File: Hermann Zorn.jpg (54 KB, 604x402)

54 KB JPG

The sun has set by the time your party prepares for their tour of Berlin. The weather is cold and blustery, though no snow is falling now, you imagine that it will be soon. The members of your cadre have donned more civilian attire, overcoats and tophats, to avoid attracting any unwanted attention from the locals.

As the carriage moves into the city proper, Zorn points out some places of interest. “That is the national bank,” he remarks as a tall building looms past. “And over there is an international market.” He shrugs. “International is a bit of a stretch though, the most exotic wares come from the Ottoman Empire. It’s quite continental.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Do you suppose there would be a market for Japanese goods and curiosities here in Berlin?”

The Prussian nods slightly. “The Orient is a matter of great curiosity for many Europeans. I imagine that a port city like Hamburg would be a better spot to start an import business, though.”

“Noted,” you reply.

Zorn continues as you pass a well-lit building with high windows. “That is the local botany institute, they have a rather splendid greenhouse.” He stops himself, pointing to another building. “And the Humboldt University, there, is Germany’s greatest house of knowledge.” He smiles, crossing his arms. “I know several of the professors there, and I’m sure they would be intrigued to meet all of you.”

“A university?” Keisuke raises an eyebrow. “Would they, perhaps, be willing to take on students from Japan?”

The Prussian rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I don’t see why they wouldn’t. Certainly some of the scholars there would be happy to welcome students from overseas.”

“We’ve already sent some of our people overseas to learn,” Sato speaks now. “Expanding that program could help future generations to be more learned and well-traveled.”

Your carriage comes to a stop near the city center, and you all disembark into the cold night air. Rubbing your hands together, you think of the various points of interest in the city. “Where shall we go first?” Nakajima looks over at you, adjusting her bowler hat as she speaks.

>The international market could prove a fruitful place to wander through.
>You’ve never been to a botanical garden before, much less an indoor one.
>The National Bank could be a useful place to make contacts.
>You’re curious to see the Humboldt University.
>Wander for a while to get your bearings of the place.
>Write-in.

>>5251399
>You’re curious to see the Humboldt University.



>Says saturday
>gets it up sunday
We run on Shogun time and no other

>>5251399
>You’ve never been to a botanical garden before, much less an indoor one.

>>5251399
>You’re curious to see the Humboldt University.

>You’re curious to see the Humboldt University.

Gonna have to send students abroad eventually.

“The university, eh?” You raise an eyebrow. “And they wouldn’t mind us showing up at such a late hour?”

Zorn shakes his head. “Not at all, General. Follow me.”

The main building is a former palace, and despite its current role as a learning and research institution, it still has all the indicators of its previous use. You enter the reception hall, with Zorn talking briefly with the doorman before leading you up a flight of stairs. “Incredible,” you mutter as you admire the grand, yet still stoic, halls.

“Sending our nations’ sons to this university would be a matter of great national pride,” Keisuke muses. “Herr Zorn, what sorts of subjects do they instruct on here?”

The Prussian doesn’t miss a beat. “Nearly everything you can imagine. Natural science, law, medicine, philosophy.” He turns to the diplomat. “The greatest German thinkers call these halls home. We are actually going to pay one of them a visit now.”

He leads you all to a heavy oak door, knocking on it three times. A voice calls from inside in German, and Zorn opens the door. Beckoning you all into the room, you see a rather spacious office. As you enter, you note a large bookcase on one side, filled to the brim with leather-bound tomes. Further along is a section of the wall upon which many diplomas and certificates hang framed. In the center of the office is a sitting area with two sofas and some chairs, all angled toward a large wooden desk with a walnut burl top. Leaning on the desk is a tall man in a dark gray suit. He is older, perhaps sixty, with long hair that is balding at the top. He has a large mustache and goatee, and wears a set of ponce-nez glasses with a golden chain running from one side down to the lapel of his suit.

The man turns to you all, raising an eyebrow and contemplating his words before speaking. “Good evening, I presume that you are the delegation of gentlemen that Herr Zorn has mentioned to me?”

You nod curtly, extending a hand for the man to shake. “We are the delegation from Japan, here to visit Europe and learn more of the nations and peoples here. I am General Daniel Stockton.” You then gesture to your fellows as the man shakes your hand. “And these are my colleagues from the Japanese military and government.”

“Ah, not much distinction to be made there.” The man smiles playfully. It surprises you that this man would know well enough about Japan to know that it has a mostly military government. “Though, the same could be said for my own nation.” He removes his glasses, producing a small handkerchief and wiping the lenses. “Professor Johan Brenner, director of anthropology, at your service.” He raises an eyebrow again. “And if I may be so forward, why have I been given the pleasure of hosting such an unprecedented delegation today?”

>”Anthropology? I’ve not heard of that area of study.”
>”Our delegation is very interested in the possibility of sending Japanese students to study here. Do you know if such a program could be established?”
>”Your office is quite impressive, sir. You have clearly accomplished a lot.”
>”I was told that this is the preeminent center of knowledge in the German states, and was curious what sort of institution would hold such a title. Could you give me an overview?”
>Write-in.

>>5251433
My internet actually got knocked out Saturday night by a storm. It would seem that fate wanted me to run on the Shogun's time.

>>5252931
>”I was told that this is the preeminent center of knowledge in the German states, and was curious what sort of institution would hold such a title. Could you give me an overview?”

well this is a fair answer to his question.

>>5252932
greatru dishour. But atleast it was ran and thats all that matters.

>>5252931
>>”I was told that this is the preeminent center of knowledge in the German states, and was curious what sort of institution would hold such a title. Could you give me an overview?”

>>5252931
>Write-in.
Ask if he or one of his colleagues would be interested in field work in Japan.

>>5252931
>”Your office is quite impressive, sir. You have clearly accomplished a lot.”

>”Our delegation is very interested in the possibility of sending Japanese students to study here. Do you know if such a program could be established?”

>>5252931
>”Our delegation is very interested in the possibility of sending Japanese students to study here. Do you know if such a program could be established?”

>>5252931
>”I was told that this is the preeminent center of knowledge in the German states, and was curious what sort of institution would hold such a title. Could you give me an overview?”

>>5253791
Changing to
>”Our delegation is very interested in the possibility of sending Japanese students to study here. Do you know if such a program could be established?”

>>5252932
F
Goodbye, Zap.

“Our delegation is very interested in the possibility of sending students from Japan here to study.” You rub your chin thoughtfully. “Would such a program be possible?”

Professor Brenner frowns slightly, considering your request. “I would need to discuss it with the board of directors, but such a program is not unheard of.” He then speaks in German to Zorn, which turns into a brief conversation. After a few more moments, he turns again to you. “What is the nature of education in Japan?”

You glance over at Keisuke, as you admittedly have little knowledge of such things. The statesman takes the hint and begins to speak. “The sons and daughters of our nobles are brought up with the finest standards of learning and culture. Art, poetry, philosophy, and European studies are quite popular.” He pauses for a moment. “The language barrier may be difficult for some, but our people learn quickly.”

Brenner’s eyes never leave you, clearly wanting an outsider’s opinion in addition to the Japanese perspective. You clear your throat. “My colleague is correct,” you say. “The Japanese are a highly motivated and intelligent people. I believe they would do well in your institution.”

The professor nods slowly. “Then I shall suggest it.” He leans forward, raising an eyebrow. “And I suppose you have a university education, Herr General?”

You swallow nervously. Is the professor testing you? Admittedly, your family had done well to educate you while growing up, and your father’s family was involved with Harvard to a degree, though you never learned the details. You’d been raised on a farm, and though well-learned for a farmer, you were never more than that. Interestingly, some of the members of your delegation glance inquisitively at you as well.

>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)
>”I have familial connections to Harvard.” (half-truth)
>”Indeed, I do.” (lie)

>>5275845
I live

My fucking roof sprang a leak so I've been either working, sleeping, or climbing all over the roof trying to put a new steel one on before the leak causes any serious damage.

>>5277167
Glad you're alive and you broke the tie. At least it wasn't worse.

>>5277164
>”Indeed, I do.” (lie)

>>5277164
>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

>>5277164
>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

Lies are the epitome of dishonorable.

>>5277164
>”I have familial connections to Harvard.” (half-truth)

>>5277164
>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

>>5277164
>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

>>5277164
>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

>>5277164
>>”I have no formal education, actually.” (truth)

"And I know how important a proper foundation is."

>>5277164
>”I have familial connections to Harvard.” (half-truth)

>>5278315
>>5278273
>>5277476
>>5277371
>>5277300
lmao

>>5277164
> "I am not formally educated, but I am a well-learned and experienced man."

>>5277443
I'd like to also add that war itself is the greatest teacher of warfare, because even the most educated gentlemen made blunders during the civil war.

Pausing for a moment, you consider your answer. Thinking back to the time spent growing up outside of Rochester on your family’s farm, you could certainly admit to being better educated than most in such a position. Your father’s family had many members associated with Harvard, and indeed he likely planned to send you there at some point. The War interfered, of course, but your father always made sure you kept up with your studies. You were made to read from an early age, and whenever you weren’t helping with the chores, you had your nose in a book.

But still, a formal education, you do not have. Shaking your head slowly, you make a decision to be honest with the German scholar. “I’ve never attended a university,” you finally reply. “All of my lessons have been either from my family’s books, or from life itself.”

Brenner’s eyebrows briefly rise, then he speaks. “A surprise, to be sure. You are certainly well-spoken for a man with no formal degrees.”

“I thank you,” you reply.

“But you make a good point,” he continues. “Sometimes life is the best teacher, and it is true than I learned more from living in the world than I did in a great many of my own studies.” He chuckles. “As I said, gentlemen, I shall take your request to the university’s directors.” He then gestures to his desk. “Though I would love to host you all for longer, I sadly have much work to catch up on before the spring semester here starts.”

“We shall take our leave then, Professor.” Zorn tips his hat, and the two men share a knowing look before the arms dealer guides you all out into the hallway again. After a while, Zorn turns to you. “Honesty is a policy rarely bearing fruit, Herr General.” He grins slightly. “Though, such an earnest disposition is hard to resist. Brenner is normally a bit of an elitist when it comes to book learning.”

You raise an eyebrow. “I didn’t get that impression from him.”

“Indeed,” he replies with a chuckle. “It’s why I never beat him in a game of cards.” As you all step back out into the winter night, Zorn raises an arm and gestures at the glittering lights of Berlin. “Now, let us continue the tour!”

That will be all for this thread, thanks to all who played! I will be running a session tomorrow night in a new thread, continuing our tour of Berlin.

>>5298914
Thanks for running!

>>5298905
>German
>Elitist

My brother in Kaiser, You fucks die in like 80 years.

>>5298914
Hell ya. Hopefully will be there, Don't forget too link here and twitter

>>5298905
Thanks for running.

>>5299820

New thread, gents.