Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 15
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 – Boeing 747 Transport – 0615 hours –
Admiral Long sat in the leather seat going over the medical report from Captain Walter Kincaid. Walter who had thankfully suffered nothing more than severely bruised ribs confirmed that the suspicions of the damaged and destroyed neural pathways.
Walter who was also on the aircraft, had wanted to continue interviewing Leni about her medical history; and was doing so at this moment as the aircraft climbed to cruise altitude. Next to Leni, her dog a Chow its white coat glistening, the dog had ridden in the cab of transporter number eleven into the year 2010.
Things had gone remarkably well with the Task Group Rose personnel coming into contact with an airplane that was for some the first time in their lives. John smiled as he recalled Kohran trying to look at one of the massive Pratt and Whitney engines of the 747 before boarding. Commander Matt Healey was going to have his hands full with her when she got onboard the Wisconsin.
The aircraft, piloted by a United States Navy Flight Crew was a "rental", but well worth the costs. With the seatbelt light flashing off, John got up to stretch and walk around. He headed aft to check on how things were going.
As he passed down the aisles he noted most were peering out the windows looking at what was passing by below. The sandy and arid land was slowly changing to green and the small cities that were visible below brought fascination and wonder to those onboard.
John supposed that if in the same situation, that he too would also be making guesses as to what people lived there and what they did for a living.
Arriving at Captain Frank Orkney's seat the Captain greeted him, "Admiral the expected arrival to Naval Air Station San Diego is 0750 hours. Ground transportation is waiting and will take us directly to your family estate. Dr. Cynthia Long will be waiting for us there. She stated that hotel property is ready to receive everyone and the volunteers from the Wisconsin are already there."
John had communicated the issue of bringing the Task Group Rose personnel up to speed on world events and Captain Sammy Hollister had taken up that issue. With the shipboard personnel already selectively chosen for the ships mission and thoroughly screened, he had little worry about unnecessary leaks. The men and women of the Wisconsin knew that what they were involved in was history making and highly sensitive as well.
Asking for volunteers to help got a huge response from the crew, with it now only requiring 900 to operate the small number involved was a blessing in disguise. The volunteers had been flown off the Wisconsin earlier in the morning to setup at the Long Estate. The remainder would join after the ship docked at San Diego.
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 – NAS San Diego, California – 0800 hours –
The gentle touchdown of the Boeing 747 with its arrival at Naval Air Station San Diego made the rest of the trip seem uneventful. John's only concern was having anyone who was curious at such a large unmarked aircraft becoming too nosey. Requesting that they keep curiosity seekers at a distance the Admiral was able to have disembarkation take place in an isolated part of the Naval Air Station.
A detachment of United States Marines, specializing in security were utilized and there were no incidents. The Dream Division, whose young women it was comprised of, were predisposed to wear their colorful kimonos; would attract the most attention so he wanted to avoid that.
The buses, their windows heavily tinted though marked with the insignia of a local bus touring company were in fact driven by military personnel. Leading the way, the Admiral's black Chevrolet Suburban; the roads cleared initially by Naval Air Station Police then the San Diego City Police Department and finally the California Highway Patrol. Above the buses were four AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopters manned by elements of the air corps belonging to the United States Marines, monitoring the route. If anything out of the ordinary occurred the aircraft already had their orders.
The Long Family Estate had started out small and had grown over the years. John knew Herbert had a hand it that and he had in the late 1940's bought up land as it went up for sale at dirt cheap prices. Buying and renovating a failed private school and a nearby hotel which was added to their holdings in the 1960's the estate all told covered 1,500 acres of land. Herbert would never specifically talk about what he was doing and even as late as 1961 just three months before his death in September in his sleep from natural causes; Herbert continued to press John to excel at what he was doing. His Father Will Long continued the pattern of purchasing land and in some cases tearing down buildings that he had no use for and landscaping the land back to its natural beauty.
His Father had said that one day he too would have a large family and he could bring them to the estate to enjoy it, but with Clair and Matthew's death he believed that dream would never happen. But Will would continue to make that odd prediction and sitting in the rear seat of the Suburban; John realized it was now coming true, the buses containing Task Group Rose was now indeed his family.
The California Highway Patrol units pulled to the side and the Suburban followed by the buses wheeled up a private road that was gated. The AH-64 Apache helicopters altered course and landed on the property at a helicopter landing field on the property itself.
They would join a United States Navy SH-60 transport helicopter, with U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 markings on it side. There, the aircraft with their crews would remain till it came time for Task Group Rose to depart back to San Diego. The estate well secured as it was, would have additional protection from United States Marine Security personnel posted about the property.
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 –Long Family Estate – 1000 hours –
Doctor Cynthia Janice Long, the oldest of the Long Family clan with the exception of Will Long at age 91 and her mother Martha at age 85; waited for the arrival of Admiral John Long and Task Group Rose. Alerted that the group had entered the private drive she had walked out to the front entrance of the former hotel and private school and stood in the cool morning day sun.
At the front entry behind her, in a rocking chair was John and C.J's father Will, patiently rocking in the chair that he had made himself years earlier. His eyes also a piercing deep blue; a trademark through out the family picked up the sight of the Suburban followed by the busses cresting the top of the road as they entered the grounds of the former school. Standing, and using a cane, a gift from a friend years before on the sides of the brass head engraved in intricate detail a flower in the pattern of a rose glimmered beneath his hand.
The Suburban rolled to a smooth stop, and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg stepped out and opened the rear door allowing the Admiral to exit. From the Passenger seat in the front Captain Orkney, the rear right passenger seat Commander Fujieda. Kaede nearly gawked in astonishment at the grounds, so well laid out with a Japanese style water garden and Koi fish swimming peacefully within it. Turning towards the buses and watching her command disembark; she was relieved to see individuals approaching each one to guide them to where they needed to go.
Feeling a presence next to her, she turned and looked into startling familiar blue eyes, but the hair was white; his military bearing nevertheless there and was greeted in Japanese with her name, "I am Admiral (retired) Will Long, I am John's Father it is a pleasure to finally meet you; having heard so much about you."
Turning towards Admiral John Long who was greeting his sister, "John, I believe your Father is here," John turned slightly and walked to his father and for the first time in two years was able to hug him," Dad, you are looking well how is mother?" Eyeing the Reception Hall building which was recently completed his father replied, "Just as spry as ever and in the kitchen too, been in there since six this morning when C.J. told us you were on the way."
John a bit concern, "I hope she is not trying to cook all the meals herself?" Will, smiling, "Hardly son, she insisted that everyone have a good home cooked meal. She had even had food sent out to the Marines in the field. The catering service is doing most of the cooking; she is just adding some special touches." John wondered if he was going to have to pry the Marines out of the Estate when it came time to leave. Marines love good cooking and will jealously guard their assigned real-estate even more.
Next chore was getting changed. One thing he insisted on was that there would be no military uniforms worn while at the Estate with the exception of the Marines on duty. He wanted a relaxed atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and focus more on what information had to be learned. Feeling a wet nose press against his hand he looked down.
The White Chow which belonged to Leni. It had remained so quiet that he had nearly forgotten that it had made the trip from 1927. Petting it on its forehead, the dog turned and spotted its master and silently ran after her. Will turned to follow the animal, spotted Leni as she walked towards the reception building, "So is that her son?" Yes Dad that is Leni, "I hoped you took care of matters" As Will gazed after her going down the sidewalk, "From what I have heard things were never pleasant for her in the early years," turning to his father, "Yes I did. The scientists involved were dealt with accordingly."
John, turned and looked at his dad, "Ok, Dad just how much do you know? Because even Mary and Julie do not know the full details of what happened." Will, turned; "A god awful lot more than I cared to learn at the time thanks to Herbert. His detailed descriptions pretty much had my stomach doing flops no thanks to you son." J.C. standing to the side interrupted, "I think that is enough arguing for now. John go get changed and go see your mother. She is waiting for you now, and don't dawdle." Watching as his father walked away, John wondered just how much Herbert had revealed of the future.
Staff Sergeant Bloomberg, had wheeled the Suburban next to a small cottage that was similar to others scattered about the grounds, colorfully painted and comfortably outfitted it would become his home for the next week. After changing clothes to civilian attire, he observed Teresa leaving her cabin nearby in jeans and a soft blue blouse. There was no hiding the fact that she was armed, it was meant as a statement that regardless of John's relaxing of the dress code she would still fulfill the duties she was assigned.
Though he had begun English lessons in 1927, many were still having trouble understanding or speaking it so Japanese was still being used by some. Walking into the reception hall and dinning area, John was taken aback by what he saw.
The reception hall interior nearly mimicked the layout of the Imperial Theaters grand stage at the far end, down to the orchestra pit. The only difference was instead of fixed chairs mounted to the floor; fold up chairs were in place along with numerous tables. Near the stage itself, the serving tables were lined with food. Martha, John's mother was in conversation with Maria Tachibana and Maria who was standing with her arms held out to her sides was being measured.
Martha, who at 85 years of age was barely 5 foot 3 inches but who had raised a brood of children; who would not take no for an answer was standing on a chair so she could get the measurements she wanted of Maria when John strolled up, "Mother what are you doing?" As John looked on, "Why John I wanted to make sure that Maria would get the right dress size and other clothing that she needs when we go shopping."
Maria, cocking her head downward; "Shopping? Shopping where?" But what clothing I have is fine. Martha chuckling, "No Maria it is not. As a woman of your stature you must be properly fitted." Kanna already at a table eating and between bites, "She got me too Admiral," As John began to speak but decided against it for the moment. His mother as head strong as she was; could easily put anyone into place and he had seen her do it more than once. Will Long coming up next to John, "Son, you might as well get used to it; Martha will measure every young lady in here before the day is out, including your Staff Sergeant." John shrugged his shoulders at Maria who had continued to endure the measuring.
Removing a note pad from one of the pockets of her apron and jotting down the necessary information, Martha stepped down from the chair with help from John and Maria, turning and eyeing her son, "You have lost weight too; I will measure you when I am done with the women." Hearing footsteps behind him, John turned to see Captain Walter Kincaid dressed in casual attire as well, "Walter are you going to be staying with us for a while?" to which Walter replied, "Might as well enjoy the spread," and seeing Will Long held out his hand which Will took and shook, "Walter you are looking well, how is the prognosis on Leni?"
John, his mouth agape; "Dad you need to tell me what is going on. Why and how did you know of Leni without ever meeting them before today?" Martha interrupting, "Oh that is easy John, Herbert told us. Now let's go to the stage John, as I have things that I have been holding on to that these people need to hear and read; and it will answer a lot of your questions."
Mounting the stage behind his mother, she directed John to a seat near a table that held a number of fire proof safes; each sealed and sporting massive high security locks. His mother walked to the center of the stage and picked up a wireless microphone transmitter and called for everyone's attention.
"Good morning everyone, I hope everyone had a pleasant flight from Nevada to California. I am Martha Long and standing next to me is my husband Will Long, John's father. I will call roll to ensure everyone is here." Without bothering to look at any reference, Martha began to call roll while Will, using a PDA marked those answering as present.
Turning to the head of the catering service, "Koto, will you please send some runners out to check on the ones who are not here," and as Koto did so John turned to his mother; "Mom, these are not ordinary caters. Just who do you have here?"
With the mike still hot, "Why dear these are the descendents of the Rose Division from 1927 of course." That got everyone's attention.
With the remaining few having arrived in the reception hall, Martha walked to the group of boxes on the stage and removing a key from her apron began to unlock the security locks. Once that was done, Martha asked that Tsubaki Takamura, Kasumi Fujii and Yuri Sakakibara come to the stage to assist. Giving instructions to them, Martha took a chair and sat down.
Martha looked over the intrepid travelers in her presence. Each one had taken a gamble on her son's pleadings and had answered their willingness to come to the year 2010 with sacrifices that meant essentially they would have no one to call family when they came here to this uncertain future.
Martha told of what was to come to pass after John's birth in 1954 had at first been disbelieving at the preposterous story that Herbert would lie before her, it was meeting a member of the former Rose Division; Sergeant Yokihiko Ota that swayed her belief. Ota had been in the employment of Herbert for many years and had even served with distinction in World War II. He had fought along side the United States Marines at Iwo Jima as did another member of the former Rose Division Captain Kotone Seiryuin who were combat translators. The former Captain of the Rose Division was laid to rest on Iwo Jima with his fellow brothers in arms after being killed in action.
The burden of carrying such knowledge of what was to come to pass weighed heavily on all during the intervening years.
Martha coming back to present day stood up and walked to the podium and began her presentation, "I have been expecting you for many years as well as Will Long my husband; who with help brought what you see around you to reality today.
My son, John Long did not have any knowledge of what events would transpire. Both Will and I labored to keep the truth from him."
Martha holding up a note book, "The packets that are being handed out to you contain a letter individually addressed to each and every one of you which was written before his death in 1947, the message is from the late General Ikki Yoneda." Tsubaki carried one to John and he opened the note book. As John read the letter he came to understand why Ikki gave his approval so readily.
John, gazing at the members of Task Group Rose as they read the personal letters to them understood Ikki's love for all of them, and just how much both Ikki and Count Hanakouji had sacrificed to ensure that the time travel mission to bring the Flower Division to the 21st century would work.
Martha continued, "You may think you do not have family existing any longer but you do. We are your family now and are proud to welcome you as family. You may think you are alone, but you are not."
Martha turned and looked at Will who stepped forward, "My father Herbert, of whom John had assumed his identity for his mission to 1927; was contacted by General Ikki Yoneda who migrated to San Francisco in September of 1927. First and foremost on Herbert's mind after reading a letter of introduction from John was the establishment of an investment firm. The company would be named Flower Investments. It was created specifically to manage the portfolios of your trust funds.
Financially speaking everyone is well off and will shortly be able to access the funds to help provide for your daily needs. For some of the younger members of the Dream Division; we have legal guardians who will assist you with those matters."
Turning to John, "If the Securities and Exchange Commission got wind of what you have done they would likely be rather upset to say the least son." John smiled at that comment as he had provided information to Herbert about a certain event that would occur in October of 1929. He supposed that Professor Wilkins who had a rather blank look on his face was wondering just what kind of information John had provided. Yet another do and don't regulation for the time travel bible.
After the meal which had been a smorgasbord of cultures, the tables were cleared and it was time for personal greet and meet time. Both Martha Long and Will Long made the rounds, introducing themselves to each member. John later would see his father who like him was an early riser; be accompanied at one time or another by members of Task Group Rose when he took his walks about the estate. Iris would be in frequent company as would Leni.
A mobile communications trailer had been discreetly setup on the estate and was manned by United States Marines so as to keep the Admiral aware of any message traffic that needed his attention. A uniformed Marine entered the reception hall and brought the message traffic to John for his review. Captain Orkney joining him, "What is the latest on the disturbances?" as John handed the stack of messages to Frank for him to read.
"Well I guess C.J. was correct about the movements. None have been detected or sighted in the Atlantic region or even in the Mediterranean Sea but only in the Pacific Region." After initialing the message traffic, Frank returned them to the Marine who departed. Sighting Commander Fujieda and Lieutenant Commander Oogami he motioned them over.
"Kaede, Ichiro, we are going to have our first official staff meeting tomorrow morning so as to make plans who we are going to utilize Task Group Rose to its fullest. I will have Commander Kayama join us then. Let's get together for this at 0900 hours. Until then; make sure everyone settled in and if they need anything; who they need to contact to get it." Acknowledging the orders both departed.
John departed the reception hall headed for the cottage where he changed into workout clothes. Heading to the gym he met Kanna who wanted to do a sparring match which he agreed to. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg by happenstance had come to the gym for an afternoon workout and joined in.
Teresa and Kanna were in height and weight evenly matched. Kanna's skill in the Ryukyuu Kirishima style of karate came into play. Teresa found herself in the unaccustomed position of being slammed into the gym mats on several occasions and looking at John, "Did you go through this with her as well?" as she struggled to regain her breath, "Several times Teresa. Her combat style is unique and it delivers the power to where she wants it, though there are ways to counter it," as John switched places with Teresa and demonstrated what he had learned.
Unaware that a crowd had gathered to watch, John and Kanna began their sparring match. Captain Orkney watching one particular bone jarring attack that sent both John and Kanna flying after making contact winced. Turning to Sumire who was taking in the match with some amusement, "Did John behave this way when he was there with you?" to which Sumire replied, "Yes he did. But John did so in an honorable fashion. He had to prove his leadership to all of us in someway. Being able to lead is one thing, but to fight in battle is another form of leadership and he proved that to all of us."
Martha and Will Long who had followed the crowed into the gym also were wincing each time the attacks began anew. Martha and Will both had practiced the martial arts earlier in their lives; had never imagined the form of karate that was being put on by Kanna and John. After the final counter-attack which Kanna ended up on the mat, Will stepped forward to end the work out. His concern was that John would press his luck too far and get hurt or Kanna herself would be injured in the melee.
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 –Long Family Estate – 1900 hours –
On the front porch of the cottage, John sat catching up on his reading. C.J. had dropped off research material for him to review for the staff meeting in the morning. In the distance, the strains of a concerto being played on a grand piano with a violin accompanying filtered out of the Reception Hall into the evening air, where Leni and Orihime had put on an impromptu performance which was being enjoyed and relished by Martha and others.
Will stepped onto the porch and taking a seat nearby, "Well John, you have done the unthinkable. How does it feel?" Looking at his father, "I sometimes wonder if I should pinch myself to wake up from a dream," As John laid the research material on the table.
His father chuckled, "Some dream that it has been," looking at the Reception Hall, "When Herbert first told me of what was to happen; I thought he had become senile, but after reading the letter that you had asked General Yoneda to give to him it convinced me that what was to happen would indeed occur.
Both your mother and I wrestled with the implications of what was to happen, so it was a struggle of sorts over the years to keep your future a secret." Sighing, "When you were hospitalized in 2007 after you blew up the U.S.S. Doyle; I had serious considerations about informing you then but Martha insisted that I not do it. So we kept quiet and watched from a distance. While you prepared the Wisconsin, I finished preparations here at the estate."
John looked at his father, "So who took care of Flower Investments in its daily operations?" Will sitting back in the chair, "Initially of course it was Herbert; he was also involved in the investigation into the disappearance of the Flower Division from Japan. Being that he knew the truth he helped with the cover-up. His report rather detailed at the time, helped bring the investigation to a close. Because Herbert was a respected intelligence gathering operative and a senior one at that his contacts at the War Department considered the report accurate and closed the case."
As Will continued, "Herbert having received the investment portfolio's belonging to the members of the Flower and Dream Division established Flower Investments in 1928 a year before the 1929 stock market crash. I can remember the day of the crash rather vividly. While others were in panic, Herbert was unconcerned. Sure there were some losses, but nothing major."
Will smiling, "After the crash of the market and banking industries Herbert carefully managed the portfolio's cherishing them almost like little children not yet born. He became almost overnight, an expert in investments. I could not imagine what he was enduring knowing that there would be some major events occurring that would make history.
After I graduated in 1938 from the Naval Academy, and had come home on leave he was changing before my eyes. Of course Ikki had been giving him a hand in the firm and having the former Rose Division personnel on the payroll of the company and as part of the family staff was in likelihood weighing heavily on his mind. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Herbert used his connections to keep Ikki and the others out of internment camps. Both former Sergeant Ota and Captain Seiryuin would volunteer as combat translators. Of course you now know Captain Seiryuin was killed in action on Iwo Jima."
Pausing a moment Will continued, "Ikki died of natural causes in 1947, of course he is buried here on the estate as are all of the former Rose Division with the exception of Captain Seiryuin. It was the least Herbert could do for them. He had their headstones made under their assumed identities. I have had replacements made with their real names and they are now in place at the cemetery."
Standing up Will prepared to leave, "I know this was not much in the way of telling what happened in the past, but at least you can rest knowing that the rest were well taken care of." With that Will bade good night, and walked towards the family residence in the distance.