La Reconquista

The man sat on the deck overlooking the calm waters of the inlet. He was barefoot and striped to the waist, wearing only cammie trousers and forest green beret pulled low over his eyes. The break in the wet weather afforded the man much needed sunshine and comfort. His attention fixed pointedly at the collection of parts spread in careful order on the sail cloth before him. The man carefully examined each part as he cleaned it meticulously with a small wire toothbrush.

The sun rising to the east promised clear skies. A slight breeze blew in from the ocean some kilometers away and sent a faint shiver up the man's spine. Shaking the feeling off, he turned his gaze behind him and regarded the figure looming over him.

"What can I do for you, Cpl Davis?"

"Capt McElroy wants us all assembled in the galley in twenty minutes, Sergeant Major."

Blake returned his attention to the collection of parts before him. It would take him ten minutes to re-assemble his service rifle, and five to make his way below decks, dressing along the way.

"Thank you, Davis," Blake said without looking back.

Davis made his way to the ship's rail and gazed over the hive of human activity that was the former Haneda airport. True to their earlier announcements, the Americans were leaving the island. A minor shouting match between Royal Marines and their easily outclassed American Army counterparts left the fuel depot firmly in the hands of the Royal Navy. And well for it too. Capt McElroy ordered the depot emptied to replenish the ship's turbines and restock the Harrier and Merlin groups. All Japanese civilians were now in the care of Her Majesty's forces and the Japanese SAT.

Captain McElroy gathered the entire ship's compliment in the galley and prepared to address them.

"Gentlemen," he spoke calmly. "The new Japanese government requested that the Royal Navy aid in the repatriation of their countrymen at a predetermined location."

He looked onto the silent faces of the men under his command.

"We are, therefore, to steam south to the Ryukyu Islands and link up with Allied Forces stationed on Okinawa and neighboring islands."

The steam to Okinawa from Haneda took less time than Capt McElroy had allowed for. The airport and its remaining assets were turned over the SAT that they may use it as a central rally point for Tokyo and its environs.

By early afternoon, the Ark Royal dropped anchor in the bay northwest of the village of Yoneshroikei on the south tip of Ikei Island. A shore party was organized under the overall command of Marine Capt de Souza to sweep the islet clear of Them. The bridge connecting the islet to its larger southern neighbor was promptly secured and sealed off as the Marines and sailors worked their way northeast toward the ryokan at the northernmost tip.

The village of Yonashiroikei, on the southeast, was secured without incident or encounter from Them. What the Royal Navy found instead was a town hastily evacuated and in a state of disarray, but empty and quiet. A series of crude, yet effective barricades were constructed around the western edge of the town nearest the harbor to give the civilian evacuees aboard the Ark a place to stay on shore and thus out of the Navy's way.

Returning to the ship that night, Capt McElroy summoned Blake into his quarters.

"We are to airlift all our survivors off this rock and to Camp Hansen. There, our relief efforts will be coordinated with Home forces and those of the United States."

Blake preserved his respectful silence.

"Once the American helos are airborne, I will need you and your men to escort them to the base."

McElroy looked to Blake.

"Sir, my men and I would be proud and honored to lead the way," Blake said, saluting. "When shall we be departing?"

"First thing in the morning," McElroy said. "I want the first sortie to include you, your men, the Takagis and that man Shido and his students."

"Sir?"

"The new government wants Souichirou Takagi and his wife for questioning," McElroy explained. "After they are delivered into custody, the rest of his followers are to follow. As for Shido, I want that man off my ship and out of my way. Let the Americans deal with him."

"Aye, sir," Blake saluted again. "I will have my men meet the Americans at 0530."

"Very good, Blake," McElroy returned the salute. "You are dismissed."