“I agree,” you reply after a pause. “We’ll move forward with your plan. Though, we’ll need some form of local oversight. I don’t particularly want any incidents coming back to bite me.”
“Splendid!” Krupp claps his hands together loudly, a wide grin spreading across his face. He beckons for you to follow him back over to the map of Ezo. “I have several locations in mind, may I show you?”
You nod once. “Of course.”
Krupp points to several locations, speaking deliberately. “The geography of Ezo makes it highly suitable for building a new steelworks facility. In particular, my surveyors have identified sites near the towns of Muroran and Hakodate, as well as the Ishikari Plain.” He points to each location as he mentions them.
“What makes these locations suitable?” You frown slightly, all of these areas are sparsely-populated and underdeveloped. According to members of the Shogun’s staff, much of Ezo is still a wild land, practically independent from Japan proper. “Why not on the mainland, perhaps in Fukushima?”
“Ezo is rich in untapped iron and coal resources,” Krupp replies. “Though the surveyors question the quality of the coal present, these resources will make a central steel production facility suitable.” He points again to Muroran. “This site in particular is close to major coal and iron deposits, and its position on the coast will facilitate easier trade with the main islands and other nations.” He crosses his arms. “The only problem is the existing town of Muroran.” Frowning slightly, he elaborates. “The workers’ city will need to be a totally new construction, and positioning it too close to an established town could prove problematic.”
“I see,” you nod. “And what of the other sites?”
Krupp grimaces. “Hakodate has the same challenges as Muroran, but is closer to the mainland. I also understand there is a modern fortress near the city.” He shrugs, looking at you. “Meaning there could be great potential to construct a military arsenal near to the steelworks, to streamline the acquisition of arms from the facility.”
“And the last site?”
Krupp’s eyes light up. “The Ishikari Plain was identified as an ideal site for the construction of a city.” He rubs his beard thoughtfully. “Though any ore and coal will have to be brought through the mountains, there is plenty of space to build a large facility. There is a small issue of the native peoples occupying the area, though. I doubt they would be easily convinced to hand over their lands.”
>”It sounds like Muroran is best, then.”
>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it.”
>”This Ishikari Plain sounds promising.”
>Write-in.
