Empires' Infamy
by
C V Ford
xxxxx
Chapter One: Day of Infamy
xxxxx
Time and date: Early morning, Dec. 2nd, 1941.
Location: Northern Pacific Ocean, Command bridge of the aircraft carrier IJN Akagi, flagship of Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, Commander 3rd Fleet, Captain Kiichi Hasegawa in command.
Steady stream of commands and responses to and from the helm the only dialogue punctuating the rough stillness on the bridge. Swaying of deck under rough seas keeping on and all attentive at their various tasks.
One man quietly stood alone at center front windows, looking out over the dark waves of the Northern Pacific and east. While all about busy, the seemingly unbusy one also hard at his task ...
... of waiting.
The wait about to be over.
Hatch to the rear opening, a sub-lieutenant stepped through with a clipboard then handing it to the orderly.
Taking it the officer moved quickly to the brooding, waiting one.
"Sir! Message just received."
"Read it."
"From Admiral Yamamoto, Commander in Chief, Combined Fleet ...
"To Admiral Nagumo, Third Fleet ...
"Climb Mount Niitaka."
Taking the clipboard, the patient one glanced and read quietly to himself.
"So desu-," Admiral Chuichi Nagumo declared after reading.
Pausing, he looked out over the bridges' interior then continued.
"Hostilities will begin December Seventh ...
"Exactly as scheduled."
His waiting was over.
Ships' commander standing by, Captain Kiichi Hasegawa turned from Nagumo and looked to the back of the bridge in appraisal of the officer making the messages' initial delivery.
Hmm ... Itami ...
The odd one.
xxxxx
Time and date: Early morning, December 4.
Location: Command bridge of the aircraft carrier IJN Akagi.
Clipboard in hand, the bridge orderly stepped up the the Admiral and informed.
"Sir! New message received. Intelligence report."
Taking the clipboard, the Admiral tuned to Captain Hasegawa and read aloud.
"U.S. ships now at Pearl Harbor ... 6 battleships, 3 light cruisers, 16 destroyers and one aircraft carrier."
Nagumo handed the report to Hasegawa.
"No information about the other two carriers."
The senior officer turned back to his silent task of brooding.
Those carriers are prime targets ... We MUST know their whereabouts ... We can NOT have them somewhere "out there" from where they could strike at us ... Their destruction is crucial to the success of this operation ...
And all those faster ships missing ...
Something made the standing by Hasegawa look past the orderly and again the back of the bridge where the assistant radio-man patiently awaited.
Itami again ...
xxxxx
Time and date: Early morning December 6.
Location: Command bridge of the aircraft carrier IJN Akagi.
"Sir! We will be reaching Point D soon."
Nagumo acknowledged the navigators' reply with a nod. A glance to Hasegawa, both moved to the chart table in back where the navigator stood.
With the divider, the navigator indicated the location on the chart.
Another nod from the Admiral, Hasegawa turned to his exec.
"From Point D, proceed to Point E ...
"Battle speed."
6th Fleet sped further south.
xxxxx
Time and date: 10:45 AM HST, December 6.
Location: Officers mess of aircraft carrier IJN Akagi.
Sub-Lieutenant Youji Itami could never understand the impatience of some people. The two air crew muttering and exasperatingly hitting the non-regulation radios' wood cabinet in try of getting some kind of reception out of the thing.
Yoshida should know better, he thought, he's the radio man on his plane isn't he?
"Hey! Itami!" One of the aforementioned calling across the crowded room. "You're the technical genius. How do we get this thing to pick something up?"
Looking up from the English language pulp mag he was reading, the lieutenant called back.
"Get it up to a porthole to catch a signal. Wavelength's too wide for it to get a decent signal through a metal ships' hull and superstructure."
"Ha! ... There he goes with that technical jargon," one nearby. "Radio's radio. Not like a radio wave is something physical."
Itami shrugged. He wasn't about to argue elementary physics with an off duty quartermaster.
"And whatever you do ... DON'T ... lift that blackout panel!"
Though broad daylight outside, the panels were to stay in place.
"Hey! You were right Itami," a seated listener exclaimed as the twangy sound of Hawaiian music drifted through the mess.
Then ceasing.
The groans of would be listeners accompanying the announcer who had taken the musics' place.
"So what's he saying?"
"This a commercial or something?"
"let's have some music!"
"Yeah!"
"So what's he saying, Itami?"
More "Yeahs!".
The Lieutenant sighed on now feeling all eyes on him in the small space.
Bookish, somewhat of an introvert, he was always uneasy about being the center of attention. Having been rushed from land based duty to assignment in the Akagis' radio room no help either. (1)
His reserve and distance along with his usually being seen reading LOTS of science fiction, fantasy, manga or his face buried in a technical manual made him the butt of jokes and teasing ... but never getting to bullying. In spite of his reserve he and others knew he could take care of himself. A proficiency in Jiu-Jut-su was known to enough at his previous station but he was afraid he might have to re-establish that in his new environment. So far, he didn't need to.
As for his mastery of English, his uncles and deceased father were members of the diplomatic corp and stressed the importance of knowing another language. Having been brought up in an atmosphere surrounded by English language reading materiel as well as having attended classes, he was quite proficient in reading and speaking it. So much so he had no trouble with an accent or the V, Th, and L sounds his first language lacked.
"Uh ... ," he pausing and taking the radios' chatter in, "it's a weather report."
"AAAND!"
Chorus starting the din up again.
He knew some were sincere but others ribbing him. A try at relieving boredom but still irritating.
"Yes lieutenant," a calm, authoritative voice behind. "What IS he saying?"
The din died abruptly as Youji noticed all looking past him at-
Turning, he saw Flight Commander Mitsuo Fuchida and another ranking officer standing in expectation of translation.
"Umm ... ," the sub-lieutenant struck by the fact of the Air Group Commander relying on him. Almost intimidated. "Uh ... Partly cloudy, visibility good, very slight chance of rain, temperatures ... ranging from high '60s to mid '70s for the next few days."
Twangy music resumed in herald of the weather reports' end.
"Visibility good ... hmmm ... ," Commander Fuchida smiled on gaze at ceiling then back down to Itami. "Thank you lieutenant."
His gaze was then cast about the mess.
"Gentlemen! Almost excellent flying weather!"
Amid cheers and banzais about, all started talking excitedly to one another.
Back at his reading, Itami noted sidelong glances his way from time to time. The ribbing and any possible joking would be at a minimum at least for the rest of the day.
Fuchida and the other officer turned and conferred in low tones.
"Bad news about the carriers."
Radios' music came to an abrupt stop.
"Yes," Fuchida in reply. "Now all three are unaccounted for. (2) Won't do not knowing where they are. We-"
The two officers along with everyone else were startled from the noise of a violently tipped chair slamming to the deck and the spectacle of a nearly flying Itami rushing to the radio.
"Hey! ... Itami! ... What the hell's with you?" Assistant quartermaster inquiring with several others.
All then noticed noticed the music absent from the radio and an excited voice emitting therefrom.
All went quiet as a tense sub-lieutenant listened a few moments. An involuntary gasp from Fuchidas' companion and several others could be heard, their English no where near as good as Itamis' but good enough.
"So?" The semi-smirking, smart-aleck quartermaster trying to 'take command' and impress.
With a more than concerned look, Youji scanned about then to Fuchida.
"Sir! ... Los Angeles ... California-"
All leaned forward or looked questioningly to others.
"Where Hollywood is," one in whisper.
"-is under attack!"
The sheer torrent of questions hit Itami in a verbal tidal wave. Inquiries all at once washing over, none distinct in the mash up.
"Attack!?"
"By who?"
"Can't be ours ... be insane anything happening now ... would give us away before even getting started."
"The Germans?"
"Too far away ... but can't be us, we-"
"Gentlemen!" Fuchida taking charge in suppress of din. "Let the lieutenant listen. Anyone else who knows any English stay quiet and do the same. Then tell the others what-
"Lieutenant! Where are you going?"
"There's a better way," in his rush past to the door. "Radio room!"
"Of course ... ," Fuchida cursing himself as the lessor officer sped out. "I'm going with you."
Turning to the other, the Air Commander instructed:
"Your English is certainly better than mine. Stay here and interpret and don't let anyone leave. We don't want anything getting out and all over the ship. Especially if it's incomplete."
"Hai!"
Fuchida trotted out after the absented officer.
xxxxx
"Hey Itami!" Lieutenant Honjo challenged a passing frenzied junior officer in looking up and back from the bank of transceivers and other equipment. "Your watch doesn't start for another several hours. Get yourse-"
The lieutenant was brought up short on the entrance of Commander Fuchida.
"Sir? ... I-," the officer starting to stand in mix of respect and confusion.
"It's alright lieutenant," the commander gestured for the officer to stay seated. "A situation has come up. You and the others," nodding toward the other two operators present, "also being hear is vital. Even more so the next few minutes."
Seated back down, Honjo looked the length of the space back to where Itami had withdrawn a box from a utility cabinet and was lifting out a large non-regulation receiver of his own design. He had brought it along in the hopes of getting in some DX. (3) On seeing it and under Captain Hasegawas' orders, the lieutenant had it "sealed" and kept in the ships' radio room where it had been since before sailing.
About to protest, he was brought up short by a glance from Commander Fuchida pulling up a chair and seating at a distance, not wanting to crowd Itami busy in preparation.
Having broken the wax seals and checking power and connections, Itami hit the toggle up.
"Should take about a minute for the tubes to fire up sir."
"I take it you have a more direct approach in mind."
"Yes sir. What we heard in the mess was a Hawaiian station, KGMB on Oahu. It was relaying what they probably are getting from their Pacific cables teletypes."
The sub-lieutenant looked over at Honjo.
"Sir? Is it possible you could tune one of the auxiliary transceivers to the twenty meter amateur radio band? There should still be a lot of traffic there and we might get U.S. hams from Los Angeles."
The sceptically puzzled officer turned from Itami to Fuchida.
"We have received word of an attack on Los Angeles," the Flight Commander in explanation. "Such a move by anyone on the day before our operation could put the the whole 3rd Fleet in jeopardy. Our opponent would have advance warning taking away the element of surprise.
"Before I or anyone go rushing up to the bridge and putting the admirals' and captains' blood pressures through topside, we need a clearer picture as to what is happening."
Honjo paused, looking over the other two personnel and the main transceivers.
"Umm ... -not these three," then indicating a fourth one with empty chair, dials unlit on front panel.
"We've been picking up stepped up encoded U.S. military traffic but of course can't decipher it ... Can't go off frequency with any of the equipment-
"- at least not these three," still looking at the fourth, "I could just maybe-"
"If it's court martial and punishment you're worried about I'll put your mind at ease," Fuchida in assurance. "I'll vouch for you and all present.
"You're operating under my orders. Any blame or responsibility will be mine."
Hesitation gone, Honjo stepped up the fourth radio and toggled power on.
Fuchida looked over at Itami "working" the dial on the non-reg receiver.
"I'm tuning to 1070 kilocycles on medium-wave. KNX in Los Angeles recently changed to that frequency and upped to a 50,000 watt transmitter. Even though it's late morning here, it's possible we could still get a signal and-"
A buzz from the unmarked phone on the bulkhead, the receiver was unhooked.
"Radio Room, Lieutenant Honjo speaking."
"This is Captain Hasegawa."
The officer resumed his nervousness.
"We have via civilian broadcasts on bridge radio and other sources received information affecting fleet operation. You are to stay at your posts taking any and all measures regarding monitoring frequencies for information gathering."
On an inquiring look from Fuchida, hand over mouthpiece, Honjo whispered, "Hasegawa".
A "gimme" gesture from the Commander.
Slipping in a pause by Hasegawa. "Captain sir. Commander Fuchida would like to speak with you."
"Fuchi- ... Put him on."
Grabbing the receiver from a sweaty hand, Fuchida acknowledged.
"Sir!"
"Ah ... Fuchida. We have been looking for you. Report at once to the bridge."
"Sir. Under my orders," with a nod to Honjo now sweating less, "a Lieutenant Itami, Lieutenant Honjo, two others and I are in the process of monitoring a situation taking place on the U.S. mainland-"
"We are well aware of- ... Just a moment Commander."
A not so brief space of silence was punctuated by sounds of muffled discussion on the other end.
Sounds like the Admiral, thought Fuchida. He-
"Commander ... It seems you and the signals personnel are on top to the situation as well as anyone on board. For the moment you are to stay with them before tending to your unit and gather any and all information deemed relevant. Send messages up at fifteen minute intervals. Return to your unit after personally delivering first notes."
"Yes sir. Will do."
"I need to speak with the watch officer."
Phone to face, Honjo relaxed even more as he received the repeated instructions then hung up.
"Good news gentlemen," definite look of confidence on Fuchidas' face. "We have the definite blessing from both the captain and no doubt the admiral."
xxxxx
Excerpts from recordings of broadcast made by Los Angeles radio station, CBS affiliate KNX 1070 khz AM on the afternoon of December 6, 1941:
"This is Knox Manning reporting to you atop the CBS studios building of KNX radio here in Columbia Plaza.
"I'm looking southeast down Sunset Boulevard toward Los Angeles City Hall. Smoke from several buildings on fire obscuring the view. The sound you hear in the distance are the air raid sirens that have been recently installed.
"For the past half hour we have seen quite a few vehicles on not only our own police and fire departments but also that of neighboring Brentwood and other suburbs. Military traffic also picking up. Trucks filled with what I assume to be Army or National Guard personnel and even a few tanks have passed by.
"Not sure of what's happening but from what we can gather from people fleeing the scene, a large force of armed men have taken over the general area of Grand Park, City Hall and surrounding area.
"Not sure of sightings of other elements of this attacking force but if they are to be believed ... well ladies and gentlemen, I'm not going to vouch for these sightings as they are too fantastic to be true and I-"
(Rustle of papers and muffled talk.)
"I've just received word ... Yes! ... We have re-established contact with our correspondent at City Hall. Emergency underground phone cables were not affected.
"We take you now to City Hall where Chet Huntley is on the scene-"
(Brief hiss of static.)
"-so's we can- ...
"We're on? ... Okay!
"This is Chet Huntley reporting to you live at the scene from atop the lower south wing of Los Angeles City Hall.
"The building has been locked and barricaded but the situation is in doubt. The 'enemy' ... as that is what they are ... are trying to break in. The gunfire you're hearing is the policemen holding them off. We will be broadcasting as long as possible during this crisis.
"No words can describe what I'm witnessing as of this moment but I'll try ...
"Right now I'm seeing what appears to be formations of what appear to be ancient Roman style foot soldiers and cavalry along with bands of what I can only describe as mythological ... creatures ... The stuff of legends and nightmares ... attacking the people. Indiscriminate butchery on an unarmed populace. It's wholesale slaughter with ... believe it or not ... bow, sword and spear. No modern weapons as far as I can tell but-"
(Sounds of rushing noise, yelling followed by several hollow booms.)
"What you just heard are shotguns being fired by the two officers accompanying us here on the roof-"
"We need slugs! Damn buckshot's worthless!"
"Smitty's comin' up with a BAR ... That'll fix the sonofabi-"
"-What we've just seen is a- ... for the want of a better term, a flying ... dragon? ... with mounted rider attacking us, we-"
(Roar of powerful piston engines crashing through distorting speakers.)
"Two army pursuit planes have just passed over ... YES! ... One peeling off and going straight for the dragon ... WATCH THOSE PHONE LINES! ... yes ... You can probably hear the gunfire ... short bursts ... Don't want to endanger too many people from stray shots-
"The dragon is hit! ... falling ... its rider with it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I can't say it enough ... this is NOT a hoax ... This is not a staged War of the Worlds type program that fooled many a few years back. (4)
"This is real. This is conflict ... Like it as not ... as I see it ... We ... Our country ... Is presently at war ... that's what I call it ... with an unknown power. That power may be primitively armed but from what I can see from here, is definitely determined to fight and kill."
"Here is a rundown:
"At approximately noon today a large ... Greco-Roman style building ... for want of a better term ... materialized ... appeared ... from seemingly out of ... nowhere ... in Grand Park across North Spring Street from City Hall. Formations of infantry clad in armor and weapons of a bygone era emerged from that building and assembled in rank and file military formations about the structure. A crowd of onlookers and the curious gathered before the police could arrive to assess and control the situation.
"After a few minutes or so the crowd was attacked, many casualties taken. The adversary has fanned out and is now holding an area several blocks square and is expanding their hold as more of the enemy emerges from that building.
"As said before, I can't describe the carnage and slaughter that has already taken place. Bodies everywhere, strewn about the park and across the street up to the doors of City Hall. Some satisfaction can be taken from the fact that some of those bodies are that of the enemy, members of the Police and L.A. County Sheriffs departments fighting back.
"Around a quarter hour ago, a halt to the slaughter was called by the enemy and a scroll delivered to the main doors of this building. I observed Mayor Fletcher Bowron and Monsignor James Dolan, pastor of Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana who were attending the ceremony we were covering, with police escort receiving the scroll and trying to communicate with the emissary who seemed to have some understanding. Judging by the enemys' appearance, Latin would seem appropriate.
"Fighting resumed a few minutes before we were connected by phone to KNX. We-"
(Rustling sound of paper being handled.)
"Folks, I have just been handed a dispatch from downstairs. It is a translation, I assume by Monsignor Dolan, of the aforementioned scroll. It reads:
To any and all, greetings:
In the name of his Imperial Majesty, Molto Sol Augustus, we of the glorious legions of the Saderan Empire, declare conquest and dominion of ALL these lands here-in.
To establish utmost rule and order to the low and backward barbarian peoples of this and any other world.
To bring the peace and protection of our Empire to those in need of our all encompassing wisdom and guidance, those unworthy of the rule of self let alone that of others.
To assert the right and will of the strong over the weak, the enlightened over the ignorant, the high over the low.
All hail the Saderan Empire.
ALL HAIL HIS MAJESTY
MOLTO SOL AUGUSTUS
RULER AND EMPEROR OF THE SADERAN EMPIRE
RULER OF EVERY AND ALL
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm no expert on such matters but this statement of ... as it says ... conquest ... looks like a bona fide declaration of war to me. I-
"For the moment we are returning you to the KNX studios for an important announcement."
xxxxx
Location: 13.313 mhz, 20 meter amateur radio shortwave band.
"2X2L calling CQ, calling CQ NU6CA, Los Angeles on 20 meters. Come in NU6CA."
"2X2L, this is NU6CA, go ahead."
"What's going on over there George? Been hearing some crazy news flashes about fighting where you are. Back to you."
"You heard right, Stan! All hell's busted loose! Looks like something outta' those newsreels from China only- ... You won't believe some 'a the stuff I've seen. A lotta' those things ain't even human! ... over"
"Ain't even- ... Forget that. How are you? Are you safe? over"
"Right now, yeah. Managed to get the kids outta' town. Wife's too sick to move. Shop downstairs locked and barricaded. Gun loaded-
"MY GOD! ... Coming down the street! ... What's happening now, I- ... Back to you."
"You say ... some not even ... human? over"
"Most look like something out of a DeMille movie ... Roman soldiers, that sorta' thing ... The rest ... Holy shit they're straight outta' cartoons an' fairy tales! Monsters! Giants, trolls ... whatever. Others are basically human but have animal features, y'know ... animal ears ... faces and tails ... fur 'n ... OH DEAR GOD-!"
"What's wrong George? Signal's stopped. over"
"They're breaking in! Gotta' go ... I'm keeping the mic keyed open ...
"Tell the world Stan.
"TELL THE WORLD!
"This is no fantasy ... it's real, it's-
"Stay away from her! ...
"STAY AWAY FROM HER, GOD DAMN YOU! ...
"STAY THE HELL AWAY! ...
"GET OUT YOU UGLY SONSABITCHES!"
BOOM! cha-clack, BOOM! cha-clack, BOO-
(Signal and carrier tone abruptly ceases.)
"2X2L calling NU6CA, are you still there George? Sounds like you've been cut off. Are you Okay?
"Are y-"
(Long pause.)
"2X2L, 2X2L calling general CQ, calling general CQ 20 meters ..."
"Is there anyone on the air? ...
"Is there anyone on the air? ...
"Isn't there ...
"... anyone?"
xxxxx
Time: 12:15 PM HST
Location: Command bridge, IJN Akagi
Admiral Nagumo briefly scanned the paper handed over.
"Same fantastic reports from civilian broadcasters. Stepped up radio traffic by American military installations and ... amateur radio transmissions?"
The senior naval officer cast a quizzical glance toward the former bearer of the summary then to Hasegawa.
"What do you make of it captain?"
"Something very definite. An armed conflict of the like I've never heard of. If it weren't for the fact that so many sources are involved, I would say it's a hoax or some kind of radio program."
"Too extensive to be a deception?"
"I remember," the captain went on, "reading a few years ago through a misunderstanding of an entertainment broadcast, much of the American public was panicking under the belief they were under invasion by creatures from the planet Mars."
"Mars- ... Oh yes," recalled Nagumo. "Just over three years since."
The admiral turned to the messenger.
"Lieutenant Itami ... From what Commander Fuchida has told us about your fast action and from what the captain has told me about you, my guess is you have more than the usual expertise than what is usually found in a signals officer."
"I've had an interest in wireless communication since my teens," the sub-lieutenant in answer, "have been a member of the Japan Amateur Radio League since its founding and a First Class operator the past ten years. My call letters are J2IY. Most of my equipment at home is 'homebrew', uh ... That is I've built myself and-"
"Your position before being stationed aboard?"
"I was a code and signals instructor at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal base."
"Fuchida told me of your use of non-regulation equipment."
Itami felt a sweat coming on.
This doesn't bode well. They might not like the use of anything non-reg.
"I was using a receiver of my own design along with ships' present equipment to assist in monitoring the present situation."
"About this radio of yours."
Think fast Itami!
"I wanted something of more selectivity and sensitivity than usually found in commercial models. On coming aboard I found there was no time for experimentation and it was stowed in the communications cabin until now."
"It has proven useful?"
"Yes sir. I used it to monitor American broadcast stations on medium wave, U.S. amateurs on short wave along with ships' transceivers for monitoring their military traffic."
"I've read the reports from you and the rest of the signals staff. Can you summarize?"
"The past broadcast you and the captain referred to was carried over only one entertainment and news network of theirs in 1938. CBS ... uh Columbia Broadcasting System and-."
"How is this relevant to the present situation?"
"What we've been monitoring is being transmitted by what I could find, at least two different of their civilian networks direct from Los Angeles and indirectly over four different civilian network stations on Oahu.
"I've also picked up transmissions from several amateur stations exchanging between Hawaii and California talking about what's taking place in Los Angeles. One I've talked with regularly in the past as a civilian."
"Your conclusion?"
Throughout the exchange the admiral showed no indication of impatience. Even so, Itami badly hid an almost audible gulp. His fate as well as the fleet feeling heavy on the shoulders.
"Despite the fantastic account being conveyed over the air and in light of the facts of multi broadcast network and amateur transmissions along with stepped up military traffic ... I'm inclined to conclude that what is being received about Los Angeles is real ...
"... If this is a deception on the part of the Americans, it's a very good one."
"Very well Itami. Return to your post."
With a smart salute, the lieutenant was out and gone.
A nod from the admiral, both officers went to the forward windows overlooking decks and sea.
"The Americans will be ready for us," Hasegawa began, "we may even be spotted before launch point."
"Yes," Nagumo in reply. "Our aircrews will be flying into a hornets nest. Yet ...
" ... unless the pre-set cancellation order is received, we must still continue on with the operation ... maybe even before scheduled."
Turning toward the windows a most troubled Admiral Chuichi Nagumo looked out on.
xxxxx
Time: 12:30 HST
Location: Administration building, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, office of Admiral Husband Kimmel, Commandant.
"Before we begin gentlemen, I would like to disabuse anyone of the possibility of this being some kind of not so practical joke or hoax."
Admiral Husband Kimmel stood up from behind his desk for emphasis.
"In spite of what you may or may not have heard, especially in regard as to the seemingly fantastic, ridiculous or even laughable descriptions of this enemy coming off radio and cables ... the fact is ...
"We are in a war situation and are to take it seriously as such.
"As of this moment, this adversary is in occupation of the heart of one of our largest west coast cities and has proven hostile. Many Americans are now dead and dying. I don't think any were laughing when they went.
"As of elevenhundred hours, all military facilities on these islands have been and are still on full alert.
"Now ... ," Kimmel directed his look at another standing officer.
"All furloughs cancelled," the man in reply. "SPs are combing the islands bringing everyone in. Seems most already in. On hearing over the radio they didn't need much prompting. As for the rest they're either en-route or arriving."
"Excellent." The admiral turned to another.
"All battle stations fully manned and ready, those anchored and ashore."
"Very well," the senior officers' head swiveled to the next, "and you?"
"Coded no-reply messages sent to Task Forces 3, 8 and 12. As ordered, after mid-sea refueling, they're to stay out at sea under radio silence and take up defensive patrol patterns at their discretion. Tankers with escort have been dispatched. Your designation of Admiral Halsey as commander of all ships at sea has been sent."
"That storm delaying Halsey may have been a blessing in disguise ... I sure could use those planes they dropped off at those islands though," mused Kimmel then turning to another, "speaking of which."
"In light of Task Forces 8 and 12s' delivery of aircraft to Wake and Midway respectively, and as per last weeks' planning with General Short, Army Air Corp. planes are now under U.S. Navy jurisdiction. Combat Air Patrols over the islands including Johnston, Wake and Midway as well are now aloft on rotational basis. PBY and main island B-17 long range reconnaissance patrols on all compass points from same now in operation."
"Good! We're not going to be caught flat footed," declared the admiral. "From the descriptions of the enemy in Los Angeles, it may not seem connected with Japan but in light of last weekend we're taking NO chances."
"Sir?" One questioning.
"Yes?"
"About the anchored battle wagons, they-"
"They're to stay where they are for the same reasons as last week," explained Kimmel. "Too slow and not enough escorts for them anyway. With battle stations manned they'll add to anti-air defense.
"Which brings me to ... ," turning to yet another.
"Destroyers out adding more security zones to the patrol screen already set in place about the main islands. Last of the assigned about out of the harbor."
"Good," Kimmel concluding. "Needless to say and unless otherwise noted, I'll be here all day and night until this situation is concluded. Reports every half hour on the half hour.
"That'll be all ... Dismissed."
xxxxx
Time and date: Noon, JST, Dec. 7th, 1941.
Location: Private library and study in the woods on the Imperial Palace grounds, Tokyo.
Lord Privy Seal Koichi Kido sat silently in his chair a short distance from the desk where a small, spare, bespectacled man sat behind. Though seemingly deep in contemplation of the three stacks of folders placed thereon minutes before, the man was also waiting and receiving calls from the several phones lined at the surfaces' edge in regard to the present situation.
A situation having rapidly deteriorated.
Such a ... WASTE, both the thought on their minds.
The months of planning and preparation for operations in getting their nations' economic and war material situation resolved now for naught. All that precious time, fuel oil and other resources expended for nothing.
And before ...
After the occupation of Indo-China, the oil embargo then later the complete commerce embargo and assets freeze by the U.S., British and Dutch empires, the countrys' chief suppliers of oil, scrap metals, rubber and other raw materials forcing Japan to this situation.
Of course the "generous" Roosevelt offering to lift said restrictions on Japans' withdrawal from all that was gained since 1895 and going back to being the quaint little island kingdom it once was.
After almost a century of building, emulating ... Bringing ourselves up to being a modern world economic, industrial and military power-
-UNTHINKABLE!
Yamamotos' outlook in face to face meetings warning against going to war with the people of the United States.
Early successes? For at least six months he could guarantee it. But Instead of going to the negotiating table within a year it would only provoke them to participate in a lengthy war Japan could not win. The admirals' long stays in that strange country gave him much insight into the character of its people as well as knowledge of the absolutely huge natural resources and industrial power it possessed.
Others warning even in the event of war how unnecessary the Pearl Harbor operation itself was.
What was it one said? Yes. "It would be like plunging a spear into a hippopotamus while draining his lake."
The unknown whereabouts of the enemy carriers and other much faster and more strategically/tactically vital ships, leaving only older, slower vessels moored at Pearl Harbor.
Now this sudden attack by an unknown power on the U.S. mainland putting not only that countrys' military on full alert around the globe but also the British and Dutch. Embassies and consulates all over Asia reporting those countries military bases on full alert. Element of surprise lost and losses in men and materiel to be much greater than could possibly be afforded.
Swiveling his chair the man stared at a back corner where on a table rested a large multi-tube shortwave receiver. The radio was to be used the next day in monitoring some of the message traffic of his attacking forces ... Was. Now tuned to a volume down suppressed broadcast of the Voice of America, announcers' intonations lending to the studys' subdued atmosphere.
Swiveling back to the desk and looking over at Kido, Emperor Hirohito/Showa gave the order.
"Send the recall messages ... ALL of them," he ordered. "Then come back with the others. Much work to be done."
Kido rose, gave a deep solemn bow, turned and left.
The task forces heading towards Hawaii, the Philippines, and the Malaysian archipelago were to turn and head back to their various ports of embarkation.
Alone, the monarch contemplated, staring at the several folder stacks before him.
Reorganization.
Much ... MUCH to be done.
Tactical withdrawals, consolidation of forces and resource, straightening of lines and positions to defensive posture.
Diplomatic feelers out. Perhaps a reconciliation of sorts with China ... thinly possible ... Chiang Kai-sheck had been cooperative some years ago, especially after our elimination of Zhang Zuolin the then real ruler of Manchuria. Possible altered execution of plan A that was in our counter-proposal to Roosevelt.
Shoving aside the larger of the folder stacks, he drew a single folder near.
Petroleum extraction from coal technology provided by the Germans though helpful, will alleviate SOME in the future though not enough. All the same ... a program of implementation having already been started now to be stepped up.
Setting that folder aside, he pulled a thicker one toward him and leafed through it.
What was that American expression Yamamoto referred to ... in regard to that western card game he's so fond of ... yes ... "Ace in the hole" ... card up the sleeve ...
Over a year ago our geologists confirmed the possibility of oil in Manchuria. But a few weeks ago we received definite confirmation of such ... A fabulously huge reserve in Heilongjiang province ... Close ... just across the Sea of Japan from us ...
Crash drilling and extraction program ... Can ... WILL! ... be done.
For the time being ... conservation ... Many sashes to tighten. The people of Japan will continue to sacrifice for the good of the national will ... Always have.
...The time being ...
It will be possibly up to ten years before we can be completely independent of the west and continue our program for the dominance of Asia but we will ...
WILL!
The dream of his grandfather, Mitsuhito/Meiji and his own personal ambitions in postponement.
ONLY postponement.
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Time: 6 PM HST
Location: Command bridge, IJN Akagi.
Standing next to the hatchway ...
"Message just received," intoned Itami handing it to the bridge orderly.
Fate having placed Itami inadvertently toward the center of world events qualified him to make a guess as to what the cryptic message placed in his hands meant. An impassive Honjo handed him the paper remarking it was only fitting he deliver the first in a long time and radio silence breaking message from Central Command.
The orderly promptly moved to where Admiral Nagumo and Captain Hasegawa stood by the navigators' plotting board.
Facing the admiral. "Sir! Message just received."
Both senior officers visibly stiffened. A message could only mean one thing at this VERY late stage.
"Read it," ordered Nagumo.
"From Admiral Yamamoto, Commander in Chief, Combined Fleet ...
"To Admiral Nagumo, Commander Third Fleet ...
"The sakura blooms are all in their glory."
From where he stood, the lieutenant could see he may have guessed right. Both senior officers in combined posture of subdued disappointment mixed with ... relief.
On a nod from the admiral, Hasegawa turned to the navigator. In the seeming heretofore agreed upon instructions he intoned, confirmed it to the junior officer at the hatch.
"Plot course and heading for three one five degrees."
Then to helm.
"Slow to one third. Prepare for slow starboard turn to stated course and heading at my command."
Turning to the admiral.
"When the submarines reach periscope depth for last instructions at the appointed times, they will be informed NOT to release the 'koi'."
"Yes," Nagumo let out a heavy sigh. "Make it so."
The War In the Pacific was over before it had even begun.
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Time: 8 AM HST, Sunday December 7.
Location: Several hundred miles northwest of Oahu. Aboard long range reconnaissance B17, the "Strawberry Bitch".
"By the Jee-honus! Looks like the whole dang Jap navy down there!"
"Not quite lieutenant," the captain looking out port side. "Six carriers makes up a good chunk of it though."
Scanning the compass heading.
"At least they're heading away from Oahu not toward it." Gripping the throat mic. "Novak, you got this?"
"Just transmitted sighting to base. Stephens is shooting the sun right now. Will trans coordinates when he gets 'em."
"Excellent. Keep sharp guys. We're not at war yet but-"
"Sir! Coming in at two o'clock level!"
"We see him Jenks," captain in acknowledgement. "Captain to crew, do NOT point even so much as a finger at him. Keep guns in place. Like I said ... We're not at war ... Yet."
The swift fighter plane sidled up keeping a respectful distance. "Meatball" insignia on wings and fuselage confirming what already known.
"Looks like one of those newer fighters they got," co-pilot Reynolds observing starboard.
"Another coming in sir. From our eight level."
"Hang loose, guys."
"Sir, Novak here. Have just transmitted coordinates. Hickam's sending out more planes."
"Good. We'll be watching them for a good long while. The farther they get from Oahu, the better I like it."
"Hell sir," Reynolds still watching. "They're just giving us the eye. Geez! This guy's close enough I can SEE he ain't happy."
"Yeah, mine don't look too enthused either."
"Damn! They were gonna' make a go at us. If it weren't for that crazy shit goin' on in El Lay, they woulda'."
"That's for the big brass to figure out, not us. Right now our job's keeping an eye on 'em."
"Whatever you say skip. Hell ... fer all we know they musta' just took a wrong turn," the lieutenant smiling. "Probably meant to do some ice fishin' up north."
"Well, they're now heading almost in the right direction for it!"
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Time and date: 12:00 AM EST, 12-8-41.
Location: Washington D.C., Oval Office of the White House
The wheelchair bound man behind the desk watched as the aide left for preparing his bed in the room on the other side of the building.
Turning back to the desk top, he sighed as his eyes fell upon the papers lying on. Papers containing a short speech he would have given much sooner had it been about an enemy anticipated. As for the unanticipated ...
It had been a long two days and it was going to be an even longer day ahead. Twelve hours from now he was to give that short speech. A speech re-written and altered to fit this fantastic menace. That grandiose proclamation it delivered demanded a reply ... And reply he would!
At first incredulous and skeptical, he decided on waiting a day before giving that speech. It wouldn't do to make a declaration of war on what might turn out to be an above and beyond attempt at a fantastic prank. The Welles broadcast from a few years back foremost on the minds of all in the White House.
But as the evidence mounted, the reports from a wide variety of civilian news and broadcast sources, wire photos of the carnage in L.A., and most of all from military elements in the field ...
It was undeniable.
A large city on the west coast of the United States was under attack by an enemy the likes of which hadn't been seen since ancient and medieval times.
With added elements of nightmares and fantasies found only in legends and ... fairy tales!
The Battle of Los Angeles or what was later to be called the L.A. Massacre (For both sides!), had raged through to late morning Sunday. The enemy initially occupied an area roughly comprising Third St. on the southwest, Beaudry Ave. northwest, partway into Chinatown northeast and into Little Tokyo on the southeast. L.A. City Hall held out for the duration.
Army and Navy/Marine ground and air units from all over southern California rushed to the scene in supplement of National Guard, local law enforcement and armed civilians. The aggressor with its' accompanying nightmare horde tried to expand their foothold only to be stalled then gradually pushed back to Grand Park.
On finding their newly antiquated weapons useless against bullet and bomb, the imperials fled taking with them many captives and as much loot as they could carry. In a murderous frenzy, many of those they originally spared as non-combatants and not slave worthy were brutally slain.
11:30 AM PST on December 7th found the mixed crowd of military, law enforcement and civilian avenging angels standing in Grand Park before the Greco-Roman style edifice that later came to be known as ...
THE GATE
Coming out of his thoughts, the man glanced at the Hallicrafters SX-28 all wave receiver on the low shelf behind the desk. When he wasn't hurriedly busy with the crisis at hand earlier in the day, in the few moments he had, he tuned up and down the amateur bands in hope of catching further information. What he did hear from some of the hams in the southern California area chilled the blood.
The radio now turned down low and tuned to 41 meters, a BBC newscast about the state of the war in Europe lent a calm air of sanity to the end of an insane day. At least the Brits and Russians were fighting a wholly human enemy. Though many did wonder about a certain Mr. Hitler and his circusy entourage.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt lifted the papers from the desk and scanned the speech the last time before retiring.
Yes, musing to himself. A short speech but it should more than do.
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From a recording supplied by Mutual Broadcasting System Archives:
Time: 12:30 PM EST, December 8, 1941.
Location: Washington D.C. , Capitol Building, main chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, special joint session in progress.
"-I see Vice President Henry Wallace and House Speaker Samuel Rayburn seated at the speakers' platform behind the podium and-
"-Yes ... Escorted closely by several of what I assume to be Secret Service, President Roosevelt is now slowly ascending the podium (5) ... the events of yesterday seeming to weigh heavily as-
"-the Vice President and House Speaker Rayburn are rising, the representatives and senators also ... We take you now to the Speakers' platform."
"Senators ... and Representatives ... ," the Speaker in announce, "I have the distinguished honor of presenting the President of the United States."
(applause and cheers)
"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
"Last Saturday, December 6th, 1941 ... A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY ... The people of Los Angeles, California, OUR fellow Americans, were suddenly, deliberately and brutally attacked by military elements of an entity that we now know as the Saderan Empire.
"The United States was at peace with the world and all in it, little realizing the possibility of the existence of other worlds let alone that of a hostile power of one such world having designs against us. Indeed, the concept of a parallel universe was completely alien to us, the stuff of Hollywood and the writers of fantasies in pulp magazines and radio.
"It will be recorded that this attack had to have been deliberately premeditated an extended period of time. During that time, the rulers of this empire, through their limited knowledge and experience of a long bygone era, completely underestimated, if they had taken anything into account at all, the existence of a comparatively advanced civilization and its' capability to effectively respond and protect itself.
"Due to the response of the local police and sheriffs' departments, National Guard, Navy, Marines, our Army and Air Corp and not the least that of a personally armed citizenry, we were able to quell and put a stop to this atrocity. Many thousands of this enemy are now dead or dying. A further 6,000 are now in our hands as prisoners.
(applause and cheers)
"The attack yesterday in Los Angeles has caused serious loss of life and injury to American citizens and members of our armed forces. I regret to tell you of the very many American lives that have actually been lost. In addition, many of our fellow citizens have been reported taken captive and led in chains back to wherever this aggressor came from.
"Saturday, the Saderan Empire launched an attack against us.
"On that day, this enemy heinously took the lives of many of our fellow citizens, callously disregarding the fact many were unable to defend themselves and giving no thought of mercy to anyone.
"On that day, the retreating adversary took many of our people into captivity and what we assume to be abject slavery.
"On that day, the aggressor delivered an arrogant statement proclaiming we were to be a conquered people subject to whims and dictates not unlike that of certain factions in Europe and Asia.
"This foreign power had undertaken a surprise attack on one of our largest cities. Yet in spite of showing what an empty boast that proclamation was with their resounding defeat we are sure they may try it again.
We are even more sure we will DEFEAT them again.
(applause)
"The facts of the last two days and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
"As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that not only all measures be taken for our defense but we will also go on the offensive and take the fight to this enemy on his own ground. To exact terms favorable to us, to bring the enemys' leaders to account, and most of all, to free the captives they have taken, OUR FELLOW AMERICANS, from their barbaric clutches. And always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
(applause)
"No matter how long it may take us to successfully retaliate in kind to this premeditated attempt at invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to ABSOLUTE victory.
(applause and cheers)
"I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of aggression shall never again endanger us.
(applause and cheers)
"Hostilities exist ... There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, our interests and our fellow Americans taken from us are in grave danger.
"With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph ... SO HELP US GOD!
(applause and cheers)
"I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by the Saderan Empire ... on Saturday, December 6th, 1941 ... a state of war exists between the United States and the Saderan Empire."
(applause and cheers)
After a unanimous vote in the Senate and a vote of 388 to 1 in the House of Representatives, Congress declared war on the Saderan Empire and FDR signed the declaration three hours after his historic speech.
xxxxx
Time and date: 7:00 AM, Dec. 9, 1941.
Location: Yokosuka Navy Yard
Out walking the docks with several aides and an old friend, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto gave an inward frustrated sigh. Though relieved that there was to be no war with the United States he could not help but think the army hotheads were going to be total trouble in the months ahead.
They wanted war but were not to get it. That they were to say the Navy made a bad showing, he was more than sure of it. Never mind the decisions were always made by powers, or rather by THE power above the services and government. No, the Navy was at fault in one way shape or form as far as the Army was concerned.
Of what shape that form was to be, they would settle on some kind of naval scapegoat soon enough.
The actual reason ...
An incredible adversary, completely out of the realm of fantasy. The stuff of ... Of science fiction. The stuff of-
Yes ... Science fiction.
The admiral turned to his friend. A retired rear-admiral, he spent his days visiting/mentoring friends young and old, gaming (He was an even better player of poker than Yamamoto!) and ... writing.
Writing of the fantastic. An amateur pastime he turned professional after retirement. Several short stories and two novels published in the last six years and was working on another. All combinations of the realms of fantasy, horror, science fiction and the odd. One of his novels, about a giant creature rising from the depths of the ocean, was being looked at by a major studio.
"So sempai," Isoroku called the elderly one that not only out of respect but also affection, "did anything so fantastic as the thought of an antiquated enemy crossing over from another dimension ever occur to you while writing?"
Rear-Admiral Takumi Yanai, ret. smiled.
"Such ideas have been thrown around among writers of my type and stories put to paper. I have read some of them myself and came up with a few ideas of my own on how to execute such a story. But ... I thought them really too silly and left them at the note taking stage.
"Now ... I wonder ..."
"Not so silly now, eh?"
"No ... Not so silly now. Not so-"
"Admiral! Sir!"
Yamamoto looked away from his friend toward the maker of the exclamation. A lieutenant stepped up smartly and saluted.
On the admirals' return of the salute the junior officer handed over an envelope.
"I was ordered to give this to you sir. An important message."
Another exchange of salute the lieutenant was gone.
Taking the note out of the envelope, the admiral quickly read the two paragraph note.
Holding the paper up.
"Gentlemen? I have just been informed the United States has made a formal declaration of war."
"On," a concerned captain standing by, "... us?"
Seeing the eagerness/concern of the other two aides, Yamamoto headed them off.
"No, not us."
He turned to his friend, now with a bemused look on his face.
"It seems Mr. Roosevelt and their governing body has decided to go to war with this-"
"Fantastic enemy."
"Yes Yanai-sempai ... this fantastic enemy."
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto looked out over the panorama of the harbor.
"I cannot help but think this Saderan Empire has awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve."
To be continued ...
AMERICA NEEDS YOUR MONEY
BUY WAR BONDS AND STAMPS EVERY PAYDAY
Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © C V Ford 11-30-2018
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1. Allied radio monitors were familiar with the "fist" or "touch" of many Japanese operators on their Morse code keys and could determine what ship would be transmitting at any one time.
In preparation for the attack on Pearl Harbor and other targets in the Pacific Theater and in order to confuse Allied monitors, the IJN replaced the usual ship board radio operators with ones originally based on land. The "newbies" operated under strict radio silence while the former ship board ones would transmit routine messages as if they were still on board in attempt at making Allied monitors think the ships of the attack forces were still in Japanese waters.
2. Under Admiral Halsey, the Enterprise and Task Force 8 was on a secret mission delivering aircraft to Wake Island. The Lexington and Task Force 12 was delivering aircraft to Midway Island. The Saratoga was heading for San Diego to pick up an air group.
3. DX - The hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio stations.
4. At 8 PM on Sunday, 10-30-38, a Halloween broadcast by The Mercury Theater On the Air program of an adaptation of H. G. Wells' sci-fi novel, The War of the Worlds, was broadcast over the Columbia Broadcasting System radio network. The first half hour was done in a format simulating an actual radio broadcast being interrupted by news reports of an invasion of Earth by beings from the planet Mars.
Due to the listening habits of many wherein they would listen to the opening acts of other shows then tuning in late to Mercury Theater, many across the country believed that the Earth was indeed under invasion by otherworldly beings.
5. It wouldn't do to have the public see the President being wheeled up to the podium. Though crippled severely by polio, Franklin Roosevelt could still walk, albeit quite slowly, for very short, painful distances. He succeeded in walking to the podium to give his famous declaration of war on Japan speech and the public was none the wiser.
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Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the names/characters, places and events mentioned in this work that are the intellectual properties of others. They are the sole properties of their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of their works.