Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 18
Monday, January 25th, 2010 – Naval Air Station San Diego – 0900 hours –
It was the first chance for Task Group Rose to test their recently refitted Koubus and Eisenkleids. Commander Matt Healey appeared ubiquitous at first. For Naval Aviation personnel who were doing the final checks of the jet back packs, the sight of the Chief Engineer of the Wisconsin in a tee-shirt with the rest of his work suite tied around his waste; managing to wiggle into the access hatches of the equipment had many of them wondering just what he was there for.
The mating of steam power and jet power propulsion was far from an easy task. Matt who had been working with the Navy Aviation engineers since Sunday to iron out the last kinks, withdrew from Lieutenant Milchstrase's unit main access panel, turning the locking pins to the secure position.
As Matt straightened out the kinks in his back, he heard the approach of the busses carrying Task Group Rose. Turning to look at them as they stopped to disembark their passengers; he cracked a smile at the new g-shock suites that each one now wore. Still colorful as ever, and much improved thanks to 21st century technology the state of the art suites would better protect their wearers than what they had worn in 1927. It was when Iris walked off the bus that caused the most disbelief. A nearby veteran combat pilot got jabbed in the ribs by his female Radar Intercept Officer, for uttering the comment that they sure are getting younger every day.
Matt pulled the lower half of his work suite back up and refastened it. After seeing where Captain Hollister and Admiral Long were he went to join them. Sammy who had wanted to see the testing to see just how the Rose Combat Division would work on the Wisconsin was sitting on the lowered tailgate of the Suburban, "John are you sure this is really a good idea to do it here and not somewhere else?" as she watched the Rose Combat Division man their equipment. John turning back, "This is the best place as any to do the tests and get a feel for how their equipment now handles. It would have been like sending the Wisconsin to sea and not knowing her new capabilities and trying to fight the ship and discovering that it would not do what you wanted it to do in a crisis."
As Matt strolled up and plopped into a nearby chair, John gave him a questioning look; "Well Matt, how about it?" Matt sighed cracking his neck, "As things go, I have done all I could. Kohran is happy as clams over the refits. She has by the way boosted the output of the jetpacks by 20 percent." John turning to look at Matt, "I really hope that she had some help with that? The last thing I need is someone getting hurt." Matt smiled, "She did just fine, and the jetpacks can handle the added boost."
With the support equipment moved away and after requesting permission to begin the testing, Commander Fujieda gave the order to begin. Including Commander Oogami's unit there were 10 in all and as one they initiated the start sequence. As each called out their readings of their particular equipment, they then after clearance moved off.
The deafening noise caused Sammy to put ear protectors on and she watched in interest as each unit went through its paces. John conferring with the Air Station Representative turned to look as the last unit piloted by Sakura did a pirouette in mid-air to land next to her comrades in the prescribed formation chosen for mass take-off.
Matt who had noted the readings looked at John and nodded, "You have clearance for the next phase sir." As John nodded to Kasumi Fujii she gave the orders to launch, "All Rose Combat Units are clear for launch, your initial heading is 290 degrees, set formation Bravo." With that the jet packs spooled up and Task Group Rose launched together for the first time.
For the next 2 hours, Task Group Rose Combat Division put their machines through the paces. From simulated touch and go landings on a nearby runway to familiarize themselves with the deck of a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier to the landing on the simulated outline of their landing area on the Wisconsin they all did remarkably well.
Satisfied with the testing, John had Kasumi give the orders to land directly onto the trailers which had shuttled the Koubus and the Eisenkleids from the hanger. After shut down and the ground crew securing the equipment the Combat Division dismounted.
Having them gather around John made an announcement, "All of you have demonstrated that you can indeed handle the Koubu's and the Eisenkleid's. While you have been testing the equipment a special guest has been observing from nearby and he would now like to meet all of you. Please board the buses and we will go and meet him now."
Sammy, mystified at who might be the visitor; "Admiral, just who are we going to meet?" as she got into the passenger seat of the Suburban. John turning with a bit of a twinkle in eye; "Sammy, we are going to meet the President of the United States."
Monday, January 25th, 2010 – Naval Air Station San Diego – 1200 hours –
Sitting in the chair as the Rose Combat Division had conducted the testing of their equipment, the President of the United States had watched intently. The President pondered if he was asking too much from such a group of young women, especially Iris. He too had seen Iris get off the bus and mount her Koubu, her cheerfulness evident. He had faced many crises in the past several years and it had weighed heavily on him. The emergence of the Sea Wraith in 2007 and witnessing the destruction of the USS Doyle FFG-39 from the situation room in the White House, when then Rear Admiral Long deliberately rammed the ship into the Sea Wraith to save the Queen Elizabeth 2 from attack.
Hearing the proposed plan to bring back the then mystical Imperial Flower Combat Division and the Dream Division in 2008 from Admiral Long and approving it, had all come to this. Captain Frank Orkney who had described the testing sequence for the equipment stood nearby and quietly advised a Presidential Aide that the Rose Division were now enroute. The Aide who notified the President, then nodded to a nearby Secret Service agent that they were to be going to the planned meeting area. As the President stood, he took one last look at the Koubus and Eisenkleids as the transports moved them to the hanger wondering if he had made the right decision.
The meeting room was normally used for briefing and debriefings of Navy pilots after having completing a flight mission. The room had been cleared and searched by the Secret Service. New furniture had been brought in for the occasion, and carefully laid out. Admiral John Long entering the room noted the casual layout and that the Dream Division had been brought to the Air Station as well. The President wanted to be up close and personal with the Task Group Rose and that was the way he had wanted it. Taking a position so he could observe the doorway, John waited.
Seeing the Presidential Party as they began to enter, "Attention on Deck, The President of the United States," as he entered, John noted with much satisfaction that no one looked to the rear to catch an early glimpse. The President a former Navy man himself gave the carry on orders directly. Dressed casually, the President approached John and shook his hand, "John, I am impressed; your descriptions of these young women do not do them justice," as he took in the Dream Division.
Turning back to John the President asked, "Are you sure that this is the right choice? They have given up everything that they knew to come here. Many are in my mind too young for this," as John put a hand on the President's shoulder; "Mr. President, it was the right thing to do and they truly want to help. Let me introduce you to them please." Admiral John Long began the introductions.
John noted that each one left an impression on the President, from Kanna whose firm hand shake could make anyone wince did not seem to bother the President to Sakura who became momentarily flustered at addressing him. It was Iris that caught the President's attention when she sent Jean-Paul into a hovering position in the center of the room; the Secret Service Agents even though briefed had focused on the stuffed bear as it briefly moved in front of the President.
John making eye contact with Iris, had her send it back to the center of the room over the heads of the Dream Division who were unconcerned by Jean-Paul's movements. Meeting Leni, the President sat down and spoke with her; John unable to hear what was being said knew that Captain Kincaid had indeed briefed the President on her situation.
The President then turned to John, "I would like you to leave the room Admiral and that goes for the Secret Service as well. I would like to speak with these people privately." Acknowledging the order, John walked towards the door and saw that one Secret Service Agent was hesitating, "Agent you heard the order; leave the room. I can attest to the President's safety. He is likely protected better than he could ever be anywhere at the moment."
Looking at Commander Fujieda, "Kaede, when the President so directs please send someone to get us," as John exited the room and pulled the door shut.
When the door closed the President of the United States took a breath and began to ask questions. The talks lasted one and a half hours; the aides to the President were starting to get antsy, as John who was unconcerned by the elapse of time had seen the break lounge across from the meeting room; had taken a seat on a battered sofa with Captain Hollister who had outlined some tactical formations after observing the performance of the Koubus and Eisenkleids. Engrossed in conversation with Frank and Sammy, he did not see the door to the meeting room open.
Tsubaki, who had opened the door and peered out looking for the Admiral called for him, Frank and Sammy to come into the room but asked that everyone else to stay outside.
An Aide, who tried to come into the room behind Frank, was stopped by Maria. Her imposing stature and her body language was enough to make the aide swallow heavily and back peddle.
The President seeing the spectacle, chuckled, "I supposed I have caused some scheduling conflicts for the rest of the day," as John walked up to him. Turning to see Maria at the door giving the aide her silent treatment, "They get paid to fix such things, Mr. President. You had some things on your mind that needed to be addressed," as John and the President sat down.
The President briefly nodded reached for a nearby briefcase and opened it. Withdrawing a large manila folder, he handed it to John, "Within that folder is an intelligence report received from British Intelligence and backed up by the Central Intelligence Agency. We have confirmation that a scientific research project called Project Wachstum has resurfaced." Turning to the President as John opened the folder, "It figures that something like this would have happened. Certain governments are beginning to panic," as John scanned the documents. The President who had spoken at great length to both Iris and Leni, "John, you were right in dismantling the operation in 1927 Japan. Had it been successful we might have had an entirely different outcome in World War II."
The President stood, "I am going to authorize military intervention on this matter. The British are also joining as well." Bringing up a different subject altogether the President spoke, "John, will Task Group Rose be ready to sail by Friday?" as he looked questionably, John replied; "Yes sir, the Wisconsin sails as scheduled. We will conduct additional training while enroute to Tokyo." With that the President thanked John and bid farewell to Task Group Rose as he walked towards the door.
Monday, January 25th, 2010 – Long Family Estate – 1630 hours –
Returning to the Long Family Estate, John held a brief staff meeting before the evening meal. Directing Captain Orkney and Commander Fujieda to prepare Task Group Rose for boarding the Wisconsin on Wednesday the 27th of January he also directed that the consorts assist their charges with selecting what clothing could be carried and what should be left for shipment to Japan. That evening the process for moving Task Group Rose began.
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 – Long Family Estate – 0700 hours –
Ledford Morgan arrived with the selected side arms for the remainder of Task Group Rose. Ensuring that they had made the correct choices for their side arms, Ledford finished the process of customizing each weapon. The Admiral noted that all had selected .45 caliber chambered weapons vice 9MM. Whether it was from personal experience or just their preferences, a .45 caliber chambered side arm became the weapon of choice to be carried by members of Task Group Rose.
The final selection of clothing and other personal effects were made, and a U.S. Navy Deuce and a half was summoned from the Naval Station and loaded. It was sent on to the Wisconsin where crew members would unload and place the personal property in each assigned living quarters. Captain Hollister made her final trip to the Long Estate in the afternoon to report on the status of the ship and supply load out. Sammy dropped a hint to John, that Kohran's work shop was rather well equipped for that on a Navy ship, leaving him to wonder just how much Matt and Kohran had bought at the mall.
John held his final staff meeting at the estate and directed that the movement of personnel begin at 0800 hours on Wednesday. For the remainder of the day he went through the mundane requirement of reports and clearing up the final snags of moving such a diverse group of people.
Koto Ota prepared the left over personal effects for shipment to Japan and had summoned a Federal Express truck for the loading and transfer. The final box was loaded at 1700 hours and the truck was sent on its way.
Martha and Will Long held a farewell party in the Reception Hall and John was surprised that Martha had come through with her promise of having a knitted sweater for each and every one of the Combat Division as well as the Dream Division. Martha with a smile gave John a peck on the cheek as she handed him his sweater and wished him and crew God Speed.
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0930 hours –
Standing aft of the port side quarterdeck, Admiral Long now back in uniform observed the boarding of Task Group Rose. The Wisconsin had been placed well away from main body of ships that made San Diego their homeport, in the distance the mixture of destroyers and cruisers fused together to create a grayish background.
Commander Fujieda approached and saluted handing him some message traffic from Cynthia Long who was now in Tokyo, "John, you can expect some action to be forthcoming in the next two weeks that could be of considerable proportions. Several minor outbreaks have occurred. All the Sea Wraiths were from the 70 feet to 120 foot range and were destroyed after numerous attacks were conducted against them," frowning; John read the addendum to see what happened. Looking at his watch, he had Commander Fujieda notify Captain Orkney that he wanted a staff meeting in the afternoon at 1300 hours. Turning on his heel, John headed aft to the rear deck hatch that would take him to the hanger bay and Kohran's workshop. After briefly inspecting the workshop, Admiral Long headed forward to prepare for the staff meeting. He had been correct, Kohran and Matt had cleaned out the Radio Shack.
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1300 hours –
Sitting at the table with his staff, Admiral Long reviewed the status of the Task Group Rose load out. The Koubus and Eisenkleids would be loaded by crane beginning at 1900 hours. He directed that Kohran and Commander Healey supervise and work with the deck division of who were handling the evolution, so that the equipment was properly stowed and secured for sea. It was the Sea Wraith alert forecast that he brought up next.
Turning to the display screen, "Cynthia, who is in Tokyo, sent this projected forecast for Sea Wraith outbreaks this morning; which looks at the next two weeks. As John stood he tapped a key on the laptop, "Cynthia along with other scientists note that the forecasts are at best a what if situation. Every time there is an actual occurrence the data from that appearance is added to the database and the forecast rate improves.
John tapped another key, "There is also the disturbing problem that the Sea Wraith are getting larger and in some cases harder to take out. If not hit directly they will regenerate into a separate entity." Commander Kayama spoke up, "Admiral that had occurred in some cases with the Kouma in Japan. During some of the battles the regeneration of the wounded Kouma had proved to be problematic."
John nodded, "An attack by a Sea Wraith against a Russian Cargo ship which was destroyed demonstrated that. Two U.S. Navy heavy cruisers engaged it and watched it split into three separate entities. A Russian Navy heavy cruiser joined in on the battle and utilizing their ordnance; all three were finally destroyed. The final tally was one cargo ship sunk, its crew dead and three Navy vessels damaged. I can not stress the importance of getting taking on the Sea Wraith at a distance. The paranormal energy released by them has played havoc with modern day fighting ships. This brings us to the defensive barrier that Commander Fujieda and Lieutenant Commander Oogami have been working on."
Turning to Commander Oogami, John asked him to begin his presentation, "I have been along with Commander Fujieda have developed a workable solution to the former Imperial Capital Spiritual Barricade Formation. We have named it the Rose Shield and it can be used on the move." Tapping the keyboard, "This overhead view shows the placement of Task Group Rose. The key is going to be Iris at the center. With the Dream Division on the Wisconsin as long as we are within line of sight it will work. The added numbers of Dream Division mystics will at best estimate give us a barrier circumference of 10,000 yards." Tapping another key, "We have also come up with a way to help protect the ship itself from the paranormal energy attacks. That is by utilizing the degaussing equipment to alter the magnetic field of the ship.
Intrigued by that statement Admiral Long asked for further details from Oogami, "By flipping the magnetic field that naturally surrounds the ship, the paranormal energy which is essentially an electrical field will when it encounters the ships continually shifting magnetic field will be dispersed harmlessly through the ships hull to the surrounding ocean." John sitting back in his chair, "If your theory on altering a ship's magnetic field to disperse a paranormal energy release from a Sea Wraith would be possible lets get this information out world wide to all concerned parties. Maybe it can save some lives." Directing that Captain Orkney draft a message for release, Admiral Long adjourned the briefing.
The high priority message addressing a possible defensive solution to the paranormal energy attack by the Sea Wraith was dispatched and broadcast world wide. Shipping companies in turn notified their ships of the possible defensive solution which for one ship came just in time.
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 – Mid-Pacific – 1730 hours –
An earthquake notification and Sea Wraith alert was issued after a 6.0 magnitude event took place. As surveillance satellites began to focus on the area of interest, they picked up the only ship in the area, a rare American flagged bulk cargo carrier the Pacific Freedom. It's Master, Josh Dillion had just received the emergency message concerning the possible counter-measure to an attack by a Sea Wraith. Dillon, who had already encountered the Sea Wraith twice before had been lucky as there had been military forces in the area. With their help they had been able to distract the Wraith from his ship.
This time no such luck, the nearest military asset was a P3-C Orion anti-submarine aircraft and it was an hour away, when Dillon got a report of the Sea Wraith being sighted. The Pacific Freedom was not by any means a speed demon, grossing at 85,000 tons at full load her maximum speed through the water was a mere 24 knots.
His Chief Engineer having read the message that originated from the Wisconsin was at the degaussing control station in the engine room after pushing the throttles of the Nissan Diesel power plant to their max settings. Dillon on the bridge uttered an explicative when the Sea Wraith cut loose. Ordering the helm put hard over, he calmly advised the Engineer that they had incoming from the Sea Wraith. Taking manual control of the degaussing system, the Chief Engineer began to alter the magnetic field of the Pacific Freedom. With the ship barely beginning to answer her helm, the roiling ball of energy impacted on the hull, 120 feet forward of the bridge and it dissipated after causing what sounded like a brief crack of thunder that would come from a lightning strike during a thunderstorm, leaving a small burned spot of paint.
By the time the P3-C Orion Maritime Patrol aircraft had arrived on station to assist the Pacific Freedom there was nothing left for the aircraft to shoot at. Dillon unable to dodge the paranormal energy blasts had endured 15 direct hits without damage except to the ships paint job. Having enough of the Sea Wraith, Dillon maneuvered the Pacific Freedom and rammed it at 24 knots. Though hideous to look at it could apparently show expressions, as it did so when the 85,000 ton Pacific Freedom rammed it at 24 knots, the Sea Wraith forced beneath the surface as the Pacific Freedom rode over it; the Wraith met its doom when the twin screws of the Pacific Freedom turning at 122 revolutions per minute chewed the creature to pieces. The DVD recording made by a crewman on the bridge was uploaded by satellite and forwarded to the Pentagon.