“Well, it’s going to take a while but your hearing should return on this side.” Your physician frowns deeply, looking into your injured ear with some sort of scope. “If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say a gun fired right next to your head, correct?”

You nod, grimacing. The train car rumbles beneath you, carrying your party eastward toward Germany. “Got into a bit of excitement in Antwerp.”

“Clearly.” The physician nods once, stepping back. “Take a shot of laudanum for the pain whenever you feel the need to, no more than three shots a day, though.”

“Of course,” you sigh. “Thank you, Doctor.”

He bows lightly, stepping toward the exit to your railcar. “I will be two cars forward, if you need me.” With that, he leaves you to yourself.

You were in no state to attend any official functions the day after your little diamond raid. After telling Keisuke precisely what had happened, you got an earful. He was appreciative of the cut of the loot you were given, however, and once Zorn explained that the local authorities wouldn’t pursue any investigation into the matter, the diplomat was at least mostly calmed down.

For your troubles, you were granted half of the total haul, which amounted to roughly eighty pounds of assorted cut and uncut stones. Currently they all sit in the rearmost car with the mission’s supply of gold and cash. Looking out at the passing countryside, you see the city of Cologne in the distance. It is not a place you are scheduled to stop, however; your first German stop is in Frankfurt. A knock at the door grabs your attention once more. “Come in,” you call.

Zorn enters your compartment, followed by Enzo Beretta. “Good morning, Herr General.” Zorn removes his hat, shaking the cold away as the door closes behind them. “How is your ear?”

“Still ringing,” you reply. Absent-mindedly, you run your fingers across the tincture given to you by the physician. “But not as painful.”

“A small price to pay for riches and glory,” Zorn chuckles. He gestures to the chairs across from you. “May we?”

You nod. “Of course.”

Seating themselves, Zorn once again speaks. “We will likely only be in Frankfurt for long enough to re-coal and re-water the train. After that, we will visit Berlin, yes?” You nod in response and Zorn continues. “Good, good. Spandau is only across the river from Berlin proper, would you care to visit the arsenal there?”

You rub your chin, Spandau is where your needle rifles originated from. Though the rifles have mostly been pulled from service now, that was due to their low inventory compared to American guns. By all accounts from your men, they were superb, if a bit finicky at times.

>”Is there a surplus of Needle Rifles there?”
>”I’ll have to discuss it with Keisuke.”
>”It’s not too far out of the way, sure.”
>”I believe my focus while in Berlin should be diplomatic, not military.”
>Write-in.

File: 1470497955044.jpg (75 KB, 720x720)

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And I messed up the episode number again. This should be BWQ 36. Oh well.

>>4705228
>”Is there a surplus of Needle Rifles there?”

>>4705224
>”It’s not too far out of the way, sure.”
>”Is there a surplus of Needle Rifles there?”

File: M1841 Needle Gun.jpg (69 KB, 1200x480)

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“Is there a surplus of needle rifles?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Indeed,” Zorn nods. “A large order was placed due to a war between the Prussia and Austria just this year.” He shrugs. “With hostilities over, many rifles and artillery pieces are considered surplus.”

You lean forward, intrigued. “How many rifles are we talking?”

“Approximately ten thousand. Enough to greatly expand the Shogunal Army’s modernized forces.” Zorn pauses to light his pipe, then continues. “As well as several dozen cannons and other pieces of military equipment.”

“Intriguing.” You nod.

“Additionally,” he continues with a slight pause. “Spandau has recently improved their mass-production techniques, allowing them to build the rifles at a greatly expanded rate. I believe that if we meet with the arsenal’s managers we could negotiate a procurement contract for newly-built rifles.”

“Wouldn’t that take a while?” Raising an eyebrow, you frown.

“We will be in Europe for at least another month or two,” Zorn retorts jovially. “Plenty of time for the arsenal to produce a contract batch for initial military use.” He shrugs. “If we signed a large-scale contract requiring multiple batches, we could have the majority of the rifles back in Japan before we even set foot in Edo.”

>”Very well. Arrange a meeting when we arrive.”
>”How much would such a contract end up costing?”
>”I’ll have to run such a large-scale plan by Keisuke first.”
>”How many rifles could they realistically send out by the time we return to Japan?”
>Write-in.

>>4705621
>”I’ll have to run such a large-scale plan by Keisuke first.”
>”How many rifles could they realistically send out by the time we return to Japan?”

>>4705621
>”I’ll have to run such a large-scale plan by Keisuke first.”
>”How much would such a contract end up costing?”

>>4705621
>”I’ll have to run such a large-scale plan by Keisuke first.”
> Write-In
Run it past Enzo too. He might have ideas for licensed domestic production, or a better design of his own.

>>4705621
This >>4705818

>>4705818
Thirding

File: Enzo Beretta, 1866.jpg (38 KB, 564x715)

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“You’re rather quiet, Enzo.” You turn to the young inventor. “Your thoughts?”

Mr. Beretta leans forward, rubbing his hands together in contemplation before speaking. “Generally, the Dreyse Needle Rifles are superb weapons. Certainly better than rifle-muskets in nearly every way.” He frowns slightly. “They can be a bit fragile, however, and the brass sleeves I designed to waterproof the cartridges is an imperfect solution.”

Zorn nods. “In a torrential downpour, or if the soldier were to fall into a body of water such as a river or ocean… The rifles’ ammunition would be rendered useless.”

“But,” Beretta adds. “The same is true with the rifle-muskets currently fielded by the majority of the Shogun’s forces. If we could replace the majority of our Springfields and Enfields with the repeating Needle Rifles, our volume of fire would be incredible.”

You lean back, crossing your arms. “That’s true. We’ve seen what a high volume of fire can do in practice when we routed the Choshu reinforcements outside of Hagi.”

“Indeed.” Enzo mimes holding a rifle. “And I have been prototyping a metal cartridge for the rifles that I think might alleviate some of our problems with firing reliability. It’s still in the rough stages…” He pulls a sketch from his pocket, showing you. “The entire casing would be made from copper, with a sealed primer resting in a channel where the embedded one would be in a soft cartridge.”

“So that’s why you came here together,” you grin. “Are you planning on showing this to the people at Spandau?”

Enzo shrugs. “Not likely. I haven’t patented the design yet. And I’m honestly not sure how well it would work in practice.”

Zorn shrugs. “It’s still worth pursuing, and we will need as many modern rifles as we can get our hands on, regardless.”

You nod once. “That is true, but I’ll need to run it by Keisuke before we make any final decisions on visiting the arsenal.”

“Very well.” Zorn nods. He puffs on his pipe some more, leaning back in his chair.

>”Do you have any other ideas on how to improve the Needle Rifle’s design, Enzo?”
>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”
>”The German government won’t mind us buying a bunch of their front-line military rifles right out of an arsenal?”
>Timeskip to the train arriving.
>Write-in.

>>4708629
>>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”
>>”The German government won’t mind us buying a bunch of their front-line military rifles right out of an arsenal?”

>>4708629
>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”

>>4708629
>”Do you have any other ideas on how to improve the Needle Rifle’s design, Enzo?”
>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”

>>4708629
>”Do you have any other ideas on how to improve the Needle Rifle’s design, Enzo?”
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”
>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”

I personally have my doubts about production in Japan given the relative lack of industry to support it. It might be more possible than I presume, but I think it's more realistic to consider production of simpler parts in Japan and purchase the complex / advanced parts from Germany.

>>4708629
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”

>>4708629
>”Instead of a contract to buy rifles from Spandau directly, what about building them in Japan under license?”
>”What can you tell me about the other surplus items at Spandau?”
>”The German government won’t mind us buying a bunch of their front-line military rifles right out of an arsenal?”

“What about building the rifles ourselves under license in japan?” You raise an eyebrow.

Enzo shakes his head. “With our current military industry, impossible. The closest things to proper gun factories are the large gunsmithing workshops in Sagami, but they are suited to making percussion guns with imported rifled barrels. They lack the machinery for precision parts.”

“I see,” you reply. Turning to Zorn, you continue your inquiry. “And what other items of surplus do they have at Spandau?”

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Uniforms, gear, boots…” The German shrugs. “As well as light and heavy cannons, carts, and other military implements.”

“Uniforms and boots could be useful,” you say. “Will the German Government have any problems with us taking large numbers of front-line rifles right out of their arsenal?”

Shaking his head, Zorn replies. “Not once a good agreement is reached. Particularly, the Confederacy is beginning to have overseas ambitions concerning China.” He puffs on his pipe some more. “Having a stable and powerful ally nearby could prove useful. They would be willing to help set up the Shogun’s military if it meant local support in any colonial endeavors.”

“Wouldn’t that raise tensions with the British?” You frown.

Shrugging, he sighs. “Well, Shogunal-British relations are already soured, and the Kaiser has no love for the British, so a partnership could prove helpful in that regard as well. Mutual defense against the Lion’s imperial ambitions.”

>”I don’t want to drag Japan into a European power struggle…” (express concern)
>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)
>”Most European governments don’t exactly take the Japanese nation very seriously. What makes you think the Kaiser will?” (doubt)
>Write-in.

>>4715522
>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)

GLORY TO THE KAISER

>>4715522
>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)
>”Most European governments don’t exactly take the Japanese nation very seriously. What makes you think the Kaiser will?” (doubt)

I actually agree with him mind you, a joint German-Japanese expeditionary force into China (and Korea / Eastern Russia) could be very productive for both parties while helping to ensure that the British don't openly intervene in the Civil War. I just don't see why the Kaiser would see us as a particularly amazing ally.

Also in regards to artillery, we only need light guns. Our enemies have few fortifications we need to bust and being able to maul them in field battles seems far more important.

>>4715522
>”I don’t want to drag Japan into a European power struggle…” (express concern)

Also I've used the term Kaiser here even though the German Empire doesn't technically exist yet. Oversight on my part. I'm referring to the eventual Kaiser, King William I of Prussia.

You'll have to impress both him AND Bismarck if you want to gain a friend of Germany.

>>4715566
Checked, and fuck ya BOTH are alive atm? Holy fuck, We stand a chance.

>>4715522
>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)

The Kaiser probably sees helping the Shogunate as an investment for their ambitions in Asia, and even more so that they can finally one up the British in colonizing. I’m pretty sure Germany was much more supportive of fully partitioning China like Europe did Africa instead of just having port cities and spheres of influence, so them helping us now means we can help them later to get more land in China. Especially since Germany was dealt a pretty poor hand colonizing Africa because they formed so late.

>>4715568
Bismarck's got awhile in power to go.

>>4715600
Yep, also means that we could work with them to attack Russia or other colonial powers in the far east at some point.

>”Most European governments don’t exactly take the Japanese nation very seriously. What makes you think the Kaiser will?” (doubt)

>>4715522
>>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)

>>4715649
>>4715600
>>4715546
Why are you guys so keen on waging a war of aggression?

>>4716351
Because it's the way of the era, because it's potentially profitable for us and for Japan and because it's entirely realistic to expect to do so at some point. Even assuming Japan decided to ignore the chance to become the first Eastern "Western" Empire in the sense of a modern state performing imperialism and colonialism, the simple fact is there is a cultural desire for a number of surrounding territories.

Sakhalin and the Kurils are contested with Russia, to the point the Japanese Government have professed clamancy to the region. Korea is a culturally important place to conquer as well given the historical significance of failing to conquer it.

This is before consideration of the material benefits of these regions: coal; iron; cropland; living space; basing for fleets and more. The simple truth is the Home Islands lack many things needed by a industrial economy in good quality or quantity requiring either imports or conquest to secure access to. The former is expensive stifling growth.

>>4716351
Fits the era and ontop of that, If a European power is willing too back up. We need all we can fucking get.

>>4711568
>”Most European governments don’t exactly take the Japanese nation very seriously. What makes you think the Kaiser will?” (doubt)
Also Bismarck was wary of colonial entanglements outside Europe -- he was wiser than Wilhelm II. Also, if the Shogun is courting France, allying with Prussia would be working at cross purposes.

>>4717940
Oh yeah, he'll probably want a very conditional alliance at best but honestly even if all we get is German attaches to aid our training and reduced cost on military imports, that could swing the war in our favour.

Longer term, Bismarck would probably see the value of allying with the Japanese as essentially having a knife at the throat of the UK / France's far-eastern holdings, once we start developing a competent navy.

Another possibility is that Bismarck tries to gain economic control over Japan by getting a "Unequal Treaty" signed that gives favourable access to our economy. In fact, I imagine he would do that no matter what solely to give the German economy yet more growth since it's not like we could compete with German imports (at least for industrially complex or advanced items).

>>4718011
The reality is Germany could make a colony out of Japan. Do you think Bismarck of all people wouldn't try to?

>>4718014
Germany could do and will do many things but as of this moment in time, attempting to conquer Japan is so laughably beyond them the actual concept broaches insanity.

The fact that they'd be fighting a war over a distance of at least three to four oceans (Prussia borders the Baltic / North Seas, ships need to sail from here down the coast of Europe (North Atlantic), down the coast of Africa (South Atlantic), round the cape, across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific Ocean) alone should make the idea of sending even a punitive force damn near impossible. Even if we presume that they are doing it after the completion of the Suez, some years away in 1869, they're still traversing a vast distance.

This is before consideration of Bismarck's political policy being against colonialism seeing it as a quagmire that Germany shouldn't get sucked into.

>>4718031
Who said they would be fighting a war? A few clever treaties, and Japan will be no better than a colony.

>>4718033
You understand for "clever treaties" to be signed, there has to be, you know, a threat?

>>4718034
Or an incentive. Look up Chinese debt trap.

>>4718038
That also requires us to go THAT heavily into there pocket.

>>4718033
The thing is Japan isn’t looking to be reliant on the west or Germany. In the end our main goal is to become like a western power and fully self sufficient (we need to colonize to do that), and to get to that point we need allies like Germany to give us the necessary push, and once we are standing on our own to feet we can start helping our allies out in the future.

>>4718687
No country is looking to be reliant on others, yet many end up being so.

>>4715522
>”Mutual defense is always good. If Britain is unwilling to acknowledge our interests we must be prepared to oppose them.” (agree)
>”Most European governments don’t exactly take the Japanese nation very seriously. What makes you think the Kaiser will?” (doubt)

“Mutual defense is always good,” you admit. “If the British are unwilling to entertain our national interests, we must be ready to oppose them.”

“Indeed,” Zorn nods. “And if negotiations with the French break down, Germany might be the only power with the necessary resources to aid us in that respect.”

“But what makes you think they will?” You raise an eyebrow. “Most European governments don’t exactly take Japan seriously.”

Rubbing his beard, Zorn thinks to himself before speaking. “Wilhelm and Bismarck are military men, lifelong soldiers. If they see your smartly-dressed and well-trained officers, they will be more appreciative than most.” He leans forward. “Plus, the eager recommendation of a German citizen who was there to witness the Japanese peoples’ wit and tenacity would help.”

“I suppose so.” Lighting a cigarillo, you nod slowly. “And what sort of men are they, Wilhelm and Bismarck?”

“Intense,” Zorn says. “Bismarck is a shrewd statesman and diplomat, and King Wilhelm is more polite and old-fashioned, though the King certainly has a head for statesmanship.” He leans forward. “They may be able to teach you some things, should you have ambitions to exert a more direct influence on the Shogun’s point of view, and Japan’s policies.”

You are taken aback. “Direct influence? You mean in actually running the country?”

Zorn shrugs. “The current Shogun seems a bit less-than-capable on his own… You might be able to put yourself in a very advantageous position…” He trails off, puffing on his pipe. His eyes never leave yours. “Should you be so inclined, of course.”

>”I have no intention of undercutting the authority of my superiors.”
>”Perhaps I could beneficially advise the shogun on matters of both civil and military importance…”
>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”
>Write-in.

>>4726919
>”Perhaps I could beneficially advise the shogun on matters of both civil and military importance…”
>I do have first hand advantage of what happens if it falls apart.

>>4726919
>>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”

>>4726919
>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”

>>4726919
>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”

>>4726919
>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”

>>4726919
>”I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of a country’s political workings.”

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You shrug. “I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was even partly in charge of national policy.”

Zorn grins. “As I said, that is what someone like Bismarck could teach you.” He leans back. “But of course, if you feel it unbecoming of a general to meddle in politics, I completely understand.”

“But you think I should,” you retort. “Why?”

Zorn is the one to shrug now, puffing on his pipe before he speaks. “The Japanese nation has great potential, but its current leadership lacks vision.” He rubs his chin. “The Shogun is only taking efforts to modernize in the face of a potential rebellion. Every other effort, the acquisition of engineers and modern industrial talent…” He trails off. “You have been the main force in taking such action. You’ve already shown initiative in modernizing Japan across the board, General.”

Frowning, you think on it. Perhaps he has a point? You’ve not heard anything from the other missions, but your priorities have been far from solely military since you landed in Europe. You’ve already worked on setting up a shipyard and steam engine factory back home. Just those two projects will significantly advance the nation.

“Those have been non-political, though.” You cross your arms. “Sure, the civil modernizations lie outside of my immediate role as a general, but they’re hardly ambitious.”

“Sir,” Zorn begins. “Every action you’ve taken, civil or military, has had a political undercurrent.” Pausing to puff on his pipe some more, he speaks carefully. “Whether you realize it or not, you are radically changing the social and political landscape of Japan.”

“Still,” you stand firm. “I’m only a general.”

“You’re more than that.” Zorn chuckles. “If you allow your efforts to be controlled by the Shogun and his cadre, they will be abandoned for the traditional ways as soon as the rebels are defeated.” He shrugs. “But an assertive voice in the Shogun’s ear might change that.”

>”Perhaps you’re right.” (agree with his perspective)
>”I am a soldier. Nothing more.” (shoot the idea down, full-stop)
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)
>”What sort of designs do you have on Japan?” (accuse)
>Write-in.

>>4735202
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)

>”Perhaps you’re right.” (agree with his perspective)

>>4735202
>”Perhaps you’re right.” (agree with his perspective)

We're marrying into the nation, by blood and by oath we're tied to this ship. Might as well ensure it's going to be a modern and well-built one.


Speaking of which, we should look into paying personally for the expansion of the telegraph network: maybe even setting up under-sea cables between the different islands or some similar such feat? Alternatively, industrial scale production of mercury fulminate shouldn't be entirely beyond Japan's means and it'd secure one of the critical resources for our infantry (percussion caps). Or we just go general industrial efforts: coal; steel; iron; copper; tin; even lumber mills would be a decent investment.

>>4735442
issue being is we're shit on resources.

>>4735453
We've coal, zinc, tin, low-grade iron ore, copper (major industry in Japan until fairly recently), lead, limestone and sulfur. We do however lack nickel, nitrates, rock salt, potash, phosphates, and crude petroleum.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan/Resources-and-power
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_in_Japan#Metal_sources


Reasonably speaking, if we want to rely on Japanese resources, our best bets for industrial investment are probably concrete, powder production, copper, tin or bronzeworks. Steel is possibly but given the low quality of ore, would require more investment and effort to become functional (although, I imagine Shogunal subsidy might be possible).

Alternatively, we could do something like a western-style distillery for sake, since that'd just require rice as a input and could almost certainly outproduce and outprice traditional manufacture. Another possibility being a canning / fishing industry, given we've got tin and a fuck tonne of fishing waters to use for cans and shit to put in them.

>>4735482
OR and hear me out, We annex China.

>>4735544
Korea is more realistic, they've good quality iron and coal while being far easier to secure with current resources. Plus the easiest solution to the civil war problem is distracting everyone with a war and drawing parallels with past respected leaders and shit.


More seriously, this all comes later.

>>4735202
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)

>>4735202
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)
One thing to help the nation, another to control it.

>>4735202
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)

>>4735552
won't matter with these voters

>>4735202
>”An assertive voice? Something tells me you’re implying far more than that.” (question the scope of Zorn’s proposal)
>"We of course help guide the country but I don't think I have the legitimacy to rule it."

File: Tokugawa Rising Sun.png (266 KB, 3000x2000)

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“An assertive voice.” You frown, mulling over the implication. “Something tells me you mean more than that.”

Zorn leans back again, crossing his arms. “Perhaps…” Shrugging, he contemplates his next words. “The Japanese nation lacks direction, it lacks a national ambition. The Shogun looks solely within the realm in terms of large-scale policy.”

“And?” You raise an eyebrow. “Once hostilities are over, he can get back to overseeing affairs on a more international scale.”

“Please,” Zorn chuckles. “If experience has shown us anything, it is that the Japanese, particularly their leaders, favor tradition.” He re-lights his pipe, which has gone out over the course of your conversation. “They have looked inward for the last three centuries, and it has led the country to the brink of tearing itself apart. You really think they won’t go right back to the status queue?”

“It’s not my business if they do.” You retort with a simple answer, taking a long draw of your cigarillo and French-inhaling it. “As I said, I’m a general, not a politician.”

“Generals are politicians. It’s in the nature of the job.” Zorn harrumphs as he prepares to puff some more on his pipe. “And, what do you think your future will be if the nation dooms itself by not looking outward? Suppose Japan resigns itself to the ravages of foreign opportunism, what will become of you? Of your men?” With that, he takes a moment to enjoy his pipe, waiting for your answer.

You pause, your words not seeming to come. Indeed, what would happen? You think over the question.

>Write-in.

>>4751362
Probably great rewards, renown and finaly some peace.

>>4751362
Foreign opportunists always act through the ruling elite, so as long as we're a general we'll be well.

What would happen to us would depend entirely on the foreing oportunists in question, in one case we may become potentially valuable to a more soft-handed colonial admin, who will want local elites to help control the populace, on the other hand, a more heavy-handed nation may see us as a liability, and simply fire us, or at worst try to kill us and our men. so i honestly understand hwere zorn is coming from, and although i dont intend to full blown govern Japan from the shadows, i am willing to greatly influence its development and politics to make sure i and my men have the best future possible.

>>4751362
Also, isn't Zorn sounding suspiciously like a foreign opportunist right now?

>>4752167
yes, he is, but dont say that to his face, he is still a friend and an extremely valuable contact, and calling him an opportunist would be couterproductive, and he could genuenly be providing his opinion and wishes us to do more be cause he sees us as capable.

>>4751362
>We would be acting in such a manner if that is the case, However you are not wrong in the sense that without looking for what it takes to make the nation self sufficient it will not grow to a point of where it can stand on its own.

Okay so I'm having trouble understanding the exact meaning of some of these write-ins, but I think I can manage a response that takes a little bit from all of them. Session will continue later tonight.

>>4755026
I wish for our yellow fevor to lead us to Yellow KINGDOM.

Just dropping in to give two interesting Wikipedia links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobi_mine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitehead_torpedo

The first is a practical-use tethered sea-mine and the second the first torpedo in the modern sense. I doubt we could secure or produce the second for Japan but the former might be a realistic proposition to help secure coastal batteries and ports or to blockade others.

“If that did happen,” you begin. “I could see it going one of two ways…” You lean forward, puffing on your cigarillo. “Either I would be forced to leave the country, or I would become an asset to the foreign opportunists. If it were the second, I could possibly expect a life of great renown, rewards, and maybe a little semblance of peace.” You sit back, letting your words sink in. They sound cold, opportunistic, and callous. Is that really who you’re becoming? “Japan needs to modernize and represent itself internationally, but I doubt it would be my place to make those decisions. Though, those sorts of opportunists tend to act through the ruling upper class, as a general I should be mostly fine.”

“And is that what you would really want? To be, in the best case scenario, the lackey to a colonial governor from Europe? To be somebody’s yes-man?” Zorn raises an eyebrow.

You grimace. “It’d be less than ideal, but if Japan were to be taken into a colonial power’s sphere of influence, it would be preferable to giving up all agency and being sidelined, or worse.”

Zorn chuckles darkly, waving Enzo back to the other railcar. He leaves in uncomfortable silence, and Zorn puffs once on his pipe, taking a mouthful of heavy smoke and letting it into the lukewarm air of the car’s interior. “General, we both know that isn’t what you want. I can tell you want great things for your soldiers, and for Japan.” He shrugs. “Though, you never did mention what you thought would become of your soldiers.”

It’s because the idea makes you uncomfortable, you don’t want to think of their fates in the event of a foreign takeover, be it political or military in nature. “They would go their own ways, I imagine.”

“You’re not that naïve, General Stockton.” Zorn’s expression grows serious. “They are patriots, they will fight tooth-and-nail for their country. In the face of a major colonial power, with all its arms and treasure, they would lose.” His gaze never leaves you. “And likely die, too.” Leaning forward, he takes another drag of his pipe. “Is that what you want?”

“Of course not,” you retort aggressively.

“Then you should do the soldierly thing, and take the initiative.” He doesn’t skip a beat as he replies.

>”This conversation is over.”
>”Why do you care so much, Herr Zorn?”
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”
>”Perhaps you’re right.”

>>4755531
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”

It would be a rather unsatisfying conclusion to put in all this work into modernizing Japan and draging the Shogun to victory just to have a Japan that’s weaker than it was historically. For us to either leave or become nothing more than a man is recorded in history for selling out Japan just so he could get rich would not be the best. I mean we’ve spent so much time trying to boost the Japanese economy, industry, and military do we really NOT want to try and play politics. Even if it doesn’t work out it would probably be fun.

>>4755531
>”Why do you care so much, Herr Zorn?”

>>4755531
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”

Realistically, if Japan was to be conquered / sphere'd: best outcome is Prince-state treatment ala India; which is still a terrible state of existence.

>”Perhaps you’re right.”
and then
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”
i agree, that we need to take action and participate in the politicsof japan even if we have no interest in becoming some shadow ruler commanding japan through a puppet, but we are still in the midset of a somewhat rural new york ex- soldier of low rank, and we need to learn the intricacies of politics from guys like Zorn and others so we actually not only survive but also thrive and our work to strengthen japan doesnt go to waste, cause like it or not, our fate is tied to japans success or failure.

>>4755531
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”
>”Perhaps you’re right.”

>>4755531
>”And how would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”
Yeah, fuck that, we are not selling off the country of our wife and future children.

Sitting back, you put a hand up and sigh. “How would I, an American Yankee from New York, take the initiative?”

Zorn shrugs. “You Americans are quite adept at taking initiative, it’s in your blood.” He pauses for a moment. “But, that is why I recommended you speak with Chancellor Bismarck about the matter. He could give you many useful bits of advice.”

“True enough,” you reply. Taking a final drag of your cigarillo, you glance out the window at the passing landscape.

“Anyhow,” Zorn adds. “We should be arriving soon. “I believe I should return to my car.” He stands up. “Is there anything else you’d like to ask me before I go?”

>”Good day, Herr Zorn.” (let him leave)
>”Why are you so concerned about all of this?”
>”What else can you tell me about Bismarck?”
>Write-in.

>>4759989
>>”What else can you tell me about Bismarck?”

>>4759989
>”Why are you so concerned about all of this?”

>>4759989
>”Why are you so concerned about all of this?”

>>4759989
>”Why are you so concerned about all of this?”
Maybe he see a good way to make profit in a more independent Japan or he also got a case of yellow fever.

>>4759989
>”What else can you tell me about Bismarck?”

File: Nakajima.jpg (69 KB, 564x799)

69 KB JPG

“Why are you so concerned about all of this?” You raise an eyebrow.

Zorn, donning his cap, turns to you. There is almost a sad look in his eyes. It is perhaps the first time you’ve seen him take on this demeanor. “You know, I am nearly sixty years old. I have seen empires and regimes come and go. In such calamitous times, banners rise and fall, only men remain.” He trails off. “You’ve never asked me about my family, Herr Stockton.”

“Well, it never came up in conversation.” You shrug.

“I suppose not,” he replies. “Suffice to say, I see great potential in the Japanese people, and in you, young man.” Chuckling, he takes one last puff of his pipe before tipping his hat at you. “I suppose I have just taken a shine to you, perhaps we are two men cut from the same cloth, so to speak.” Shrugging, he turns to leave. “Good day, General.”

“To you as well.” You nod as the German leaves. Sitting in the relative quiet of your railcar, you snuff out the butt of your cigarillo as the clatter of the wheels on the tracks permeates your good ear.

There is a rustling behind you, near the sleeping quarters, followed by the click of a door being opened and shut. “Good morning,” Nakajima greets you as she approaches.

“Good morning, Nakajima. Did you sleep well?” You turn to face her. She is dressed in her uniform, though the more casual version worn in field settings as opposed to the formal one used for greeting dignitaries.

“As well as I can, what with all the noise of the train.” She shrugs. “We will be arriving soon, yes?” She glances out at the passing scenery.

“Only to re-coal the train,” you reply. “Berlin is still a good distance to the east.”

“I see,” she says. “Shall I get some breakfast?”

“That would be lovely,” you say with a small smile.

And that's all for this thread, thanks for playing! Our next session will be late Friday night, in a new thread since this one is nearing archive. I'll stick around until then to answer any questions and chat.

>>4762096
Thanks for running!

>>4762096
A good run.
I don’t want to be known as ‘The man who Sold Japan’, no matter how well it rhymes

>>4762486
We didn't sell japan out, Japan needs progress.

Don't be the samurai and die for a fake ideal.