To:Whom it may concern Subject:Cooperation and the Kempeitai
Kon'nichiwa.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aramaki Hideo, and since the Admiral is currently on assignment in Kyushu, I am handling the northern affairs.
You have certainly heard the good news about the recent victory that the Imperial fleet has won over the republican one, and I am certain that you also have noticed that the fleet is currently reinforcing itself at the position we agreed on. The Tottori system is of inevitable importance for the operations to come, and I am sure that you are well aware of that.
Considering that most of the system is to be switching to production that fits the situation and with the recent strong attack on Nagano by the Shogunate, we have considered to establish a military police to keep the peace. This police will need a base from which it can operate. The current strategic evaluations have shown that Suzuka station fills this role, being secluded enough to be fortified and not interfering with any further operations. It's also, at least according to our intelligence, mostly unmanned unless the annual racing events take place.
To precede any accusations: We are of course willing to rent the station, as well as return it unscathed to your hands once the peace is reestablished and the demands of wartime economy are over. Name your price, I am sure we can work something out.
To: "Aramaki Hideo", Kaigun Shosa of the Kusari Imperial Naval Forces.
From: The Hogosha Association
Sender ID: Tokiomi Katagawa
Subject: Affairs of Suzuka
Hajimemashite, Aramaki Shosa. I am Tokiomi Katagawa, designated representative of the Hogosha Association in most of the important matters that affect the Association as a whole. The Association has been observing the movements of the Imperial forces in the last months, and the assault on the Republican Nagumo and the Kyushu system was a marvelous display of military prowess.
We were expecting to establish some regular contacts with the now authorities in the sector, but this proposal was not expected. It is true that Suzuka is now positioned in a location beneficial to the support of the Imperial affairs, but who would expect the Naval Forces to request its concession from us.
Allow me some time to contact the Council of the Oyabun, and to hear their thoughts on the matter. An honorable exchange deserves an suitable price to be presented for it.
Some of the Oyabun might suggest some communal terms for such an exchange of rights, but I think I have an idea that might be of interest to your party and the Council as a whole. The enemies of Kusari, and those that the Hogosha oppose grow in power and numbers everyday that Kusari is not vigilant. There are research groups within our ranks that work to develop the tools and weapons that will make our house safer for generations to come, and a valuable contribution that the Imperial forces could provide, something that the Naval Forces so far have refused, could prove fundamental. Some military restricted technologies that the KNF jealously guards for itself could be combined with our new research, and provide us, and You, with much needed blades to cleave the enemies of Kusari.
Consider such possibilities, as they could not only grant you the lease of Suzuka, but much more towards your efforts for a Unification. I will return soon with a communication of the Exchange proposal elected by the Association.
Together, for a stronger Kusari
Tokiomi Katagawa, the Hogosha Association.
To: "Aramaki Hideo", Kaigun Shosa of the Kusari Imperial Naval Forces.
From: The Hogosha Association
Sender ID: Tokiomi Katagawa
Subject: Affairs of Suzuka
Greetings once again, Aramaki-san. The Council has been consulted and provided their say on the matter.
The Hogosha Association has agreed to provide access and control of the Suzuka station to the Imperial Forces (represented by the 343 Kaigun) and its military police until the favourable conclusion of the struggle for the Throne, with the following terms:
A) The Hogosha Association will support the maintenance costs of the station during the time of this agreement.
B) The Imperial Forces will support the costs for any beneficial development and expansion of the installations made during the period of this agreement.
C) The Imperial Forces (namely the 343th) will pass to the Association funds a monetary value every 2 months. This fund will support the maintenance of any Hogosha made vessels being used by the main forces, and their forces alone (//343 vessels only).
C1) Hogosha made vessels comprise of the following models and any variants: Black Dragon, Irezumi.
C2) The Hogosha Association requires that all Hogosha made vessels (C1) being used by Imperial secondary forces and their mercenaries in the war effort be reported to the Association by the relevant commanders in the force. Farmers Alliance pilots are exempt from this action.
C3) Imperial pilots and mercenaries found in this situation have to pay a one time maintenance fee of 10 Million credits to the Association, to ensure the continued and efficient operation of the vessel. 343 Pilots and HA pilots can enforce this term at any time, provided the outcome is reported. Farmer Alliance pilots are exempted from this.
D) The Imperial Forces will share with the Hogosha and close partners (Farmers Alliance, Samura) schematics and technical manuals regarding standard military weaponry, for the purposes of production and operation in vessels of the Association and others. This term is open for renegotiation when the agreement reaches it's conclusion.
E) Any payments made by the Imperial Forces and their members should be directed to a secure account of the Association.
There are some other matters I wish to discuss with Aramaki-san and any other representatives of the fleet. I will expand on those in another message.
I await to hear from you regarding these terms.
Together, for a stronger Kusari
Tokiomi Katagawa, the Hogosha Association.
To: "Aramaki Hideo", Kaigun Shosa of the Kusari Imperial Naval Forces.
From: The Hogosha Association
Sender ID: Tokiomi Katagawa
Subject: Affairs of Suzuka
Recently, our Association was contacted by some known acquaintances from the Liberty region, the Lane Hackers, regarding the Imperial movement in Kusari.
They say that there have been encounters between the Imperial Forces and the Hackers, and that they most of the time resulted in... strained relations between them and your forces.
The Hackers expressed their interest in the downfall of the Gallic republican puppet in favour of the restoration of the imperial throne. While it is dubious that they would have any direct impact on that change, they have come to the Association and pleaded us to intercede on their behalf.
The Lane Hackers have proposed a Non Agression Pact to be celebrated by the Imperial Forces and their supporters and the Lane Hackers. They lay promises that they will not interfere or harm any Imperial unit or convoy they might meet in their operations, and as for a similar effort to be made by the Imperials in return. Other that the request that this agreement is not made apparent to any outsider entity, the Hackers have not requested any additional terms.
While the NAP in itself is not very appeasing in benefits, it has been suggested by the Associates that an improvement on the relations with the Hackers might ease the access of materials from Liberty, which could be passed onto the Imperial forces for resupply. Things like Light Arms and other materials could be brought from Liberty in greater quantities.
Take your time to consider these points, and let me know of the decision of the Imperial representatives.
Together, for a stronger Kusari
Tokiomi Katagawa, the Hogosha Association.
To:Tokiomi Katagawa Subject:Cooperation and the Kempeitai
Kon'nichiwa.
The delay in discussions falls in the responsibility of our side - therefore we apologize. We suffered a few issues with our communication systems, which in turn delayed the communications between the spread out Admirality. It has, however, come to a conclusion concerning the renting of Suzuka.
The only point the Daihon'ei finds objectionable is point D), as it wishes to add a few addendums. While the military-grade weaponry would certainly be useful for Hogosha pilots, we have to be certain that it will be used for the interests of imperial Kusari rather than some shady business deals or, preserve the heavens, for the betterment of the Republics situation. If the Hogosha wishes to make use of military-grade equipment of any sort, it has to fulfill similar terms as mentioned in point C), with adjustments towards the pricing, of course. Furthermore, every pilot who uses the weaponry will have to agree to install a guncam in every of those guns - this is not meant as an insult towards your integrity, merely a precaution, since every pilot in our ranks has to do the same.
Once you and your leadership have decided upon the agreement, you can consider our agreement valid.
The other matter at hand, however, is what makes us secptical and has been another reason for the delayed response.
There is a reason why we have had our differences with the Lane Hackers so far. While we usually do not care about the internal matters of foreign countries (this of course including the Republic of Liberty), we are not interested in tolerating support of enemy entities. Our run-ins with the Lane Hackers have strongly indicated that they're not only a pirate organization in Liberty, but also heavily involved with cardamine traficking through Sirius, a trade that puts them in line with two organizations that have been known to interfere with imperial business to a great extent so far - the Outcasts, and, more relevant for us, the Golden Chrysanthemums.
While I understand the need of the Hogosha for allies of this sort, I, in your situation, would reconsider dealing with people like that. If you are still interested in dealing with them, however, relay the answer of the Admirality to them: As long as they adjust to Kusarian shipping laws, and I refer to the Imperial ones here, they can be tolerated in Kusari Space. Should we see them conduct hostile actions towards Kusarian civilians, imperial authorities, or ship contraband, we will immediately end the agreement and return to our previous stance towards them.
I am certain your understand our position towards this delicate matter.
To: "Aramaki Hideo", Kaigun Shosa of the Kusari Imperial Naval Forces.
From: The Hogosha Association
Sender ID: Tokiomi Katagawa
Subject: Affairs of Suzuka
We have received you message Aramaki-san, and find wisdom in the demand for greater scrutiny in the usage of the military equipment to be leased in the future. I take it as a my personal lack of far sight to not have included such measures in the agreement in the first place.
Please examine and confirm the new draft of the agreement below, with some of the requested changes.
The Hogosha Association has agreed to provide access and control of the Suzuka station to the Imperial Forces (represented by the 343 Kaigun) and its military police until the favourable conclusion of the struggle for the Throne, with the following terms:
A) The Hogosha Association will support the maintenance costs of the station during the time of this agreement.
B) The Imperial Forces will support the costs for any beneficial development and expansion of the installations made during the period of this agreement.
C) The Imperial Forces (namely the 343th) will pass to the Association funds a monetary value every 2 months. This fund will support the maintenance of any Hogosha made vessels being used by the main forces, and their forces alone (//343 vessels only).
C1) Hogosha made vessels comprise of the following models and any variants:
Black Dragon
Irezumi.
C2) The Hogosha Association requires that all Hogosha made vessels (C1) being used by Imperial secondary forces and their mercenaries in the war effort be reported to the Association by the relevant commanders in the force. Farmers Alliance pilots are exempt from this action.
C3) Imperial pilots and mercenaries found in this situation have to pay a one time maintenance fee of 10 Million credits to the Association, to ensure the continued and efficient operation of the vessel. 343 Pilots and HA pilots can enforce this term at any time, provided the outcome is reported. Farmer Alliance pilots are exempted from this.
C4) Any payments made by the Imperial Forces and their members should be directed to a secure account of the Association.
D) The Imperial Forces will share with the Hogosha and close partners (Farmers Alliance, Samura) schematics and technical manuals regarding standard military weaponry, for the purposes of production and operation in vessels of the Association and others. This term is open for renegotiation when the agreement reaches it's conclusion.
D1) Imperial Military made equipments comprise of the following models and any variants:
D2) The Imperial Forces (headed by the 343) require that all Imperial Military made equipments (D1) being used by Hogosha affiliated pilots be reported to the Imperial command by the relevant entities. Farmers Alliance pilots are exempt from this action.
D3) Hogosha pilots found in this situation have to pay a one time maintenance fee of 10 Million credits to the Imperial Treasury or any designated entity of similar function, to ensure the proper appreciation to their providers and the orderly use of said materials. 343 Pilots and HA pilots can enforce this term at any time, provided the outcome is reported. Farmer Alliance pilots are exempted from this.
D4) Any payments made by the Hogosha and their members should be directed to a secure account of the Imperial Forces.
I have received your decision regarding the Lane Hackers, and will transmit the terms of the Imperial Forces to them as soon as possible. We wish that you may find peace with the Hackers, and an ease of your burdens in your most honourable quest.
Together, for a stronger Kusari
Tokiomi Katagawa, the Hogosha Association.