The Window to America

[Evangeline Anovilis]

 

It needed not long, before the first surveying activities at Prince Rupert had started. In Dai-Tōhoku, the treaty with Calgary had not gone unnoticed, especially as it had been on the initiative of entrepeneurs and other interested parties, that Nakamichi was sent to visit the Calgarian Federation to begin with. Trade opportunities were plenty and economic ambitions varied widely, ranging from mere investment in the logging of Canadian timber (as if there was not enough wood on Karafuto), to an expansion of trans-Pacific trade, which would make Prince Rupert the principal port for trade with East Asia.

 

Plans for the expansion of Prince Rupert had already been formulated in the diplomatic agreement between Dai-Tōhoku and the Calgarian Federation and thus it came at little surprise that soon after Nakamichi had set his signature and stamp on the document, the Ministry for Economy, Trade and Industry created the corporate identity of Fuso Industries, with the stated objective of developing the town and port of Prince Rupert, as well as establishing the necessary facilities to trade oil, unrefined natural ressources and manufactured goods at an economic and profitable scale.

 

While however METI founded the business, Dai-Tōhoku had little interest in operating a completely state-run company. The sovereign debt had increased over the years dramatically and a costly infrastructure project, which Fuso Industries was to finance, seemed not too appealing. Thus, at the stock exchange in Sendai, soon shares would be sold to private stakeholders, to raise the necessary funding, with officially only 15% remaining as state-owned share of the new company.

 

An office would be set up in Sendai, with one more at Prince Rupert for direct oversight of the construction activity. Dai-Tōhoku had opened its first economic foothold in America, rising share values indicating growing interest in the other side of the Pacific, even before Fuso Industries could turn profit, something that was set to be as far in the future as 10 years.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

As the Second Fleet arrived in Prince Rupert, the outpost of the Fuso Company would already have raised a Japanese flag to greet the soldiers that were now shipped to the Albertan Dominion. The light units would disembark and quickly start to deploy to the interior of the country, using the infrastructure leading to the port in order to quickly reach the capital and other major centers. The deployment would happen as members of the company had noticed a severe internal crisis, which had been reported via local intelligence officers to the home islands.

 

The Japanese troops would look out to do as little damage as possible and would attempt to reinstate the old administration to keep the basic services running and citizens supplied. For now, the Japanese flag would be raised next to that of the Albertan Dominion, to indicate the status of the Japanese Empire.

 

In Washington, Kisakinomiya Chifuyu would deliver meanwhile a note to the American Commonwealth authorities, notifying them of the Japanese actions and the new Japanese protectorate that was to be established over the Albertan Dominion, together with a notice that any Japan was open to discuss the territorial status of Alberta, but would not tolerate meddling with an Imperial protectorate.

[MostGloriousLeader]

American Commonwealth forces would begin to proceed to reintegrate the Albertan Dominion with the Canadian protectorate.  However, news soon arrived of the Japanese incursion and Commonwealth troops would kick it into over drive, moving rapidly to secure as much of the area as they could.  Mechanized and armored units would be preceded by airborne, mountain and airmobile troops moving far ahead to establish fortified blocking positions and to await the arrival of heavy units.  As a result of the pre-positioning of the units in the protectorate and Commonwealth, most of the Dominion would be secured, confining the Japanese to the Pacific coast, with Commonwealth forces in control of everything east of Highway 97 and north of the Yellowhead Highway..  The rules of engagement provided were to maintain positions and return fire only if fired upon.  In the meantime dozens of F-22s and F-35s would be maintaining combat air patrols in conjunction with AWACs aircraft.  Dozens of low observable/high altitude reconnaissance drones would be up to monitor Japanese troop and naval movements at all times.  B-1R bombers would be outfitted with air to air and naval strike loadouts while coastal artillery units would deploy mobile ASM and ASBM assets into the area.  In the meantime the Japanese ambassador was summoned to the White House to explain the Japanese actions

[Triyun]

The incident would not go over well when word reached the corridors of power in Beijing.  An Imperial Dispatch would be sent to the Japanese requesting they clarify what was going on and why hostile action was being initiated with the American Commonwealth given its friendly disposition both to the entire Commonwealth and Japan.  

 

[b]Dispatch from the Office of the Emperor:[/b]

 

The Empire encourages both sides to come to the table and talk about this.  We urge both to withdraw military forces for the moment and meet for mediation in the Imperial city of Fort Beihai, Alaska.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

The Japanese Ambassador Kisakinomiya Chifuyu would immediatly phone the White House, inquiring whether the Commonwealth was going to take up with Imperial mediation or not.

 

Meanwhile, an encrypted document was sent to the Imperial court in Beijing.

 

Confidential!

 

To His Imperial Highness Yuan Jia I, Emperor of Tianxia, Japan, Meihua and the Americas,

 

The latest actions of our forces on the North American continent were actions that we initiated, not out of hostility towards the American Commonwealth, but due to our ties to the albertan Dominion, which' citizens were in danger, due to our position that Japan is not merely an Asian, but a Pacific state and due to the utter neglect for regional stability the American Commonwealth has shown in the past, as can be seen in the Canadian province of Saskatchawan. The American commonwealth has shown no great hostility towards our country, if one does not take into account their attempt to threaten Japanese forces in the Southern Atlantic (an exerpt of the communications is attached), but neither have they shown any great fondness of our country, which leads us to believe that while the American Commonwealth has a friendly disposition towards the Imperial court in Beijing, it has no intentions to show similar friendliness towards Japan, despite attempts at diplomacy we made in the past, which, except for this one dispute over an island chain in the Southern Atlantic, were all initiated by our country.

 

We will gladly accept Imperial mediation of the issue, but it is the continued position of our country that the American Commonwealth has intruded into a Japanese protectorate, disturbed its people and treaded us in a manner that cannot be called friendly, before as well as after this incident.

 

With our most humble regards,

Akechi Mizuki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Akechi meanwhile would prepare to leave for Fort Beihai.

[MostGloriousLeader]

The American Commonwealth will dispatch Secretary of State McNutt to attend this meeting at Fort Behai.  In regards to the withdrawal of troops, we are unable to do so as long as Japanese troops remain to intrude upon areas that have long been traditionally been safe guarded by the Commonwealth.  In the event Japanese troops do withdraw we shall send in Civilian Action Support and Police units to provide the local population with essential supplies and services as a temporary measure until this issue has been resolved.

[Triyun]

The Emperor himself would arrive in Fort Beihai to oversee the negotiations personally, a sign of the Imperial displeasure with the situation.  Coming into the room at Fort Beihai Yuan Jia would be reminded of the times this august room had been used to divide large swaths of the Pacific with a single pen.  It was from this base that several attempts both by foreigners and Americans to control the Pacific side of the continent had been dispatched.  There would not be a new crisis beyond what had already happened.  

 

Dispatch from the Emperor,

 

I don't see why either of you have to send any armed personnel in there at the moment.  They are mother fucking Canadians, and not the frog kind, that means they are the most polite pussified people on the planet.  Whats the worse that they are going to do forget to write you thank you cards for not shoving a boot up their ass?  Send people here and be done with it.

 

Yuan Jia

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

McNutt arrived in Fort Behai on an State Department business jet to attend the meeting.

 

OOC: I guess just say he arrived and what not

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Minister of Foreign Affairs Akechi would attent the meeting, leaving it to others to commence the discussion.

[Triyun]

The Emperor would sit there looking at them both, "So what is the issue here?" he said turning to the Japanese representative.  "Was all this really necessary for dealing with the Americans?"

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Minister of Foreign Affairs Akechi would respectfully kneel down before the Emperor, performing a dogeza, before raising her head and replying. "Our country has had good relations with the Albertan Dominion in the past and we have cultivated great trade ties. When we heard that there was a regional crisis, our government decided to assume a protective role of these friends of Japan and a symbolic force was sent, which we deemed large enough to secure that order was upheld and small enough to not pose any threat to regional actors. While the American Commonwealth in the past has at times assumed responsibility over the North American continent, it was the assumption of the Japanese government, that the American Commonwealth was being tardy in keeping order in Canada, as can be seen in the very belated re-establishment of order in Saskatchawan, which prompted us to not put at risk our friends in the Albertan Dominion and the Japanese people that moved there due to the operations of the Fuso company. A notice had been sent to Washington on the intentions of our actions, given they needed to be informed, though the Commonwealth had been informed already months prior of our view that an american claim to be the sole steward of North American people would be seen as void if this was not enforced. Back then, Secretary of State McNutt seemed to agree and to reassure us of measures being taken, however later inaction in Saskatchawan prompted us to regard the claim of the American Commonwealth as void. Our nation sees our and overall Imperial security as threatened by any instability along the Pacific rim. Regardless of the politeness of Canadian people, leaving the matter unadressed would have set a precedent of inaction, which our country, in contrast to the American Commonwealth, does not want to set. It is the position of the Japanese government that a nation's claim to the status of being a regional power with a sphere of influence has to be backed up by consistent and consequent action and willingness to enforce said claim. While the Japanese government is willing to listen to the wise words of our most august Emperor, it is my duty to also inform the Imperial court that the Japanese government has lost confidence in American action and amity towards our people, partly based on the fact that this is the second time the Commonwealth attempts to use an overwhelming military threat to argue from a superior position to our country. We would hope that this is taken into consideration, altough in the name of the Japanese government I apologise to His Imperial Highness for the inconveniences caused."

[MostGloriousLeader]

"The claim that the American Commonwealth has been negligent in its duties is patently false.  Commonwealth troops were already moving to restore order to the Albertan Dominion when word was received that Japanese troops were starting to land.  As for the Republic of Saskatchawen, we have taken care of that issue although it not like it has been overly long since action was taken on that.   Our record speaks for itself.  For the longest time now we have aptly and ably provided for the areas of North America unable to govern themselves until they were able to.  Numerous nations have risen and fallen and every time we have provided troops and resources at our own expense to provide stability and protection for the people. If the Japanese nation was so concerned over the fate of these nations then they would have been welcome to send us a notice of their concerns.  But no such action was taken.  Instead the Japanese have proceeded to immediately land military forces without any attempt to engage us in dialogue until after they had landed".

 

"This leads me to believe that the idea that the Japanese concern about the well being of the local population is patently false.  Just recently a Japanese news article did a bit about the current situation.  The article's emphasis was on the economic value of the region and Japans concerns of losing a source of raw materials and trade.  It is clear that Japan is interested in nothing more but the colonization and exploitation of these people for economic gain.  My government has taken this meeting out of courtesy to the Tianxian government, which we hold to be a friend and ally.  The Japanese presence in a region that has long been provided for by the American Commonwealth is an unacceptable violation of North American affairs from a nation that has no actual right to be here whatsoever.  We cannot and will not tolerate the presence of Japanese military forces in North America.  With all due respect to the emperor, you have the power to prevent bloodshed.  The Japanese must leave or we will expel them, there is unfortunately no other choice for us in this matter".

Edited February 8, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Akechi glared at the Americans, infuriated. "The NHK is but a free source of news, reporting what it deems interesting for the Japanese people. It is not the Japanese government. Indeed, there are those in our country that are worried about the investments that went into the region and it would be harsh upon parts of our economy to lose access to the imports from Western canada, but to state that our intentions were a mere colonisation of the territory is nothing but American lies to justify their continued aggression towards our country. The American Commonwealths past holds authority solely when there is consistancy in its actions, which is not the case as can be seen in Saskatchawan. Given the American inaction and general lack of interest in diplomacy with our country, as can be seen by the mere fact that all past advances in diplomacy originated by us and either came to minimal results or ended in failure due to Commonwealth disinterest, we do not have confidence in Americans upholding their order. If we leave the ground, then solely out of respect for the Imperial authority."

[Triyun]

"I think never the less there is merit in showing humility when we have overreacted, and I think it appears in this situation Japan may clearly have.  I understand the Japanese to prove themselves, but hostility is not a good way to do that.  Afterall you've told me in the past your supreme wish is to have Japan appear as a respected nation.  Perhaps Japan should withdraw its forces on a gesture of good will.  It should be recieved as a gesture of good will by he Americans, and the Americans should invite Japan to engage in a dialogue of friendship and host a state dinner for the Prime Minister in Washington.   This would give both sides face."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Akechi would politely bow, to show acknowledgement of the Emperor's words. "While our government still has no confidence in the American Commonwealth, we shall head the words of Imperial wisdom, provided the land in question is allowed to be restored to independence, the people's rights are respected and the Japanese interests of continued security and business in the region are acknowledged and not threatened by the American Commonwealth. If such be the case, our troops shall be withdrawn as His Imperial Highness deemed it most prudent." She would then glare towards the Americans again, waiting for their reply.

[MostGloriousLeader]

McNutt would wholly ignore the behavior of the Japanese delegate and coolly proceeded with the discussion.  "The standard procedure for the administration of a protectorate is to provide troops and civilian experts and administrators to provide security, support and aid for the area's local government.  The local population is provided all the same rights and freedoms as any citizen of the American Commonwealth.  The only difference is that as it is not officially a part of our nation we do our utmost to encourage local leaders to make efforts towards self governance and independence.  Because of this the Japanese need not worry about the loss of their precious investments in the region.  Economic activities continue unimpeded in accordance with Commonwealth law.  As for your suggestion of hosting some sort of state reception.  Considering Japanese actions and the tone being set by Minister Akechi here I'm not entirely sure if friendship is actually something desired by the Japanese nation.  However, we are willing to make the effort if you think it is prudent although that depends on my colleague's nation".

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Akechi would shake her head. "The Japanese nation needs no false friendships and it needs no state dinners to create them. While we acknowledge the peaceful intentions of the Emperor, to dine with my colleague after this debacle would be a pointless effort. To pretend that this event would be anything but a celebration of Japanese humiliation is something that our government cannot accept."

 

With that, Akechi Mitsuki would stand up, bow before the Emperor one last time, before leaving the room.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

With the matter settled, the Fuso Company would be pragmatic and just trust the Americans to actually keep order, while the company continued operations of extracting oil, coal and other ressources from Western Canada for export to Sendai. While the Fuso Company had already established a sizeable industrial park at Prince Rupert, the Japanese government would invest another ¥10,000,000,000 into Fuso, partly to signal its continued interest and economic presence in North America, even without official contacts to the American Commonwealth, as well as to reassure the private investors of the Japanese government's willingness to keep the company alive. Most of the money would go into expanding the infrastructure. As there already had been constructed a pipeline to the oil tars of the country, Fuso would take the over the full ownership of the assets which formerly were shared between private investors and the Albertan Dominion, which by all means had ceased to exist. The expansion of the railway from Prince Rupert to major centres of mining, processing and logging in the interior was also deemed a future possibility for expansion.

 

Classified

 

While the Fuso Company kept working, so did the Totsū. Closing the facilities for armaments production that had been established in an effort to later help the Dominion, they would stay on, working as Fuso officials and unseeming engineers, buerocrats and economists, gathering data on the area through observation of terrain, layout of streets and local settlements, watching the American Commonwealth troops and administrative officials. Though unsuspicious and indiscernable from mere day to day activities, the local Totsū office would shift from being the mere coordinator of until now unimportant North american affairs, to a frontline office, tasked with slowly gathering information that could at some point in the future prove useful to the Japanese Empire.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Unfortunately for the Fuso company, there would be issues with its attempt to rapidly expand and dominate the economy of the former Albertan Dominion protectorate.  Private businesses and investors with joint interests in the Fuso company would have the full backing and authority of the Provisional Protectorate Government to retain their shares and businesses if they wanted, most of whom would do so considering their new found suspicion of Japanese intentions for them due to their recent attempt to colonize the former Dominion.  In addition to this, while the Fuso company would generally be left alone and protected by American Commonwealth business laws, any attempt to wholly dominate economic activity would be blocked by Commonwealth anti-trust laws.  The economic playing field would be leveled here, allowing local businesses to successfully compete.

 

Japanese attempts at intelligence gathering in the former Albertan Dominion protectorate would be anticipated by FBI and military intelligence analysts.  Considering recent events and the concentration of Japanese nationals they weren't really surprised with the Japanese intelligence activities in the area.  In all honesty though, it was really seen as a waste of resources on their part.  If someone really wanted a layout of the area all they'd have to do was use a satellite.  Barring that, Google Maps would probably tell most people what they needed to know.  The same could be said of monitoring military movements, at least with satellites anyway.  It'd probably even actually be better that way as local bases were built with solid walls so its not like one could just peek in.  Even so, counterintelligence operatives would be present to attempt to monitor as much Japanese intelligence activities as they could, aided by the local population, most of whom were now wary of the Japanese presence.  Any active and overt attempt at espionage found would result in that person's passport being revoked and them being deported.  Actual attempts at sabotage or destabilization would result in arrest and imprisonment under Commonwealth Espionage Laws.  On the other hand, law abiding Japanese nationals could go about their activities with little fear under the protective umbrella of local law enforcement and Commonwealth security forces.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

While the Americans were wholly distrustful of the Japanese presence, which was hardly surprising, the Fuso Company worked rather unimpeded, given it neither monopolised, nor illegally disowned people. What the Fuso Company had, it held on to, expanding on it through improving the infrastructure that linked its operation in the inner parts of western Canada with the facilities at Prince Rupert. American Anti-Trust law would pretty much not even apply.

 

Meanwhile, some employees would report back to Japan how they felt monitored by a hostile people for doing their normal work. One truck driver even stated that the way the locals looked at him when he was merely putting in a quick rest and smoked a cigarette while looking onto passing troops, not even his foreman had ever been this harsh. It would not take long, before the families in the area would start comparing themselves to the Japanese immigrants of the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa era, infuriating a good few against the american Commonwealth.