A Foreign Engagement (MT/PMT, Open)
The sun was setting in the west, casting a brilliant red light and long shadows over the ancient city of Tokyo. Sitting almost meditatively in the the courtyards of the capital palace, a single figure gazed out towards the water. For the moment at least, all was well with the world so far as the relatively-recently coronated Yagami Raito was concerned; violent crime was non-existant in the whole of Tokyoni, production was at an all time high in both regions, and the world had finally silenced their criticisms of his occupation of the northern regions of the Korean Peninsula - at least anyone of significance in his mind.
For a moment longer, he remained in the serenity of the moment, his brown eyes staring intently at his own rippled reflection in the water below as the sun sank at last below the water's surface.
"My Lord," a cautious voice broke the silence at last; that of Katsuhiku Suzuki, a man several decades older than Raito - a man with much experience in terms of foreign affairs, and always a strong supporter of Kira. Raito motioned silently for the advisor to join him on the bench, and the other sat down.
"My Lord," continued Suzuki, "I must say I never would have anticipated such a smooth transition of power on your part. To all practical extents at the moment, your rule runs unchallenged both domestically and foreignly; there are no organized entities posing any true direct threat to you. Thus, it would be apt to turn one's attention to domestic affairs. While I wish you an eternal rule, my Lord, it would be wise indeed to have a successor in mind in the greatly undesired event of your demise."
"I'd thought of such as well..." Raito said reflectively, "I'd considering adopting someone; one of the most gifted orphans on earth, and training them to be my successor. Individuals from such a background nearly effectively stopped my rise to power; with the proper training, a new one could take my place after my life comes to an end."
"A wise plan, my Lord," commented Suzuki, "However, while the populace fully supports you, there exists the possibility they may view such an individual not suited to replace you. While unlikely, the event of revolution is a forseeable possibility. What we need is some level of stability; the formation of a new dynasty if possible."
"If only Takada had not been killed." Raito mused, "She would have made a suitable wife. She was always firmly supportive of my cause, and had a great mind for the intracies of politics." He sighed for a moment, as if somewhat troubled by such memories.
"My Lord, I am certain there exists another individual within Tokyoni who could replace her in such a duty. Anyone you chose would most certainly be accepted the people as well."
"Hmm..." Raito considered, "I suppose I could offer some sort of exam to all eligible women of Tokyoni to judge their aptitude... but; no, it would most certainly be better off if I married a foreigner; more specifically a relatively powerful one. If my wife had direct connections to the affairs of another nation, I would in effect have some power there as well as Tokyoni itself."
"A wise proposal, my Lord." Suzuki nodded, "If you wish, I shall make this matter known to the world at large.
"Yes, fine." Raito nodded, "Send out my intentions to wed some foreign noble; see if there's any response. Just be sure she thinks in line with the ethics of our nation."
Official Documentation
The People's Republic of Tokyoni
The People's Republic of Tokyoni wishes good tidings upon all the many peoples of earth. In a recent event, wishing to begin a glorious dynasty to last ten-thousand years, our Lord, Raito Yagami, has taken consideration to the prospect of marriage to a foreign woman of high standing in her nation. She must be relatively young, so as to produce the first link in the great New Dynasty, intelligent and a good politician. She must fully agree with the terms of our nation's government, and be in support fully of Kira's ideology.
Any prospective individuals for such a position may contact the People's Republic of Tokyoni's Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a description of individual and list of credentials. If accepted for consideration, transportation to Tokyoni will be arranged.
Sincerely,
Katsuhiku Suzuki
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dear Katsuhiku Suzuki,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Could you please advise us about your goverments stance on various ideals might be and perhaps a bit of information concerning Kira. I apologise but we are unfamiliar with your country and while there are several eligible young ladies that might be of matching interest and views, we would hesitate to recommend one without further information.
Sincerely,
Lady Khadri Van Maartin
on behalf of HM Queen Mercedez Merdieath Hexx
Regina Tanaara
Official Documentation
The People's Republic of Tokyoni
TO: Lady Khadri Van Maartin
The People's Republic of Tokyoni thanks you for your swift response to our query. The People's Republic is a relatively new nation, approximately four years in existance, founded in part by its current Premier Raito Yagami. We believe in the principles of meritocracy and localized socialism. We respect the sovreignty and right to exist of all social orders abroad, and therefore oppose the UN's continued attempts to impose upon their sovreignty. We believe in indirect democracy; on issues of national government itself, most decisions are made by the ruling Party, though several issues a year are put up for referendum. The local governments of both territories have relative autonomy and are elected locally.
As for the Premier himself; he was born with relative obscurity to a family in the former nation of Japan. While in his final year of highschool, the Premier encountered a strange device which he used to remove the many harmful, degenerate criminals from our society, and to some extent the world as a whole. Though for several years he was hounded for such action, Raito was eventually triumphent, and won by a landslide in a democratic election. Shortly thereafter, he ammended the Constitution of the former nation of Japan, forming the entity that is now Tokyoni.
Again, we thank you very deeply for your interest in this proposal and swift responce.
Sincerely,
Katsuhiku Suzuki
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Dear Katsuhiku Suzuki;
Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Perhaps you might want to peruse this missive we sent out a few weeks ago, to see if our national stance on various issues (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=546856) is compatible with those of the most honorable Premier Raito Yagami and the good people of Tokyoni. I, myself, see many potentially similar outlooks.
And I do thank you most deeply for your own swift and gracious reply to my missive. Hopefully we may meet in person soon.
Sincerely,
Lady Khadri Van Maartin.
Official Documentation
The People's Republic of Tokyoni
We thank you deeply for the forwarding of your former missive regarding your nation's stances, and believe that on the issues stated therewithin, we take a nearly identical stance to your own nation without exception. The only forseeable differences are cultural and developmental in nature.
While the Japanese regions are rapidly developping in technology to levels that may be comparable to yours, the continental territories, more recently aqcuired are relatively speaking more primitive. If this is no issue, to you however, we would be pleased to continue such negotiations.
Sincerely
Katsuhiku Suzuki
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the official cover letter was done and signed, Midori penned a letter of her own that she hoped ws not too forward.
To Premier Raito Yagami;
Dear Sir,
First, please, might I introduce humble self. I am Midori Aramalia noh Shimada (http://www.atddm.com/Midori.jpg), the eldest daughter of the household. My mother-in-honor, Lady Khadri, requested that I write you directly. I have just turned twenty six, and graduated last year from the Tanaran Military Academy with a Masters in Intellegence. Also I have completed my Citizenship Service. I enjoy music, horseback riding, ballet, and reading among other interests. My professors have noted that I have an ear for languages, I speak five fluently, including Japanese, as that was my father's homeland. My four parents, Sinjin Lord Kincannon, his Lady Khadri, my birth mother Robyn noh Shimada and Kazuma noh Shimada are her Majesty's, Queen Mercedez, closest advisors, and friends. I am well used, as one might guess, to being among those considered to be 'The Powers That Be'. However my parents were very strict about not letting me rest on their laurels. I earned an academic scholarship for my undergraduate studies, and funded my masters degree through my own earnings.
PS. I am attaching a recent photo of myself.
Sincerely,
Midori Aramalia noh Shimada
Midori looked at her letter, and hoped she had put it properly. She didn't wish to sound as if she were boasting. But she had been raised to be discrete, and that there were things that couldn't be talked about even to family. But she had also grown up amid the highest levels of her society and called the Queen 'Aunt Mercy' as a child and nowadays- at the queen's very vocal insistance- 'Mercy'. The Crown Prince, Robert Fortier - Hexx, had been her playmate and once she'd tripped him in the mud when he'd teased her about the abominable freckles she'd had as a child. She was so very thankful that they'd disappeared as she'd grown up.
Sighing she knew it could probably be better, it wasn't perfect, but then neither was she and she gently guessed that neither was the honorable Premier Raito Yagami. She was very interested to hear about his adventures with the 'strange device'. Although she might not admit to an interest in adventures and heroics, it was certainly there. He sounds so dashing! She mused. Midori herself possessed some psionic abilities, but not enough to do the things she considered truly heroic, to her immense disappointment.
Resolutely she sealed letter and gave it over to Khadri to go out with the days diplomatic dispatches.
OOC: Link to photo in name
Another day had passed, another day of all the trivialities of affairs of state; the primary schooling district with the highest score on the national exams had requested he come in and read stories to children as a reward for such. The entire building had to be secured first by several squads of Republican Guardsmen, something of an overprotection in his mind, but necessary.
In a way he should be happy to have such a promising young generation behind him, that would make Tokyoni in the future - but in his mind the event itself was a useless and wasteful venture. As if reading a few children's books would make them more productive in the long run. True, they'd go home and tell their parents about the event - but it wasn't as if he had the prospect of a future election to worry about as those 'leaders' of hopelessly irrational systems like full democracies.
Walking through the palace's gardens once more reflectively, Suzuki approached the Premeir. "My Lord," he said, bowing once, "We've received reply regarding your proposal of marriage."
"This fast?" Raito asked, actually somewhat surprised, rising his eyebrows. "I'd have thought the media would have ridiculed the entire matter for several months until someone finally had the courage to come forward. Well, please, do show me what we've gotten."
"Of course, my Lord." the older man said, handing him over a letter from the foreign noblewoman. "It was addressed directly to you in this case."
Opening the letter, he read over the contents, his eyes widening. She was more qualified than even he'd initially assumed. As the picture slid out, he quickly picked it up. "Wow, she's beautiful." he commented to himself softly.
"Suzuki," he spoke, more audibly, turning to the other, "You wouldn't think it to be too forward to write to her directly, would it?"
The older man smiled, "I'll arrange it to be sent through the proper channels."
Official Documentation
The People's Republic of Tokyoni
To: Lady Midori Aramalia noh Shimada
I thank you very deeply for your lovely letter; I feel compelled to respond personally. I am Raito Yagami (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=9hrl78&s=3), twenty seven years of age, the oldest son of the late Soichiro Yagami. My mother Sachiko Yagami, and sister Sayu Yagami both live on in the capitol. As far as a formal education, I've admittedly been somewhat sporadic. I enjoy the sport of tennis, being named the junior high champion in 1999 and 2000. I was admitted with the highest scores of my freshman class to To-Oh University after graduation from highschool, though due to the course of rather volatile political events was forced to leave early. On a personal level, I enjoy reading philosophy and classical music. I fear I have no great background of nobility as you may have; my family prior to my rise to power being in the lower middle classes, but I always have tried to carry myself in a way which displays the proper ettiquette. Forgive me for carrying on so; I would very much like the opportunity to meet you in person, Lady Midori, and hope that you would find such an arrangement agreeable as well. I too have attached a photograph of myself for you to see.
Sincerely,
Raito Yagami
Premier of Tokyoni
Khadri looked at the hand addressed letter and her sigh was both happy and sad. And to think I once swore I'd never have children...okay so I can be a big an idiot as any. Our little girl all grown up and how time flies! She shook her head and went to take the letter to Midori.
"He wrote you back very promptly." Khadri gave Midori a quick hug and let the young woman have some privacy. Midori so so much like her father...not introverted, but very reserved on certain matters. Midori had no idea that her parents were fully aware of her unspoken of desire for adventure, and her romantic nature. But she also hadn't considered that to parenss such as hers that her choice of majors spoke volumens. One didn't didn't earn a Masters in Intellignece and want to be mere office worker pushing paper from one tray to another. Not in Tanaara at least. TMI was the region's premier Intelligence Agency, and among those in the know outside the Fatal Terrain Region, the agency was very highly respected as well.
Midori let her suite's door close behind her as slowly she unsealed the letter, finding, for some strange reason that her heart was beating faster. However she wouldn't let herself begin reading the words on the crisp white paper until she had made herself comfortable in her favorite chair. Once ensconsed she unfolded the letter and began to read.
"Oh no I can't play a lick of tennis" She moaned with mock wretchedness, enjoying her moment of private dramatics, then she read on. "Oh but you are not carrying on" She murmured aloud "And I want to learn more about you. You're giving me just enough...I'll bite" She laughed, then gulped when at last she looked at the picture he'd so thoughtfully included. "Oh my he's handsome..and Mom, Mother Khadri you never taught me about how to date non Tanaaran's...I'll just have to wing it!"
Moving over to her desk she pulled out her stationary and began a reply...
Dear Raito,
First off I very much want you to know I don't consider your letter as being filled with 'carrying on'. I do so very much want to learn as much about you as I can. In Tanaara, Titles of Nobility are earned and in most cases not inheritable, but my family does have a long and honored history of Service. Father earned his Citizenship though his actions in helping stop the Corporartion Coup. The Kincannons, the Van Maartins, and the Winterborns (my mother's family)are all Founding Families and have, generation to generation, kept up their Citizenships.
I know that probably all sounds confusing to some one who is not intimate with Tanaaran customs. Please let me explain a bit.
In Tanaara, Citizenship is not a right, it is a priviledge, and must be earned. I did my four years of service in the educational branch, mentoring special needs children. That is why it took me so long to earn my Masters. Most people either do their National Service before going to University, or after they have graduated, in a solid block of time. I don't feel that I was foolish though in choosing todo both University and Service simultaneously. It was hard but very rewarding, and allowed me to learn that I am capable handling quite demanding efforts.
Now as to my family. Group marriages of various sorts are the norm here in Tanara, with monogamous unions totalling only about two percent. Mother and Father, that is Lady Robyn and Lord Kazuma Shimada are 'High Formal' married, she took his name and stepped down as Heir of her natal family, the Winterborns. Khadri and Sinjin are Lord and Lady- not only as in the Peerages they've earned, but they are soul bonded, though Asatru Rites. Then the four of them formed a group marrige though Wiccan Handfasting. Mother Khadri is an accredited Empath and she is very much the core that our family revolves about. When my sister Melody died unexpectedlyshe is the one that kept the family going strong. Oh and I must mention that I have two younger brothers, Morgan Mikail Kincannon, and Raiden Shimada, and a younger sister Khadrinka Ellise van Maartin.
Oh and by the way I can't play tennis worth a darn, and I too adore classical music. I can not stand rap, especially the disgusting style known as 'gangsta rap' the lyrics are so very demeaning.
I very much wish to meet you as well. So, how do we work it out, without it becoming a media circus?
Sincerely,
Midori
Turning to her desk comp she keyed in her code, she was doing part time work for the Crown so her security clearance would allow her...then she stopped and sat back for a second. Yes she had the skills to find out the Premier's private address, but she wasn't acting as an intellegence officer...on a personal level it should be just that personal.
Sealing the letter in an envelope she addressed it as she had the first one and went to ask Khadi to send it out as before. If he wanted her to have his private address he would gift her with it.
Once more, Raito found himself in the same familiar stroll, contemplating now new things. Yes, there was of course the growing issue of tension on the DMZ, a radical from the South having attacked some of his soldiers before shooting himself - the South Korean government claiming no responsibility. Perhaps it would soon become a larger issue, perhaps it would not - volatility in that region was nothing new. Yet for the moment at least, things were peaceful enough to allow his mind to focus on other matters.
"Minister Suzuki," Raito inquired, approaching his friend in his own stroll through the palace gardens - the latter falling into a quick bow.
"Yes my Lord?"
"I wonder, though it's probably far too hasty of me to expect a reply so quickly, has Lady Midori responded to my letter"
"She has, my Lord," Suzuki nodded, handing to him a letter personalized to the premier, "I was planning on giving this to you tonight."
Taking the letter from the minister's hand, he broke the seal and unfolded it, sitting down on a nearby bench to read it. "She has a large, prestigious family," he remarked jokingly half to himself, though the Minister stood beside him. "I suppose I can't take her to Space World."
"How to make my family background sound good though..." he muttered to himself. From everything he could gather, her people placed very much value upon family and tradition - and while the Yagami's prior to him had been virtuous, hardworking people many generations back, few to none had attracted any real national attention prior to Raito's rise to power.
Standing up rather instantly, with the letter still in hand, he made his way back toward the interior of the palace, heading towards his main office room. Sitting down at his desk for a moment in thought, he removed a golden pen from its holster and began to write:
Official Documentation
The People's Republic of Tokyoni
Dear Lady Midori:
I thank you firstly for you well thought-out letter and the effort within you took to so fully introduce yourself to me. I am very interested in the prospect of meeting you in person soon, but first, allow me to reciprocate the information you have provided.
My immediate family consists of four individuals - myself, my younger sister Sayu, my mother Sachiko and father Soichiro. My parents were married first culturally by means of a Shinto Priest, and legally through the services of a judge as Japanese law had required. My father had a longstanding and loyal service to the Japanese police force, and was eventually promoted to police chief through his skill and dedication to the forces.
My father was a man of deep honor and conviction, and would not rest until he saw that justice was done. Tragically, his life was ended far before his time by the hands of a traitor to justice. My father was murdered at the hands of his own direct superior, an utterly despicable man by the name of L. Lawliet. My father died, however, an honorable death, never giving up on the principles of justice, with his last words asking me to carry on his legacy.
His funeral was not well-attended, though run by the same Priest who had married my parents. Sayu was but fourteen years old at the time, and was heartbroken at the event. Mother and I were too in my admission, but Sayu showed it more than the two of us because of her age. Even to this day, she has not been entirely the same; Soichiro was a great man, and his death touches us all every day.
Upon my father's grave, I swore I would bring justice to the world, and have continued in that goal every day since. I hunted down and brought L and all of his supporters to justice. By this time, I had become something of a figurehead in Japan and even globally, known for my strong dedication to the matter of justice. Eventually persuaded by Katsuhiku Suzuki, a close friend of my late father, I founded Kira's Party within Japan, securing a large majority of seats within the Parliament, and thus becoming Prime Minister.
My acts since have been to revise the Japanese constitution to create a more efficient, just society - one I hope my father would be proud to live in. Today, my sister Sayu and mother live with me in the capitol - though due to their sensitive natures, especially in Sayu's case, they rarely opt to make public appearances.
I too would very much like to meet you, and too avoid too much media attention would propose the following: Anything passed through hands of one government to another is by definition going to draw media attention - and while many foreign propaganda stations are blocked within Tokyoni, even here certain rumors already seem to be propogating. Thus, I would suggest for the sake of both efficiency and relative privacy that you and I communicate directly to one another through our letters, addressing them directly to the other. As for your arrival itself, I can arrange it so that only those directly needed to make the proper arrangements and preparations for your arrival in Tokyo are alerted, and only so far in advance as is necessary for them to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Further, I can isolate them from having any direct communication with those not involved in their immediate duties in the time prior to your arrival so as to further ensure the relative secresy of this matter. This would of course require a relatively equal degree of secresy on your nation's end as well, so as not to tip off the media unnecessarily. That being said, I am certain that even with this degree of secresy involved, you will be afforded a most excellant tour of the city of Tokyo during your stay.
Please write back to me personally at your leisure. I've instructed quite clearly to my Foriegn Minister to "accidently" leave it on the exterior of the envelope.
Sincerely
Raito Yagami
Midori wanted to clutch the letter to her chest and spin in a circle caroling with delight, but that was something for her youngest sister to do. Heading directly to her suite, and as the door to her suite slid shut behind her, Midori threw herself on the bed and unsealed the envelope.
Avidly she began reading. Being in law enforcement, it is not an easy job, but most worthy and his father was a most noble man to the very end. No wonder his family worships him...and oh good for you Raito, to bring them to justice.. Yes you honor your father greatly, you do him proud. She was very pleased and honored to get to know this young man more and more with each exchange.
Dear Raito,
Please, there is no need for honourifics. Though I think I would be very pleased to be your dearest Midori. Your father is the sort of man I would have loved to have known, but I think I am getting to know him through you, his most noble son. I would love to meet your mother, Sachiko, and sister, Sayu. I have seen how strenuous a public life can be and we have been very fortuante, my siblings and I, to have been mostly out of the public eye while growing up.
A close friend of the family has offered to fly me in her family's airplane to Tokyoni. They travel extensively and it would not be unusual, or in any way 'news', for them to fly to Tokyo. And as they fly out of a private airport, my boarding the plane would never meet the public eye. She has said she can fly me there with but a days notice, so when would it be best for me to come?
I don't need a ladies maid, unless it is traditional in your nation for a unmarried young woman to have a duena in attendace? My parents trust me to be sensible and adult, though I must admit that the thought of meeting you in person makes a few tummyflies circle once or twice. I very much look forward to seeing Tokyo with you.
Sincerely,
Midori
P.S. Here is my personal address, and just in case my telephone number. Both the land line and the celphone number are one and the same...
She put the 'accidentally' left on address on the envelope, sealed it and went directly to the nearest postal drop box. No one took any note of 'just another pretty girl' sliding a letter into the pick up box. And with Tanaara's excellent postal service it went on a plane over night to Tokyoni