21st century Goguryeo

February 7th, 2021, 21:00 (U.S 08:00)

A building in the suburb of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (the USSC's villa)

The old and dreary looking building was dimly lit with a small light, and 13 people wearing black masks were sitting in a semi-circle. An old man with white hair was sitting at the opposite end of the circle, surrounded by the 13 members.

The old man was President Donald Trump. However, he was not being treated as the most powerful man in the U.S. He was being treated like any other person and continued to converse with the 13 masked members.

The topic was about the war between Corea and Japan. The main point was what Prime Minister Abe had said to President Trump.

"How did he know about the truth?"

A man with a husky voice asked in a concerned tone. It was Beethoven, one of the 13 members wearing the black mask.

"I wonder as well. Sphynx! How could you let such confidential information slip? How have you been maintaining our security this whole time?"

Chairman Victoria of the USSC spoke to Sphynx, who was sitting on her left.

"I have no idea how he found out, but I am sure that the information was not leaked by our side."

"How can you be so sure?"

Vice-chairman Chessman asked angrily.

"If you give me some time, I will find that out."

"That's for later, what's important is how we deal with Abe's threat, is it not?"

Black King, who had the youngest sounding voice among the 13, glanced to his side and suggested a solution first.

"President Trump."

"Yes, Madam Victoria."

President Trump, a billionaire and the president of the U.S., answered Victoria politely.

This scene would have shocked many US citizens. The president of the U.S., who had been elected by the people, was being helplessly manipulated by 13 masked strangers.

"What does Prime Minister Abe, who has rejected Corea's demands, want from the U.S. government?"

Victoria continued to ask more questions.

"It seems Prime Minister Abe is citing our military treaty to request an official declaration of war against Corea from the U.S."

"The treaty is just an excuse. They are threatening our organization for being involved in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack, are they not? Prime Minister Abe is crossing a line he shouldn't." Columbus, who was the most upright and conservative among the council members, slammed on the table while speaking angrily.

"Who is in Japan right now? Who is in charge of negotiations, President Trump?"

"It's Randy Johnson, the White House's foreign affairs negotiator."

"Very well. Everyone! Since the situation is critical, I will use my authority as chairman to make a decision. Are there any objections?"

Chairman Victoria glanced to her sides and asked. The 12 other people in black masks showed their agreement with silence.

"I will make a decision based on the unanimous voting. President Trump!"

"Yes, madam chairman."

"Tell Prime Minister Abe that America will intervene with its military based on the treaty. Also, set the pacific fleet to a war footing. Give the order quickly."

"Madam Victoria! The issue is Corea will attack the entire area of Japan if they do not accept their demands by 18:00 on the 8th based on their time zone. Prime Minister Abe has threatened to release the information about the 8.15 terrorist attack if the nation was attacked again."

President Trump spoke while undoing his tie out of frustration.

"Of course, we must speak to Corea as well. We must buy some time, so persuade the Corean government to wait and give us a week to persuade the Japanese."

"I wonder if Corea would give us that time."

"If they refuse our request despite being allies, then tell them the U.S. has no choice but to side with the Japanese. Also, hint the fact that the pacific fleet will move to the area in case anything happens."

"I understand. However, what is your exact intention, Madam Victoria?"

"First is to buy time. Shouldn't we stop Prime Minister Abe from blabbing to the world press about our intervention in the 8.15 Pyeongyang terrorist attack, first? We must use that time to take appropriate measures."

Victoria's tone had suddenly become icy.

"Appropriate measures..."

* * *

February 8th, 2021, 08:00

The prime minister's cabinet building at Adachi prefecture, Tokyo, Japan

Prime Minister Abe, who heard America's stance on the matter from Randy Johnson, called for an emergency meeting with the military commanders and cabinet members.

"It seems that America will officially enter the war. The pacific fleet will be the first to be mobilized to the area."

"Are you certain, prime minister?"

"Of course I am, do you think this is the time for me to crack jokes?"

Prime Minister Abe scolded the commander of the navy. Since the navy had faced defeat after defeat during this entire war, Prime Minister Abe was not fond of the commander.

"Joint commander."

"Yes, prime minister!"

"If America officially enters the war, the cooperation between the U.S. military and ours will be crucial. Therefore, you must actively aid the commanders of the U.S. armed forces in Japan."

"I understand, sir."

Minister of Defense Shibasaki came up to Prime Minister Abe and whispered to him.

"Sir! Did the threat about Pyeongyang work?"

"Shh! Quiet."

Prime Minister Abe glared at Minister Shibasaki angrily.

"I am sorry, sir."

"Please think before you speak, Minister Shibasaki."

"I was thoughtless, sir."

As Minister Shibasaki bowed his head in apology, one of the aides rushed to the prime minister and handed him the phone.

"Sir, it's Secretary Yagumachi Genzo on the line."

"Is that so? Everyone, please continue the meeting without me."

Prime Minister Abe stood up from his seat and walked into the prime minister's office.

-Hello.

-Sir! It's Yagumachi Genzo. How are you?

-Yes, how did it go?

-The negotiation went well. Russia has decided to move on the promised day. However, there is one condition they are asking for...

Yagumachi Genzo trailed off at his last sentence.

-A condition? What do they want?

-President Putin wants Japan to withdraw its claim about the four Northern Islands (the Kuril Islands) and officially sign a document that admits its Russian territory.

Prime Minister Abe smiled slightly and answered.

-Tell them it's a deal! The terms were better than expected!

The Kuril Islands consisted of four islands that Russia was currently occupying that Japan was disputing the claim for. However, the situation was dire, and it wasn't as if Russia was demanding Japan's territory. So, it was something that the prime minister could accept.

-Then I will tell them we accept the terms, sir.

-Yes, go ahead.

Prime Minister Abe, who was in a grim mood the day before, now began to think that things were going smoothly and smiled.

"Ha ha ha! Things are going my way now!"

He finished his phone call and moved back to the meeting room. The meeting was discussing plans to reorganize the military based on America's intervention.

* * *

February 8th, 2021, 13:00

Seoul, Jongro-ku, the Minister of Foreign Affairs' office

Negotiator Randy Johnson had flown back to Corea from Japan, and visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Ambassador Willy Gold to deliver President Trump's message.

"Did you say a week?"

"Yes, you're right, Minister Kim."

"We demanded an answer from the Japanese government by 6.00 pm today."

"Yes, I am aware. However, the demands the Corean government is making is not just a regular one, but something major, are they not? How can a nation decide on such an important matter in four days? Don't you agree, Minister Kim?"

"That's Japan's problem. I don't think the Corean government needs to consider Japan's position on the matter."

"Minister Kim."

Randy Johnson took a sip of coffee, placed the cup on the table, and spoke in a serious tone.

"Yes, please speak up."

"We are only asking for a week's worth of time, and you cannot even give us that? America is in an awkward position right now. Also, our government has mobilized the pacific fleet in case of an emergency."

"In case of an emergency? The American government has mobilized the pacific fleet?"

"Yes, that is correct."

Randy Johnson's posture became more boastful compared to before and leaned back on the sofa.

"Are you threatening our government with the pacific fleet?"

"Ah! Did you hear that as a threat? No. We are only preparing for what could happen."

"Yes, exactly. You are suggesting the emergency would be a war against Corea, are you not?"

Minister Kim Jae-hak had an upset expression on his face as he glared at Randy Johnson.

"It's for the best. If you can convince President Suh Hyun-woo and give us a week, it will all work out. It's not like we are asking Corea to withdraw the demands, but rather extend the deadline to a week." Ambassador Willy Gold, who had accompanied Randy Johnson, spoke this time.

Minister Kim Jae-hak sank into thought for a moment and spoke up. "Very well. If you would wait at your hotels, I will speak with the president and give you a call."

"Ha ha ha, thank you, minister! I will wait at the hotel."

Minister Kim Jae-hak watched Randy Johnson leave his office, and then picked up the phone connected to the president's direct line.

* * *

February 8th, 2021, 15:00

Jeon-nam Mokpo, the navy's port

Three days ago, at Incheon Port, the 10th amphibious fleet, the 7th maritime flotilla, 2nd destroyer fleet, and many other vessels had set sail to Japan. However, the sudden cancelation of the mission had caused the fleet to sail to Mokpo Port and lower their anchors for three days. Meanwhile, the 2nd, 3rd marine division, the 6th marine brigade, and 4 marine special forces were all having a hellish time from seasickness.

"Sir! I don't think I'm gonna make it."

Private first class Un Hyun-joon, who was prone to seasickness, was dry heaving with empty eyes.

"That's absolutely disgusting! Go throw up in the bathroom."

Corporal Oh Soo-kyung, the squadron superior, shoved Private Un Hyun-joon over and shouted.

"Sir, you're, ooof!"

"What! If you puke here, I will kill you. Go to the restroom already! Our newest recruit is doing fine. How can you call yourself a private first class?"

"The restrooms are full, sir."

Every restroom was full of marines throwing up from seasickness. The company's master sergeant entered the room.

"Sir!"

"Stop saluting and take a good look at yourselves. You call yourselves marines? How is it that you are all throwing up only after being on board for 2 days? I swear to god you will all be P.T'd when we get on land."

Master Sergeant Yoon Hong-il, nicknamed Robocop, glared at his marines who were all curled up on the floor.

"Sir! I think I am going to die," Private Un Hyun-joon grasped him by the arm and spoke.

Sergeant Yoon Hong-gil may seem rough and spoke brusquely, but he always took care of his own men.

"Tell everyone to prepare for docking! Everyone is to bring their own firearms and leave the vessel within 30 minutes, understood?"

"Is the landing mission canceled, sir?"

Squadron leader, Sergeant Kim Kyung-joon, asked.

"It's not canceled, but we are to be on standby until further notice, so the men will be the only ones to get off-board. We're going to leave the men suffering from seasickness behind. Understood?"

"Yes, sir! I am ready to go."

Private first class Un Hyun-joon, who was unable to stand up straight from seasickness moments ago, suddenly stood up and got into a disciplined stance.

"Squadron leader."

"Yes, sir."

"Check if we leave anything behind before we get on land, understood?"

"Not to worry, sir.. I will make sure things are taken care of."