Colisión de Cultura

[Nicholas Lorencio]

Nicholas Lorencio was seated in his all too familiar leather seat, flying in his all too familiar plane. This time however he was with another man, Cristobal Patricio, commander of the La Guardia Real and Nicholas’s personal escort for the trip. What was their destination? Their destination was all the way on the other side of the globe to the small yet distinct islands of Japan.

Nicholas and Cristobal sat talking. They had at first begun speaking of the Spanish military and general important discussions. However now they sat laughing and talking, generally just having a good time. Nicholas beckoned for Cristobal to follow him to the bar of the plane. It had only recently been refurbished, and Nicholas was quite happy at the new decorations that adorned the walls, as well as the new carpet that was placed in, make to look like the Spanish Flag.

They played a round of pool as they talked some more but as they were finishing up, Nicholas striking the number 8 ball into the socket and winning the game, they were approached by the pilot. He informed the two that they were in Japanese airspace, and due to the relative small size of the island, would be reaching Tokyo within the hour. Nicholas thanked the pilot and both he and Cristobal went back to their seats in the main compartment of the plane.

Soon the plane touched down at the busy Tokyo airport. They dodged their way through the airport, almost hitting a smaller plane and causing the pilot to burst out in a string of profanity. Soon however they were at the designated terminal, (and luckily in one piece), and Nicholas and Cristobal stepped out of the plane after thanking the pilot for a good flight.

Nicholas and Cristobal found a silver limousine waiting for them. The driver hurried out and grabbed the small bags the men carried, then ushered them into the limousine. They sat inside, enjoying the nicely furbished vehicle, and soon they were speeding down the main street of Tokyo, dodging cyclists and small cars that looked as if they would fit in a small bathroom.

Soon Nicholas and Cristobal found themselves standing in front of the Emperors Palace. The limousine behind them sped off to the designated hotel that they were staying in for the next few days. They began walking up the stone steps. The palace was quite grand, and Nicholas enjoyed the face it included its own forest, a very rare site in such an industrial and compact city as Tokyo. They reached the top of the stairs and glanced around, looking for anyone that might have been the leader of Japan.

[Emperor Ryo Yokohama]

*all Japanese and Spanish has been translated to English*

Emperor Yokohama was reading the Evening Paper at his desk when his Imperial Guard General, Manako Sora, walks in and said “Emperor Yokohama, the Emperor of Spain is here and waiting outside.” Then Yokohama replied “Ah good. Thank you Manako.” Then Manako bows to Yokohama and was about to leave when Yokohama stands up and said “Manako come join us for dinner.” Manako then answered “I will be honored, Emperor.”

Then that’s is when General Sora And Emperor Yokohama walked out of the Imperial Office and walked towards the front of the palace. Then as they went towards the doors and that’s when two enlisted soldiers opened the double doors to the outside. As the Doors opened, that’s when the sun shines into the palace and Yokohama shields his eyes from the brightness. Then his eyesight comes back and that’s when he sees the Emperor of Spain, Emperado Nicholas Lorencio, and walks out of the palace to greet Emperado Lorencio.

That is when Yokohama bows to Lorencio and started speaking Spanish “Emperado Lorencio, welcome to Imperial Japan. I am Yokohama and this is General Sora he is my Imperial Guard General he will be joining us. Also before entering please take you shoes off. We will talk diplomacy in a little but first let us head to the Dinning room. Now let’s go.” As they walked that’s when Yokohama tells Lorencio what they are having for dinner “We will be having all the Sea food that Japan can offer. The Sea food we will be having is Calamari, Fugu Sashimi, Rice noodles with Shrimp, Shrimp Sushi, Sea Urchin Sushi, and Mantis Shrimp sashimi. Oh wait almost forgot the Sea Cucumber Stew.” As they were walking that is when Yokohama stops and one of the two soldiers open a door to a small sized room that had a small table in the middle with a Plasma Television hanging off the wall. "Please Sit." said Emperor Yokohama showing them where to sit.

[Nicholas Lorencio]

Nicholas was approached by two men. One of them walked up to Nicholas and greeted him, introducing himself as Yokohama and the man standing behind him, who was General Sora. He beckoned for Nicholas to follow them, but first he requested that they take their shoes off. Nicholas took his off and signaled Cristobal to do the same, before replying to Yokohama’s earlier greeting. “Thank you Mr. Yokohama, I have so far enjoyed my stay in this marvelous city. Also I will fulfill your request; we are always willing to go with the customs of the local land. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Cristobal, commander of the Royal Guard, he will be accompanying me today, and I hope this will not be a problem.”

Nicholas took a moment and studied the Emperor. He was shorter than Nicholas, although that was quite common since Nicholas was quite tall for his age. The man was also relatively old with black hair and hazel eyes that showed experience and intelligence. Nicholas was also quite amazed that he had spoken Spanish to Nicholas. He was quite glad of this, he had not known whether or not the Emperor knew English, and the crash course Japanese lessons he had taken and utterly failed at in the plane ride to the country wouldn’t have helped much.

Nicholas followed the Emperor into his palace, Cristobal close behind. He was amazed at the palace. It was an excellent blend of ancient and pristine relics and décor, yet with modern comforts and appliances within. Here and there ancient silk paintings were complimented by lamps that illuminated the art 24 hours a day. Nicholas always had a soft spot for history, and this palace filled with ancient Japanese works was like a joy ride for him.

Yokohama began talking to Nicholas while they walked; describing what was the meal for that night’s dinner. After hearing the list Nicholas smiled, “it sounds wonderful; I look forward to eating some of the ethnic foods of this great nation.” However inside Nicholas was unsure what to think. He had never heard half of the food on the list, and he hadn’t actually tasted any of it, besides calamari and maybe rice noodles with shrimp he sometimes cooked at his home, which he usually failed at, burning the shrimp, and the noodles, well I guess that’s why they invented instant dinners. Behind him Cristobal also gave Nicholas a quizzical look.

They were guided through a set of doors opened by a pair soldiers. Nicholas wondered why there were so many soldiers around the palace, must be a rough situation in Japan. He was a little disappointed, he had expected ancient Samurai warriors diligently guarding their leader, but oh well. Yokohama beckoned for them to sit down, which both Nicholas and Cristobal did, sitting the “proper” Japanese way, at least as far as they had been told. Nicholas glanced around, looking at the works of art that adorned the small room. He was enjoying himself, and he already promised himself he had to see more of the city after the meeting.

[Emperor Ryo Yokohama]

As Yokohama watched Lorencio and Cristobal sit down in the proper Japanese way and then Yokohama and Manako joined them. Then Yokohama said, “You are probably wondering what is with all the guards. Well for special guests and events the Imperial Guard is assigned to the Palace. So don’t worry about the guards Imperial Japan is very safe for Political Officials. Now let’s start by cleansing and opening the pallet of your mouth with this broth.” Then a waitress brings in the broth and then Manako and Yokohama drink it down like soda. When they finish Yokohama said “Drink, it will make the food taste a lot better.” Then Yokohama watched as Lorencio and Cristobal drink the broth. After they drank the broth that’s when the first appetizer is delivered. “Ah the appetizers for tonight’s dinner are Shrimp sushi and Sea Cucumber sushi with a side of sabi. Sabi is a type of horseradish made here in Japan and is made from the Root of a Wasabi plant. Now try the sushi with some sabi. Also to warn you Sabi can be very hot.” As Yokohama takes a piece of sabi and Sea cucumber sushi and puts it in his mouth and eats it.

After they all ate the sushi that is when the real dinner is brought out by 3 waitresses. Then Yokohama thought about something after looking around at all the food and finally said “I almost forgot the drinks.” Then he told one of the waitresses to get some drinks. Then the waitress came back with fine wine imported from France. As the waitress was pouring the wine in four glasses then Yokohama said “This wine was imported from France and the year of it is 1937. Please have some and let us toast to what maybe a beautiful friendship.” Then Yokohama raises his glass of wine for the toasting of friendship. Then they all started eating the food after the toast.

After they ate they all sat there in content from being full and having good food. Then Yokohama looked at his watch and said, “You must be tired from the long flight you must be tired we can talk about diplomacy tomorrow after lunch if you want. I know you would like to see the city before lunch and diplomacy.”

[Nicholas Lorencio]

Nicholas and Cristobal waited while the Japanese officials seated themselves. The Japanese Emperor than made a comment about the guards and the security of the Palace. Nicholas nodded, knowing all to well the importance of security. Having just risen to power, his government building was crawling with guards, and Nicholas didn’t think for a minute of letting them leave. Without those guards something would have happened by now, something most likely unfriendly with a side of death.

A waitress came in bearing a tray loaded with small cups. The Japanese officials took some and then two were brought over to Nicholas and Cristobal. Inside was some sort of broth, the smell slowly wafting up to meet his nose. The Japanese Emperor bade them drink it, stating that it would enhance the flavor. Following the example of the Japanese both Nicholas and Cristobal drank the broth. Nicholas let the liquid swirl in his mouth before swallowing it, making sure to let it reach ever bit of his mouth. In truth he wasn’t sure how this was going to “enhance” the food, but it was worth a shot.

Next the appetizers were brought out, and they were informed by the Emperor that it was shrimp sushi and sea cucumber sushi. He also stated that there was a side of Sabi, and warned them that it was very hot. Nicholas smiled at this, he had quite a resistance to hot foods, being raised in Spain, and indeed he was better than most, always beating his friends when they had chili pepper eating contests and the like. Nicholas took the shrimp sushi first, placing some Sabi on top and eating it. The taste was good, so he decided to try to sea cucumber sushi. Although the thought of the creature wasn’t very appealing, Nicholas conquered his sense and ate the food. It was surprisingly good, and he took note of this.

After they finished eating the appetizers the actual food was brought out. It was a large assortment, the items of food being the ones that the Japanese Emperor described before. The mix of scents and smells made the room almost smell like a marina, although a fried marina with soy sauce on top. Soon after a bottle of wine was brought out, French wine from the year 1937. Nicholas took a sip of the wine and let it sit in his mouth. The taste was good, although Nicholas wondered if it would complement the food at all, well there was only one way to find out. Before they ate the officials shared a toast, to the future of Spanish-Japanese relations.

After they were finished they sat there for a moment, enjoying the after taste of the meal and sipping the last bit of wine they had. Cristobal in fact began reaching for another glass but Nicholas nudged him. He would want Cristobal to have his wits with him, and with an embarrassed nod Cristobal understood this. The Japanese Emperor however inquired whether or not they were tired from the trip. Nicholas nodded and replied, “Indeed we would like to see the city before we leave, and I have always wanted to visit Japan to tell the truth. However whether we have the meeting today or tomorrow is up to you, you are our host and the owner of this fine palace.”

[Emperor Ryo Yokohama]

As Yokohama listen to Lorencio explains that he would rather have Yokohama choose when to have it. Then Yokohama decided and said “Ok Mr. Lorencio lets head to my office where we can have our meeting.” Then Yokohama and Manako get up and start walking towards the door. Then Manako opens the door for Yokohama, Lorencio and Cristobal. Then all of them start heading towards Yokohama’s office. When they got to Yokohama’s office two guards were standing near a large set of double doors and the guards open the doors to the office. Then Yokohama said to Cristobal and Lorencio while showing them where to sit “Please sit and we will talk about diplomacy.” As Cristobal and Lorencio sat down then that is when Yokohama sat behind his desk while Manako stood behind Yokohama.

“Now Mr. Lorencio we, Imperial Japan, would like to offer you weapons and technology for raw ore and material so we can produce technology and weapons. Also we would like you to be our ally and incase you need anything like researchers for technology we will send you our best researchers.” Yokohama said as he looked at Lorencio with a smile and waiting for an answer.

[Nicholas Lorencio]

The Japanese Emperor sat there, seeming to ponder Nicholas’s words. At length, the Emperor rose up and declared that they would have the meeting now. Nicholas nodded and stood up, Cristobal following his lead. They were lead through a door in the room and continued on down a hallway. Soon they reached a set of double doors, (with more guards), and walked through into what Nicholas assumed was the Japanese Emperors office. The Emperor motioned for them to sit down, which both Nicholas and Cristobal did.

After seating himself the Japanese Emperor began speaking about an alliance with mutual exchanges on both sides. Nicholas sat patiently while the Emperor spoke. Once he was done talking Nicholas thought about his words, then leaned in slightly and began speaking. “We are willing to provide a number of raw materials for your nation, and in exchange receiving weapons, something we do need at the moment. Also the mutual exchange of technology would prove beneficial.”

“However, I would like to state one thing. I would like to reserve that in times of crisis or with certain technologies or information, be allowed the privilege of withholding such information. This would only occur if I believed the release of such information would threaten my nation in such way, which would not happen very often, so there would be no need to fear on your part. Before I continue I would like to ask one thing. What do you plan for your nation outside of your borders?”

[Emperor Ryo Yokohama]

As Yokohama listened that’s when he smiled and looked at Manako and nodded for him to get the War plans. As Manako walked over to a table designed for war and opened a drawer and took out a piece of paper and walked back over to Yokohama and handed the piece of paper to Yokohama. Then Yokohama while unrolling the piece of paper and looking at it and said “This is our plans for country and people.” Then hands Lorencio the piece of paper and then said “Don’t worry it will not affect your country unless you think one of the countries we will be taking will affect your country please don’t be afraid to say other wise.” Then he started thinking about the World War Two incident with America. “Also if you notice we will not be try to take Any American owned land especially Hawaii other than that we will be taking countries nearest us. But the people are still worried about taking South and North Korea. So I decided to wait about 3 years before trying otherwise what the people want the people get.” Then he looks at Lorencio and finally said “If this sound too much like World War Two well it is but I am doing something different than the emperor of World War Two. Like I said before we will not take the pearl harbor or the US.”

[Nicholas Lorencio]

Nicholas waited patiently while the Japanese Emperor spoke about his plans for expanding the borders of Japan. He glanced at the map and noted that what the Emperor said was true; the plans for expansion looked notably similar to those in World War Two. This did not bother Nicholas much, and the fact that Japan wouldn’t be hostile to America provide comforting. Nicholas would be glad to have an ally on this side of the world, but he had no intentions of facing off against the super power of the United States, yet.

Nicholas waited as the Emperor finished speaking. Nicholas took a moment to think and then looked at the man. “Most of this sits fine with us. I would just like to make a few things aware to you. First, we do not wish to be dragged into any confrontation with any large superpower. You stated that America was away from your site, so I have little worries for such a problem. Also, and of more concern, I will not lie that my eye was slightly turned towards this part of the world, particularly Oceania. I do realize your higher “right” to such lands, but I do have hopes of expanding into this part of the world. Now if a deal could be reached between us this would prevent from us having to get into confrontation. Now I am open to ideas, and do not hold back your opinion on what I am saying.”

[Emperor Ryo Yokohama]

As Yokohama listened to Lorencio and his thoughts and after Lorencio finished that’s when Yokohama said, “Yes the Americas especially the US which is way far away from our site. We can’t even smell it either.” After making the little joke Yokohama chuckled a little and then said “Seriously, the Oceania Territories will be taking and we start our invasion of the Philippines in 5 days and in about 3 weeks, depending how everything goes in the Philippines, we will be taking Taiwan. But if there is a territory that you want we will be happy to help your army take it by naval support. Otherwise we will not touch the country you want. And all you have to do is use this pen and mark which country we should not take.” then Yokohama hands Lorencio a black pen.

(sorry for being so short again)