Chapter 1 ---
For centuries, the Tokugawa family led Japan. They initially shared the eastern continent with the Chinese, but after centuries of war, the continent was finally under a single banner: the rising sun. After these troubled times, the Japanese culture prospered quickly as massive investment was made in cities infrastructure. Many libraries, marketplaces, banks, universities, temples and cathedrals were built during this time. The Japanese ruled their piece of land in peace and prosperity.
Or so they thought. One day, they made contact with people from a distant land: the Iroquois. Relationships were good from the start and a Japanese embassy was created in the capital of this strange culture: Salamanca. Shortly after, more gaijin (aka foreigners) came and this how Japan met the Americans, Iroquois and the Russians.
This is when it became obvious that Japan had been too slow to explore the vast world, and its science had suffered from this. They were backward people compared to these cultures. The core of the Japanese army consisted of Samurai and musketmen. These culture possessed knowledge of incredible wonders such as cavalry units and riflemen !!! This was a turning point for Japan, the destiny of its people would reveal itself soon.
This is where our story begins.
Chapter 2 ---
Tokugawa awoke as soon as the sun rose. "The air feels great this morning!" he said. "A good day to train. Bring me sensei Hirohito." The servant slowly nodded, and backed away from the room without a sound, careful not to show his back to his emperor. A grave insult with dire consequences.
"You called for me, lord Tokugawa"
"Ah Hirohito! How are you my friend! Please come, come. Let's start our lesson."
"I sense an unusual amount of excitement in you this morning, my lord. Something going on in your mind?"
"Always the mind reader. You amaze me every day. Yes, you are right. I am excited. You see, I've read some reports recently from our agents in Salamanca. These Iroquois people are fascinating. They have access to vast knowledge that we can only dream of here. With this, we can start to study new fields of science and move our culture forward to new heights."
"I see. And what will we gain from this? Changes go both ways, some good, some bad. It is very hard to see where this will lead us. Caution is required."
"I know, I know. I can see why father loved you so much. Always watching on my shoulder. Anyway, shall we begin?"
"I think this morning class has already begun, my lord. In more ways than you think. But yes, you are right. Let us begin your fencing lesson."
In one swift motion, sensei Hirohito launched forward a lightning quick thrust with his katana (sword), the deadliest of all Japanese weapon. Tokugawa was nearly caught off guard but this move, but years of training with his old master had taught him never to be caught completely unaware. Never trust anyone completely. A quick side step and a sharp upward movement with his katana was all that was needed to deflect the blow.
"Well done, my lord. A well executed parry..."
Tokugawa didn't let Hirohito finish his sentence, he immediately attacked. The two of them exchanged a couple of strikes. None of them made contact. No one would risk too much of an opening in their defense to try a decisive attack. Signs of respect but also recognition of the skills of the opponent. Japanese fencing was an art of decisive attack, not of long exchange of thrust and parry. A sharp contrast to the fencing method of other culture. In the end, it was a draw.
"Well done. Your right parry has improved a lot." said sensei Hirohito. "You clearly block the angle and at the same time set yourself perfectly for a counter move. Very good. Very good."
Tokugawa only smiled at the remark, and bowed slightly toward his teacher. One would never answer back to such a compliment. Silence and humility showed his understanding. No need for words in this moment.
Later that day, Tokugawa returned to his desk, to study the reports from Salamanca. Cavalry! Who would have thought to mount soldier with rifle? Clearly, these foreigners were not to be underestimated. Their research in science was clearly superior to theirs, and the advantage these culture had would clearly increase if nothing was done.
"Send for my ministers. I want an audience setup in the next hour."
Chapter 3 ---
The audience chamber was a rectangular room. The floor was covered with tatami mats. The walls were empty, the only decoration: Japanese paintings made directly on the walls, not on canvas. There was no furniture in the room, except for small benches less than 6 inches from the floor. The northern part of the room was slightly elevated than the southern part, as if there was a step to get to that area. This is where Tokugawa was sitting. The main entrance to the room was in the southern part of the room. Upon entering the room, a guest would immediately see Tokugawa and how taller than everyone else he is the room. A clear indication of status.
"I have called upon you because we need to discuss important matters. I recently received information about the gaijin we recently met: the Americans, the Azteqs, the Iroquois and the Russians. These cultures are rich and diverse. They have produced a lot of knowledge in various areas, knowledge that we do not have." Tokugawa took a pause, so that his ministers could clearly understands the gravity of his words. It worked perfectly, they all showed subtle signs of worry. To the untrained eyes, nothing could be seen on their face, but Tokugawana was no novice and he could read emotion very well from all of them.
One of the ministers then said, "But lord, how is this possible? Japan has never been so rich and prosper. We've been investing in all our cities for decades. How could they?"
"But they did, and that's a fact. You see, these people share knowledge between themselves easily, and they all benefited from this. Who knows for how long they've been doing this. Japan has been on its own for centuries, without any contact with any other culture. Only a few travelers here and there." Tokugawa then took a deep breath, "It is time for us to do the same. I want us to set a city on the their continent."
The ministers all looked at their emperor with awe. "You mean, Japanese citizens living abroad, amongst the barbarians. Unthinkable! I've heard stories about the Russians and their family reunion..."
"But we don't have a choice !!!" Tokugawa interrupted. "Our very survival is at stake. You see, we have to evolve or become part of history books, like the Chinese. Don't you remember what happened to them? What we did to them?"
The minister was quick to bow his head before saying "My lord, I don't question the wisdom of your words, I merely state facts. Who would want to be part of such a future in a land full of barbarians without manners."
"Only our very best. This city won't be an ordinary colony. We will establish a massive military presence there, to ensure that our citizens come to no peril. I will send at least 10 divisions of our musketmen. This shall make them think twice before they attack us. We will also spare no expenses to accelerate the building of basic infrastructure there, like temples for our gods and fortifications to defend it."
A mumble of approval ran through the ministers.
"From now on, we move forward! Most of our economy will be diverted for this project. All borders cities are to continue their investment in infrastructure, but mainland cities are to switch immediately to military units. Also, our 3 major coastal cities shall build harbor. We need to start building a massive fleet with experienced crewmembers."
...to be continued
feedback is appreciated
For centuries, the Tokugawa family led Japan. They initially shared the eastern continent with the Chinese, but after centuries of war, the continent was finally under a single banner: the rising sun. After these troubled times, the Japanese culture prospered quickly as massive investment was made in cities infrastructure. Many libraries, marketplaces, banks, universities, temples and cathedrals were built during this time. The Japanese ruled their piece of land in peace and prosperity.
Or so they thought. One day, they made contact with people from a distant land: the Iroquois. Relationships were good from the start and a Japanese embassy was created in the capital of this strange culture: Salamanca. Shortly after, more gaijin (aka foreigners) came and this how Japan met the Americans, Iroquois and the Russians.
This is when it became obvious that Japan had been too slow to explore the vast world, and its science had suffered from this. They were backward people compared to these cultures. The core of the Japanese army consisted of Samurai and musketmen. These culture possessed knowledge of incredible wonders such as cavalry units and riflemen !!! This was a turning point for Japan, the destiny of its people would reveal itself soon.
This is where our story begins.
Chapter 2 ---
Tokugawa awoke as soon as the sun rose. "The air feels great this morning!" he said. "A good day to train. Bring me sensei Hirohito." The servant slowly nodded, and backed away from the room without a sound, careful not to show his back to his emperor. A grave insult with dire consequences.
"You called for me, lord Tokugawa"
"Ah Hirohito! How are you my friend! Please come, come. Let's start our lesson."
"I sense an unusual amount of excitement in you this morning, my lord. Something going on in your mind?"
"Always the mind reader. You amaze me every day. Yes, you are right. I am excited. You see, I've read some reports recently from our agents in Salamanca. These Iroquois people are fascinating. They have access to vast knowledge that we can only dream of here. With this, we can start to study new fields of science and move our culture forward to new heights."
"I see. And what will we gain from this? Changes go both ways, some good, some bad. It is very hard to see where this will lead us. Caution is required."
"I know, I know. I can see why father loved you so much. Always watching on my shoulder. Anyway, shall we begin?"
"I think this morning class has already begun, my lord. In more ways than you think. But yes, you are right. Let us begin your fencing lesson."
In one swift motion, sensei Hirohito launched forward a lightning quick thrust with his katana (sword), the deadliest of all Japanese weapon. Tokugawa was nearly caught off guard but this move, but years of training with his old master had taught him never to be caught completely unaware. Never trust anyone completely. A quick side step and a sharp upward movement with his katana was all that was needed to deflect the blow.
"Well done, my lord. A well executed parry..."
Tokugawa didn't let Hirohito finish his sentence, he immediately attacked. The two of them exchanged a couple of strikes. None of them made contact. No one would risk too much of an opening in their defense to try a decisive attack. Signs of respect but also recognition of the skills of the opponent. Japanese fencing was an art of decisive attack, not of long exchange of thrust and parry. A sharp contrast to the fencing method of other culture. In the end, it was a draw.
"Well done. Your right parry has improved a lot." said sensei Hirohito. "You clearly block the angle and at the same time set yourself perfectly for a counter move. Very good. Very good."
Tokugawa only smiled at the remark, and bowed slightly toward his teacher. One would never answer back to such a compliment. Silence and humility showed his understanding. No need for words in this moment.
Later that day, Tokugawa returned to his desk, to study the reports from Salamanca. Cavalry! Who would have thought to mount soldier with rifle? Clearly, these foreigners were not to be underestimated. Their research in science was clearly superior to theirs, and the advantage these culture had would clearly increase if nothing was done.
"Send for my ministers. I want an audience setup in the next hour."
Chapter 3 ---
The audience chamber was a rectangular room. The floor was covered with tatami mats. The walls were empty, the only decoration: Japanese paintings made directly on the walls, not on canvas. There was no furniture in the room, except for small benches less than 6 inches from the floor. The northern part of the room was slightly elevated than the southern part, as if there was a step to get to that area. This is where Tokugawa was sitting. The main entrance to the room was in the southern part of the room. Upon entering the room, a guest would immediately see Tokugawa and how taller than everyone else he is the room. A clear indication of status.
"I have called upon you because we need to discuss important matters. I recently received information about the gaijin we recently met: the Americans, the Azteqs, the Iroquois and the Russians. These cultures are rich and diverse. They have produced a lot of knowledge in various areas, knowledge that we do not have." Tokugawa took a pause, so that his ministers could clearly understands the gravity of his words. It worked perfectly, they all showed subtle signs of worry. To the untrained eyes, nothing could be seen on their face, but Tokugawana was no novice and he could read emotion very well from all of them.
One of the ministers then said, "But lord, how is this possible? Japan has never been so rich and prosper. We've been investing in all our cities for decades. How could they?"
"But they did, and that's a fact. You see, these people share knowledge between themselves easily, and they all benefited from this. Who knows for how long they've been doing this. Japan has been on its own for centuries, without any contact with any other culture. Only a few travelers here and there." Tokugawa then took a deep breath, "It is time for us to do the same. I want us to set a city on the their continent."
The ministers all looked at their emperor with awe. "You mean, Japanese citizens living abroad, amongst the barbarians. Unthinkable! I've heard stories about the Russians and their family reunion..."
"But we don't have a choice !!!" Tokugawa interrupted. "Our very survival is at stake. You see, we have to evolve or become part of history books, like the Chinese. Don't you remember what happened to them? What we did to them?"
The minister was quick to bow his head before saying "My lord, I don't question the wisdom of your words, I merely state facts. Who would want to be part of such a future in a land full of barbarians without manners."
"Only our very best. This city won't be an ordinary colony. We will establish a massive military presence there, to ensure that our citizens come to no peril. I will send at least 10 divisions of our musketmen. This shall make them think twice before they attack us. We will also spare no expenses to accelerate the building of basic infrastructure there, like temples for our gods and fortifications to defend it."
A mumble of approval ran through the ministers.
"From now on, we move forward! Most of our economy will be diverted for this project. All borders cities are to continue their investment in infrastructure, but mainland cities are to switch immediately to military units. Also, our 3 major coastal cities shall build harbor. We need to start building a massive fleet with experienced crewmembers."
...to be continued
feedback is appreciated
