Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 14
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 – Area 51 – 1300 Hours –
The largest briefing room that the underground complex had was full, the Dream Division was included, and their temporary commanding officer Captain Yuichi Kayama stood by with them. Feeding everyone had been easy and straight forward with the exception that some were not used to silverware, but was able to utilize chop sticks. Hundreds of pairs had been ordered and instead of being made from wood, they were plastic. Professor Lenny Irvine Walters was, in John's view in academic heaven; seeing living history before him. Maria nearly punched his lights out, after he kept pestering her about her former homeland.
Then there was the little incident with Iris, which set off a minor psyche attack against him after he called her a little girl in the cafeteria. The food on the ceiling was going to be hard to get off, and two microwave ovens destroyed by Iris's energy release were headed to the scrap head, though Kohran who had wanted to fix them was dissuaded from taking them apart to fix them. John just did not need any more explosions right now.
Captain Frank Orkney, meeting his staff for the first time was amazed at their military bearings even though several had never been to a military academy. The requests for their new respective ranks had been approved by the Pentagon. The only minor argument was with Lachette Altair. She had been listed as officially missing since July of 1927 and now in the year 2010, John discovered the programmers of the massive database that made up the United States Military's personnel computer system had never factored in the possibility of a person reported missing from a year that far back could reactivate the person to active duty. He had been informed the programmers were busy trying to fix the unexpected bug.
Walking into the briefing room freshly shaved and dressed in his Navy Uniform and closely followed by SSGT Teresa Bloomberg he was greeted by Captain Orkney's sharp command, "ATTENTION ON DECK!" and gave the carry on command, he noted every single person had stood up including the Dream Division. As he began to walk past Iris, "Admiral Can I see something?" as John stopped and turned he kneeled next to her. She ran her fingers over his insignia on his collars, the three stars gleaming on each side illuminated by the overhead lighting. "You are the important man!" Smiling as he stood up, "Yes I am Iris that is why all of you are indeed here today."
John began the debriefing, "For those of you who have not been informed of the date, it is January 19th, the year is two thousand and ten, it is according to the base clock 1300 hours locale. We are presently in an underground facility that is part of a much larger facility that is not under my control or command and as such; I like you have to follow security procedures so please head the warnings. Once we are out of here, we will discuss security procedures and the dos and don'ts for when we embark on the U.S.S. Wisconsin. I must admit for all of your that it will be culture shock, what may have seemed familiar to you in 1927 will likely be rather advanced and might scare you." Motioning to Frank "Let me borrow your cell phone as a prop."
John opened the Motorola cell phone and though cell signals were blocked it could serve as a useful demonstration, "This is a 21st century telephone. If I was out in the open above, I could dial a telephone number anywhere in the world and speak with those of my choosing." Kohran who was sitting at the other end of the table; "Can I see it Admiral? As she clasped her hands together smiling with happiness," John passed it down, "Kohran please do not dismantle it as it is not mine. I will find one for you to play with later," which caused an outbreak of laughter. Captain Orkney wondered if his phone was going to come back in one piece.
John turned to Teresa nodding for her to pass out the folders, "Each of these folders that Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg is passing out contains reverent information of events that will take place in the next two days. As it can not be helped, each and every one of us will have to have a medical examination." Hearing Teresa groan, "Not again," John raised an eye brow over that, and turning to his sisters Dr.'s Julie and Mary Long, "We are following established protocols when it comes to time travel. Anyone or anything going through or coming back gets a medical examination if living or dead and decontamination on anything mechanical." Mary, who turned to John, "Do you know how hard it is to clean the tank tracks of a M1A1 Abrahams Main Battle Tank little brother! I told you not to send it through, not to mention having to put its crew through full medical workups as well?" Blushing slightly, with some giggles being emitted he got the picture.
Shrugging his shoulders, "I can guess it is not an easy process." Continuing on, "After the medical evaluations are done to the satisfaction of my sisters and the commanding officer of this base we will make plans for departing. With the exception of Leni Milchstrase all will have MRI's to detect any serious medical conditions that have gone undetected with 1927 medical technology. You can be rest assured that the procedure is harmless and to prove it by example I will be the first in if anyone has qualms about it, though I understand the equipment used here is called an Open MRI because it has no confining envelope to make the person uncomfortable." Hearing no dissent, "Kohran, which transporter was loaded with the machines, the ones we called a MFD?" Kohran opened a large old style inventory book, "It is on number 11, Leni's Koubu transporter." How ironic John thought.
John turned to Frank once again, noting his cell phone was back in his hands, "Captain, is the medical specialists that were requested earlier; have they arrived?" Nodding, "Yes sir they are standing by as ordered."
Turning to Teresa, "Assist Kohran; with mustering an unloading team for that barbaric piece of crap that is on Koubu transport number 11, as I want a full detailed examination of it as soon as possible." John continued, "And there are two large waterproof and sealed containers with it containing the blue prints and the entire known history of Project Wachstum, I want those documents with a German translator made available to the medical team as soon as possible."
Professor Wilkins, who had remained silent in the debriefing spoke up for the first time, "John you found the scientists in Japan?" John leaning forward slightly, "Yes Lenny I did with the help of Captain Kayama along with Commander Fujieda I made damn sure they paid for their crimes," the anger and hatred visible in John's eye's and his voice; Lenny gulped and sat back in his chair with mouth agape at hearing the news. The members of Task Group Rose smiled at the comments from their commanding officer and quietly got out of their chairs and left the room to carry out the designated tasks that had been assigned.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 – Area 51 – 1600 Hours –
After taking a break to gather his thoughts and regain composure, Admiral Long returned with Leni and Iris to the nearly empty briefing room. Inside was Lieutenant Commander Ichiro Oogami, Commander Kaede Fujieda who were now wearing U.S. Naval uniforms with their new rank and insignia, John waved all down dismissing formality. Perusing the translated documents at the table was United States Naval Surgeon and neural specialist Captain Walter Kincaid.
Standing and acknowledging the Admiral's presence, Captain Kincaid shook hands. Turning to Leni and Iris, his clinical eye quickly went over both and seeing nothing out of the ordinary he introduced himself. Previously forewarned about Iris, he treated her not as a child but as a full grown adult. Much to John's surprise Walter spoke briefly to her in French. Taking seats across from Captain Walter both sat waiting to hear him speak.
"Introductions aside, I have been practicing medicine and in the neurology field for 32 years. I have studied the neural pathways of the human body and of course the brain for just as long and in the many years of practice I have never come across such an incident and could not find any reference to such experiments that had ever been carried out till now."
Looking at John, "John; just where you got these documents? Being that they are in German, were they found there?" Knowing that would the first question out on the floor, John queried "How high is your Security Clearance?" Knowing what it already was from Captain Orkney who had the good doctor stuffed into a two seat version of the F-35 Navy Strike Fighter and flown from Andrews Air Force Base to Area 51 with an overnight bag stuffed into a drop tank; John did not smile.
"Ok very funny John, but it is Eye's Only TS-10." John knew of only 6 military surgeons holding that classification, one of which worked for the President of the United States, the others scattered around the globe and out of reach and his specialist now sitting in front of him.
"Walter, what I am about to say is classified as TS-10 as are the people currently in this room." Turning to his briefcase and withdrawing a confirmation form, he had Walter sign. "As you know we experienced an outbreak or invasion of creatures that are best described as demonic. That was in 2007, now nearly three years ago. In a rather serious mission which I returned from today, I brought back these and other personnel belonging to what was then known as the Imperial Flower Combat Division in the year 1927 to the year 2010 by time travel to help fight the demonic outbreak on our terms."
Walter who tried to keep from laughing, "John, you have been known for pulling practical jokes in your career but this takes the cake." Leni spoke next, "I can assure you sir that Admiral John Long is neither pulling a practical joke or taking your cake. I was born on December 24, in the year 1909. I along with many others where brought to this time period specifically to engage and destroy the demonic creatures that are plaguing your world now." Said with such a deadpan delivery, Walter sat back in his chair and stared back at her.
Walter then turned at Iris, Ichiro and Kaede, "Them as well?" as John nodded in return. Looking at the journals Walter replied, "Ok I believe you," as his serious side returned. John returned to the briefcase and handed Walter the report that had been written about the mission, which included his use of deadly force in preventing the possible deaths of two members of the Imperial Flower Division. Besides Walter, only the President of the United States and the Chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff had full and complete knowledge of what had transpired.
As Walter began to read the report, occasionally glancing up at Iris, Leni then Ichiro and Kaede it did not take him long to digest what had occurred during John's visit to 1927. Returning to the translated medical journals, he began to read in earnest, jotting notes as he went along. Setting the pen down, he had read enough; "Those bastards calling themselves scientists did these experiments on Leni? They ought to rot in hell for all eternity." John quipped, "With a little bit of help they have been there for 83 years."
Walter stood up and walked around the table to Leni and pulled a out and had her turn around, "I am going to conduct a very routine and non-invasive test of your motor skills that's if I have your permission?" Leni nodding her permission sat ready. Kaede, Iris and Ichiro backed away getting as close to the walls as possible. Commander Oogami turned to the Admiral, "Sir with all due respect you will want to do the same." Doing as Ichiro suggested, John moved back from the table.
Walter just beginning the test realized too late, after tapping Leni with the examination hammer what was going to happen, "Oh damn." Unable to control the enhanced defensive reflex and strength of her body she kicked and back flipped across the table slamming feet first onto the opposite wall, while catapulting herself back across the table directly at Dr. Kincaid. Iris prepared, meta-physically stopped Leni's flight in mid-air to which Leni asked Iris, "Please put me down now," as John who had been used to seeing Jean-Paul floating around was now seeing for the first time the true abilities of Iris. Standing in the doorway, her weapon at the ready; Teresa stood unbelieving at the sight she had just witnessed.
John getting up walked to Dr. Kincaid, "Walter are you ok?" as he asked the doubled over Doctor. Walter straightening up, "Damn that was some kick young lady I am thoroughly impressed. No more of those for a while," as he caught his breath. Looking at Teresa, John had her summon a medical team. John glanced over at Leni as she floated to a gentle landing on the table top wondering just what else she was capable of.
The medical team arrived and utilizing a wheel chair took Dr. Kincaid to the infirmary for X-Rays as the responding Air Force Doctor gave a quick diagnosis of possible broken ribs.
Looking at all who remained in the room; John dismissed them for the day as the Aide to the Commanding General of the base stood outside to deliver a request for his immediate presence. John thought ruefully as he followed the aid, just what else could go wrong.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 – Pacific Ocean – 1930 hours estimated –
The telltale quake struck on or about 1930 hours and centered in an underwater canyon at an estimated depth of 8,000 feet or 28,000 meters at a position less than 50 sea nautical miles from the U.S.S. Wisconsin. Because of the magnitude of the quake, on or about a 5.5 on the Richter scale a sea wraith demon alert was issued for ships in the area.
The Flash Priority message went out world wide in the clear giving the warning, alerting all shipping concerns and military forces. It also went to Area 51 and the U.S.S. Wisconsin. Entering the underground command center the Admiral was escorted to Air Force General Arthur Rainer who was monitoring the tactical situation as it involved a combat unit belonging to his current guest, Admiral John Long.
Turning to shake hands Arthur gave a quick run down, "While you were on the mission it was peaceful as pie worldwide, then on or about 2130 local hours a Sea Wraith alert was issued for the Pacific Region this date."
Nodding to the Sergeant to activate the massive tactical screen, "Fortunately no commercial shipping is within the projected danger circle. We have confirmed through Key Hole, that there are no small craft in the immediate area. However there is one military unit nearby and she is your ship Admiral. The U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 and she is alone, which we have her now less than 30 miles from the alert position and closing at 55 knots." John turned to Arthur, "Have my Chief of Staff, my Executive Officer and Division Commander with Maria Tachibana and Kanna Kirishima report here immediately and have this piped to the main briefing room with audio. I want Lieutenant's Lachette Altair and Sumire Kanzaki to muster all remaining personnel there. And please get me tactical communications and secure voice to the ship." General Rainer, who was of junior rank, followed the orders immediately.
The public address blaring out the orders, the Task Group Rose personnel mustered and reported as directed. For all of them, this would be the first time that they would see the menace that they soon be facing.
Arrayed behind the Admiral on an upper platform viewing the situation as it unfolded, Commander Kayama also now in a U.S. Navy uniform studied the creature as it crashed to the surface of the ocean after rocketing from nearly 28,000 meters under water. The video at times jumpy but live from the Key Hole fixed position satellite it recorded the creature's movement very well and with high detail.
"With all due respect Admiral, how large has some of these been?" as the Admiral turned the picture jumped to that of a live feed from a UAV launched by the Wisconsin, "The minimum length so far recorded has been 70 feet or 245 meters in length, the longest is 450 feet or 1,575 meters. The worse part is that they seem to be getting bigger year by year and why we do not know." The Admiral's comments reaching the briefing room for the others to hear.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 – U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 – 1955 hours local
At battle stations the crew waited as the ship drew closer to the known position of the Sea Wraith. Some had served on other ships that had engaged these creatures in 2007 others had done so later, but everyone onboard knew that this would be the Wisconsin's first test and her first combat engagement since 1991. To a man and woman they were ready.
The Captain in CIC, the Executive Officer on the Bridge was the way the battle organization took place today, long gone were the days that the Captain fought the ship from the Bridge. Hearing the sound of Admiral Long's voice coming over the tactical net, she picked up the telephone style microphone and keyed up, "Admiral we are at Condition One, heading 255 degrees true, on eight at 55 and have acquired target. Requesting batteries released with main guns only at this time."
John listening to Sammy's voice as it calmly reported the situation. Saving the missiles was a good idea, the bullets being cheaper, John smiled; "Wisconsin you have batteries released, commence fire and fire for effect. Kill that thing Sammy."
At just under 22.5 miles, Wisconsin's now fully automated 16 inch guns, loaded at inhuman speed and unmanned, firing from turrets 1 and 2 they let fly with 6, 16 inch high-explosive rounds. The video camera on the Bridge caught the orange blasts as the shells flew, their rocket motors adding to the fireworks as they left Wisconsin.
Above the Sea Wraith, the UAV motored out of the designated target zone and utilizing laser targeting illuminated the monster as one minute and 37 seconds later all six rounds scored direct hits, destroying the creature completely and leaving sharks in the area in a feeding frenzy that would last for hours.
YEAH! Someone shouted, who it was John did not care; but turning to the personnel of Task Group Rose, "That ladies and gentlemen is how we kill one of things at long range with a Battleship. You will adjourn to the briefing room, General thank you very much for the use of your facilities," and with that Admiral Long departed leaving an Air Force General shaking his head in wonderment at what he had witnessed.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 – Area 51 – 2200 hours local –
Admiral Long walked into the briefing room. He had already dismissed the formalities earlier and wanted to get down to business. Turning to Commander Kayama, "You got a good look at the Sea Wraith, what are you thoughts?
Yuichi, already standing to the side, "Certainly of demonic origins and displaying intelligence to a high degree; it appeared to be tracking the observation craft with some skill."
John nodding in agreement, "They seem to be able to recognize that they are being observed. They have the ability to track and engage air, land, and sea targets. The video that was shown after we had switched to the Wisconsin's tactical feed was being received from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV. Remote controlled in flight it is fitted with specialized sensors. That particular UAV was unarmed, though much larger units can be armed with assorted weapons."
John continued, "No one at first realized what their capabilities were initially until during a combat action that occurred off of Japan that a Japanese News Helicopter got too close and got blown out of the sky, killing all aboard. We believe that the Sea Wraith that destroyed that aircraft may have tracked it by its noise. I know some of you wonder what a helicopter is but all in good time, as you will each be brought up to speed on the technology we have today."
Nodding to Captain Orkney, who flashed a close up of a Sea Wraith on the screen; "Yuichi is correct that they are intelligent but only to a certain degree. We have learned that they are not of this realm. Part of the problem is where the outbreaks of these creatures are progressing." Nodding to Captain Orkney to bring up the worldwide history, "On the screen is the history of all outbreaks that have taken place since March of 2007. As you can see the pattern for yourselves, it is moving towards Japan itself. Unlike your world of old, in the 21st century the economies of each nation are intertwined with another making for global consequences if these economies are interrupted."
John stood and walked around, "Why did I bring all of you here? It is because of your abilities and that we can not just shell them at our leisure. On occasion they have made land fall and it gets dicey putting ordnance into heavily populated areas. Hence you have become the equivalent of a surgical strike team."
John, taking a message from Staff Sergeant Bloomberg; "It seems that the Wisconsin will be putting into San Diego earlier than planned, as during her combat action the speed that she was traveling will put her off of San Diego by Thursday morning. I want everyone to get some sleep and gather their thoughts for what is ahead. With the medical clearances granted and the Eisenkleid's and Kobuo's having cleared decontamination and now being shipped, we will be leaving for San Diego in the morning at 0600 hours. That is all I have, dismissed."