"The End of Aggression"
07 December, 2023
08:57 PM
Imperial Diet Building, Yūranouchi, Sendō Ward, Shinkyō
Unlike last night, the halls of the Imperial Diet building were packed, filled to the brim with observers and reporters. Eijirō could scarcely take a few steps without the characteristic flash of photographers nearly blinding him as he slowly walked towards the chamber of the House of Representatives. All along the way, he'd be interrupted constantly by the reporters, who had wished to get him to give a statement, but, out of respect for the occasion, he would rebuff each request, instead politely continuing to talk with the others in attendance. He couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach as he saw the door to the chamber; the address he was about to give to the Diet was, after all, arguably the crowning moment of his career thus far. His speech upon taking the throne was largely rigid, keeping with tradition but modified slightly to match the reign of his father. His yearly addresses to the Diet were, of course, rather broad in scope, and his most recent speech, made back in July, was overshadowed by a grave tragedy. Tonight, however, he was free. Free to lay out policy, to say what needed to be said. It was... different to what he was used to. Thrilling, even. Yet for the moment, he would have to wait until his time to enter the chamber came.
Upon reaching the chamber a few minutes prior, he had been greeted by the members of both Houses; eleven sitting members of the House of Representatives and six from the House of Peers. He knew most of them in passing, but two in particular, he was, of course, intimately familiar with. For among those selected to escort him into the time-honoured hall of the House of Representatives were none-other than his Uncle, Etsuji, and his father-in-law, Viscount Eikichi Tachibana. For a few minutes, the three men would make themselves busy, discussing the speech to some extent but mostly about more regular things. Sports, technological breakthroughs, the weather, that sort of thing. But soon enough, the first group would enter the chamber, with the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, Shinobu Aikyō, announcing, quote, "Mr. Speaker, the Head of the Diplomatic Service.", at which point the conversation ended. This would repeat a few more times, with the members of the Supreme Court, the members of the Privy Council, and finally Prime MInister Konishi and the Cabinet entering. Finally, it was their turn. The doors swung open, and the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives entered.
"Mr. Speaker, His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Fusan!" The Sergeant-at-Arms, Hisao Nakasone, shouted, at which point the chamber erupted into cheers and shouts, loud like crashing waves in a storm. Slowly, Eijirō entered the chamber, flanked by the members of the committee as he greeted several representatives and peers along the way towards the pedestal at the center of the dais, where he would be greeted by the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hiroaki Ryo, who would then briefly speak into the microphone after going through the normal procedures.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I recognize that it is customary at joint sessions for the chair to present the Emperor to the Diet directly and without further comment." Ryo said, clearing his throat. "However, on this night, I humbly wish to depart from that tradition and express to you on behalf of the Diet and the country and through you, to the members of our armed forces our warmest congratulations on the brilliant victory of the Stepping Stone Operation." He continued. "That being said, members of the Diet, I have the distinct privilege and honour to present to you His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Fusan."
A moment would pass, during which time the assembled dignitaries would cheer once more, and though it would be a moment, for Eijirō, it felt as though it could last an eternity. Victory had been won; that much he could see in the eyes of the hundreds gathered in this hall. Yet it was a victory which was tainted by the crimes uncovered; hard won and necessary, but bitter. Even so, he would gather his composure, briefly looking around the chamber as it soon fell silent before adjusting the microphone and beginning to speak.
"Mr. Speaker, thank you, sir, for those most generous words spoken from your heart about the wonderful performance of our military." He began. "Members of the Diet, four months ago, I came before you in the wake of the most vicious attack on our nation since the time of the Greater East Ardia War. And we met then in a time of war. Tonight, however, we meet in a world blessed by the promise of peace. From the moment the Air Campaign for Operation Stepping Stone began on the 29th of July until the moment the guns fell silent mere days ago, this nation has watched its sons and daughters with pride — watched over them with prayer. As Commander-in-Chief, I can report to you now: Our armed forces fought with honour and valour. As Emperor, I can report to the nation that aggression is defeated. The war in Kalasin is over." He stated in a calm yet firm fashion, those last words causing the chamber to erupt into applause once more. "This is a victory for every country in the coalition, for the International Community. A victory for unprecedented international cooperation and diplomacy, so well led by our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tadakatsu Haruno. It is a victory for the rule of law and for what is right. Stepping Stone’s success belongs to the team that so ably leads our armed forces, our Minister of War and our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Okimoto Esashi and Hakaru Fukushi.
"I would like to note that this victory belongs to General Hayao Okuda, who commanded our forces on the battlefield and played a key role in the liberation of Ranong. Yet let us again remember that this was not a Fusanese effort alone, but rather a coalition effort. Thus, let us recognize Achkaerin’s General Kakashi Fuji, Paechon’s General Kyo Joon-ki, and all the others whose leadership played a key role in achieving this victory. And most importantly, most importantly of all, let us recognize those who served in the field." He continued. "I thank the members of this Diet, many of whom rushed back to Shinkyo after the attack on Awara, for continuing to serve the people of our dear nation in its hour of need. Support for our troops in this honoured hall during the battle for Kalasin has been overwhelming. And above all, I thank those whose unfailing love and support sustained our courageous men and women: I thank the Fusanese people." He finished the first section of his speech, taking a moment to breathe as the crowd cheered yet again.
"Tonight, as we celebrate our victory in Kalasin, I come before this House to speak about the world, a world changed by this war. The recent challenge could not have been clearer: While in 2017, Naphat Jitnukul sought to seize the island of Paechon for himself, the Rangsitpol regime sought nothing short of vengeance upon the fair peoples of East Ardia, those whom have, since the end of the Greater East Ardia War, sought nothing but to guide the Kalasinese people on a path towards a better future. Let it be clear: Rangsitpol was the villain. The people of Kalasin, chiefly, were the victims, as were the thousands affected in Awara and Pyrettania. To the aid of the people of Kalasin came nations from East Ardia, Aranye, and beyond, all united against aggression and terror. As dusk falls, our uncommon coalition, the likes of which has not been seen since the Great War, must now endeavour to work in common purpose to forge a future that should never again be held hostage to the darker side of human nature.
"Tonight in Kalasin, Rangsitpol finds himself a prisoner amidst the ruins of his capital, brought about by his own hands. His war machine lies crushed, his ability to threaten mass destruction destroyed. His people have been lied to, denied the truth, and slaughtered wholesale in a vain pursuit of racial purity the likes of which we have scarcely seen before. And as the demilitarised legions he once commanded return home, so too shall all Kalasinese be confronted with the havoc which he has wrought. And this I promise you: For all that Rangsitpol has done to his own people, to the Paechonese, and to the world, he and those around him are accountable. All of us grieve for the victims of the war, for the people of Paechon and the suffering that scars the soul of that proud nation. We grieve for all our fallen soldiers and their families, for all the innocents caught up in this conflict. And yes, we grieve for the people of Kalasin, a people who have never been our enemy. My hope is that one day we will once again welcome them as friends into the community of nations." He paused, glancing around the room.
"Our commitment to peace in the Matilda Channels does not end with the restoration of the Union. So tonight, as we celebrate, let me outline the key challenges to be met." Eijirō said, beginning the third segment of his address. Took him long enough, he privately thought as he remembered what he had written—or at least, what he'd provided input on, since he had others helping him with the speech. "First, we must work together to create shared security arrangements in the region. Our friends and allies in Paechon and the Vax Republic, as well as our supporters in the recently liberated territories on the mainland recognize that they will bear the bulk of the responsibility for regional security. But we want them to know that just as we stood with them to repel aggression, so now Fusan stands ready to work with them in order to secure the peace. Unlike in 2017, when at the suggestion of my father, Emperor Antei, the Armed Forces of Fusan were largely withdrawn from the region, until such a time as stability returns to the Matilda Channels, our forces will remain stationed in the region in order to respond to any threats to this new future for the many peoples of Kalasin. It will also mean that we shall maintain a capable Imperial Naval presence in the region, just as we have since Paechon was granted its independence. And let it be clear: Our vital national interests depend on stability and security in the Matilda Channels.
"Second, we must act with conviction to control the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles used to deliver them. We saw, as a result of the attacks on Awara and Pyrettania, that the Kalasinese came within a hair of developing a nuclear bomb, and we of course know of the vast stockpiles of chemical and bacteriological weapons which the Rangsitpol regime came to possess. It would, therefore, be tragic if such weapons were to rear their ugly head in the region once more, as it would be a tragedy most grim if other nations around the world sought to develop and use them. Mainland Kalasin now requires special vigilance. Until such a time as it convinces the world of its peaceful intentions — that its leaders will not use new revenues to rearm and rebuild its menacing war machine — it must not have access to the instruments of war."
Deep breaths... Just a little ways left to go. He was doing great; at least, that's what the Emperor privately told himself.
"Third, we must ensure that justice be done for the victims of the Rangsitpol regime, the many thousands — tens of thousands, if not more — who were murdered on the behalf of it and its allies in the People’s Armed Forces of Kalasin. Even now, though the leadership of the regime and many of its military leaders are in custody, there are many more who are, at this time, at large. Those responsible for these reprehensible acts, these atrocities committed writ large against an innocent population whose only crime was to exist, must be punished, else it will be as though the dead are not slain, that there was no crime. In the coming months and years, an army of lawyers, legal scholars, and judges will descend upon the cases of those involved in these vile acts of genocide, and though I cannot say what the verdict shall be, I can promise that justice will be done. And for those who have perpetrated these crimes and yet flee, Thaksin Prateung included, we will come from you. There will be nowhere you can hide forever, where the world might forget the evil you have brought into the world." He paused. "And fourth, we must foster economic development for the sake of peace and progress. Kalasin and the Matilda Channels form a region rich in natural resources with a wealth of untapped human potential. Resources once squandered on military might must be redirected to more peaceful ends. We are already addressing the immediate economic consequences of the Rangsitpol Regime’s aggression. Now, the challenge is to reach higher to foster economic freedom and prosperity for all the people of the region. By meeting these challenges, we can build a framework for peace. Prime Minister Konishi and I have requested that Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruno go to the region to begin the process. He will go to listen, to probe, to offer suggestions, to advance the search for peace and stability."
"To all the challenges that confront this region of the world, there is no single solution, no solely Fusanese answer. But we can make a difference. The Empire will work tirelessly as a catalyst for positive change, ever hopeful that our brethren in Kalasin will return to the proper path for the sake of the wellbeing of mankind. But we cannot truly strive to enter this new world if at home, it's politics as usual on Fusanese defence and diplomacy. The time has come that we turn away from the temptation to protect obsolete weapons systems and outdated sensibilities with regards to diplomacy. While peace may be maintained through strength, it is a peace that is unsustainable in the long run. If we are to make the change we want in the world, we must act upon it willingly, openly and in concert with partners around the globe. The time has come to put an end to the micro-management of foreign and security assistance programs, something which humiliates our friends and allies and hamstrings our diplomacy. It's time to rise above the parochial and the political back-scratching to do what is necessary, what's right and what will enable this nation to play the leadership role required of us going into the latter part of the decade.
"The consequences of the conflict in the channels reach far beyond the confines of Northeast Ardia and Central Aranye. Twice before in the last one hundred years, an entire world was convulsed by war. Twice, out of the horrors of war hope emerged for enduring peace. Twice before, those hopes proved to be a distant dream, beyond the grasp of man. Until recently, the world we've known has been a world divided, a world of barbed wire and machine-gun nests, of conflict and fear." Eijirō said, his voice unwavering as he proudly spoke the words he had written. "And now, a vision of a new world is coming closer and closer into view. While efforts like the Commonwealth Treaty Organization have failed, and indeed the notion of a truly globalised world seems faint, there is yet hope that peaceful dialogue can resolve most all disputes. We saw that after the war with Rokkenjima, brought about in part due to longstanding mistrust even in spite of both our nations having been a part of the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization and in part by elements within our governments capitalising on said mistrust, wherein the efforts of the Ardian Assembly — and others — were able to swiftly restore ties between our peoples to their pre-war norms. Though yes, the world has grown more… granular, so to speak, in recent times, the prospect of a world order where the principles of justice and fair play serve to protect the weak against the strong remains within our grasp. A world where the principles laid out by the Allied powers of the Greater East Ardia War, unshackled from cold war stalemate, may be fulfilled. A world in which freedom and respect for human rights find a home among all nations.
"The War in the Channels has put this vision to the test, one of its first. And loyal subjects, we have passed that test." Eijirō stated, at which point he was met once more by applause. "For the sake of our principles, for the sake of our slain, and for the sake of the Kalasinese people, we stood our ground. Because the world would not look the other way, Ambassador Shinawatra, I can, with great elation, report that the people of Kalasin are free once more."
"As our troops begin to return home, leaving behind only those necessary to occupy the country until such a time as the peoples there are ready, let us recognize that the hard work of freedom still calls us forward. We've learned the hard lessons of history. The victory over Kalasin was not waged as "a war to end all wars." Even the present order cannot guarantee an era of perpetual peace. But enduring peace must be our mission. Our success in the channels will shape not only the world we seek to create but our mission here at home. In the war just ended, there were clear-cut objectives, timetables and, above all, an overriding imperative to achieve results. We must bring that same sense of self-discipline, that same sense of urgency, to the way we meet challenges here at home. Going into the new year, we must outline a comprehensive agenda which will make the Empire ready for the challenges of the future. While the economy has performed well this year, we cannot underestimate the hit taken following the attack on Awara and the crisis in the channels. The fear and uncertainty caused by the crisis were certainly understandable. But now that the war is over, interest rates are down and confidence is rightly coming back. Our people can move forward to lend, spend and invest in this, one of the strongest economies on Mundus."
"We must also enact the legislation that is key to building a better Fusan. For example, earlier this year, we enacted a historic act which will allocate more than 文200 billion to tackle the challenge of climate change. We have begun funding affordable housing across the country; it is our firm commitment that nobody should have to go homeless regardless of means. We have authorised additional investment in our infrastructure, including the creation of new railways which will connect the nation not only to itself but to its neighbours like has never been seen before in our history. Not only that, but we have begun expanding access to high-speed internet to as many users across our nation, so that even from home, our citizens can be well-informed about and connected to the world. Now, we aim to pass a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the rights of our citizens belonging to the LGBTQ community the same rights to marriage and to start a family as any other citizen within our nation. And these are just a few of our pending proposals for reform and renewal." The Emperor stated plainly, glancing to Prime Minister Konishi for a moment as he had led the push in that area for some time now. "So tonight, I call on the Diet to move forward aggressively on our domestic front. Let's begin with two initiatives we should be able to agree on quickly: transportation and housing. And then, let's build on success with those and enact the rest of our agenda. If our forces could win the ground war so swiftly, then so too can our Diet pass this legislation with haste. Let that be the promise we make tonight to the Fusanese people."
"My father, in his last address to the Diet in 2017, asked a question of you: “If we can selflessly confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then is it possible that we can transform this land to be all that it should be?” It was a question which, in the leadup to the war, I found myself asking, as I am sure many of you did too. In the time since I last stood here, the brave men and women of our Armed Forces have accomplished more than even they may realise. They set out to confront an enemy abroad, and in the process, they transformed their nation back home." He continued, looking around the room as he stretched his finger out, dragging it across the chamber. "Think — everyone here — think about the way they went about their mission — with confidence and silent pride. Think about their sense of duty, their camaraderie, about all they taught us, about our values, and about ourselves. We’ve often heard in the international media about how our schools are failing us, how our children are increasingly in turmoil, how our products and workers are second-class. But let me tell you, no second-rate power could achieve what we have achieved. The Fusan we saw in Stepping Stone was first-class talent. And they did it using Fusan’s state-of-the-art technology. From the J-19s and a personal favourite, J-24s — I admit, I am biassed — which guarded the skies above the Channels to the Matsui family of ground vehicles which marauded east to liberate Ranong, we have seen the excellence of our nation’s engineering and technology, as well as the brave men and women who made them work." He paused yet again, catching his breath after speaking nonstop for a fairly long time. "And we saw soldiers who know about honour and bravery and duty and country and the world-shaking power of these simple words. There is something noble and majestic about the pride, about the patriotism which we feel tonight. So to everyone here, and of course everyone watching at home or wherever else you might find yourself, think about the men and women of our Armed Forces. Let us honour them and their sacrifices with our gratitude and undying respect. Let us too comfort the families of our honoured dead, remembering every precious life lost. Let us remember the time-honoured words of General Shigemori Esashi, who, upon returning from Toshima after the island’s fall in 1945, remarked that even the gods would weep at the bravery and sacrifice displayed by the men at his command."
"I’m certain that many of you saw the unforgettable scene from outside of Ranong, no more than a week ago, of a Kalasinese soldier — a boy, really — surrendering. He emerged from his foxhole, tears streaming down his face, fearing the worst. And you of course remember the Fusanese soldier who was waiting for him. Does anyone remember what he said? “You’re fine. You’re alright. It’s alright now.” That scene, in my opinion, says a lot about the Empire. Despite being the “enemy”, when the fighting ceased, that soldier showed who we really are. A kind, caring, and generous people. Let us strive to follow in his example as we move into the next phase of this situation in Kalasin." Eijirō stated. "Soon, our troops will begin the march we have all been waiting for, their long march home. Prime Minister Konishi has already directed Minister Esashi to begin the immediate return of Fusanese combat units from the channels, to be replaced by fresh faces who will aid in the reconstruction of the region. In three days, the first planeload will depart from Paechon for home. That plane will carry the men and women of the 19th Infantry Division bound for Fort Yazawa in Kunashiri prefecture. This will mark only the start of the steady flow of forces out of the channels. Let their return remind us that all those who have gone before are linked with us in a long line of heroes stretching back centuries. We have always to serve and sacrifice nobly for that which we believe right." He added before saying "Tonight, I ask each and every community across this nation to make this coming New Year a day of celebration for our returning troops. They may have missed Silver Week and the November holidays, but having served, I can tell you this: For them and their loved ones, we can make this a holiday which they will never forget."
"In a very real sense, this victory belongs to them; to the privates and the pilots, to the sergeants and the supply officers, to the men and women in our vehicles, and the men and women who made them work. This victory belongs to the regulars, to the reservists, to the members of the Prefectural Guard. This victory belongs to the finest fighting force that this nation has ever known in its history. We went across the world to do what is moral and just. We fought hard, and — with the help of others — we won the war. And we lifted the yoke of aggression and tyranny from a small country which many back home had written off as a loss, asking nothing in return . And now, we are returning home, triumphant and proud, our heads held high knowing that we have played our role in meting out justice against evil. There is much to be done, both at home and abroad, and gods willing, we shall do it! May the gods grant us wisdom, and may they watch over and protect the Empire of Fusan forever. Thank you." He said, briefly raising his voice as he concluded the speech, at which point he was met again with cheers, but also something else which was, by now, quite familiar to him. "Long Live His Majesty the Emperor!", more literally translated as "May His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor live ten-thousand years!", was, after all a common cry in the country across history, and it was almost expected at every address an Emperor made to the Diet. With a bow, however, Eijirō, now exhausted, would take his leave. It was a long day. A long year, truthfully, and now the truly hard part, holding those responsible for the war accountable and meting out justice as was necessary. That, not the war, would be the true struggle in Kalasin. But it could wait a day, maybe more. Certainly for him, anyways.
