Approaching Winter

Day 1,120, 12:43 • Published in Japan Japan • by Sophia Forrester


It's been a little over the halfway point of my term in Congress, and although I had hoped for a calm December with the PTO threat seemingly defeated, it was not to be. The war with South Korea, which had seemed like a gentle rain, even a welcome competition with friendly neighbors, has become a full-blown storm. And our best weather forecasters -- the government, Congress, and respected voices in the media -- seem a little unsure on whether there is a storm, let alone what form it takes.


An umbrella works great against rain, and sometimes light snow, but if it hails, watch out!

So it's hard for eJapanese to know how to treat this war when the official story keeps changing. Our leaders are trying their best, but they as well as we are confused by the changing situation. I'm as confused as anyone. That said, I'm going to try to set down what I think I know, so maybe we can all compare notes.



This war started as a training war. eSK and eJapan were on good terms, and we had planned to use the war for training, or possibly a region swap if one could be arranged. Then a new President seized power in South Korea, impeaching their elected leader after losing the elections. After that, eJapan was in for a bumpy ride.


Exciting! Wait, which way was down again?

The PTO President wasted no time in declaring eJapan the natural enemy of eSouth Korea. He then conquered Chugoku, immediately proceeding to attack Kinki, and only then approaching our leaders asking for a voluntary region swap. Sure, we could have Jeju! As long as we didn't mind the South Koreans taking and keeping two regions of ours.


An offer we can't refuse, right? Just watch the thorns... >.>

Actually, we did refuse the unequal deal, although the debate concerned more than just regions. One point I found persuasive was that the current President of eSK does not represent native Koreans, but instead recent immigrants from Romania. My own feeling: A region swap should not be rushed. The people must be given a chance to speak. Short-term swaps to help allies are okay, but before I were to vote for a long-term resource swap, I would want to know that most inhabitants of that region approved of the idea. It might be easier to move in the New World than in "real life," but we would still be asking eJapanese to leave their homes, possibly permanently.


Shinji knows -- evacuation is serious business.

So all that said, what is the situation now? We have been attacked again, under the false pretense of a voluntary region swap. An official press release now condemns the invasion, but we have still lost every battle since the war returned to our shores. I hope we are able to turn back the invasion once more, and find a negotiated peace. Our national pride demands no less.

UPDATE 13:29 eRep time - We have won our first battle in the defense of Chugoku! Thanls to the brave citizens who fought to defend our country!