I bid you good day and hope this message finds you well. My name is Shimamori Masahito. By the grace of our Emperor, I am the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet and address you today with a matter of state importance. The recent events were very fruitful for the Empire: a group of colonists from Kusari have recently claimed and settled on the planet of Saigon. They renamed the latter "Keijo" and formed a republic under the same name. The system of Shizuoka, despite our declared protectorate over it, had effectively been a no man's land before the colonists arrived and they certainly would change the balance, hopefully in our favour. They recently pleaded to the Empire for them to receive the status of the Imperial Protectorate which we deemed appropriate to provide. In line with the terms of the agreement regarding the Protectorate, Kusari will dispatch a task force under the command of a newly created position of a Lord Protector of Keijo. The position will be outside the typical hierarchy of the KNF and respond to the Shogun directly, as well as to the Imperial Diet and His Imperial Majesty. The KNF admiralty reserves the right to monitor the activity of the Lord Protector and entrusted to him forces as well as suggest a course of action in case such a necessity arises.
This message is to notify you that the Imperial Diet in recognition of your previous achievements has decided to appoint you as the first Lord Protector of Keijo that will represent the might of the Empire in the republican space. Your rank and the position in the Imperial Navy shall be preserved yet as it has been noted above now you do not respond to your KNF superiors save for the Shogun himself. To answer a question about why a captain is assigned instead of an admiral: firstly, the size of the force to be dispatched should not be too big to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from the third parties, and secondly - a captain in charge of such a task force will serve the same purpose. In line with this appointment, your first assignments will be:
to acquaint oneself with the provisions of the Treaty of the Protectorate to familiarise with the scope of your powers and responsibilities;
to assemble the task force from the ranks of the KNF to carry out the duties of protection of the Republic of Keijo;
to come in contact with the Keijo Self Defence Forces and harmonise your activities with them.
You will be in charge of both the ground forces on the planet and the ships in space. The locals should assist you with the details regarding your residence et cetera. You are to assume your duties immediately after reading this communication. The prominent circles of the Empire and His Imperial Majesty will be watching your progress, so you should use this opportunity to show your diligence to the Empire and your swift career growth will be ensured. Because this position and duty are new to us all there might be additional needs. In case of the latter do not shun using direct governmental channels to reach to the Imperial Diet, the Shogun, or Ministries.
Good luck to you, Lord Protector.
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty,
Marquess Shimamori Masahito, the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet
Transmission received
Code recognised as A-230-951-KUCOM
Decrypting.... Recipient:Marquess Shimamori Masahito Sender:Itto Kaisa Mitsuo Akihiro Date:07.05.829 A.S. Subject:Keijo Republic; New Orders Priority:High
Esteemed Marquess Shimamori,
I believe we have already acquainted during the many times we have both held short discussions and fought together for the betterment of the Empire. It is an honor to be the person to receive the title of Lord Protector and I am most humbled by the Emperor's wish to establish mutually beneficial relations with the Republic of Keijo, as well as of his command to ensure their protection under the Empire's banner.
The requests to assemble a Kusari Naval Forces unit designated to protect the Republic of Keijo, together with the initiation of talks between the Empire's military and the Keijo Self-Defence Forces will be completed within the shortest possible time. I will contact the Matsumoto battlegroup and proceed through with a solicitation to dispatch a battlecruiser-sized force to the Republic's space after talks with their most-respected representatives.
Please let me know if any other matters related to the Republic of Keijo require to be adressed. Thank you for the swift action taken to inform me of the recent developments. I will not disappoint our Emperor, for he has entrusted me with the most important task a person such as I can receive.
I bid you good day. This message is to inquire about the status of the deployment of the task force for the defence of Keijo as discussed previously. My visit to the system of Shizuoka was soured by the engagement by the GMG and the ALG but I see my partial blame for it and agree with the wise decision of the Imperial Government to seek reconciliation with the Guild. I was told that because of it your demands towards the Guild have also been withdrawn and we are back to the status quo. Perhaps, this is good as unnecessary violence, especially against fellow Kusarians is better to be avoided. However, the orders regarding the protection of Keijo are standing and I was wondering if the task force has encountered any issues while on duty in the space of the Republic. It remains our solemn duty to ensure the safety of the colonists who pleaded for our help and we shall deliver.
The suggestion of the esteemed government was to rely on gunship-class vessels in the discharge of duties in Shizuoka. This did not pertain, however, to the forces of the Lord Protector. Fielding a smaller than a fleet Task Force, you have to rely on ships of every class to perform your duties. In case of any unprovoked aggression on behalf of the GMG, please inform the Imperial Government and me of the situation and we will work out a new approach to the matter.
Good service to you, Lord Protector!
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty,
Marquess Shimamori Masahito, the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet
Transmission received
Code recognised as A-230-951-KUCOM
Decrypting.... Recipient:Marquess Shimamori Masahito Sender:Itto Kaisa Mitsuo Akihiro Date:27.05.829 A.S. Subject:Status Update Priority:High
Esteemed Marquess Shimamori,
I must keep this message short due to the recent events unfolding in Sigma-13. The talks with the Keijo Republic, have, for the time being, come to a halt. While it is not due to a negative relation with the new state, other, more pressing matters have taken priority.
The Rheinland Military has once more repositioned vessels of capital size near our borders and attempts to portray itself as merely patrolling the region. The Kusari Naval Forces will not stand by idly, and we will take direct measures to counter this move by the Rheinlanders within the coming hours. I expect that you will find more on this topic as well just as early.
Moving back to the subject of our relation with the Republic of Keijo. I will order the Hamamatsu to mobilize a battlecruiser-sized force and redeploy it within Shizuoka within the shortest time to uphold Kusari's interests within the system as well as protect the Republic. Gunboat warships are of great importance, as you have mentioned, however their will not represent the main force sent to assist.
On the contrary, it would do us better to supply and fund the Keijo Republic with civilian technology in order to modernize their combat capability. Utilizing Kusari technology might be damaging to their public image as an independent state, however our personnel can train theirs to operate both civilian and Kusari vessels.
I trust that is all for the time being. Long live Kusari and our Emperor!
It is great to hear that the Hamamatsu battlegroup is in motion. The people of Keijo should get from it the sense of protection they sought. Let me or the other governmental institutions know should the GMG pose a threat to our operation in Shizuoka. We also will be awaiting any news from Keijo itself. Perhaps, further developments will give us more understanding as to what we ought to do next. As for the civilian technology leased to Keijo - I suppose, this is a great idea and we can expect some willingness from the keiretsu to promote their image and interests in Keijo by rendering them ship construction services.
The news about the movement of a Rheinland fleet in Sigma-13 caught me off guard, I am not gonna lie. I was not aware of such a turn of events and certainly did not expect it either. Our conclusion regarding their actions there should be made with a clear head: they have their corporate presence in the lower part of the system and, I suppose, have the right to field some of their defence capabilities. In that part of space, they should be of concern for the GMG. Should they venture closer to Honshu jumpgate, however, we will have no choice but to react. Diplomatically, at first, with escorting their ships away. If they do not comply the KNF reserves the right to enforce the imperial laws and protect the interests of the Empire. I do hope that it was a single incident of misunderstanding rather than a beginning of a pattern. If you spot more Rheinlanders in Sigma-13 or even in Shizuoka - act as the protocol for the situation dictates you and let us know of any of such incidents. The diplomats shall take it from there.
You are doing invaluable service to your people and the Emperor, Lord Protector. May it continue so in the future.
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty,
Marquess Shimamori Masahito, the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet
Marquess Shimamori Masahito Lord Speaker of The Imperial Diet
Lord Protector Mitsuo,
I hope this message finds you well. As per our previous conversation in the orbit of Honshu, I am glad to inform you that the Imperial Diet has reached a consensus regarding the expansion of the role of the Lord Protector. The recent months have blessed us with stability in the Sigmas, and the GMG has proven to be a reasonable organisation not to cause any provocations against our Keijo protectorate. At the same time, the situation on our "western" borders has deteriorated with the violation of the borders by the Bretonian intelligence. In view of this and to make use of our resources more efficiently, the Imperial Diet decrees:
Lord Protector is a special title within the military hierarchy that acts independently from yet in coordination with the KNF HQ and answers directly to the Shogun and the Emperor.
Lord Protector is entrusted with overseeing the operation of the Border Guard, a special subdivision of the KNF entrusted with the protection of the Imperial Borders.
The role provided for in P.1 is justified by the necessity to engage in diplomacy ad hoc and react in situ to unusual situations that might occur on the borders without the bureaucratic procedures of the KNF and/or KSP.
Exemption from being subordinate to the KNF HQ does not mean, however, full freedom of action. The KNF HQ is to be informed at all times of the operations and/or situation at the borders and of any notable incidents. While the Border Guard is under the command of the Lord Protector, in case of an emergency, the Border Guard can be summoned by the KNF HQ upon the notification of the Lord Protector.
For the purpose of personal safety of the Lord Protector and for carrying out operations in the absence of the Border Guard, as well as for the operations of the increased delicacy, the 37th "Heian" Imperial Guard Regiment is attached to the forces at the disposal of the Lord Protector. The Imperial Guard under the command of the Lord Protector shall carry out his orders diligently and shall remain by his side unless ordered otherwise by the Shogun, who takes precedence in command of the Imperial Guard Units. Such a recall shall not normally be required unless an emergency emerges.
The field of responsibility of the Lord Protector is hereby expanded to the following areas:
All systems designated under the Imperial Laws as "Protectorates" of the Empire of Kusari.
The systems designated under the Imperial Laws as "Zones of Influence" of the Empire of Kusari.
In cases wherein an intrusion of an unwanted foreign entity is observed and requires an ad hoc diplomatic reaction or in case of a chase, Lord Protector can discharge his duties ad hoc anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Empire of Kusari.
the duty of the Lord Protector remains the same: to ensure the safety of the people, interests, and dependent parties of the Empire of Kusari by upholding the imperial jurisdiction and control in the imperial protectorates and other fringe zones of the Empire.
Lord Protector Mitsuo Akihiro is hereby also requested to contact and deliver his new credentials to the KNF HQ. He is also to request the allocation of the appropriate task force under his command to form the Border Guard and to establish his permanent seat on one of the military bases or fleets for the sake of ease of access. The 37th "Heian" Imperial Guard regiment shall be dispatched by the Shogun to the Lord Protector's seat after the designation of such a seat.
I wish you success in this newly expanded position, Lord Protector Mitsuo. Your position is still new and not solidified in the imperial bureaucratic machine, and the Diet will be watching attentively if this practice is worthy of continuing. I do not doubt that your service will convince all the sceptics that an empowered autonomous organ dedicated to the affairs of the protectorates and the borders shall benefit the Empire. If you have any concerns or requests, feel free to address me.
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty,
Marquess Shimamori Masahito, the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet
Transmission received
Code recognised as A-230-951-KUCOM
Decrypting.... Recipient:Marquess Shimamori Masahito Sender:Itto Kaisa Mitsuo Akihiro Date:30.08.829 A.S. Subject:Changes Priority:High
Esteemed Marquess Shimamori,
I am most pleased to receive such news. I have awaited changes myself, rightfully so after our talks in Honshu several days prior, but not to this degree. I am deeply honored by our Emperor's desire, may he forever reign in Kusari, to put such trust into me. That our nation will be represented by I in external affairs and talks with other militaries and independent forces is a task I shall do my best to complete with success.
But, as good as it may be, there is little, if any, time for celebrations. Our current situation is presenting a dangerous precedent. Marquess Shimamori, if you excuse my impatience, what does the Imperial Diet think of the current unfolding events? More importantly, I desire to ask... have those traitorous agents been captured? It is all but a disgrace for our nation's border to be simply violated by such vermin.
Forgive my tone, yet it is no matter to overlook. You know my stance well, and I will further see to it that the conflict is resolved with much haste, so that our people may rest well knowing we are capable of defending our House. As a last request, I wish to ask about the state of affairs with our southern neighbors, the Republic of Liberty. How are matters on that part of the sector? It is of great interest to me to block their pitiful attempts at expansionism, as such it is our Emperor's desire.
That is all for the time being, Marquess. If need be, we can discuss on Honshu itself, as I am still on the planet, in part due to a necessity in assisting the local Police officers with their matters. Otherwise, respond when you possess the necessary time to do so.
Marquess Shimamori Masahito Lord Speaker of The Imperial Diet
Lord Protector Mitsuo,
I am glad to see you enthusiastic about the new responsibilities. Some people would be overwhelmed by the scope of new duties, but you are not one of them, and I am pleased to see that the candidate for the position of Lord Protector has been chosen well.
With the regard of the Bretonians, I am, unfortunately, not the right person to answer this question. I warned the Bretonian intelligence officer on the site not to violate our borders any further and tried to avoid aggravation of the relations between the Houses to the best of my abilities. I am not certain, but I have heard briefly that there has been another incident in the very same system of Kyushu. This is one of the reasons why the Diet was so eager to expand the capacity of your position in order to intercept such possible transgressors somewhere in either neutral space or an imperial protectorate. Aside from that, there have been no comments by official New London yet and I sincerely hope that the higher ups there will either get the message or control their agents if such an incursion was not warranted by the political establishment. For now, we need to wait and see how the situation develops. For now, we remain diplomatic and treat these incursions as a "misunderstanding" between us and friendly Bretonia. For more details as to the encounter itself I suppose you would rather contact the KOI or KNI.
As for the Libertarians, the Shikoku border will always remain a concern. For now, Liberty remains seemingly indifferent to Kepler and Galileo and we, at least on the Diet level, have not heard much about any incidents there. Both systems are frequently used by all kind of smugglers and other undesirables so cooperation with the Liberty authorities there is desirable. Yet Liberty has not approached us with any new suggestions in this direction and so we adhere to our previous arrangements. It is also worthy noting that Kepler is of great interest to our scientists and so we should uphold safety for them at least as far as Shikoku - Ames corridor is concerned. Perhaps, this will be one of the matters your Lordship can address.
In eternal service to His Imperial Majesty,
Marquess Shimamori Masahito, the Lord Speaker of the Imperial Diet
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