[Archive] Repaying of Gratitude [Turkey & Japan]

[pochi]

It's time to follow, not to heat it up
Requesting this plane is a propeller
In the middle of the course when ambitions are low
Head-on close, hang on before you lose control
Armistice by Phoenix

24 September 1980 <-----> Iran-Iraq War



Kiku Honda stared silently at the dark wood desk. Prime Minister Koizumi’s words rang in his ears. Kiku shifted in his seat, his dark eyes following the wood grain, finding so many imperfections within the wood.

“Honda-san, none of our airlines feel safe enough to travel there. All aircraft will be indiscriminately shot down.”

The only thing betraying his nervousness was his leg that bounced up and down quickly.

“The SDF?”

“You know more than anyone else alive we’re bound there. It does not allow us to engage in rescue missions,” Koizumi sighed as he brusquely stood up from his desk and paced around the office. Kiku’s eyes moved towards the large phone on the desk.

“The UN is proving to be as useless as the League of Nations,” Kiku voice, his voice a careful monotone. He did not mean it as he had in the early 20th century, he could not risk acting against the UN. He was no longer bound by imperialistic thoughts of expansion, but the frustration of inaction and no word of help from the UN caused him to speak foolishly.

“No,” Kiku corrected himself as he sighed and leaned back in his chair. His hands came up to his face and pressed his cool fingertips against his eyelids, “No, please excuse me and ignore that; I spoke rashly and without thought Prime Minister.”

Kiku felt he should have been worried about that. Thoughtless speaking was not a good habit to get into and he hoped that this new era of his would not lead him into being any less careful than he had been before. Kiku shifted in his seat again, feeling pressured and uncomfortable from the ghost pains from his side. His PM seemed to understand and respectfully looked away when Kiku leaned more onto his left side.

“The UN is not doing anything to help us at the moment. The consensus is not to aggravate the situation more than it is already.”

Kiku turned towards the muted television against one of the walls of the office. He reached for the remote and raised the volume. Again, the announcer said in a grave voice that Iraq had invaded Iran, hoping to use Iran’s post Revolutionary chaos.

A small break in the announcement announced that foreigners were being evacuated by national carriers. Unfortunately, not the Japanese. Japan’s airlines were concerned with the lack of safety towards their aircraft and personnel after Iraq’s declaration. It had been about 40 hours since then and there was no guarantee that his aircraft would be safe.

“I will not leave my people in a warzone Koizumi-san. I’ll go there—” He paused, and exhaled loudly as he stopped himself from speaking foolishly again. He couldn’t go. Doing so might be viewed as a too many negative things that might make the situation of his people stuck in Tehran worse.

“What have we heard from the embassy?” He inquired as he stood up and walked towards the television. He stopped in front of it and watched the images of all too familiar warfare. His dreams, nightmares perhaps was more accurate, were almost as vivid as this sometimes. Soldiers with rifles, people evacuating towns, it was disturbingly familiar.

“Not much I’m afraid. They’re trying to find ways to evacuate our people, through land if possible, but land travel is probably just as dangerous, if not more.” The Prime minister ran his hand across his face, shoulders hunching with exhaustion. The nation was watching to see what he would do, they were sure that he would find a way to help those stuck in Iraq.

Kiku found himself being one of those, hoping for some miracle even if he was not the type to rely or hope on those.

“Honda-san, excuse me. I have a meeting that I must attend now, about this. We’re hoping to get in touch with any of the neighboring countries and see if any of them are willing to help and take in our people until we can fly them out.”

The Prime Minister bowed towards his nation and Kiku turned away from the television to return the gesture. The man left and Kiku turned back towards the television. Simply watching and feeling the weight of uselessness weighing him down with something near panic was a feeling he felt he was beginning to feel more often now that his hands were effectively tied.

In the empty and almost silent room Kiku allowed himself a second to vent his frustration, “Fuck.”

Perhaps if he were to call America… surely the superpower might be able to do something..

---

I'm really sorry about how late this is Turkey! Finals season decided to fight dirty. Since I don't know much about the Iraq-Iran war I'm trying to keep that as vague as possible so I don't show just how much of an idiot I am. orz

[theottomanempire]

Sharing a border with Iraq and Iran, Turkey had essentially foreseen what had just unfolded between both countries. It wasn’t a secret. Actually, on the contraire, many of the other Middle Eastern countries were quite aware of the significance this would bring to the area. This had been no hidden agenda. Iraq had made its displeasure with Iran very clear at the last summit for the Arab League. Turkey, unfortunately, was not a part of said league but he was an observer and the tension was very clear after the representatives of Iraq spoke of their displeasure of losing some territory that was clearly theirs to Iran because of the Ottomans. This had not settled very well with the large Turk but he remained quiet like it was accustomed with an observer. He made notes and hoped that perhaps things would turn out for the best even though he knew that was being much too optimistic. Things never went well when it came to territory that was wrongly given to another.

Turkey had made a swift exit from the summit so he could digest everything that had happened. The bout of silence that had befallen most nations after Iraq had spoken had caused him to lose himself in thought. Sadik probably couldn’t tell you what had happened afterwards because he had stopped paying very close attention. It had definitely made him think about what would have happened if he had given the territory of Khuzestan which was very rich in oil. However, the problems continued to escalate with many well timed incidents such as the death of the Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

However, glancing at his screen in the office with his Prime Minister Sadik was not impressed one bit. He was sitting on the other side of the desk, leg crossed and arms crossed as he watched intently what was occurring in Iran. The Iraqi’s had not hesitated to invade and things were looking grim and not only for the citizens but also the tourists who were unlucky enough to be caught in the fray.

“This is ridiculous.” Sadik growled as he continued to watch the news intently. “Doesn’t Iraq see that this will lead them nowhere good?”

Of course, Sadik couldn’t be completely innocent when it came to keeping his cool but luckily he hadn’t invaded a country since Cyprus and even that, in his opinion, wasn’t as bad as what was going on right before his eyes. His eyebrows’ knitted further together as he continued to watch until one of his newscasters mentioned something that caught his attention concerning the Japanese in Iran.

“Japanese tourists are trapped in Iran with no means of escape. Japanese officials are not able to discuss what plans of action they want to take to save these citizens but it looks as if they aren’t going anywhere soon.”

Sadik placed his crossed leg on the ground and hunched forward listening intently.

“After Saddam Hussein has declared that they will not hesitate to shoot any foreign aircrafts things have been looking grim for many tourists trying to seek escape.”

Green eyes turned to the sitting and concentrated figure of his Prime Minister who looked just as thoughtful.

“I’ll contact Turkish Airlines and see what they can do.” Sadik smiled and nodded. It was finally time to repay a debt that has been hanging between them for many many years. The Turk had not forgotten and he would never forget that kindness the Japanese had shown towards his men when even they were in strife.

-------

It was 1889 and the Ottoman Battleship that had been sent to Japan was on its way back. However, unfortunately for them it would not be making it back home and most of the crew would not even see the light of day. For the 69 survivors that did make it out alive. They had received the greatest kindness that one could ever ask for.

Sadik had, of course, been one of them since this was the first time the Ottoman Empire had formally visited the Japanese Imperial Family. It would have been dishonourable if he hadn’t gone to visit especially when he wanted to increase ties with this Asian nation that seemed to surprise the world with the manner they took to westernization. He had been very impressed and hoped that if it ever came to him needing to change that at least he’d be able to do it while maintaining his traditions, culture and language.

That catastrophic day was something the Turk had always remembered and on the day of its anniversary he made sure to call Japan even if the other wasn’t aware for the reason for his call. However, the call Japan would be receiving sometime soon would not be a call because of his remembrance of the event but more because he’d be calling to tell the Japanese man that his people were safe in Turkey.

-------

The volunteers had been rounded and they were all enthused about what was about to occur. None of them seemed scared or nervous but what was seen from these people was determination and drive to get those Japanese out of their as fast as they can. The pilots who had volunteered were all more than qualified fliers and Sadik was sure they would get them out of their safe and sound.

He hated to admit this but he was a little nervous. There was still that chance that Saddam Hussein could shoot down the plane and end everything for good. He didn’t want his efforts to be a failure and he would make sure they weren’t even if that meant he had to fly there himself….wait a minute. He would fly there himself. That was brilliant. Iran would not be able to shoot down his plane if they knew that the embodiment of Turkey was in said vessel.

A triumph grin made its way on his face as he quickly briefed every one of their duties. They had already contacted the citizens that had given up their seats for the Japanese and they all seemed fine with it and ulterior methods were being arranged for their safe transport back to Turkey. Sadik was actually very surprised by the cooperation his people were demonstrating with such a risky mission.


The thing that kept him motivated was the fact that he had not contacted Japan before doing this. He figured the reaction would be much richer if he surprised the small Asian man. When they were ushering the Japanese citizens onto the plane Sadik could see how frightened they were. There were some who were shaking, others rigidly tense and others holding their children very close as they all looked for a spot to sit. It really pulled at Sadik’s sympathetic side as he watched them sit there in fearful silence. There was a chance that they probably wouldn’t make it out alive if Iran was serious about shooting down foreign aircrafts but Sadik was not deterred at all. They would get them out safely. They would.

---------

“Welcome to Turkey~” Rang the pilots voice as they finally after an excruciatingly long and tense who knows how long. The entire plane seemed to undergo a uplifting transformation from scared to relieved as most of the passengers began to cry.

Sadik watched this before he entered the cockpit to thank the pilot for his selflessness. This would mean a lot to Japan and the larger Turk was glad he could actually be there to witness it. It would be soon time to contact Japan…if he hadn’t already caught wind of this because he was sure that they weren’t as secretive about it as he had wanted. Although, it is very hard to be secretive when hundreds of media stations are concentrating on the events occurring in Iran and so someone was bound to pick up on what the Turks were doing.

Sadik would get all the tourists settled down in a hotel and later after he speaks with Japan they can decide what is to happen with them. Should they be flown out to Japan right away or should they be given some down time before sending them on another plane ride. They would have to figure that out but it would be a bit longer before he could contact the Japanese nation.

---

Hahaha, don't worry about it. Really. It was definitely worth the wait and those finals! Always at the worse of times. xD

Anyway, I hope this makes sense and works. If you want me to change anything let me know.

[pochi]

Kiku had not moved from the Prime Minister’s office since the other man had left. Nervously he’d lowered and raised the televisions volume. He was torn between hearing updates, as if there were any, and just watching the reporter silently mouth words that were spoken too fast for Kiku to read.

He wanted to go home. Just go home and curl up in bed, pull that small white pup he’d found looking for scraps in the back weeks ago into his arms and forget about everything.

For the umpteenth time he again stood up from the chair he’d nervously been fidgeting in and walked towards the large TV on the other side of the room. The volume rose again and again the situation was rapidly spoken. Images of people in a dry land were again shown as the news recounted that the two nations were at war. The image flashed towards the Japanese Embassy and the people that crowded the courtyard.

Kiku’s heart ached as he looked at their frightened faces. The door behind him flew open and slammed against the wall as the Prime Minister walked in. The man’s stepped were hurried and a quick rushed exhale from him reached Kiku’s ears, “Thank god you’re still here.”

He turned towards the other man, “What is it Prime Minister?”

“Honda-san! Finally I found you!” The Prime Minister rushed past Kiku, towards the television and changed the channel. “Look. It… just look Honda-san.”

Kiku turned from the prime minister to look at the television again, his face filled with confusion ad worry. He was afraid that perhaps his embassy has been attacked or hit by some stray. He did not expect to see reporters all but standing in their seats as they quickly reported the latest.

…-key. Several aircraft have been sent into the no-fly zone of where the Japanese tourists are currently stranded. So far, all we have heard is that more than half of them have been picked up are starting the perilous journey back towards the country of Turkey. We have just gotten reports of—

Kiku’s jaw dropped slightly as he watched the pundit on television repeat the recent news, the man’s voice holding the same amount of surprise that Kiku felt inside.

“Are you… sure this is correct Prime Minister?” His voice shook as he watched Turkey’s flag shown above the announcers shoulder in place of actual footage of the country’s planes saving his people.

Turkey.

Why was Turkey risking his people, his aircraft, his status within that area to save Japanese tourists? It made no sense to Kiku. None.

There was no discernable reason as to WHY Turkey was doing this. They were only allies on paper, tentatively so.

“Prime Minister, please get me a flight to Turkey. We shall go and pick up our people, and I shall personally… thank Turkey myself.”

He could remember when he was the Ottoman Empire, large and imposing. Or at least trying to be; Kiku would have never been intimidated by anyone but Yao himself (a product of still alive awe towards the once great Middle Kingdom), anyone younger than him even.

Why?

That question bounced around in his mind as he packed quickly at home and took only the essentials of what he needed. He still could not come up with an answer after the 11 and a half hour flight towards Turkey.

Why?

He met with his people. They believed him to simply be a government official, instead of their country personified. Their very worried country.

He soon went to the Embassy in Turkey. He sat in a seat and took a quick nap. He was exhausted and beyond tired and still on edge. His meeting with the other nation was not for several more hours and he would try to get as much rest as possible.

It barely felt like minutes when he was gently shaken awake by a secretary and he stood up in his barely wrinkled suit and left to meet and express his deepest gratitude towards the nation that had rescued his people.