Damn the World, Ride a Submarine - Chapter 111



Only Krnovel

Episode 111 – ESSO

Back at the main camp of Shinheung, we were busy resting and reorganizing, as well as adapting to the new and changing world.

The independence of the Far Eastern Republic was also a very important event for the expansion and maintenance of the OSS’s military.

Thanks to this, South Korea has an advantageous option both economically and security-wise.

The birth of the Far Eastern Republic resulted in the creation of a pro-North Korea country bordering South Korea.

This served to further accelerate North Korea’s isolation.

Being able to import crude oil and natural gas produced in the Sakhalin region had an advantage that was difficult to compare with the Middle East, both geographically and militarily.

It was an option that could not be given up, not only for economic reasons, but also for energy security reasons.

It was OSS that made this possible, and energy exports from the Far Eastern Republic were virtually monopolized by OSL.

Because of this, our status and position had to change dramatically.

Also, it has brought us huge profits.

In addition, OSS’s energy supply and reserves have become nearly infinite.

Crude oil transported from Sakhalin was refined at the Ulsan refinery in Korea and then steadily transported to Kiribati for storage.

Additionally, the newly deployed ESB nuclear supply ships and logistics support ships can now be kept fully stocked at all times.

…

OSL has been rapidly acquiring East Asian tankers since just before the Far Eastern Republic gained independence (knowing this in advance). Hanwha Ocean’s LNG carriers were no exception.

The story of how they acquired energy business rights in the Far Eastern Republic at a level close to monopoly was as follows.

There was a quick decision made based on quick information, judgment, and capital.

Misfortune always has a countervailing effect. The Russo-Russian War was one such example.

That is to be expected, after the first war broke out when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Western energy companies such as ExxonMobil of the United States and BP of the United Kingdom began to pull out of Sakhalin oil and natural gas development projects.

With political instability and economic sanctions against Russia, it became difficult to freeze Russian capital and export goods, making it difficult to generate profits. Perhaps it was a natural progression.

The exodus of Western capital from Russia began with ExxonMobil halting $4 billion in new investments in the Sakhalin oil field.

After the end of the First Russo-Russian War, the return of Western capital was delayed, and finally the Second World War broke out.

Almost all capitals, including the United States, Britain, Japan, and China, have completely withdrawn from Sakhalin’s oil and gas field business.

We knew in advance about the independence movement in the Far Eastern Republic through OSSIA (and were even able to coordinate its timing).

They bought up all the oil and gas field concessions held by the West, Japan, and China, which wanted to leave, at a low price. They even bought the concessions held by the Russian Federation.

The Sakhalin oil and gas fields in the Far Eastern Republic were divided into zones 1 to 8, and zone 17 was under development.

Of these, Sakhalin-1 alone produced 220,000 barrels of crude oil per day (2% of Russia’s total crude oil production).

It was like a dream for Koreans who were obsessed with oil.

In this situation, the Far Eastern Republic declared independence, and the OSS received priority negotiation rights for all energy exports and development from the Far Eastern Republic.

In addition, during this time, Namgung Han, director of OSLAM (OSL Asset Management), was using information about the Far Eastern Republic’s withdrawal from the Russian Federation and changes in crude oil traffic to increase our assets to 1,700 trillion won.

If the reserves are expanded to include the Sakhalin 1-8 oil and gas fields and the entire Far Eastern Republic oil field development area, it would exceed 25% of the entire Russian Federation’s oil reserves in the past.

The amount of crude oil supplied by the Far Eastern Republic was more than enough to meet the needs of South Korea, the world’s eighth-largest crude oil consumer.

The reason why the energy resources of the Far Eastern Republic are more important is that there are still many undeveloped oil fields not only on the continental shelf around Sakhalin but also in eastern Siberia.

This goes beyond simply securing crude oil and natural gas.

In fact, the OSS, led by the Far Eastern Republic, came to hold the energy hegemony in Northeast Asia.

Crude oil and natural gas gushed out like an inexhaustible spring, and were transported to South Korea and Japan.

It was a huge win for OSS, but it was also a win-win for both the Far East Republic and the Republic of Korea.

Korea has also experienced oil tankers being captured by pirates while importing from the Middle East through the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and East China Sea.

China was also uncertain about what it might do in the South China Sea.

The Far Eastern Republic, which could obtain crude oil by passing through the East Sea, and the OSS that made it possible were entities that could never be neglected from the perspective of energy security.

Not only that, but with this, Korea was practically achieving energy independence. That is, as long as it did not fall out of favor with the OSS.

Naturally, the South Korean government’s attitude toward OSS also changed rapidly.

Not only did the international standing of the OSS change as the media reported on the victory in the Ukrainian war.

It was then that I realized that the OSS was behind the Far Eastern Republic and was exerting real influence.

In the past, it was a ‘private military company that was difficult to control’, but it has come to be recognized as a target whose cooperation must be requested on an equal footing.

Now, the Far Eastern Republic has become a land that must be protected by both the OSS and the Republic of Korea.

I had a feeling that Russia and China would not just sit by and watch this painful situation unfold.

Because of these concerns, the proposal made to the Far Eastern Republic through Director Lee of the Information Department was progressing at a rapid pace.

It was to create an international organization. I named it ESSO (East Sea Solidarity Organization).

There was also an opinion to make it an alliance, but it was made into a solidarity organization with the intention of going beyond a simple military alliance and cooperating on energy resources security.

The secretariat was located in Vladivostok, but the OSS was responsible for coordinating major policies.

The Korean government authorities seemed a little uncomfortable with it, but they were in no position to argue about such things.

The meeting of authorities for the establishment of ESSO was held via video conference. The Republic of Korea, the Far East Republic, and key personnel from our OSS participated.

The word East Sea was a problem at ESSO, but I insisted on the name East Sea to the end.

“East Sea, I definitely have to go to the East Sea.”

My stubbornness began to generate opposition from South Korean authorities.

– I understand what you mean, but if the name East Sea is included, it will be difficult for Japan to join.

– If Japan leaves our alliance, it will be half-baked.

– But, since it is an international organization, if only two countries join, its status and influence will inevitably be limited.

– There are many good names, such as East Asia, Energy Union, etc.

“No. If Japan were to create an organization called the ‘Sea of ​​Japan Alliance,’ would Korea join?”

– Sir, this is not something you can be so stubborn about.

“Stubborn? The East Sea must be included.”

– …

“Haven’t we been always being swayed by the US and Japan by only chasing after the immediate profits?”

– …

“I trust OSS, and I will proceed as planned. You know that if OSS leaves, it will be a disaster. So I will proceed as planned.”

The bewildered expressions of the South Korean officials could be seen on the video conference screen. The Far Eastern Republic simply listened quietly.

“I think everyone is worried, so I’d like to add a few words to that.”

As I spoke, the thought crossed my mind: ‘Public servants are idiots.’

“If Japan cannot join ESSO because of the name East Sea, they can just buy oil and natural gas from the Middle East. They can go back to the South China Sea.”

Vice President Jin Min-gyu added his own spin.

– Yes. The Republic of Korea, the Far East Republic, and the OSS have nothing to lose.

– That’s a Japanese matter. If Japan doesn’t join, wouldn’t it be better for South Korea?

– It’s oil, but…

“And. Let’s say a very urgent military situation arises. Would the United States just sit back and watch Japan get upset?”

– Yeah, that’s true.

“I hope that the Republic of Korea will negotiate in a way that is befitting its national power and will also be able to be stubborn.”

– …

“Even if you just stay still, they will bow down. Why do you always bow down in advance and turn the other person’s obligation into a right?”

The expressions of the South Korean authorities hardened even more, and according to my insistence, the name of the new international organization was decided to be ESSO.

– ESSO (East Sea Solidarity Organization) –

Although they all agreed to create an ESSO defense force, neither side could come up with a clear method for organizing the force.

Eventually, the OSS became the official ESSO defense force, with member states agreeing to pay for its defense in kind or in cash.

South Korean officials looked somewhat embarrassed, but it would have been difficult for them to come up with an alternative.

First of all, we decided to form an ESSO defense force with the OSS Far East Brigade and the 2nd OSS Division. But we also decided to add an ESSO mark to all our flags and insignia.

This was because the OSS was better known than the ESSO Defense Forces at the time.

This fact quickly spread through the media.

[Formation of East Sea Solidarity Organization ESSO]

[Japan, difficulties in joining ESSO]

[US joins ESSO?]

[ OSS, the defense force of international organizations ]

[ The core of the ESSO defense force, OSS ]

[ Republic of Korea with two nuclear umbrellas ]

[ Request to join ESSO Philippines ]

[ ESSO is inconvenient for North Korea, China, and Russia ]

Vice President Jin Min-gyu was appointed as the Secretary General of ESSO. He is responsible for the operation of OSL, and is also fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, and well-versed in the Northeast Asian situation.

Above all, he was a trustworthy person who had proven both his ability and character over many years.

“CEO!”

“Yes. Vice President, no, Secretary General.”

“Oh my, I’m embarrassed, sir.”

“Haha. You’ll do well, Secretary General.”

“Thanks to you, I have become the head of an international organization after 30 years as a salaried worker. I am truly amazed.”

“I’ve made you suffer a lot.”

“No. Since I met you, I’ve been working as hard as if I were in my 30s. Thank you.”

“The Secretary General would have proven it no matter who he worked with.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now is the time for you to demonstrate your abilities once again. There will be many areas where our mutual understandings will clash.”

“Yes, I guess so. I will do my best to protect the interests of OSS and make sure there are no complaints.”

“thank you.”

“But sir, if you read ESSO backwards, it becomes OSS-E.”

“Yes.”

“By any chance… the E in OSS-E reminded me of entity or empire.”

– Entity (subordinate organization) / Empire (empire)

…