Hard Magic

1905

The international observers had been invited aboard the new airship Kurosawa, to watch the bombardment of the Russian fort. Officers from France, Britain, Germany, and the United States were on the command deck, gaping in awe at the destruction. The ocean was covered with burning oil slicks. A giant steel hulk exploded far below them and rolled on its side, breaking ponderously in two and heading for the bottom. The Russian fleet had been totally annihilated.

The United States military attache removed his pocket watch and checked it. "Fifteen minutes," Captain John J. Pershing stated.

The Brit, Nicholson, looked like he was going to fall over the railing in shock. The Kaiser's man was scribbling furious notes. The French major was still airsick. Pershing had to admit that he himself was a little nauseous, though not from the altitude. The Japanese airship creaked and shifted as it turned into the wind and headed for the port city. Already other dirigibles had gathered over the heavily fortified walls and the Emperor's magical shock troops were leaping down, causing chaos among the defenders. Transport ships were steaming in for an amphibious assault, while the regular army attacked overland. It was absolutely seamless.

"As you can see, gentlemen, the Emperor's forces are as well trained as I have promised," their guide said. Today had been the first time Pershing had met the guide. He had been introduced as Baron Okubo Tokugawa, and had recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Ruling Council and chief advisor to Emperor Meiji. He was wearing a European style military uniform, with a chest full of medals, but with the Asiatic touch of a red silk sash and a traditional sword. Pershing's gut told him that this was the man running the show. "Perhaps now, our nations can come to an understanding as to the Imperium's natural supremacy in this area."

The Chairman's sure enjoying the view. Pershing grunted a noncommittal response. He was no diplomat. What he cared about was how the Japs had integrated magic into their war machine. Incoming shells had been deflected by coordinated Movers on the naval vessels. Heavies and Brutes were storming those walls. Damage control had been conducted by Torches who could put out the most terrible fire just by thinking about it. Hell, they were even riding on an airship designed by Cogs.

This was the beginning of the end. Either magic would be used to conquer the world, or the backlash would cause normals to become so terrified of his kind that they would be exterminated.

"How did you get so many wizards?" Nicholson asked.

"Excuse me?" the Chairman asked, raising a single eyebrow.

"You're utilizing magic on a scale we've never seen before… How?"

The Chairman nodded respectfully. "Unlike in the West, here in Nippon, we respect those with such gifts. We take them in as they are discovered and give them the finest education possible. In exchange, they serve a term of six years in the Emperor's military or bureaucratic corps."

"Brilliant…" said the German.

Pershing gave a bitter laugh.

"Yes, Captain Pershing?" the Chairman asked politely.

"My understanding is that you steal children away from their families as soon as you see a sparkle of magic, and then you put them in a prison where you can turn them into machines. Those who don't make the cut get experimented on until they're either useful or dead. The really strong get additional magic branded right to their souls."

"I can assure you that the Imperial schools are a strictly voluntary affair. It is considered a great honor for a family to send their children to such prestigious institutions." The Chairman was not easily riled. "May I inquire who told you such lies?"

Pershing turned away from the destruction at the rail and looked the Chairman in the eye. "Maybe I was told by a Manchurian, driven gibbering mad with pain, who escaped from one of your schools with failed kanji branded all over his back?"

The Chairman looked down at Pershing's ring and scowled. "I see… Would you walk with me for a moment, Captain?"

He hesitated. The Chairman struck him as a very dangerous man, but he was on a diplomatic mission. If any harm were to befall him, the repercussions would be severe. Japan was strong, but not strong enough to risk a war with the West… yet. They were still modernizing, though at a shocking pace. It would come though, he could feel it. Pershing nodded and followed the Chairman toward the end of the observation deck. Guards with bayonets mounted on their rifles bowed and moved out of their way.

The wind was louder now that they were steaming toward Vladivostok. Pershing could smell smoke and gunpowder on the wind. "You are a knight of the Grimnoir?" the Chairman asked.

"Yes."

"So the Society plans on standing against me then?"

God, I hope so. "That's not my place to say. I'm here representing the United States Army. But as one Active to another, what you're doing here is wrong, Baron Tokugawa. I've heard about you. I know you're like me."

The Chairman folded his arms. "I am far beyond you."

Pershing tested his Power. Baron Tokugawa's thoughts were far too well guarded for him to get even the briefest Reading. "No good can come of this. I'm begging you. If you follow this path, it will change everything."

"Splendid." He smiled for the first time. Pershing knew it was the smile of a predator. "The time for change has come. Tell your Society if they want a war, they will surely have one." New York City, New York