Death is Eternal #369

Monday. October 2, 2023. 856 words.

Two Death is Eternals in one day? Well, not for you, but for me. I’m writing the same day I wrote the last one—that’s why there’s no linking to Death is Eternal #368 (unless I remember to add them later, which is not likely, though). But you’ll only read it a week after I wrote it. Basically, I’m time-travelling. But why is that happening? Well, because I’m travelling—not time travelling, just normal and boring travelling. Anyway, since this is a special newsletter, the content will be different. Shorter and more evergreen. Without further ado, let’s delve into whatever I can cook here.

Contents

1. Perry Expedition

2. Bye!

3. Death is Eternal review #240: Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia by Greg Rucka, J. G. Jones, Wade von Grawbadger, Dave Stewart, and Todd Klein

4. The end

1. Perry Expedition

President Millard Fillmore’s gaze bore into Commodore Matthew Perry, a silent command that resonated through the room. It was not a mere suggestion but an order etched in stone.

Perry’s attempt to interject was met with feigned deafness by the President. The President’s words held finality, a directive stripped of compromise. “Talk or shoot, I care not for the means. Only the words’ mission accomplished’ bear weight,” Fillmore declared, unwavering.

Exasperation punctuated Perry’s sigh. Weary eyes sought solace beneath his palms. “Sir, I implore you! Entrust the Mediterranean Squadron to my command. Japan resists unveiling, and every endeavour so far has been doomed to falter. A stain on my record I seek to evade.”

As the President approached, proximity hung heavy. Their eyes locked, and Fillmore’s voice resonated, a proclamation of destiny. “You go, not merely by my decree, but by the hand of fate. We, as Americans, are tasked with the diffusion of our culture, our faith, and our eminence. The presence of America betters Asia, liberating souls and fostering prosperity and enlightenment. It is God’s calling. Will you turn your back on Him?”

Perry’s gaze fell, humility washing over him. He couldn’t bear the President’s unwavering gaze.

Inside, Fillmore rejoiced; he had fractured Perry’s resolve.

When Perry raised his gaze, he spoke resolutely, “I shall gladly undertake God’s work. Japan shall yield to America, to His will. It is our destiny, mine and that of this nation.”

President Millard Fillmore clasped Commodore Matthew Perry’s hand, a silent affirmation of trust. He dismissed him, knowing Perry held the unwavering belief in manifest destiny that set him apart.

Soon after, Perry stood on the shores of Norfolk, Virginia, surveying the imposing figure of the USS Mississippi, a vessel born of his meticulous oversight. It was to be his flagship, a symbol of his dedication.

“Guide my hand, O Lord, in this sacred endeavour,” Perry implored silently. “In You, I place my faith, my destiny intertwined with America’s. Grant me success, I pray, for I embark on this mission in Thy name. Amen.”

With that, the horizon claimed America, and Commodore Matthew Perry sailed forth, faith etched into every fibre of his being.

The end

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The Perry Expedition (Japanese: 黒船来航, kurofune raikō, “Arrival of the Black Ships”) was a diplomatic and military expedition to the Tokugawa Shogunate, involving two separate voyages by warships of the United States Navy, which took place during 1853–54. The goals of this expedition included exploration, surveying, and the establishment of diplomatic relations and negotiation of trade agreements with various nations of the region; opening contact with the government of Japan was considered a top priority of the expedition and was one of the key reasons for its inception.

2. Bye!

Credit: Substack (two komodo dragons saying farewell to one another)

Here’s where we say our farewell to the free subscribers. If you want to read the rest of Death is Eternal, consider becoming a paying subscriber. If you already are a paying subscriber, first of all, thank you very, very much! And second, I’ll see you on the other side of the paywall.