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Chapter 176
Chapter 176
Chapter 176
January 11th, 2021, 03:30, the White House, Washington D.C, U.S.A
On an unofficial visit to the White House, Prime Minister Abe met with President Donald Trump. They spent the day discussing the security of both nations and military cooperation.
In recent years, Corea had used its rapid economic growth to shake up the East-Asian countries. When it won the war against China, America’s influence over East-Asia had been weakened. President Trump’s “America First” policy might have been the cause, but that was only a surface-level analysis. In truth, America had avoided getting involved in the war, and instead, allowed Japan to take the lead in the power struggle against Russia and China. Behind the scenes, America had sold military weapons to Japan and profited from the sales.
President Trump’s “America First” policy placed America’s economic profit as its number one priority, even above its own reputation. This was the result of America’s confidence that it would be able to influence and direct East-Asian policies at any moment.
However, the one thing the American government had underestimated was Corea’s military power. Corea’s victory in the war against China had shocked many nations across the world, including America. Analyses of Corea being able to take the title of ‘the world power’ from America began pouring in. Throughout all of this, Prime Minister Abe was making convincing statements to President Trump.
“Japan is always supportive of America’s policies, Mr. President.”
Prime Minister Abe’s brown-nosing reflected Japan’s hidden tendency of showing strength to the weak while bowing down to the strong.
“Ha ha ha, is that so? Japan truly is our best ally, Prime Minister Abe!”
“That’s right. Whenever you need Japan’s strength, we will always do our best.”
“Just hearing those words makes me feel at ease.”
Japan’s suggestion to pressurize Corea instead of America was a very sweet deal for America as they did not have to get their hands dirty. The unofficial summit between these two nations continued for two days. Throughout the discussion, the U.S-Japan military treaty was amended considerably, and military cooperation between the U.S and Japan was strengthened further.
Before Prime Minister Abe returned to Japan, he attempted to hold a secret meeting with the true organization that moved America, the USSC (United States Supreme Security Council).
* * *
January 12th, 2021, 09:00, building in the suburb of Washington D.C, U.S.A
Secretary Yagumachi Genzo, who had previously met with the USSC, walked into the old building located in a Washington D.C suburb.
“I am Victoria, that’s my code name. It’s a first for a leader of a nation to come and speak with us directly.”
The woman named Victoria initiated the conversation, surrounded by 13 black-masked and clothed men.
“It is a great honor to meet all of you.”
Prime Minister Abe stood up from his seat and bowed deeply. The pride he held as the leader of his nation was nowhere to be found.
“Prime Minister, please take a seat.”
“Thank you.”
“What was the reason for requesting a meeting with us?”
Chairman Victoria of the USSC went straight to the point. Prime Minister Abe, who had been humbling himself this entire time, carefully began to speak.
“I’ve just had a two-day, unofficial summit with President Trump. Today, I appear before you all to receive the support for Japan from the USSC.”
Chessman, the vice-chairman of the USSC, asked a question.
“What kind of aid are you requesting?”
“The approval of the export of banned American military weapons into Japan.”
“I am Mars. Are you referring to all weapons, Prime Minister?”
Mars, the one in charge of weapons sales, asked the Prime Minister.
“Yes, that is right.”
“Didn’t the U.S allow Japan to purchase F-22 jets and B-1B bombers?”
“As you all know, Corea is becoming a military and economic power that is beyond our imagination. If we don’t take action, then they might reach a point where they would influence everything within East-Asia. This is why Japan is requesting the purchase of the latest American weapons.”
“That is also a concern of the USSC.”
Victoria replied.
“That concern is becoming a reality, Madam Victoria.”
“What kind of weapons do you want?”
“We hope to purchase the U.S Navy’s 7th fleet’s Zumwalt class destroyers, and the George Washington aircraft carrier. Also, if possible, we would like to purchase all your fighter jets.”
“Ha ha ha! Prime Minister Abe! That’s just too bold and absurd.”
“We are willing to pay any price.”
“Prime Minister Abe, this is not a matter of money. Are you requesting to purchase an entire nation’s operating force? There is also the matter of confidentiality of our military technology.”
The biggest reason why the U.S congress had banned the sale of American weapons was because of the concern about the leaking of American military technology. The danger of having technology in the enemy’s hands would far exceed the profits made by exporting the weapons. If the technology were leaked, then the threats it would cause to America’s security would boomerang back to threaten the entire nation.
“That cannot be allowed.”
Victoria spoke adamantly, but suddenly, an older man’s voice broke through. It was from code-name: Columbus.
“As Chairman Victoria has said, we cannot allow this.”
Yagumachi Genzo, who was quietly listening this entire time, whispered in Prime Minister Abe’s ear. The secretary’s words made Prime Minister Abe’s eyebrows furrow in thought.
“Then, I would like to make another offer. What about renting weapons to Japan, rather than selling them?”
“What do you mean by renting?”
“If you are concerned about the technology being leaked, then loan us the equipment. Japan will return the weapons when we’re done, and we will pay for any damages.”
“Even if that is the case, can’t Japan extract the weapon technology if it desired?”
“You can send men to Japan to keep the weapons under surveillance at all times. Japan will even pay for the salaries of these men.”
Prime Minister Abe’s suggestion was a convincing one. Victoria began to show interest as she enquired further.
“Very well. What would be the price for lending these weapons?”
“We are willing to pay 50% of the weapons’ sales price for renting them for a year.”
It was an exceptional offer. The masked members of the USSC began to buzz among themselves.
“Prime Minister Abe, send us a manifest of the required weapons, and we will contact you before the third of the month, after we discuss this internally.”
“Ah! Thank you. I hope to hear good news, Chairman Victoria.”
* * *
January 12th, 2021, 03:30, a 7-star hotel in Washington D.C, U.S.A
Prime Minister Abe’s short meeting with the USSC was over, and he was left smiling contentedly since he believed that the negotiations went smoothly.
“Secretary Yagumachi!”
“Yes, Prime Minister.”
“You are truly the best negotiator. I can’t believe you were able to come up with a solution like that on the spot.”
“No, sir. I just hope we won’t be at a loss for making that offer.”
“No! No! That absolutely will not the case. It was the best-case scenario, and I’m just glad I took you along with me. Ha ha ha.”
“I am grateful you think that way, sir.”
“Contact the Minister of National Defense immediately. Tell him to make a list of the military weapons that we need, including the U.S Navy’s 7th fleet.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
January 12th, 2021, 10:00, President’s office, Blue House, Jongro-ku, Seoul
“There are a lot more corporations that are involved in war crimes than I expected.”
The President was reading through a document made up of hundreds of pages. His mouth was gaping open from the shock.
Along with the 299 known corporations, the NIS had found an additional 152 corporations that were involved in war crimes. This made a total of 421 corporations. The 500-page document detailed the corporations’ current business plans, the location of their buildings and factories, as well as their largest shareholders since the Japanese imperial era.
“We never expected there to be this many, sir. Even when we were organizing the data.”
“Great work, and thank you for gathering all this information on such short notice, Secretary Na.”
“No, it was nothing. Mr. President.”
“When will the list of cultural artifacts be finished?”
The President was referring to the cultural artifacts that were stolen by the Japanese during the Japanese imperial era.
“It seems it will take some time, sir. We are currently cooperating with the department of cultural artifacts and several private organizations, but tracing the artifacts under private ownership is tricky. However, we will do our best to recover even the smallest spoon.”
“My my... I suppose my impatience is causing you much trouble, Secretary Na. I apologize. Ha ha ha.”
“No, Mr. President! The agents who are tasked with this mission are doing their best. We will report back to you as soon as we have organized the data.”
“Yes, I know I am breathing down on your neck, but I truly do think this is of the utmost importance. Please hold on for a little bit longer.”
“Yes, of course, sir.”
Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong spoke.
“Mr. President! The Northern state collected intel about the stolen artifacts via its Intelligence Agency for some years during my father’s time. If you reference those, it would be a great help to your current project.”
*The intelligence agency was a part of North Korea’s People’s Military, and it was in charge of spying on South Korea and other foreign nations. In February of 2009, the Labor Party’s tactics department (in charge of guiding and transporting spies), the 35th Department (in charge of collecting foreign intel), and the People’s Liberation Army’s Sentry Department had been unified to become the Sentry Department. The Sentry Department consisted of foreign intelligence, tactical intelligence, and reconnaissance departments, and operated 500 to 600 men battalions for the 5 Corps at the front lines. After reunification, the agents from this organization were stationed at the NIS.
“Is that right, Vice President Kim?”
Secretary Na Bong-il perked up and asked.
“Yes. My father had ordered the Sentry Department to seek out the artifacts stolen by Japan and attempted to retrieve them by infiltrating Japan. We never got the opportunity to execute the plan, however.”
“Ah! So that was the case? Regardless, that is a crucial piece of information, Madam Vice President!”
“I will contact the people involved at that time and have them hand over the documents.”
“I would be grateful if you did, mam.”
“No need to thank me. We are one nation after all, are we not? We are to work together as one.”
“Thanks to Vice President Kim, I suppose your work will become easier. Ha ha ha.”
The President seemed to be in a good mood and began to laugh heartily.
“Well, I am glad I could be of assistance. I will have it taken care of as soon as the meeting is over.”