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The central railway station of Berlin looms into view before you, the skyline of the city casting an imposing figure against your train. You and the other dignitaries stand in the lead car, as you’re going to be received at the station by representatives of the German government. In the distance, you catch the silhouette of the Victory Column, with a golden lady posed atop it in rather glorious fashion.

“So this is the seat of the rapidly-growing German nation,” Keisuke speaks reservedly. Standing beside you, he snuffs out a cigar and dons his bowler cap. Your men have donned their best uniforms in anticipation of meeting the German statesmen, and the non-military dignitaries are dressed accordingly. You’ve taken the time to pin all of your medals to your jacket, making sure they’re polished and presentable. As both the Chancellor and King are military men, it only makes sense to keep up an appearance that will appeal to their sensibilities.

“Rather different from Belgium or Holland,” Sato is the next to speak. He’s correct, of course. The architecture of Berlin exudes a kind of subtle militarism, even in all its civilized domesticity.

The train comes to a stop, and you all disembark onto the platform. True to expectations, a cadre of officers and statesmen await you. An older gentleman in a black suit, with a thick mustache and heavy brows, is the first to step forward. “Gentlemen, I welcome you to the North German Confederation.” He turns to you and Keisuke. “I assume you are Otori Keisuke and Daniel Stockton, yes?”

“That is correct, sir,” you reply with a handshake. “And to whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

“Otto Von Bismarck,” he replies with a simple nod. “I like your pelisse, General. I haven’t seen one of that pattern in probably twenty years.”

“Thank you, Chancellor. Berlin is quite the city, even when seen from a passing train.” You step back, gesturing to your compatriots. “These are my most trusted officers, Majors Sato and Nakajima.” They both bow respectfully when introduced. “And these are the ministers and experts attached to our mission.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you.” Bismarck raises his voice to be heard by the whole crowd. “Shall we depart for the Palace?”

“That would be excellent, sir.” Keisuke takes the lead now. You all get into carriages and begin the ride to the Berlin Palace. You ride up front in the formation with Keisuke and Bismarck, as well as an aide to the Chancellor whose name you have yet to learn.

“I have read of your exploits in anticipation of your visit, Gentlemen.” Bismarck speaks to both of you, but his eyes turn to you specifically. “General Stockton, I know from dispatches that you are a skilled field commander, but I have been less successful in discovering information relating to your pre-Japan exploits.” His gaze is intense, as if he’s reading you. “Tell me about yourself.”

>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)
>”There isn’t much to tell that would surprise you. I was a soldier who worked my way up the ranks.” (vague)
>”I was a farmer who learned to fight.” (downplay your service record)
>Write-in.

>>4765965
>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

>>4765965
>”I was a farmer who learned to fight.” (downplay your service record)

>>4765965
>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)
This a man if he wants to know something you give him it.

>>4765965
>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

>>4765966
>”I was a farmer who learned to fight.” (downplay your service record)

>>4765966
>>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)
this seems the best option, although Bismark was not much of a soldier, he was a prussian and a general militarist, he will be interested in our story, we just need to not be a boastfull asshole and he will probably like us.

>>4765966
>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

>>4765966
>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

>>4765966
>>”I fought in the American Civil War as an enlisted man. When I came to Japan I was hired as an advisor.” (give the long story)

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“Well I was an enlisted man in the American Civil War,” you begin. “Started as a Private, but by the end of it I was a Sergeant. Technically a First Sergeant by the very end, but the promotion came too late to mean anything.”

“I see,” Bismarck nods slowly. “So you have seen your share of battle, I take it.”

You cross your arms. “Me and my men were present at three major operations. Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. I was captured after that engagement and didn’t see any more active service before the end of the War.”

“May I ask what side you fought for?” The German raises an eyebrow, not taking his eyes off you.

“The Union. I’m from New York originally.” You scratch your chin.

“Interesting. A working-class enlisted man becomes a general for a foreign nation. How did that come to pass?”

You lean back, feeling the carriage go over a bump in the road. “Well, I was in no condition to return to the Army after I got out of captivity, and they were downsizing anyway, so there wasn’t a lot of work available for a man like me back home. I got a letter from an old Army friend mentioning that Japan was looking for military advisors, and I took a chance on them recruiting me. It worked out quite well, I think.” You pause, glancing out the window and seeing what looks like a protest on a side street. A large group of men waves red banners and shouts something. “What’s that about?”

Bismarck grimaces, sneering as he sees the demonstration. “Communists. Typical reactionaries and anarchists. Deplorable, really.” He turns to you again. “So you went from Private to General. I imagine you’ve seen your fair share of human calamity.”

“I suppose you could say that.” Frowning, you adjust yourself in the seat.

“So tell me, General,” Bismarck questions. “What are your ambitions for Japan?”

>”To turn her into a modern nation with good allies overseas.” (outward focused)
>”My only ambition is that of the Shogun’s, sir.” (duty focused)
>”To unite the realm and put down reactionaries of our own.” (inward focused)
>Write-in.

>>4774431
>”My only ambition is that of the Shogun’s, sir. Currently inward and possible outward in the future.” (duty focused)

>>4774431
>>Write-in.
"To strengthen her sir. She will both need to quell internal dissent and find allies abroad."

>>4774488
Well said. +1
But if there must be a focus, inwards is my preference. Get the house in order before realizing greater ambitions

>>4774699
I dunno. There is a need to be seen as the legitimate ruling power of the Japanese Islands. Local superiority is nothing compared to the colonising capabilities of foreign powers if they send a punitive force to aid the rebels. I think if there should be a focus, it should be exterior. Show that we are the rightful claimant to power, modernise and dissuade colonial powers from intervening and the rest of the country should fall in line eventually without external support.

>>4774431
>”To unite the realm and put down reactionaries of our own.” (inward focused)

>>4774431
>”To turn her into a modern nation with good allies overseas.” (outward focused)

>>4774488
+1

>>4774488
+1
add the fact we need to industrialise to a degree and reasearch and develop our own technology

>>4774488
+1

>>4774488
supporting this

“To strengthen her, sir.” You nod curtly. “Japan, much like Germany, has some reactionary dissent to deal with. We will also need good allies to secure our position abroad.”

Bismarck says nothing at first, his eyes scanning you slowly. “So Japan is in a similar state to Germany, in that regard. Effectively a new state, grappling to find its place in the world.”

“In a manner of speaking,” you relent. “Japan will need to re-invent herself to keep up with the times, and to deter any foreign aggression.”

“Likely from the British.” The German statesman rubs his mustache. “Their ambitions on China likely will extend to Japan, in one form or another.”

“We have had the same thought.” Keisuke speaks now. “History shows us that the Lion will stop at nothing to acquire territory and resources.”

“An astute observation.” Bismarck replies simply. “Though my concerns are more with the French at our western border, I admit that the ambitions of Britain are a matter of great concern to our national interests as well.” He leans back. “The King has spoken about wanting to acquire territory overseas, particularly in Africa and China.”

“Then England will undoubtedly be a thorn in your side.” You lean forward. “The Shogunal government has had less-than-pleasant dealings with the British in recent years. They have even supported anti-Shogun reactionaries within our borders as recently as this year.”

“So that is why you’ve come to see us, then?” Bismarck raises one of his heavy eyebrows, but otherwise his expression remains stone-faced. “To seek mutual deterrence? A military alliance even?”

>”Precisely so, Chancellor.” (direct)
>”Perhaps not anything so dramatic, but instead making business and political contacts that can aid the nation in her modernization.” (deflect for now)
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)
>Write-in.

>>4780868
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

>>4780868
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

Of course thing like that are no business of a mear General, * whistle, whistle*.

>>4780868
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

>>4780868
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

>>4780868
>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

>>4780868
>>”Currently, we are merely making a courtesy visit to express our goodwill. Should friendly relations be established, I see no reason why some treaties couldn’t be proposed.” (subtle)

“Currently, we are here merely as a show of international goodwill.” You shrug. “Should friendly relations be established, I don’t see any reason why treaties couldn’t be proposed.”

Bismarck’s expression sours a bit. It is clear you’ve given him an answer he didn’t like. “General,” he begins. “I may be an experienced statesman, but I prefer direct talking. You’ll get nowhere with circular language and half-truths.”

Keisuke takes the lead now. “What he means, Chancellor, is that we would not be so bold as to request a military alliance upon our first meeting.”

“The implication of our conversation is very clear, though.” He crosses his arms, turning his gaze to you again. “It is believed by your cabinet that a working relationship with the German Confederation would be to the benefit of the Japanese Nation. You’ve made good points to support your argument, but then backed out short of suggesting exactly what you’ve spent the last minutes implying.” Leaning back, he frowns deeply. “I suppose I have come to expect greater directness from military men. Perhaps my impression of you was mistaken, General.”

You glance over at Keisuke, who shrugs, a worried expression playing across his features.

>”Very well, then I propose a tentative military alliance between Germany and the Shogunate.” (direct)
>”We would like to see more of Germany, her national interests, and her capabilities before entering into such a dramatic course of action. I do not want to tie Japan into a partnership that the Shogun might regret later.” (careful)
>”I prefer to do important negotiations in palaces and offices of statesmen, not aboard moving carriages.” (diffuse)
>Write-in.

>>4785040

>" Apologizes Chancellor, It will not happen again. Direct and upfront from here on out.
>”Very well, then I propose a tentative military and economic alliance between Germany and the Shogunate.” (direct)

>>4785040
>>"My sincere apologies then, Chancellor. I have, perhaps, been doing abit too much diplomatic work in the continent."
>>”Very well, then I propose a tentative military alliance between Germany and the Shogunate.” (direct)

>>4785040
>”We would like to see more of Germany, her national interests, and her capabilities before entering into such a dramatic course of action. I do not want to tie Japan into a partnership that the Shogun might regret later.” (careful)

>>4785040
>"We haven't been given the authority to outright propose a military alliance. Such an act earns not only friends, but also enemies, and as such is the prerogative of the shogun".

>>4785459
yea i think mr von mismark would understand that

>>4785050
>>4785057
I think he is testing us to see if we will fold under pressure, thus
>>4785459
Supporting this

“We haven’t been given permission to outright propose military alliances.” You lean back, choosing your words carefully. “Such an act not only earns friends, but can earn enemies just as easily.”

Bismarck’s expression softens into one of mild content, his brow lifting slightly as he speaks. “Good answer, Herr General. I think you have spent too much time amongst idle diplomats, maybe, but your heart is in the right place.”

“That being said,” Keisuke adds. “I do not believe the Shogun would be opposed to a military alliance, should one be proposed.” He rubs his chin. “We are always looking for assistance in improving our situation, internationally.”

“I believe the sentiment will be shared by King Wilhelm.” Bismarck rubs the corner of his mustache. “He too is looking for foreign allies that could prove to be of some benefit to the Confederation.”

“He’s currently in France, though.” You whisper to Keisuke in Japanese. “Couldn’t that complicate things?”

“It could,” he whispers back. “If anything gets proposed today, I shall have a telegram sent his way, post-haste.”

“Understood.” You nod. “And which nation would provide more benefit for us as an ally?”

Keisuke hesitates momentarily. “In the short-term? France. Long-term, I believe Germany is a very promising nation.”

You turn again to Bismarck. “I believe that, at the very least, we are highly interested to see what the German Confederation has to offer, both in terms of military and civil assistance.” You pause, glancing out the window at a passing view of the Berlin Palace. “We are attempting to modernize the realm entirely, and focusing on military efforts will only yield limited results.”

“Indeed.” Bismarck nods. “One must focus on the lives of the common people in addition to the needs of the State. The working class must be kept happy, lest they fall to the spectre of reactionary anarchism, and worse, Communism.”

“Agreed,” Keisuke nods. “One must not let mob rule decide the fate of the nation.”

Bismarck turns again to you. “We are almost at the Palace. Is there anything else you wish to discuss before we arrive?”

>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”
>”It seems Germany is having trouble with anarchists. What sort of ideas do you have for combating these sorts of people?”
>”I understand relations between Germany and France are tense, could you tell me how that might affect Franco-Japanese relations in the event of an alliance?”
>Write-in.

>>4789621
>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”

>>4789621
>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”

>>4789621
>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”

>>4789776
>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”
mo' guns= less problems
also fuck them commies

>>4789621

>”I was told the Spandau Arsenal has surplus equipment for sale, would we be able to arrange a visit?”