My ill-fated application to the Kusari State Police, along with what followed...

[Dipicacyx]

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鎖警察庁の申請者面接の弐零弐壱ベ漆 (Kusari State Police Applicant Interview 2021B7)
面接官は森山剛 (Interviewer: Takeshi Moriyama)
通訳中... (Translating...)
通訳中... (Translating...)
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Thank for seeing me, Corporal Moriyama, for I know you are a busy man. It is an honour. You asked me to start by sharing about myself. I think I can condense it down to just two minutes.

...Oh, you would rather have more details than that? Well, I will oblige, certainly, but it will take a while.

...Very well sir. As I’m sure you saw in my files, I was born on Cambridge in 803. My father, Oda Shintani, fought against the infested Rheinlanders during the war. After it was over, he eventually ended up there, and we lived there until 815; yes, we were still on Cambridge for the first years of the war, but eventually, it was too difficult. Back to my childhood: I went to school with all the other nearby military children, and I can say that I did quite well. However, it was my father who was my real teacher. Each evening he would sit down with my sister and I, to tell us of the history of Sirius, the role our forefathers played and the ways of our Kusari brothers. He also went to great lengths to ensure our non-mental education was complete: Often he would teach us the martial arts of our ancestors, take us out flying, and teach us the ways of honour, respect and courage. There was no distinction because my sister was a girl. I think that’s why I still feel quite close to her, even though we haven’t met since...anyway, sir, my father taught me everything that makes me the man I am today. Is that going too far back, sir? No, well then I will continue.

Admittedly, school was hard at times. Most of the teachers were a little more...hard... on us, and some of the nearby families would not speak to my family. Now, I simply count it as a lesson of life. Of course, once the war began, things changed. Suddenly, even my good friends developed a hardness in their eyes and a coldness in their manner. Some families would still welcome us, but for the two years we remained on Cambridge, we would spend months at a stretch only interacting with the other Kusari families. I was lonely then, but I still focused on my studies and my flying. After the years of isolation, my mother could no longer handle being shunned by her own countrymen, so we moved back out to the Tau systems, as my parents were no longer welcome here. However, my sister and I were offered solace on New Tokyo. She...did not take that well. I can understand her reaction, while unfortunate. She...well, she declared her intention to be free of all governments, after using some choice words about Kusari as well as Bretonia. We all stopped in Tau-29, but my sister said her goodbyes a year later, leaving for the other border systems. I haven’t seen her since then, but I feel...somehow...that we will meet again. I pray we are on the same side.

My life on Shinkaku station was certainly a big change, but my parents made sure to continue my education as best as they could. I learned further about the history of Kusari, it’s leadership, the corporations, the criminals, and the places where my father believed things had gone wrong. Please, do not misunderstand - he was not a bitter man. He recognised that we all make mistakes and he wished me to learn from the mistakes of others, knowing that I may have an opportunity to make things better. Anyway, sir, I learned a lot on that station in those three years. Further mastery of my body and my ship. I joined my father a few times in defending our home from pirate attacks, which I admit were rather tame, but I learned how to fight as a team and how to stay alive. Respect for our enemies was another precept my father taught, though it was a tough lesson to learn. He told me it would keep me from becoming like them, and I believe him now.

Well, sir, I am getting close the present. After those three years, I felt a growing sense of unease, and I knew I needed to get away. Then, Gallia appeared. I knew I had to go somewhere else, to make a difference in the lives of ordinary citizens. I know I was helping before, but it was always as a part of my family. I needed to forge my own path. My parents were sad to see their oldest leave, but they understood. I expected my parents to move again, but, to be honest, I have not heard from them in the past year. As an inheritance gift, I suppose you could call it, my father gave me one of his older ships and enough credits to last me until New Tokyo. That, sir, is how I ended up here. The journey from Tau-29 has been interesting, as it is the first extended period of solace I have ever really had. I have learned even more about myself these past few weeks, and I know I have made the right choice in coming here and applying for the honourable Kusari State Police.

...You would like to know more about my parents? Of course, sir. After the war was over, my father simply decided his soldiering days were done. He never said more to me than that, but afterwards he moved through the Tau systems, hopping towards Bretonia, where he met my mother and got married. His military reputation and accolades allowed him to settle on Cambridge. There he taught me many things, about Kusari, about honour, and about teaching myself after he was gone. My mother was born and raised on Cambridge; I don’t believe she left that planet until we headed back out for Tau-29. Her parents were lecturers at the local research institute, and they often traveled for work. I only saw my maternal grandparents half-a-dozen times.

[Moriyama-san searches for Kai’s father in the military records]

...Yes sir, he was decorated for his part in the war. He shot down eight fighters himself, as well moving into harms way to save his squadron’s bombers at least once. I can assure you that there is no hint of dishonour in my father’s records. He retired with distinction, through his own free will.

[Moriyama-san nods thoughtfully and sits thinking for a little while]

Thank you for taking the time to come to our office, Shintani-kun. We always appreciate capable recruits here in the police. I will consult with my superiors and we will contact you in a few days. Until, stay safe, and please don’t go too far away.

You don’t want to know anything else about me sir? My skills, what I can add to the force? Any psychological testing?

No, thank you. We are finished for now. If need be, at a later stage in the application process, we can find out any necessary information. Thank you, and good day.

[They both stand, bow to each other - Kai making sure to hold his longer - then leave the room]


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End Transcript
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(Later that day, Corporal Moriyama is talking with his squadron chief)

Moriyama-san, I cannot accept this boy’s application. I am getting pressure from higher up - it’s not really my choice.

Sir, with all due respect, I believe he would make fine recruit. He has everything we need, the skills, the attitude, the loyalty.

Be that as it may, there are reasons. All I will say is that some in our organisation do not appreciate officers who leave to marry and live in Bretonia. There is something about his father’s story...I will do some more digging. I don’t want to hear any questions. My decision is final.

Yes, sir. Understood.

[Moriyama-san bows low and excuses himself]

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Kai's Biography | Cain's Biography