Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 10
Sunday, May 29th, 1927 – Shouwa 1 – Imperial Theater – 2300 hours –
John felt he had been through the emotional wringer, mentally he was exhausted; oddly in the physical sense he felt buoyed by his success. The planning for the movement of the personnel would be the next difficult chore. Moving that many people, not to mention the equipment was going to be a challenge.
General Yoneda peering over his cup of Sake, "So John with what has transpired are you finally going to be able to relax or are there other worries?" John's deep blue eye's shifted slightly from Count Hanakouji to General Yoneda, "Ikki to be honest I am relaxed as much as I am going to get till I get back with the Imperial Flower Division to my own time. Count Hanakouji has said so himself; we will have to do this in a round about way to move the equipment and the personnel in such a fashion so as to not make their absence so notable."
Count Hanakouji take on the dismissal of the Imperial Flower Combat Division had been one of trepidation. Having the visitor from the future making the request and the offer of taking the Imperial Flower Division and their associated support personnel had been a blessing in disguise.
The Count who had been in a private battle with Haruyoshi Tanuma over the Flower Division decommissioning and dismantling; had begun to have doubts of the sincerity of Tanuma's proposal for assuming custodial rights to Iris Chateaubriand and Leni Milchstrase. After the kidnapping attempt and then the raid against the safe house from whence the successful interrogation of a captured suspect; the Count having discussed Project Wachstum with John, revealed just how horrified he had been on learning of the Project's experiments.
John turning to the Count, "So Tanuma was the one who mentioned the German Project to the Elder's Institute and he had assumed that a similar Project would be undertaken here in Japan; but someone wiser opposed it," as John got a nod of acknowledgement from the Count.
Continuing, "Because of your opposition to the program and having Iris as an example of just how powerful the spiritual and physical powers that she possesses can be and then seeing the results of the experiments on Leni you would not allow it to happen at all here within this country."
The Count replied, "Tanuma's goal is that of more power and since the Douglas-Stewart debacle he has lost face and of course power. Yet he still wants to gather more into his circle to help him become the next leader of Japan. I suspect he had high hopes of using the Imperial Flower Division for this but that plan failed."
John, who had reviewed the entire roster of the Imperial Flower Division, turned to the biographical background page of Lachette Altair; turned back to the Count, "It failed because someone told you of the possible influence from foreign parties and you began to act; but only it was too late. By happenstance and one hell of a lot of luck; utilizing other military forces not connected with the Flower Division, the threat is ended. I must note Count that I am impressed with the gunnery of the Imperial Navy; as the damage was limited to only the Douglas-Stewart facility."
Count Hanakouji casting a glance at the biographical background page of Lachette Altair, "Lachette was acting not as an agent but more in a military capacity when she notified me and General Yoneda. She is in fact a member of the United States Army." John not surprised in the least bit, "Gathering from the dance I had with her I suspected she was military from the start but of whose military affiliation I did not want to hazard a guess; and since I know her true background, I have the option of giving her a direct order to return with me to the year 2010. If she turns down the order; I will likely take her Esienkleid with me."
General Yoneda sitting back, "Perhaps you should ask her now," turning and pressing an intercom button. Calling Kasumi Fujii on the intercom; General Yoneda had her summon Lachette to his office. John remembered that she too had come to the stage, but that could have been more of ruse than anything else.
A few moments later, Lachette entered the room and offered a chair to sit in by the Admiral did so.
Casting a glance at Lachette, John found her blue eyes coolly looking back, "Lachette, the Count and the General both have told me that you are a member of the United States Army, and why you came here. The guise of the training was a ruse was it not," as John looked her hard in the face. With no noticeable shock or appearance out of the ordinary Lachette turned to John' "Yes Admiral I was in fact sent here to prevent a coupe attempt, and I believe in a round about way I was successful." Nodding ruefully, John continued; "It appears you were successful after a fashion, however the outside forces are still bent on doing a coupe and they want to help put Tanuma in power. But that is something we can I believe prevent. Now as for your status; as a Military Officer from the future I am going to give you the following order. Lachette Altair, I Admiral John Long of the United States Navy; hereby issue orders stating that you are to accompany the Imperial Flower Division and its associated personnel and equipment to the year 2010. Do you accept my orders?"
Smiling as she stood and crisply saluting, "Yes, sir I do and I am prepared to do so immediately," as John acknowledged her salute; "Very well Lachette, welcome to Take Force Rose and to the United States Navy, you are hereby dismissed; carry on."
Friday, January 15th 2010 – Area 51 – 1800 hours –
Captain Frank Orkney guess of Lachette's identity did indeed bear fruit. After making numerous calls, a highly encrypted e-mail file had arrived and he was watching as the last PDF document was printed.
Letting out a low whistle, as he thumbed briefly through the pages; he picked up the phone and asked that the Long sisters, Staff Sergeant Bloomberg and Professor Walters meet him in the briefing room.
Sitting in the chair at the head of the briefing table, Captain Orkney commented; "John certainly hit the nail on the barrel head. His assumption of her military ties to the United States bore fruit."
Staff Sergeant Bloomberg who had a near photographic memory was reading intently looked up, "One thing is how he knew she was affiliated with the U.S. Military; I do not think he could have gathered all of that from just one dance." Pausing long enough to look at both of the Long sisters who began also to blush as well, Dr. Mary Long replied most adamantly, "Staff Sergeant Bloomberg, I do not believe that John would consider doing that with any of those women and it is likely because of his good judge of character that he had made the determination in the first place. Making love to any of these women to discover further secrets, well he is not that kind of man in the first place." Teresa realizing she had just accused her superior of an inappropriate act turned her even redder.
With a gentle cough Professor Walters stood up, "John likely utilized something else as a source of intelligence. I might point out that John has danced with each of these women more than four times each. Since we now know he was involved in a production called Waltz's of the World just prior to the departure of the Imperial Flower Division; he likely did a lot of dancing with those women." Captain Orkney himself was even beginning to squirm.
"Perhaps you are correct, Professor," while mouthing silently directly at him, "You had better be!" as Captain Orkney walked to the dry board and added the additional information into Lachette's data.
"Regardless of her status in 1927; she will be considered reactivated when she returns to the year 2010 and as a result she will be subject to orders. If I am not far off the mark already, I suspect that the Admiral has already taken care of that chore and has pretty much said to her that she is now part of the United States Navy. I think she can be trusted to follow his orders."
The final printouts contained last letter ever received from Lachette Altair; along with the results of the investigation that had been opened. Oddly though Lachette stated that the visitor was from the future and that he was purportedly a member of the United States Navy, she never named him leaving that for someone to speculate. What caused Frank to spew coffee all over the table was the name of the man involved in the investigation; none other than Herbert Robert Long.
Monday, May 30th, 1927 – Shouwa 1 – Imperial Theater – 0400 hours –
John who had finally been able to get some sleep; awoke early as usual. Locating the gym, where Kanna and many of the others did their physical conditioning; John had been working on his own physical conditioning. Dancing could do many things but there were times that nothing but a plain old workout was the more suitable option.
Having completed some crunches, he briefly stood and began stretching again. Feeling as though he was being watched; he turned slowly and was greeted by the sight of Kanna standing inside the door.
Smiling as he completed another stretch, "Kanna would you like to join me in a workout? Perhaps as a sparing partner," Kanna's concern evident; "Are you sure you want to spar with me sir?"
John walking towards her, "Kanna I would not want to have it any other way. Let's get to the mats and help each other stretch."
Together they stretched, using each other as a brace and counterforce. John's right shoulder was still tender and sore, as he had difficulty masking the pain as Kanna helped him to stretch and limber that part of his body.
There was no masking the noise of the workout. The first to witness the sparring match was Tsubaki Takamura as she was on her way to the kitchen; passing by the gym door heard Kanna letting out a surprised yelp as she was slammed into the mats.
Cautiously opening the door, she witnessed John being bodily slammed into the mats as well, his grunt of exertion as he got back up and faced another charge from Kanna which he successfully countered. Slipping out unnoticed she ran to Kasumi Fuji's room and told her of the battle that she had witnessed
Fearing the worst, Kasumi ran to Maria's quarters then to the quarters of Sakura and Sumire and told them of the battle that was taking place in the gym. The commotion of everyone running about awoke the rest of the Flower Division and with Maria leading the way they ran to the gym. As the doors opened, the Flower Division witnessed an apparently enraged Kanna running full tilt straight at John. Maria shouting a warning to the Admiral had already raised her powerful Colt preparing to shoot when, John casually waved his hand to have her lower her weapon.
John with his eyes closed and with relaxed breathing, waited for the charge. At the precise moment he deftly caught Kanna's right arm; and sidestepped. Spinning on his left foot and bringing up his right knee he caught her in the chest then shoved her arm downward and let go. Sidestepping or for practical purposes using Kanna's kinetic energy he slid on his feet, and grabbed her right leg as it came upward and using her own energy against her; he lifted the leg and flipped her physically on her back where she slid feet first into a nearby wall, shaking the gym in the process.
Blinking her eyes then rolling quickly back to her feet, Kanna's fury suddenly abated, "That was some move sir!" As she walked back to John, a slight cough from Maria got John's attention and turning towards Maria, "I see we have gathered some audience members before us Kanna," as John began to look at each and every one who had come into the gym.
After a short painful silence, "I had invited Kanna to a sparring match, and we had both agreed that we would hold nothing back," turning to look at the smashed privacy partition; reflecting that the landing had really hurt too.
John turned to group and addressed them as a whole, "Over the next couple of weeks I want to get to know your individual combat styles. Captain Oogami along with Commander Fujieda will assist in developing some new skills that will be needed by all of you, and in the course of this training regimen I will participate as well. I will not hold anything back nor do I expect you to hold anything back as well;" John continued, "For those who may have what they believe are weaker fighting skills, you too will benefit from this training regimen and it will strengthen you as a group." Turning to Kanna then Tsubaki who had sounded the fight alarm in the first place, "Well both myself and Kanna are rather starved, so Tsubaki would you fix me three sunny side eggs up this time and 4 pieces of bacon with the toast and the grapefruit, and what every Kanna's usual breakfast is. I'll be down in a moment after I have taken a shower and changed. Tootles;" as John and Kanna strolled out the door, chattering about the sparring match; everyone turns to look at Tsubaki who suddenly felt rather tiny.
Monday, May 30th, 1927 – Shouwa 1 – Imperial Theater – 0800 hours –
The next part of the operation involved generating orders and counter orders detailing the movement of the Imperial Flower Division and its support personnel.
Kasumi Fujh, Yuri Sakakibara and Tsubaki Takamura began the deception by issuing orders and counter orders followed by addendums to said orders. With a little help from Captain Yuichi Kayama, the orders were widely dispersed and then recalls for the orders were issued as well and sowing more confusion was the announcement of a musical play with the story being told through dance itself. The musical would be called Waltz's of the World and plans for the production went into effect immediately.
Part of the deception for movement of the Imperial Flower Division was to sow confusion. Count Aritsune Hanakouji involved in the political side of things assisted with from that stand point as well. Though discussions were continuing to be held at the Elder's Institute concerning the deactivation of the Flower Division which was no more than a gentleman's club for the well connected; the Count helped with the delicate situation involving the relatives of the Imperial Flower Division's personnel who would have to give their permission for their daughters to undertake such a request.
John's concern extended with the members of the Flower Division who's parents would be by the year 2010 long dead and therefore no living family members would be in existence. Both Orihime Soletta and Sumire Kanzaki had communicated with their families that they would be undertaking extended travel itineraries in the near future. The Count knowing the full truth of the matter contacted the respective family members and swearing them all to secrecy would assist with setting up trust funds not in Japan but within the United States for all involved.
The one family that would be difficult to sway was the Shinguji Family, and it would be up to Admiral John Long to handle the delicate situation. Pondering the situation he decided that he would have to meet with the immediate family in Sendai to ask their permission directly.
Thursday, June 2nd, 1927 – Shouwa 1- Imperial Theater – 0600 hours
John stood in the lobby of the grand theater awaiting Sakura who would be going with him to Sendai. Whirlwind of events over the past several days coupled with the planned movement of the Imperial Flower Division under extreme secrecy was weighing heavily on his mind. Ikki standing next to John, "All will be well my friend," as he handed John a sealed envelope with a wax seal.
"I am sure that the Shinguji family will come to an understanding in this matter; as they too are aware of the rumors to dissolute the Flower Division." Maria walking up to both, "Admiral you must have faith in your next endeavor; having met Sakura's mother and grandmother they are both profoundly supportive of their daughter and will take into consideration the events that have transpired."
Looking at Maria as Sakura descended the stairs, "I do hope that the significance of what has already occurred and what decisions that are made now will be the deciding factor. They will also know that they will never see Sakura again in their lifetimes. Knowing that an uncertain fate is in Sakura's future is going to weigh heavily on both."
Greeting Sakura as one they exited the Theater into a waiting sedan for the trip to the train station.
Back in his persona of Herbert Robert Long, John now sported a goatee; usually clean shaven he resisted the temptation of stroking the beard he now sported. Arriving at the station; mixing with other travelers, he and Sakura boarded the train and took their seats.
Looking out to Maria, he reflected on the conversation he had previously had with Sakura at the Theater. He specifically asked her had Maria had any influence on her decision to come to the stage to join the others; Sakura's reply was forthcoming, "When you showed us the photographs of your battle with the sea demon a battle that you nearly lost, your obvious injuries that you suffered. Coming here to ask us for our help demonstrated to me that you are willing to risk your own life to save the lives of others who you have never met. You are a man of compassion, willing to lead others and to fight for the innocent. I have given you my answer and will indeed come with you and my friends."
With a slight jerk, the train began to move bringing John back to reality. Shifting his gaze back to Sakura, her expression of hope and happiness; he settled back into his seat for the trip.
Thursday, June 2nd , 1927 – Shouwa 1- Sendai, Japan – 1430 hours
The train pulled into the station on time and John with Sakura disembarked. It was the reception committee that somewhat disconcerted him. Six large men, all of them obviously well trained for any kind of trouble stood waiting outside. Forming around him and refusing to speak to him, but only to Sakura they lead the way; the crowds parting as they passed. John almost felt that he was a captive; but with a reassuring look from Sakura he relaxed.
Entering the family compound, he was stopped and told to wait at a small house that stood at the entrance. Sakura meanwhile continued onward to the residence to meet her mother and grandmother. Looking around John took in the simplistic yet well designed residential grounds. Seeing the nearby garden and asking his escort if it would be permissible to view he was granted permission to view it closer up.
The silence broken occasionally by the brook as it trickled over the rocks with the Koi swimming about was relaxing. It was Sakura's grandmother who had come up behind him unnoticed who broke the interminable silence and peace of the surroundings.
"So you are he to ask our family for the permission to take our granddaughter and daughter with you to a far away place," turning to look at her John bowed deeply; "Yes I am the one," as she appeared to glide away from him he followed at a respected distance.
Leading the way, Sakura's grandmother stepped into the family meeting room and there John set his eyes on Sakura's mother. Slipping off his shoes, John entered and bowed yet again, then seeing a pad laid before them both he knelt.
Thursday, June 2nd, 1927 – Shouwa 1- Sendai, Japan – 1600 hours –
Pausing on the pad, John removed the envelope from within his jacket and handed it to Sakura's mother who glanced at the seal and then broke it. Removing the letter she read it before handing it to her mother-in-law. John moved back and removed the pad and now kneeling on the hard wooden flooring bowed again and offered his greeting.
Speaking in Japanese, "I have come from a far distant place to ask your permission for the assistance of your daughter and granddaughter; Sakura Shinguji to help in a desperate situation." Going into detail, John explained what had happened in the future and explained the need for Sakura's help.
At first, there was no indication that neither believed him nor was there any indication of acknowledge of his plea. Then Sakura's grandmother spoke. "You speak of creatures that are tormenting your world, apparent off-shoots of the same demonic creatures that had so recently plagued us here, yet you state your world has many weapons but those have limited effect. You want us to send our daughter and granddaughter who posses the family sword Arataka with you with no hope of seeing her again within our lifetimes to fight your demonic creatures. With what purpose would this serve?"
John replied, "The purpose would be to maintain the peace and the safety of the people of not only a future Japan; but that of a future world. Without her, we will likely loose the battle." Looking squarely at John, Sakura's grandmother made a request he was not expecting, "Very well then; but you must do something in return." Standing she asked John to follow her to a nearby room. Closing the door after he had entered, she asked him to remove his jacket and shirt. At first perplexed from her request John hesitated. "Please remove your coat and shirt," she asked again. Nodding, John did so as asked then knelt on the floor yet again.
John felt her hands as they delicately traced the scars of his injuries that he had suffered. Pausing occasionally, as if in reflection; they continued to the front of his chest to the latest scars from the recent bullet wounds.
The grandmother commanded him to dress and return to the living room where Sakura's mother still sat. Reassuming his position in front of them, John awaited the decision.
In a voice almost hard to hear, Sakura's grandmother gave her blessing; and turning to Sakura's mother who was crying softly she too nodded in agreement.
John then gave them a letter that he had written; in it was information that would become a carefully guarded secret for the next 83 years. He would not see it again until he and the USS Wisconsin would arrive in Tokyo on March 15, 2010.