Recent developments have caused quite some unrest within our ranks. It is perfectly understandable, given the uncertainty caused by negotiations with Imperialistic elements of our people, towards a settlement for a reunification of these antagonistic parties.
Fears and doubts have also undermined higher echelons. I couldn't help but notice Rear-Admiral Hayashimura requested a time off, while Rear-Admiral Shimoe went as far as notifying his resignation, for example.
I have to say such decisions concerned and - forgive me for being blunt - even disappointed me.
As members of the Admiralty, we all have considerable responsibilities; it is not acceptable to abandon them no matter how displeased or troubled we may be about the decisions taken by our political leaders.
We all swore to serve House Kusari's population and to protect them from any threat. Our loyalty lies to our people and, by extension, the political body chosen to represent them, be it Republican or Imperial. There is still billions of people counting on us to ensure their safety. There is still thousand of men and women counting on us to serve them the best we can, while they dedicated their lives to the armed forces of House Kusari, and the protection of its population.
Consequently, I humbly ask you to put aside any qualm, and keep on performing your duties.
No resignation will be accepted until the transition is over.
For what it's worth, Admiral of the Fleet Mochizuki recently told me he is expecting the new governing body to replace him very soon. That would be a logical and a symbolic decision. No matter, he will continue working at the best of his abilities until dismissed. He expects nothing less from us all.
Lastly, I'd like to remind us all we are upholders of certain values. It is our responsibility to preserve them within Kusari Naval Forces, no matter how difficult it may be following a military staff reorganization. I hope you, Shimoe Katsuo, will understand your presence will be more vital than ever, so that Kusari Naval Forces do not become what you fear them to turn into.
I would also like to remind you all you have nothing to be ashamed of. You all served your House with dedication.
The Republic did not surrender, nor did Imperials. It will take time to heal the wounds caused by the civil war. It will require us all endeavor to forgive and move forward, for the betterment of House Kusari and its people.
I am currently overseeing the lasts steps of Battleship Nagumo's evacuation directive. I shall move to New Tokyo by the next days. If anyone of you wishes to meet me, I will be pleased to oblige.
Do not forget about your oath to serve the people of Kusari,
Sakamoto Ryoma.
Comm ID:Kaisho-ho HAYASHIMURA, Kiyoko Recipient:Admiralty Circle Topic:Recent Changes
Kon'nichiwa,
I would say that the vacation I requested was solely because I wanted to spend time with my family that I haven't seen for over a year now, but I would be lying. The reunification and the consequences it's brought and will bring in the future are what is striking me down and giving me second thoughts about returning to my post and not following in the footsteps of Rear-Admiral Shimoe.
As you may already be aware, I chose to be in the ranks of the 66th is because I wanted to be further away from the conflict with the Imperials as possible, and the 66th granted me that privilege. With the end of the civil war, I find myself forced to deal with Imperialistic individuals and groups that will most likely try to pick a fight with me due to my hard political beliefs, which I believe both of myself and Rear-Admiral Shimoe share.
The departure of Fleet Admiral Mochizuki is saddening but inevitable, and I am very grateful for him and rest of the admiralty circle for their contributions to Kusari and the Naval Forces. I suspect myself to be handed less power if a more Imperialistic Fleet Admiral was to fill the blank spot, even if not, I will be stepping down from my duties as the commanding officer of the 66th Special Division.
The only reason that prevented me from handing in my resignation was that I know where my loyalty belongs, and I sincerely hope Rear-Admiral Shimoe follows my heading, for that we will endure any hardships together. Otherwise, I will feel disappointed, betrayed - and possibly angry.
If a meeting of importance were to happen, I will make my arrangements to be present if needed.
Respectfuly,
Signed,
Hayashimura Kiyoko, Kaisho-ho
CO 66th Special Expeditionary Division
5FLT, Kusari Naval Forces
I am glad to hear that your will to serve Kusari is still unbroken and that we can count on your expertise in the future.
In trouble times, Kusari must look to experienced and steadfast people like you to guide us into a bright future.
We cannot say what will come of the decisions made in the past weeks and the reunification with our lost brothers and sisters will put a strain on us all.
Nevertheless we will have to show unity and strength to be a beacon of stability for the people of Kusari.
It is paramount to not betray the faith they have put in us and as such we have to put our own desires and ambitions aside and continue to serve Kusari as best as we can.
We must accept our role and not get involved in the game of politics, our involvement in the republic coup is something we should not repeat.
I would not be surprised if our tasks and duties may be modified in the coming weeks and I intend to see this as a chance for things to change to the better.
File type: Text
Sender ID: Yamamoto, K.
Receiver ID: Board of Admirals, Kusari Naval Forces
Priority:Medium Subject: On what lies ahead
Ladies, Gentlemen, honoured Admirals,
it comes to me as somewhat of a surprise that I can, perhaps must, write to you, to this board of admirals. To be completely honest, I hoped I could finally put aside the uniform for good and just turn away from the mess this whole ordeal could very well turn into. It is apparent however that there simply is no way for me to escape this path and leave old wounds behind – like Admiral Sakamoto stated, no resignations are being accepted, and this seems to be go for both sides in this ordeal.
So, seeing as I am stuck in this I might voice my opinion on these matters.
And, to put it bluntly, I am appaled by what I came to read so far. Years upon years this house was divided and at war with itself, following what some call a necessary sacrifice, and others a betrayal of a magnitude which never had been seen before. If people had listened to my initial advice we would still be. Perhaps luckily, perhaps not, fact is nobody did listen to me and now we are here at this junction.
But what is the first thing I come across? A culture of triumphant benevolence, of patting each other on the back. At some points I dare say even naive ignorance. 'We did not do anything wrong'. Seems to be the predominant sentiment going around. No sign of reflection, no will to change. 'You have nothing to be ashamed of', wrote the esteemed Admiral, and seems to have forgotten that yes, we have things to be ashamed of, all of us. Every man and woman who played their part in the betrayal that started it all and everyone who held or holds the position we have and prolonged this civil war for but a day – on both sides - has made mistakes that impacted billions upon billions of lifes and should be ashamed. I find myself confronted with that burden a lot lately, rest assued of that. Which is why it hits my especially hard to that noone else in this circle of highest military officer seems to.
I know I repeat myself in saying this, but I hold it so very true: Every day this civil war had been fought brought with itself new, grave mistakes. It was a war that could bring forth no victors, only losers. But even by laying down arms like both sides agreed to and swearing to mend what has been apart for too long nothing has been gained. Nothing has been won for anyone. Yet, at least.
In one of the assertions the honoured Admiral got so very right he stated that there are deep wounds that need healing. I do agree with him on that. Gaping cuts lie across my heart and soul, like they do with so many other Kusarians, may they be Imperial, may they be Republican. Like they might even lie with you. And before these wounds are not tended to there can be no reconciliation, no lasting peace. Until they are cared for, they will do nothing but secrete bitterness and hatred, especially among those who just returned from being strangers to their own home. I can tell you that much.
If what everyone who is part of this board wants really is true rapprochement, bringing together a house once divided then I expect nothing less than the full commitment of everyone to work towards this goal. To acknowledge past mistakes and to give their all in this strife. Otherwise I can and will not stand for any of this.
Sincerely
Yamamoto Kaori
Former Kaigun-Shosho of the Imperial Fleet
Kaisho-ho
Kusari Naval Forces
Squished bigly ~Champ- Thanks, you're a champ. "What's the word for when it feels inside your heart that everything in the world is all right?"
Comm ID:Kaisho-ho HAYASHIMURA, Kiyoko Recipient:Admiralty Circle Topic:RE: Recent Changes
Oh, if it isn't rear admiral Yamamato.
I'm rather sure you identified who I am already based on our previous, more unfortunate encounters, so I needn't have to explain much.
You haven't changed really, still always looking at the results and neglecting the causes and reasons. The previous coup didn't happen for no reason, but because your- our esteemed emperor was steering the nation towards a far more severe ending than this civil strife. Yet, you unironically blame the Republic for the bloodshed, which we're equal parts in, if not more of the Imperials' if you give it a thought. Constant faults and errors call for a change, Yamamoto-kaisho, and that has always been the case. I also find myself in need to mention that it sounds hypocritical to me to hear such statements from those who ousted their predecessors now known as the Blood Dragons, I'm rather sure I already told you this several times for various reasons.
There is no use crying of spilled milk, that's the difference between us, we've lost civilians, soldiers and comrades, and most importantly the bonds that connect our people. We may grief our lost, but that doesn't imply that they're coming back, instead, we should work and reflect on their wishes to achieve what they've died for. Big or small, all the decisions I make and have made include my people's and comrades' honor, glory, sense of duty and my loyalty to my people. I made my decisions during the crisis upon consideration of all those things, and I don't regret my decisions nor am I ashamed of them, but that does not mean that I do not grief for our lost.
War is cruel, whether you win or lose you always lose more than you gain. The difference is that the victor can still console themselves by counting their gains, but the defeated can only count what they've lost. In our case, Republicans and Imperials, we are both, as you said, defeated, and there is no point in blaming each other for what has been done, nor in doubting and regretting our previous decisions and battles anymore.
I do have to agree with you, however, we will still be stuck at ground zero if the bonds between our separated people are not mended, and the holes closed. That is what the ministry of post-reunification reconciliation is for, and we should act as a leading example.
Griefing over the past at this point will only put more wood into the fire, and will not be of any help to mending those bonds. Do everyone, yourself included, a favor and keep your opinions to yourself just like how I do, and everyone else her does, if you wish to see any progress for reconciliation. Start with yourself and move along.
On another note, I'd like to extend my requested vacation for an additional week until I mend said broken bonds with my parents. Thank you for your understanding.
Power in Unity,
Signed,
Hayashimura Kiyoko, Kaisho-ho
CO 66th Special Expeditionary Division
5FLT, Kusari Naval Forces
I was quite surprised when I received this message. Perhaps someone within Imperial High Command decided that I may serve the country once again, considering that right now is the time of strugle and reorganization, and someone with a mind focused only on the war might be usefull for the state that is currently enjoying shortterm peace.
I'm Chikage Kazama, formerly known as Kagakagari Takaya ex Chujo of Naval forces. Perhaps someone still remember me, like you Sakamoto.
I was a loyal person of the Emperor Kogen, yet, that person died with the Emperor and decided to take a path of exile and isolation.
It was a wrong decision, I understand it now seeing how both sides turned, republic and their equality, ruining the naval forces from within, honor code that was established for so long and was a grounding stone of the naval forces, was simply discarded with the belief that everyone is equal and there is no superiority.
Yet, the imperial side is not better, woman wearing admiral uniform speaking something about being ashamed, still, you are standing alive, accepted armistice and it doesn't look like you are ashamed of anything.
Why any of you should be ashamed of anything, you were merely following orders, aren't you all? This is the easiest way to avoid responsibility, even Admirals are receiving orders, either from the Emperor or Prime Minister, it changes nothing, so let's pretend that now we are not brainless machines and focus on something that should be done.
Both sides are discussing me, Empire that died with the Kogen and only lived as an abomination with the name that hold no legal ground and the Republic that rose on the treason of greatest magnitude. Fortunately, several years of exile helped me to see that it doesn't matter if you like something or not, you need to act aggressively and quickly if you want to achieve something.
Right now our Navy is fractured, they don't trust each other and trust is everything, our borders are weak, dragons assaulting Nagano, bold Guild decided to claim Kurile, perhaps even Gauls are turning their eyes on us in a preparation of something, and yet, we are doing nothing, instead, everyone here decided to discuss their feelings rather making valuable propositions about how to fix the situation we are currently in.
Perhaps I'll start and everyone here will stop thinking about themselves and start to think about Kusari for once.
- Reorganization of the fleet and battlegroups, we need to start mixing former imperial units into current Naval Forces divisions.
- Reintroduction of Naval Code as it was with the empire, additional modifications will be necessary for the current period, yet it was something that was uniting whole Naval Forces for centuries.
- Reinforcement of our borders and assigning of additional units to the threatened zones like Nagano,Sigmas and Kyushu/Tau.
- Nagasaki shouldn't sit on top of the New Tokyo, it is a waste of our resources, perhaps it can help on one of our borders since it's firepower can be rivaled only by a few.
- Yamaguchi may require some repairs, yet it is still in the perfect condition for the battle if any tension will arise in Kyushu or on Tau border.
I'm not exactly aware of the situation on other fronts, forgive me, I didn't have access to all the up to date information, still, I believe that if the situation in Nagano is not yet resolved it may require some additional units there.
To sum it up, I don't like you all, I don't trust you all, yet, I'm willing to put it aside and work together with you for the better Kusari, for strong Kusari, powerful and mighty as it should be.
Trust can be earned and I'm looking forward to earning it and helping other to earn it too.
May the tides favour us,
Long Live Kusari!
Chikage Kazama
ex Chujo of Naval Forces
I can understand Seto invasion fleet distress when the news came House Kusari deposed its Emperor. Such a move was seen as the best way to protect Kusari, Emperor Kogen Jien being exclusively focused on a victory against Bretonia, ordering more and more assets to be sent to Seto, thus depriving core space of its defenses.
Not to mention his decision to declare war to Gas Miner Guild following Kurile crysis, leading to the creation of a new war-front when all our efforts were focused in the Taus and Seto system.
The Blood Dragons uprising in North quadrant and the raise of criminal activities during the founding years of the Republic are a direct consequence of this misjudgment.
What Exiles also tend to conveniently forget is Kusari military might was severely undermined following the short war with Gallia in the Taus. There is simply no way House Kusari could have stood against House Gallia at that time. Suing for peace was the only way to prevent occupation by a foreign power.
Lastly, Yamamoto-san, you are not the only one to experience difficulties to forgive. I was reluctant to take actions against the Exiles when they began to regroup in Tau 29. I was considering them as fellow brothers and attempted to privilege negotiation...
Imperials repaid this by launching a surprise strike against Battleship Nagumo, thus taking the lives of many noble men and women, whom sole crime was to have been dedicated to the protection of House Kusari.
All this to say both sides certainly had good reasons to act the way they did. Labeling someone as a traitor, an Imperial or a Republican does not take into account the complexity of their motives, their hope and their fears.
It is time to move on from ideologies turning Kusarians against one another. As Chikage-san said, we have a responsibility to uphold. Sadly, the negotiations undertaken on New Tokyo are taking a while, as you could notice. We however received confirmation from the Ministry of Defense Kusari Naval Forces would be a priority for the new government.
We must all take advantage of this transition period to learn once more we can trust each other.
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