Taking a sip of water, Ze'ev thought for a moment. This was a delicate situation he knew.
"Clearly, my loyalty lays with Tenno Kogen. Because I am loyal to him personally, and because I believe his being on the throne is what is best for Kusari. I also worry for a threat of the kind that you show in those pictures. Kusari though, will be more able to defend against that threat, with it's rightful leader in his rightful place. Now, if the fear is civil war, maybe you have some suggestions on how to create a a situation whereby Tenno Kogen returns to his rightful place without the need of such a conflict?"
It looked as though Barak would co-operate, meaning he would not have to bring forth his trump card just yet.
"Civil war is a concern. We understand Kogen's current military strength and the means by which he would enact change in his favor. And, it so seems, many of his underlings are eager and excited to see that war come to pass. Such as the impression his de-facto speaker gave..." He would hand a communication transcript to Barak, sans the official commentary given by the Kempeitai interpreters.
"That being said, this man makes a valid point. Tenno Kogen's rule is mandated by divinity rather than any mortal coil. Taskmaster understands this, possibly in more ways than Kogen himself does."
The man sifted through his belongings, and placed several top secret documents for the Farmer Leader to observe. Rather, he would lean down and pull from his briefcase something else. A rather arcane looking book, written in a seemingly ancient script.
The book, none other than the Kojiki (古事記), the mythical chronicle of the founding of ancient Japan, on old Earth.
"Do you know what this is, Barak?" He asked, rhetorically. "A Chronicle of the old gods. Of ancient Japan's mythical founding, and with it, the founding of an unbroken line of Emperors, the direct progenitors to the Emperors of Kusari. Not through the myriad wars on Earth, the Exodus to Sirius, or any of the subsequent crises and conflicts has that line been broken.
The Emperor is an Arahitogami, a direct descendant of Ō-Amaterasu. Goddess of the sun. Patron of Kusari.
Understand fully the implications of this. Figuratively, the conservative and superstitious members of Kusari Society will follow him because of that. And Literally, he is now one of two remaining investments the Old Gods have in Sirius. And one of two weapons they have in restoring order.
But that is just confirming what you already believe: that he is entitled to the Throne regardless of anything else. The logistics of getting him there, getting it done right, with a minimum disruption to Kusari's integrity, or our own plans, will be the problem."
He would steeple his gloved fingers, and look Barak in the eye, over his glasses.
The man grinned, as his plans started to come together.
"We intend to secure control of the Government. It needs to look legitimate in order to not be construed as another coup. We need the Military and the Public on our side this time. As well, we will need certain 'obstacles' removed from our path.
For the moment, we shall use the sham democracy to our benefit. Play by their rules, so to speak. Taskmaster is gathering support in the junior officer corps, and we have so far had no real stumbling blocks on that front. The support of the Hogosha is assured. We may even be able to sway certain parties in the Blood Dragons and Golden Chrysanthemums who are tired of centuries of fighting for no gain.
What we want from you is to rebuild the Farmers' Alliance, and most importantly, it's political front, in order to gain public support. Rile up the conservative elements and get them to vote our way. By whatever means you consider necessary. I would find it difficult to fathom that the Emperor would have lost his support as quickly as he did without very clever manipulation of the media on behalf of Gallic agents and Kishiro.
Make those people that support him, support us as well. Can you do that, Barak?"
"You do realize of course that the Farmer's Alliance as a political party has been banned in Kusari, and those openly showing support for the Farmers face arrest. You ask me to put my most vulnerable supporters in the hands of the enemy with no protection. The AFA has been forced underground by the coup. While there are many in Kusari, especially in Kyushu who gladly put their lives on the line at my say, what kind of leader would I be if I put my people in that position? The reason we have gone underground is to protect those people. How will I protect these people brother?"
"On top of that, you want the supporters of the Farmers to support you? Explain to me how it is in the Farmers interests to do this?"
"If the farmers help us, they get exactly what they want. With Kogen back in power, the incessant bickering will ease. Synth Foods and other foreign conglomerates will be kept in check, and the Alliance's legitimacy will be restored. However..."
The agent reached his hand around the pile of papers and documents arranged on the table, taking a small glass of brandy, and sipping it quickly.
"...however, should a major civil war break out, there would be little we could do to prevent aggressive policies of the Republic from harming them. Not without blowing our cover.
Also, because of that, I would suggest this."
He deftly maneuvered around, pulling another datapad from his case. Opening it, he quickly thumbed through the screens until he had a compilation of Kusari Political Parties.
"If the Farmers Party cannot act openly, then it should throw it's support behind one that can. Or, alternately, create a shell party which is the Farmers Alliance in all but name. Considering the insane or treasonous nature of some of the other parties here, you should be able to get by.
Such a massive injection of support from Kyushu's 'silent majority' would certainly steer the election one way or the other. If worse comes to worst, the Kempeitai can arrange certain... political obstacles be removed."
"While I won't put those who have been loyal to me in danger for this, but I do think I can help you. Maybe it is time that I reenter the public sphere in Kusari. The Kusari Reformist party supports the cause, and I will make a public announcement of my support for them, and ask those who support both Kogen and I to put thier vote behind this party. I think this will help, that said, I expect when the time comes, the Kempeitai will support the Emperor and support his reascension to the throne."
"This is acceptable to us. And we shall support the Emperor's return and ensure the re-intigration of government as seamlessly as possible. However..."
He took a brief sip of brandy, as if to punctuate his statement.
"...however, the Emperor must realize we are in a different, stranger, aeon then what it was when we left. The nature of the 'real' threats to Kusari is far, far different then what he and his staff imagine.
Kogen must keep an open mind and a guard at every gate, and be willing to take the Kempeitai's word on what actions are needed to ensure his survival. He's a big target, and he's being hunted from all sides."
"I note your concerns, and they are concerns of mine as well. That said, the Emperor will be kept quite secure. There are few who are granted meetings with the Emperor himself, all life long trusted allies. He shall be protected until the time of his return to the Throne. If you need me, I am sure you will figure out how to get in touch with me. Keep me apprized of threats as best you can, and I shall do the same."
The agent watched as the farmer left the room. Walking away, the agent quickly collated his papers, checking to ensure nothing sensitive had been left behind.
He felt within him that Barak would keep his word for the time being. Atleast as long as it benefited him. What the Emperor and, more importantly, his Henchmen would do, was another matter.
The pieces would need to fall into place one at a time...
Such that it was, that the agent's master would be the one to see it done. The agent, the "Scorpion Princess" to the "Puppet Master", returned to his ship quickly, avoiding commander Matok and the rest of the Zoner staff. His tab would be paid later.
For now, he needed to contact his superiors. The man who would have control.
"Agent Sasorihime reports. King Solomon will return to the land of Milk and Honey.
End of Line."
And with those words, a darker, more dangerous Kempeitai would begin it's operations...