, the death of the Thulean King got in the way of forging peace and prosperity with Al Qalaa to the South.

"And, of course, it would be a great disrespect to the Old Ways of our Ancestors to not let the Prince of Ezo speak his piece on the future of East Asia. Even if Ezo has no ambition to rule the Chinese mainland or establish relations with Al Qalaa, we live in a global age. The balance of power in Asia will effect your people. It is right that Nag Ehgoeg and Ezo should forge a future for Japan together - though we are apart. I would not want you to feel isolated by my actions.

"So now we come to business. Ambassador Iqbal?"

The Emperor gestured at the Qalaa'i ambassador to speak for his people.
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A.Q.
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Nag Ehgoeg
Dec 24 2008, 10:15 AM
chairs and tables were placed upon the tatami flooring.
OOC: Moose, our former resident of Japan-land, says that the only furniture allowed on tatami are very low tables with wide legs, so as not to squish the mats, and never ever chairs. She also feels her honor stained by your insult to her culture and threatens seppuku. She also may or may not be correct.
IC:

"Gentlemen, I come as a representative of the governor of Guangdong province. He wishes me to secure diplomatic and economic partnerships here in Japan, to ensure the continued prosperity of Chinese Qalaaistan. As you may be aware, we grow politically strained with the Empire of Rum, and if war were to break out, there would be little hope of mainland support through the Straits of Malacca. So, we seek other friends."

"I am prepared to offer the economic and industrial might of the Eternal City of Al Qalaa, as well as backing for any Japanese excursions in China, in exchange for backing of our own in southern China. The Emperor could count on the mighty Qalaa'i fleets, and assistance in building factories and railroads across Nag Ehgoeg and Ezo lands. The Japanese people could exert their might across East Asia alongside Al Qalaa, as allies in Asian hegemony."

Iqbal waited for his translator to catch up, and prepared for a response.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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Al Qalaa
Dec 24 2008, 11:29 AM
Nag Ehgoeg
Dec 24 2008, 10:15 AM
chairs and tables were placed upon the tatami flooring.
OOC: Moose, our former resident of Japan-land, says that the only furniture allowed on tatami are very low tables with wide legs, so as not to squish the mats, and never ever chairs. She also feels her honor stained by your insult to her culture and threatens seppuku. She also may or may not be correct.
IC:

"Gentlemen, I come as a representative of the governor of Guangdong province. He wishes me to secure diplomatic and economic partnerships here in Japan, to ensure the continued prosperity of Chinese Qalaaistan. As you may be aware, we grow politically strained with the Empire of Rum, and if war were to break out, there would be little hope of mainland support through the Straits of Malacca. So, we seek other friends."

"I am prepared to offer the economic and industrial might of the Eternal City of Al Qalaa, as well as backing for any Japanese excursions in China, in exchange for backing of our own in southern China. The Emperor could count on the mighty Qalaa'i fleets, and assistance in building factories and railroads across Nag Ehgoeg and Ezo lands. The Japanese people could exert their might across East Asia alongside Al Qalaa, as allies in Asian hegemony."

Iqbal waited for his translator to catch up, and prepared for a response.
OOC: The chairs don't have legs. And it's not a Washitsu. And I gotta go.
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Tristan da Cunha
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Prince Kitashirakawa spoke next. He prostrated himself before the Meiji Emperor, laying almost completely flat with his nose touching the ground.

"Sovereign" he addressed the emperor, "with your permission I would like to discuss the Qalaai's proposal with you in private."
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Nag Ehgoeg
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As the Prince made his request, a waiting diplomat entered to sit with the Qalaa'i - the Emperor rose.

"Of course, we shall step into private chambers."

****

OOC: Uh... wanna post it here or PM me?
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Tristan da Cunha
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OOC: I'll post it here for the record.
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A.Q.
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"Go on, then, gentlemen, take your time in discussing my proposal. I do hope you each make the wisest decision you can."

Ambassador Iqbal checked his pocket watch, then returned it and sat back into his chair.



8 hours later

Ambassador Iqbal was now curled up on the floor, snoring quietly. He was indeed a patient man to have not stomped out 4 hours ago.




Captain Qing checked his pocket watch.

"Alright gentlemen, 8 hours is a suspicious time for the ambassador to go without checking in. Lieutenant Zhang, take a squad of marines and disembark, inquire as to the whereabouts of Ambassador Iqbal, politely, and find him. Bring your weapons. I don't want any of you caught in the middle of a foreign city unarmed."

Zhang and ten marines stepped down the gangplank to the dock, where the Nagian customs officer of the watch was stationed. The marines' rifles glinted in the sunset...

"Sir," Zhang called to the officer, "Would you mind allowing us to enter the city? You know, just to check up on the Ambassador? He's been gone for an awfully long time."
Edited by A.Q., Jan 6 2009, 04:11 PM.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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The customs officer, one Fujimuro Heisuke, blinked politely and raised a hand to signal "wait".

Not a native speaker of Persian or Arabic, Heisuke was one of the minority of customs officers that didn't speak English either - he was only three weeks into his linguistics course. The hasty message he relayed to his superiors went something like this:

"Gaijin with guns have advanced on my position. They say they want to 'raise' our 'aweful' ambassadors for 'a long time'. Please advise?"

****

Meanwhile...

The Emperor thought he understood the reason for the Prince taking him aside. This certainly seemed like a frivolous matter for a summons. But Japan and China held an age old rivalry. That neither the Chinese had attended the Realism Summit suggested that their rivalry with Japan was not something likely to change in the future. Of course, Ezo did not send representation either, but this was not unexpected with their adherence to the traditional ways.

But the fact was that China was a threat - not just to Nag Ehgoeg but to Japan. And if the Qalaa'i wished to secure peace, and possibly form an alliance with Nag Ehgoeg then it would be a great boon to the Ezo.

Nag Ehgoeg had plans for China. The Communists seemed to be on good terms with Nag Ehgoeg. But Nag Ehgoeg needed the support - or at least ambivalence - of the Qalaa'i and the Ezo if a brighter, safer, better future could be forged for the Japanese people.

The Emperor's patience was great with the Ezo. It had to be. Japan had gone through great reform, reform that had left Japan fractured with those who had always thought of themselves as "loyal subjects" left questioning whether they should support the Emperor (and his 'enlightened' modernisation and reforms), the Council (insisted upon by the foreigners bringing about these reforms), the Shogun (who had held power before the Restoration but despite being overthrown still held an office in government) or the Traditionalist Ezo. It was only through patience and a wary understanding that Nag Ehgoeg and Ezo continued their courteous peace.

The Emperor's patience with Ezo was great, but his patience was not quite as saintly as the Qalaa'i Ambassador's.

"You seem to be having difficulty expressing yourself noble prince.

"I seek to establish 'lines of defence' to protect both of our nations from attack. In order to effectively defend ourselves, we must have military power beyond our current boarders. I have not forgotten your way of life, nor would I bind the Ezo to any agreement Nag Ehgoeg makes. But I feel you should be kept informed.

"These gaijin wish peace. And they are willing to allow us to defend ourselves, if we will allow them to defend themselves. Do they have any right to the lands they occupy? I would say that they do not. Is it good for Japan that they occupy these lands? Well that depends on you.

"I intend to accept their offer. They seem to be a reasonable people. But acknowledging their right to exist is sure to provoke the Chinese. And if I am to establish lines of defence to ensure the security of our peoples then that could very well bring war.

"And war effects your people. Which is why you are here. I do not ask you to make agreements with these people - or any other - if you do not wish to. I wish to keep you informed. I wish to hear your objections if you feel my actions endanger Japan rather than make it safer.

"Do you have any objection to Nag Ehgoeg accepting the Qalaa'i proposal?"

****

A squad of Nagian regulars had now gathered at the dock. Of course none of them were fluent in foreign languages - a brief but heated exchange between Heisuke and the squad's sergeant had confirmed that.

"Puh-leah-eeze huw-ait." Heisuke tries addressing the foreign marines before running off to find a translator.

The two squads of soldiers look uncomfortably at each other - the Nagian's distinctly more uncomfortable than the superior looking foreigners.

The squad sergeant shrugs. He lights up a cigarette then offers the pack and a light to Zhang.
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Tristan da Cunha
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"I apologize for my loss of words, Sovereign," said the Prince who prostrated on the floor, forehead touching the ground. He continued after sitting back up.

"I do not trust the Qalaais, who are unpredictable, and possess the spear of Western technology with which they so easily subjugated in China, and which may just as swiftly be pointed toward our sacred islands.

"With the Chinese, we know where they stand, and we comprehend their way of thinking. China is a lethargic creature, which neither threatens us, nor poses much of a challenge to us.

"Let us reach out our hand to the Qalaais, but only with an eagle's alertness in our eyes. I submit to your proposal, but I beseech you to request that the Qalaais agree to stop any further of their expansion in East Asia."
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A.Q.
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Nag
 
The squad sergeant shrugs. He lights up a cigarette then offers the pack and a light to Zhang.

Zhang shrugs in reply, and takes the smoke. Then he rummages through his coat pocket and pulls out an Al-Qand chocolate bar, presenting it to the sergeant in reply.

OOC:
Nag, we should have a trade session here on the docks :lol:
Edited by A.Q., Jan 10 2009, 07:20 PM.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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The sergeant takes the offered bar with a nod and sniffs it. Realising it to be chocolate, he grins widely, bows and offers thanks in Japanese.

****

The Prince and Emperor re-enter the room with Ambassador Iqbal. The Emperor clears his throat and the ambassador professionally - almost gracefully - rouses and presents his full attention.

"We would be pleased to take your offered hand of friendship. But we have some reservations. We will, of course, support your right to control the lands you already possess but we are wary that your government may try to expand to the east and north. Should you try to expand in these directions you could very well start a war of epic proportions, and that is not in anyone's interest. If you can give us your assurance that your government will heed this warning and stop further expansion in to East Asia, then our friendship can be formalised."
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A.Q.
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"Of course, Kinjō Heika. You have my word as a Muslim that Chinese Al Qalaa will expand no further East or North. While you and the Prince were discussing, I took the liberty of writing up a treaty of open trade between our states, all three. Perhaps you two would care to sign it?"

Iqbal looked around at the Emperor and the Prince, offering a pen and the document.
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Tristan da Cunha
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The Prince signed the trade treaty. He noted, "In Ezo Westerners are allowed to trade in the port city of Hakodate only. Buddhists and Indians are allowed to trade in the cities of Hakodate and also Matsumae. Roman Catholics are not allowed to set foot on the land at all."
Edited by Tristan da Cunha, Jan 10 2009, 08:17 PM.
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Nag Ehgoeg
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The Emperor signed his name.

"Now I believe you should get back to your ship. Not that you are not welcome in Nag Ehgoeg, but that you have been away from your people for some time. They might be worried."
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A.Q.
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Ambassador Iqbal agreed, and accepted the escort back to the harbor.

He was shocked to find the Qalaa'i and Nagian soldiers having a riotous good time, trading chocolate and coffee for cigarettes and paper lamps. A Qalaa'i sailor had produced a gramophone, which was itself producing the crackling strains of a sitar.

"Who'll give me a kimono for this pocket watch? Excellent quality!"

"Captain Qing!" Iqbal shouted, dismayed and shocked.

"What?!?!"

The captain was caught in the middle of swapping a tribal African mask he had picked up in Zanzibar for a katana.

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