Gate - Thus the JSDF Fought There:Volume1 Prologue

20××, Summer

According to records, the day was humid and hot. The temperature exceeded 30°C, humidity was high, and due to the influence of a heat wave, the streets had turned into a scorching hell.

Nevertheless, it was Saturday. Lots of people were downtown, having fun, buying or window shopping.

11:50 am

As the sun was approaching it´s zenith, and when it looked like the temperature would reach a new record, in Ginza (central ward of the Tokyo metropolitan area), suddenly a "Gate to Another World" appeared.

Knights and infantry that, from the looks of their armor, seemed straight from medieval Europe came pouring out. And then... What came then seemed like it belonged into a fantasy story or movie: Fantastical beings like orcs, goblins and trolls.

They charged the people that, by chance, happened to be present.

Young and old, men and women, no matter the race or nationality, their objective was to slaughter everyone.

The people, used to their peaceful country in these peaceful times, had no way to resist. In this pandemonium of shrieks, they fell one by one.

The shoppers, parents with their children, tourists from overseas, one by one they were all trampled down under horse's hooves, pierced by lances or cut down by swords.

Heaps of corpses covered the streets, and the asphalt of Ginza turned the dark red colour of blood. "Hell" would have been a fitting title for the scene.

The troops of the other world stacked even more corpses on top of the piled up ones. Then, on this hill of meat, a jet black battle flag was hoisted. And with their loud voices, in their own language, they declared this place conquered and in their possession.

Although, since there was nobody to listen to them, it was a one-sided proclamation of war.

"The Ginza Incident"

This is how history will call this colliding of another world with ours.

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Shigenori Houjou, then Prime Minister, is giving the following answer in the National Diet:

"It should be obvious, but we have no maps of that land.

What is the landscape on the other side? What plants and animals inhabit those lands? And what kind of people live there?

What is their cultural level? What is their scientific and technological level? Their religion? We do not even know their form of government.

During this incident, a lot of criminals were arrested.

Using vague words like 'arrested' feels irritating. I used it, since our constitution and other laws weren't written with a situation such as this in mind. Thus, with this emergency at hand, our country has not decided on laws concerning the handling of prisoners of war. If we apply the current laws of our country, they are nothing more than criminals.

That being the case, at the risk of this being called far-fetched, my decision is to consider the Special Region as a part of domestic Japan. On the other side of the 'Gate' lies—so far unconfirmed—soil of our country. It can be considered to be populated. Even if a government exists on the other side, if we haven't negotiated with them, decided on national borders and established diplomatic relationships, they cannot be recognized as an independent nation. At the current stage, they are an armed group of terrorists that took the lives of innocent citizens and tourists.

I am also aware that some are of the opinion we should peacefully negotiate with them. However, to do this, we must make the other party sit down for the negotiations. But how can we do that? Realistically, we're not having negotiations with those on the other side of the 'Gate'.

We must get the powers that exists beyond the 'Gate' to sit down with us at the negotiation table. By force if necessary, even if we have to pin their heads down.

Before we can negotiate, we also require more information about them.

Regarding the arrested criminals... Since we don't have a common language, it has been slow, but little by little we managed to get some information out of them. However, there is no way we can rely solely on that. Somebody will have to go and confirm things with their own eyes and ears.

Therefore, it is necessary for us to set foot on the other side of the 'Gate'.

Still, we proceed towards uncivilized soil, and savages that massacred non-resisting civilians. We have to be prepared for a corresponding amount of danger.

In any case, going in unarmed is impossible. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances inside the Special Region, the possibility of war has to be considered. Who in that savage land is friend and who is foe? This decision has to lie, to a certain degree, with those on the scene.

"Going into a dangerous place on purpose is not necessary. Rather, it'll be fine, if we destroy the 'Gate' to prevent it from ever opening again". I know that a part of the opposition holds such views. "If we just close the gate, we are safe", is what they are saying, right?

From now on, the Japanese citizens will have to live their lives embraced by the insecurity of where a similar 'Gate' might appear next time. Maybe this time the 'Gate' will open in front of your house, in front of your family? Furthermore, there's also the question of how to compensate the victims and the bereaved.

If there is a government in the Special Region, and somebody there is in charge, as the government of our country we must firmly demand from it a sincere apology, reparations, and the extradition of all personnel responsible.

If the opposing party doesn't comply, we will capture the masterminds with our own hands and bring them to justice. If they have assets, we will seize them, even by force, and use them to give reparations to the bereaved families. This is, also when looking at the feelings of the victims and their families, natural. Therefore, we, the Japanese government, have decided to dispatch the JSDF to the other side of the 'Gate' as necessary. The objective is to investigate, search and apprehend the mastermind behind the Ginza Incident, and to forcibly execute the acquisition of reparations."

While parts of the opposition objected, both houses of the Diet approved the Special Region JSDF Dispatch Special Bill.

Furthermore, the government of the USA announces: "Regarding the investigations inside the "Gate", you have our full cooperation." To this, Prime Minister Houjou's replied: "Presently, there is no need for your assistance, but depending on the circumstances, it is also possible that we might request your help. In that case, we'll get back to you."

Additionally, the Chinese government considers it most appropriate if the supernatural existence called "Gate" is put under international control. "Just because it appeared in Japan", they say, "Japan shouldn't have sole control of it. Least of all", so their comment, "can anyone be allowed to monopolize the profits gained through it."

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[Here are the 10th and 11th pages. I´m pretty sure they can use some editing here and there] --Sinon (talk) 01:14, 8 December 2012 (CST)

“I will dare say this has been a big fiasco. During this unprecedented havoc, what kind of measures are being taken? We want to hear your thoughts, Your Majesty."

Senator Marquis Casel, one of the aristocrats, was speaking towards the emperor, Molto Sol Augustus, while standing at the center of the parliament.

The senator believed that, if they are said within this chamber, then these questions can not be left unanswered, even by the one who occupies the emperor's seat.

薄闇の広間。

The parliament building, its stones carved with decorations, lost its solemn, stately and serene atmosphere. The terrace aligned along the circular wall, was full of men sitting on it with stern looks, while one of them stood in the circle clearing at the middle of the room.

Their number was about three hundred people. Senators represented the ruling class of the empire.

There are several routes to becoming a senator in this country. One is to be born in a house with authority. It's said that in the capital of this huge empire, if you were to throw a stone somewhere, you'll probably hit a noble. Thus, just being born a noble is not enough to get you a senator's seat. One must first gain recognition among the aristocracy, to even hope gaining access to the senate.

Aristocrats who were born in a prestigious house can usually occupy their position forever. Whether it was a position as a minister in the senate or a general in the army.

The bureaucracy is essential for the administration of the enormous, complex existence that is the State. If a person was gifted with enough standing, then he or she could choose between the path of the bureaucracy or the military. The deciding factor between military or bureaucracy was usually practical skill. Even for the third son of titular nobility, it was still possible to attain good position this way, as long as they had good luck, talent, and work ethic.

There are six jobs inside the palace: Minister, Prime Minister, Interior, Finance, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs.

Those who chose to become a bureaucrat or soldier, and reached the rank of general or minister, were guaranteed to automatically receive senator position after retiring from their job. This way, even a commoner had a chance to receive a high position. The knights often compete in tournaments, as it adds renown to their names, helping to advance their status.

Marquis Casel was the son of a noble sire with the title of Baron, which isn't a particularly high rank. From there, he got his senator seat after serving as a minister. Senators who had to work for their position, usually had a tendency to take its responsibilities very seriously. As a result, they often appear as too enthusiastic to their peers.

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