You frown slightly, leaning forward. While it’s true that standardization is the backbone of any army, the Shogunate also needs all the firepower it can get. Looking again to the young Beretta, you reply. “The way I see it, standardization is a long-term goal. It’s true that a standing army works best with standard equipment, but we’re building our forces from the ground up to fight a potential enemy that is doing the same.” Pausing, you look out the carriage window, as you pass a thicket of pine trees, you get a glimpse of towering brick smokestacks, belching soot and ash into the clear winter air. The Krupp Works looks to you almost like a distant battlefield more than a factory. “Right now,” you continue as you point to the smokestacks. “We have the opportunity to significantly upgrade our firepower. We should take it.”

Sato speaks next, rubbing his goatee as he peers toward the Krupp Works. “If these Krupp guns are really that much of an advantage, it is imperative that we get them.”

“I believe you’re thinking too small, Herr Sato,” Zorn interjects. “I’ve seen the industrious nature of the Japanese. I imagine it wouldn’t be hard to reverse-engineer the Krupp guns…” He grins dangerously. “And with such distance between here and Japan, there’s not much that Old Man Krupp could do to stop you from fielding copies of his precious field guns.” He shrugs. “That is, if you were so inclined.”

Beretta raises an eyebrow. “Indeed, we could copy almost anything and get away with it, at least for a time.”

“It wouldn’t make us any friends, though.” Keisuke frowns. “I don’t particularly want the Japanese people to be seen as thieves by the wider world, especially since we’re doing so much to foster good will abroad.”

>”It may be necessary to preserve the nation’s gold reserves, though. The last thing we need is to run out of money in the middle of a conflict.”
>”I agree. We should keep any domestic weapons production above-board.”
>”Honestly, buying weapons will likely be cheaper in the short-term than trying to build a whole arms industry from the ground up.”
>Write-in.

>>5444292
>”Honestly, buying weapons will likely be cheaper in the short-term than trying to build a whole arms industry from the ground up.”

Before we go all-in on reverse-engineering or attempting to establish a domestic arms industry, it'd probably be best to be certain that the munitions in question are suitable for Japan's terrain and climate.

That's also considering the fact that establishing any kind of military industry on a large enough scale to be profitable and productive enough to recoup investment would take much more time and money than we've got.

Focus on winning the war first, then work on building industry.

>>5444292
>”Honestly, buying weapons will likely be cheaper in the short-term than trying to build a whole arms industry from the ground up.”

>>5444292
>”I agree. We should keep any domestic weapons production above-board.”

Welcome back Zap.

File: Alfred_Krupp.jpg (462 KB, 1499x2108)

462 KB JPG

You shrug. “Buying weapons in the short term will probably be cheaper than attempting to build an entire arms industry from the ground up.” Looking over at the foundry, you imagine the resources, and more importantly, money that it must’ve taken to make it all work.

“Perhaps,” Zorn nods. “But still, it is something to consider in the future.”

“Securing the nation comes first.” Sato crosses his arms. His assertiveness draws surprised glances from the other members of the party. He breaks the tension, though, as he leans back and grins. “But who knows? This Krupp fellow might be convinced to help set up a factory in Japan, if our dealings with previous businessmen are anything to go on.” He rubs the bridge of his nose, then turns his attention to the rapidly approaching Krupp Works. “As long as we don’t give too much in return, we can afford to let foreign experts in to build us up once the nation is stabilized.”

You frown slightly, this is a dramatic shift from the Major’s previous reservations regarding foreign influence. “Perhaps,” you reply. “Either way, we’ll need to talk to the man first.”

Soon, your carriage arrives at the gates of the Krupp Works, and after Zorn introduces you to the men at the gatehouse, you are let in. Stopping in front of the offices, you all disembark and are guided in by a foreman. The decoration in the main office is rather spartan, even compared to the other manufacturing offices you’ve visited. You can barely hear the din of heavy machinery through the wall to one side. As you look around the room, you hear the sound of double doors being pushed open. Turning, you see an older man in a plain, black suit approach you. He has a large, white beard, and is a bit shorter than you. His tired expression betrays an alertness in his eyes, which meet yours immediately. “Herr Stockton, I presume?” He reaches out to shake your hand.

You shake the man’s hand readily. His grip is frightening, actually, and catches you a bit off guard. “Indeed. And you must be Herr Krupp, right?”

He nods, a ghost of a smile tugging at the edges of his mustache. “It is a pleasure to receive the Japanese delegation. I’m quite excited to discuss business with you.”
>”Your clients rank among the kings and emperors of Europe. What makes our delegation so exciting?”
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”
>Say nothing, allow him to direct the conversation.
>Write-in.

>>5444418
Glad to be back, anon. Finally have some time freed up during the week to run, now that my OJT is calming down.

>>5444482
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”

>>5444482
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”

Welcome back Zap

>>5444482
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”
Long time, no see.

>>5444482
>likewise

>>5444482
>”Your clients rank among the kings and emperors of Europe. What makes our delegation so exciting?”

>>5444485
Had me worried we wouldn't see ya till next year from how the quest ended last thread.

I'm still waiting on that going out tho good sir. Also god to think I've been here sense the first thread. End me

>>5444482 #
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”

Yay it’s back, always a fun time

>>5445464
>Yay it’s back, always a fun time
How many threads have you spent buying guns?

>>5447438
Did someone say "buying guns"?

>”Your clients rank among the kings and emperors of Europe. What makes our delegation so exciting?”

Sounds like the man has a proposition he's itching to tell us about. Might want an exclusive contract.

>>5444482
>”Likewise, sir. I was very impressed by the demonstration of your breech-loading guns the other day.”

“Likewise, sir.” You nod simply. “We were very impressed by the demonstration of your breech loading cannons the other day.”

Krupp smiles heartily. “I’m glad you liked them. My engineers and I worked very hard to ensure their reliability and ease of use. Conscripts can be rather brutal with their equipment, after all.” He chuckles slightly. Standing up straight, he looks over at your compatriots. “And to the gentlemen of the Japanese Delegation, I welcome you to the Krupp Works. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“It is a pleasure, Herr Krupp,” Keisuke replies. “We are very excited to see your facilities.”

“I had hoped so.” He nods once. “I shall summon my plant foreman to guide you on a tour of the facility.” He then turns to you. “Though, Herr Stockton,” he begins. “May I speak to you privately, in my office?”

You pause, surprised by the request. Glancing over at Zorn, you note a nearly imperceptible shrug as he meets your eyes.

>”Where I go, I expect my men to be welcome as well.”
>”Of course, sir.”
>Write-in.

>>5450745
>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>”Of course, sir.”

>>5450745
>>”Of course, sir.”

“Of course, sir.” You nod simply, following Krupp. His office is on the ground floor, surprisingly enough, and after going through a simple wooden door, you find yourself there.

Krupp’s office is simple, yet well-appointed. There is a wooden desk in the center of the room, with windows behind it looking out onto the nearby city. In front of the desk are two comfortable-looking chairs. As Krupp closes the door behind you, he clears his throat. “Today is a unique opportunity,” he begins.

“How so?” You raise an eyebrow.

The man turns to you, a serious expression on his face. “I have always prided myself on offering the very best for my loyal workers.” He frowns slightly, gesturing out the window at the city of Essen. “The world is changing. People are being forced into an age of machines. The simple farmers and peasantry are becoming workmen, laborers, and machinists…” He trails off. “It is a struggle to maintain the values of good living, when faced with such changes.”

You frown slightly, crossing your arms. “People are very adaptable.”

“Untrue,” the old German replies simply. “People only adapt naturally in the wrong ways. They have to be guided to goodness, the right path.” He smiles slightly, his eyebrows rising. “Common folk need firm, steady guidance to live correctly. That is what I have created here, not just a factory, but a place for good living.” He pauses, leaning toward you. “Some men cannot handle it, but the vast majority of my workmen have benefitted greatly from such guidance.” Your frown never leaves, but you wait for Krupp to continue. “But, there is only so much a man can do here in Europe. The cities are built up, their societies too corrupted…” He trails off. “But my belief in this purpose has never been shaken. What people need is a new city, built with good living in mind!” He walks over to his desk, beckoning for you to follow. You do, and on his desk is a map of Japan’s northern island, Ezo, with several areas circled in red ink. You’re not sure where he would’ve even gotten such a map, as you’ve only seen such things while in Japan itself.

“You have plans for the Island of Ezo?” You lean forward to get a closer look at the map.

“Indeed,” he replies excitedly. “I have hired surveyors, who have marked several suitable areas for construction of a steel works and gun foundry.” He pauses, running a hand through his beard. “As well as a new city, perfectly designed to support the manufacturing facilities, as well as promote good living!”

“You want to build a company town centered around your morals?” You raise an eyebrow, a bit taken aback.

“I want to help the Japanese people. I am aware of their industrious and keen nature, and I believe such a city will be a boon to the nation.” He trails off, looking out the window again. “It will bring employment, opportunity, and civilization, to the Japanese people.”

>”You can’t civilize a culture that already has its own civilization, sir.”
>”Am I to understand that this will be a condition of receiving more artillery?”
>”I’m a man of pragmatism, not lofty ideals. Convince me of the practical benefits.”
>”I can see the use in such a facility. Consider me interested.”
>”Explain what exactly you mean when you describe good living.”
>Write-in.

>>5458920
>”Am I to understand that this will be a condition of receiving more artillery?”
I don't think we even can negotiate about such things. THough as long as it's a single city, maybe.

>>5458920
>”Explain what exactly you mean when you describe good living.”
>”Am I to understand that this will be a condition of receiving more artillery?”

>”Explain what exactly you mean when you describe good living.”
>”Am I to understand that this will be a condition of receiving more artillery?”

The devil is in the details. And the last thing we need is a major culture clash.

>>5458920
>”I can see the use in such a facility. Consider me interested.”
>”Explain what exactly you mean when you describe good living.”
https://youtu.be/hKNeFHBPgRo
Toyota used to show this movie to their managers as an example of how not to behave overseas.

Can't we counter by demanding that he also celebrate the culture of the people he is planning on integrating with? "to ease tensions on both sides of the cultural divide"?

>>5458920
>”Explain what exactly you mean when you describe good living.”
>”Am I to understand that this will be a condition of receiving more artillery?”

>You can’t civilize a culture that already has its own civilization, sir.