Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 17
Friday, January 22nd, 2010 – Long Family Estate – 1700 hours –
Martha had put together a shopping trip of grand proportions for the men and women that comprised Task Group Rose. In the guise of a visiting tour group, with the volunteer consorts from the Wisconsin they headed to the mall.
With Martha riding in the Suburban, John listened to the details of the shopping plan and as it would also allow them to interact for the first time with members of the public, John wondered who was paying for the shopping, "Mother with all due respect how are we going to handle all of the transactions?" Martha looking at her son, "Oh that is easy dear;" as she held up a credit card which bore the Flower Investment Group on face of the card.
Martha continued, "I gave the consorts credit cards so that they could help with the purchases. Besides the mall property is owned by Flower Investments so there will not be any problems." John ruefully hoped there would be none.
Friday, January 22nd, 2010 – Eastern Shopping Mall – 1800 hours –
In classes for the members of Task Group Rose to become familiar with the 21st century the idea of a large building to house many places to shop could not be fathomed by many. It was the sight of the huge complex when the busses entered the parking lot that stunned them the most. When told just how large it was, being in excess of 1,500,000 square feet of stores; Sumire asked her consort just what was in the building. Her consort did her best to describe what was within. Sumire got confused at the mentioning of numerous shoe stores, "But why so many, could there not be just one?" as she gave a perplexed look. Petty Officer Alice Jennings replied, "There are many different shoe stores for a reason. Some specialize in running shoes, others on dress shoes and there are even stores for hiking boots."
Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg had become the consort for Maria Tachibana and Kanna Kirishima. Tagging along with them were Leni Milchstrase and Iris Chateaubriand with their consort Petty Officer Nina Bell. Admiral Long would take station in the Mall's Food Court, where he would listen in to the radio traffic alert; for any problems that might arise. Each consort besides having a credit card for purchases carried a small Motorola radio to communicate with each other.
Mall management had set side an area of the Food Court where John and Martha could sit and wait for the shopping to be done. Though not too crowded, he watches the local teens as they did their own shopping and were joining their friends. The most noticeable shoppers were the Dream Division members in their colorful kimonos who with the assistance of their numerous consorts moved about the mall.
John wondered who was left on the Wisconsin to man the ship when Commander Matt Healey walked up with Kohran and her consort, "Hey John how are things going?" as John eyed the proffered shopping cart already piled with purchases. Standing to greet Matt, "Things are going well, though I really wonder just what you are planning to do with all that?" as he watched Kohran peer at an oscilloscope.
Matt who was smiling, "Kohran wanted some stuff for the workshop and so we visited Radio Shack, which Kohran found to be intriguing so I explained all the stuff she was interested in and we got what she wanted," John pulled him to the side, "Matt you know as well as I do that we can get anything she wants when it comes to equipment," Matt who crossed his beefy arms, "Yes I know that too, but that is her personal equipment. She told me she had left a lot behind." John shaking his head in wonder of it all, told Matt to have her purchases put on the busses which were being guarded by off duty San Diego County Sheriff Deputies.
John turned to his mother, "Martha I hope that you have clothing and other things that she needs on the shopping list, because we did not come here to clean out the local Radio Shack of its inventory," as he watched Matt grab hold of a second shopping cart it too full of electronics, Martha turning to look at the spectacle, "Yes she has clothing on her shopping list, but everyone will be getting extra things and you know it."
Sitting back down he spied Captain Sammy Walters and Commander Chris Tyler with Commanders Kaede Fujieda, Yuichi Kayama and Ichiro Oogami as they walked down the food court.
Sammy greeting John, "Fancy meeting you here," as she sat down next to him was holding onto some shopping bags. John sitting back in the chair, "Well I suppose you are helping too?" Nodding yes at his question, as Kaede joined them; John looked at Kaede, "Are you finding everything that you need or want?" as Kaede peered into her shopping bags.
Looking up Kaede, "Yes sir with help from Captain Hollister, it will take some getting used to this method of shopping." John glancing at Yuichi and Ichiro, "Are you both finding things, since Chris is with you?" Both who had been peering into their bags also nodded.
As the evening progressed the various members of Task Group Rose showed off their wares to John. Sumire and Orihime had found the Gucci store and both had also discovered Nordstrom's. John watching as they walked to the busses to store their purchases, turned to Martha who was knitting, "You planned this for them to become more familiar with how things are done here did you not? Smiling as she busily continued to knit, "But of course. You can describe to them all the things in this world, but if they don't have direct exposure to it how can they learn to cope."
John looking at what Martha was making, "Who is the sweater for?" Martha looking up, "Oh it's for Iris, I am sure she will enjoy having it." John looking at the handiwork pondered that with all the stores here in the Mall, his mother could buy one but instead wants to knit one. Looking up from her project, "I will also be making a sweater for each and every one of Task Group Rose, including the Dream Division." John doing the mental arithmetic, "There is no way for you to do that many by the time the Wisconsin sails." Martha looking unconcerned, "The Navy Wives Club of which I am still a member is helping out. The ones that don't get done in time for the Wisconsin's sailing, I will have them shipped to Japan and they will be there when the ship arrives."
Just as John stands up to get a cup of coffee, Matt comes over the radio, "John, the cargo bays on the busses are full. What would you like to do? Rent a truck?" Momentarily taken aback John keys the radio, "Well it would be our best option, but where do we find a rental agency that is open at this hour as its close to 2100 hours?"
A San Diego Sheriff Deputy intrudes over the radio to advise that the Sears store in the Mall has a Budget Rent-A-Truck department. John hearing that, "Well Matt you are elected, go get the largest truck that you can lay your hands on bring it back to where the buses are and we will start loading it as well." Matt does so and shortly returns with a 45 foot cargo truck with a lift gate.
Looking at Martha, "Mother now just suppose where in the heck we are going to put all this stuff on the Wisconsin? It is big, but there are limitations and I have been asking a lot from the crew." Putting down her needles, "The crew of that fine ship understands the situation and will be flexible as things warrant and you know that. Stop worrying about such trivial matters, Sammy and Chris both has told me that they have those issues taken care of."
John sighed and went to get his coffee and as he did so he wondered if the merchants were happy making all the money. Looking at his watch, they had 45 minutes remaining and as he returned to his seat in the Food Court; the consorts with their charges continued to move about.
Friday, January 22nd, 2010 – Parking Lot – 2215 hours –
With everyone accounted for the busses were loading their passengers, John noted that there were now two cargo trucks; "Matt, who is going to drive those things?" as Matt looked rather sheepish, "I'll drive one, one of my engineering volunteers will drive the other," as John gave up trying to imagine what had been purchased to require two 45 foot cargo trucks for transports. Turning to thank the Deputy Sheriff's for their services John looked back at Matt, "Just how much stuff did Kohran buy?" Matt shrugging his shoulders in return made his way to one of the trucks.
Friday, January 22nd, 2010 – Long Family Estate – 2330 hours –
Arriving at the Estate and going through the security checks the busses and the cargo trucks parked on the grounds. John advising everyone because of the late hour to leave everything where it was he ordered everyone off to bed. John looking at the parked vehicles knew that Saturday was going to be interesting as the young women showed off their purchases.
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 –Long Family Estate – 0400 hours –
Arising at 0400 hours he was met at the door of his cottage by Leni who sported a running outfit complete with Nike running shoes and her Chow sporting a black collar with I.D. tags. Joining them and similarly attired were the remainder of the Rose Division, including Iris. Turning to Kaede as he stepped off the porch, "Kaede, this is not a mandatory obligation. It is entirely voluntary," Surprised and coming to attention from parade rest, "Yes sir that is understood, but the Rose Division understands the needs of physical fitness and will follow all required United States Navy guidelines." Seeing his Chief of Staff, Captain Frank Orkney also an avid runner dressed out as well, John shrugged his shoulders; "Very well then, we will do a 6 kilometer run." Hearing no groans or other comments as he prepared to head out, Staff Sergeant Bloomberg stepped forward next to Maria and Kanna who both smiled at her appearance; Teresa, who had stepped forward of the group to be recognized by the Admiral; "Sir if I may take charge and lead the Division on the run, sir?" Giving his permission the run began.
As the group of runners passed the dormitory of the Dream Division, John noted that the consorts too were in formation and as members of Task Group Rose ran pass, the volunteers from the USS. Wisconsin joined in. John who counted 85 additional runners caught the eye of Frank, "Frank, who is minding the dormitory while everybody is out here?" Frank grinning, "I borrowed some Marines, they are patrolling the dormitory hallways."
Continuing the pace as he pondered how he was going to repay Major Anthony Robins for this.
Completing the run, and dismissing the Division till breakfast, John jogged back to the cottage from the dormitory after meeting the Marine Security Personnel who had taken the place of the consorts while on the run. Showering and changing, John strolled towards the parking lot just as the sun was rising just past 0700 hours.
John finding his father sitting in a parked John Deer all terrain utility vehicle sat down next to him, his father with a grin; "Surprised John?" Shaking his head no, "I kind of expected this. Where's Martha?" as he noted Will gazing down the access road towards the helicopter landing port.
Will looking a bit uncomfortable, "She's out feeding the Marines. From what I have been told by Koto, she is flipping pancakes." John at that point figured the payment for services rendered was being made at that moment, "Will wonders ever cease;" John quipped.
Seeing Commander Matt Healey strolling up, "Well Matt I hope you slept well, did you enjoy shopping with Kohran?" Smiling in return as he sat in the rear seat, "It was an enlightening experience especially for the clothing though going into Victoria Secrets was a bit too much so I had one of the female consorts go with her;" as John raised an eyebrow over that comment, the sound of a military Humvee as it drove up the access road caught his attention. In its front seat was Martha, and Major Anthony Robins was driving.
Quickly exiting the vehicle after it stopped, Major Robins rendered honors to the senior officers both active and retired; then walked to the passenger side of the vehicle to assist Martha out. Another John Deer utility cart driven by Koto Ota pulling a mobile grill and cook unit passed by with Koto waving as he headed to the rear of the Reception Hall. John stepping out of the utility vehicle shook hands with the Marine Major, "Major Robins thank you for the help that you have been providing. It has helped keep things smoothly working." The Major grinning, "It has been a pleasure sir and my troops appreciate the home cooking that your mother has been doing for us." Not wanting to know just how much Martha has been cooking, John skips asking for the details.
With Major Robins giving his thanks again he departs and as he drives off Kohran stops to gaze at the Hummer as it drives by. John, seeing her inquisitiveness as the Humvee disappears from view turns to Matt, "Matt I know how you love to tinker with things as she does, but no way in any shape, fashion or form that I will authorize the purchase or requisition of a Humvee here in the United States; besides where the heck would we put it? The hanger is going to be cramped enough with the Suburban being loaded on board. Please start small, perhaps with a Briggs and Stratton engine?" Sighing, "Then and only then if she dismantles the engine and puts it back together properly will I consider something more challenging. Besides, go talk to Kaede as she can testify to what can happen when Kohran tinkers too much. Some of her tinkering has resulted in some spectacular pyrotechnics."
Matt with resignation gets out, "Well I guess I can get an engine from Northern Supply Company which I saw on the way here. I explain the situation and I am sure she will understand." John mumbling, "God I hope so," as he visualizes daily explosions on the Wisconsin from her failed tinkering.
His father Will turned and patted him on the shoulder, "I know the feeling too, because that old lawn mower still works," as Will smiled at the memory of John dismantling a Briggs and Stratton engine when John was but 8 years old. The mower now nearly 40 years old and still used for the occasional trim, still sported the painted warning on it's engine cowling, "John DO NOT TAKE APART AGAIN! Signed DAD."
Will reaching for the Nextel laying in the seat next to him calls the rest of employees of the Estate to come to the parking lot to help unload the busses and trucks, turns to look at his son, "John you have been blessed. There will be the ups and down of life, but those can be dealt with as they come at you. Do the best you can. By the way are you up for range practice?" as Will taps the gun case sitting at his feet. John who nods yes but suggests breakfast first and Will starts the John Deer and they head off to the Reception Hall for breakfast.
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 –Long Family Estate – 0800 hours –
With breakfast out of the way, Will and John on their way to the indoor range that had been built on the Estate see Maria Tachibana and Teresa Bloomberg and invite both to join. Seeing the Maria's piece, her old style break open Colt, Will takes an interest in it; "Maria, if I may can I have a look at it?" Giving permission, Maria hands the old Colt to John's father. Admiring the workmanship and how well it had been cared for he carefully hands it back, "Maria, firearms technology has come a long way since 1927 and with modern ammunition as it is today I don't think your Colt will stand up to the new stuff. So how about considering something new?"
Maria who had seen Teresa's Glock 21C, "I have seen Teresa's weapon and it interests me can it be possible to obtain one?" as Will parked the John Deer utility vehicle at the entrance to the range he turned back to look at her, "Maria, I can get just about anything that strikes your fancy. Let's have a look at my collection and let you do some firing runs to see what you like."
John, who punched in the disarm code for the security system; "Maria, my father has quit a large collection from muzzle loaders to some examples that the general public can not get." Strolling to the entrance of the armory vault, John punched in another access code and waited patiently as the system disarmed and retracted the huge locking cylinders of the vault door. The door itself weighed in at 5 tons but so well balanced that it took only a finger tip to open. The vault extended for 250 feet along the building, with reinforced concrete measuring 6 feet in depth with the foundation resting on shock absorbers it was isolated from the earth itself.
Maria who was taking in some of the collection visible through the 3 inch thick blast resistant display doors which added another layer of protection was impressed, "I see you have an amazing collection of weaponry," seeing a Japanese Halberd, Maria turned to look at John, "Your father collects these too?" as she sees the Halberd, "Yes just about everything that strikes his interest." Spying the stand alone display case, he approaches and looks at a sword lying within. "Will, did this sword belong to Ikki?" as Will stopped beside him, "Yes it did John, and he brought that with him from Japan when he came to San Francisco to meet Herbert. It was a wise move to include the serial number of Herbert's Colt in your introduction letter as it proved without a doubt to Herbert that Ikki was telling the truth." Laying next to the sword was John's introduction letter that he had written for Ikki at the Imperial Theater in 1927. What was even more surprising was seeing the three deformed bullets. The very same ones removed from his body by an Imperial Army Surgeon in 1927. Why did Ikki bring those? John would never find out.
John turned to his father, "You were playing hide and seek with the sword and the letter?" nodding yes, Will shifting his gaze to the display case; "Herbert kept the sword in a bank lock box for a period of time. Then after his death, I had to play the shell game for many years as well. I knew you would be to busy to come home during the refit of the Wisconsin and the planning for the mission so I had the display case manufactured in 2008 and installed here. It has been in the vault since that time. When you requested that Herbert's Colt be sent to you, I knew at that point you were going on the mission and I just had to wait for the events to take place."
Seeing that Maria was looking at group of semi-automatics, Will walked over to her; "Maria see anything that you might like to try?" as he stopped next to her. Maria seeing the Glock 21C pointed to it and a Beretta 9MM. Will who disarmed the security system for that case, retrieved the guns and two others both which were Smith & Wesson's.
Walking out of the vault, Will went to a group of cabinets and walked till he found the one with the 9MM and the .45 caliber ammunition and retrieved the magazines for the selected weapons. Asking everyone to don the required shooting glasses and hearing protection, they entered the shooting range that extended for 100 yards.
With Teresa demonstrating the loading of the magazines, Maria loaded several for each of the previously selected weapons. John who had retrieved Herbert's Colt loaded several magazines himself and waited for Maria to complete her task. Teresa explained the safety on each of the weapons and then field stripped each one. Maria also field stripped and reassembled each one as well, to Teresa's satisfaction. Nodding to Will that they were ready to go, the target practice began.
Maria shot the Beretta 9MM first, the current weapon of choice for the U.S. Military. Not particularly pleased after putting it through its paces, she laid it aside and took up the Smith & Wesson's. Though each performed to her satisfaction she also laid them aside after clearing them and took up the Glock 21 C.
Maria began firing the Glock and adjusting to it as she continued to fire, her rounds on target migrated to the center circle within a matter of minutes. In the next lane, Teresa joined in and soon both Glock's were nearly firing as one. Punching the retract switches for both lanes; Will retrieved the targets which had been set to the 50 yard range.
Will turned to Maria, "Very impressive for shooting the Glock for the first time. Would you like one?" surprised at such an offer, Maria said yes. Will who turned to John, "Do you remember Ledford Morgan?" As he headed for a nearby telephone, "Yes I do Will he is retired from the Marines is he not?" Will dialing the phone, "Yes he is but he is a licensed distributor and I'll have him get a Glock 21 C for Maria and bring it out. While he is here he can fine tune it to her specifications."
John who got a description of Ledford and the vehicle that he would be driving, phones Captain Orkney; who notifies the Marine Security detail of Morgan's impending arrival. Escorted from the entrance by a Marine manned Humvee, Morgan arrives at the gun range by 1000 hours.
Seeing John waiting outside the building Ledford greets him, "Good morning John, "What is with all the security? A Marine Security Detachment no less;" Shaking hands with Ledford, "You could say I have brought some special guests," which about that point walking past and greeting both John and Ledford were the Dream Division on their way to their spiritual practice. Ledford seeing the Dream Division in their colorful kimonos, blinked twice and turned to look back at John, "Ok, I'll bite; just what is going on?" Motioning Ledford to enter the building, John told him he would explain everything.
Setting the gun case down on a nearby work table, Ledford turned to greet Will a long time friend and having served with him; Ledford held Will in high regard as he did John with established trusts with both men.
Seeing Teresa and Maria still within the range area, firing, "So which one is getting the Glock?" as Ledford opened the case to retrieve the weapon. John taking a chair, "The woman on lane 3, Maria Tachibana;" as Ledford eyed Maria, "Ok tell me about her and why you are obtaining the gun for her," as John expecting the question explained. "What you are about to hear is classified and is not to be repeated," as John explained the situation; Ledford sat back and took it all in.
John having completed the briefing to Ledford watched as he took out some forms from his briefcase, "These are for the weapon to document the purchase, please sign here and initial here," as Ledford pointed to the appropriate spots on the Federal Firearms Transfer Form. John doing so returned the documents and watched Ledford place them back into the briefcase.
Will taking it in, "Ledford did you bring some goodies with you to customize the weapon?" Turning to the sound of the door to the range as it opened, "Because I believe your new customer is ready for your skills;" seeing Maria enter the work shop area, Ledford sized her and Teresa up.
Ledford addressed Teresa, "Long time, no see Teresa;" as he smiled at her. Teresa showing a bit of surprise, "Master Sergeant Morgan, I did not know you knew Admiral Long." Walking up to Maria and asking her to hold out her shooting arm, "I and the Long's go way back. I served with Will Long during a couple of tours of duty with an Amphibious Task Group he commanded. I served with John, before being stationed in Iraq with you." Having Maria put her arm down he walked around her and stood before her again.
Noting the gloves, Ledford asked if she routinely wore them on an every day basis. John observed that Ledford did not miss a thing as he continued to interview Maria.
Satisfied, Ledford returned to the table and picked up the Glock he had brought and after rechecking that the weapon was still clear, he handed it to Maria who went through the same procedure. Examining her stance and how she held the weapon, he took a close look at her grip on the butt of the weapon. Turning to Teresa, "Give me a hand, I have some grip displays in the van," and with Teresa walked out.
Maria not quite understanding looked at the Admiral, "Grip displays?" John explained that Ledford had mockups with specialized grips mounted so that she could judge how the weapon would feel in her hand. Ledford returning with several of the displays set them on another table and removed each one and asked her to hold it as though she was in firing position. The grips were mounted on an exact replica of the Glock 21 C which was molded in plastic, mimicking the Glock's butt itself. Ledford had Will hand him each one until he found what he was looking for. Satisfied he jotted down the manufacture number and retrieved the grips from his van.
Ledford removed the OEM manufacture grips and replaced them with the specialized Pachmyer's which he then installed. His next chore was measuring her finger pull with a specialized measuring scale that was meant to measure her trigger finger's resistance to weight of a trigger being pulled. Adjusting the trigger break force till she felt comfortable with a 5 pound 5 ounce setting, Ledford disassembled the Glock. Opening a small case nearby, Ledford removed a small spring and replaced the OEM spring with the 5.5 spring and reassembled.
Looking at the stock sights, he opened another case and removed several. Choosing the Williams Fire Sights, he fitted them to the Glock and after zeroing them in, he handed the weapon to Maria. Turning to Teresa, "You'll be next, after I get done with Maria," as Teresa who tried to turn down the offer, Ledford held up his hand; "On the house, Teresa."
As Maria returned to the range, Ledford asked John who else would be outfitted. Pausing a moment; John turned and picked up the phone and called the Reception Hall. Koto who answered was instructed to have Lieutenants Kohran RI, Leni Milchstrase, Orihime Soletta and Lachette Altair with Commander's Fujieda, Kayama and Oogami report to the gun range. John thinking about the Hildebrand in the armory also had Lieutenant Sumire Kanzaki report as well.
With the individual members of Task Group Rose on the shooting range to choose their new side arms, John upon hearing the phone ring picked it up. Captain Orkney had received word that the modifications to the Koubu and the Eisenkleid had been completed from Commander Healey.
John had Captain Orkney setup a flight and operations test at the Naval Air Station for Monday afternoon to complete the final adjustments. It would be the first time that the Task Group Rose equipment would be fully operational and in itself would conclude another milestone.