Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
The Return
By Steve Edward
Chapter 22
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0645 hours local –
Commander Oogami, the last to touch down on the Wisconsin gathered the Rose Division together and led them to the Flag Bridge for debriefing. The Wisconsin's UAV sent to Pearl Harbor, the specialist flying it in communication with an F-22 Raptor flying escort.
Admiral Long turning to Captain Orkney, "Well Frank the troops did rather well. Contact Pearl Harbor and give them a heads up that a UAV belonging to us is inbound to them with an F-22 as escort. Make sure they get custody of it when it lands. We will retrieve it when we go pier side."
Turning to Sammy, "Ever had a news reporter onboard before?" as he turned to Petty Officer Bell and asked to borrow her headset.
Keying the transmit button, "USS Wisconsin to NEWS 8, are you still on this frequency?" while Sammy looked on. Elliot Webber onboard NEWS 8 hovering in the distance from the Wisconsin had captured the return of the Rose Combat Division keyed his radio, "USS Wisconsin this is NEWS 8 go ahead," puzzled by the voice. It was not a voice belonging to an enlisted man or woman but of someone in authority.
"NEWS 8, this is Admiral John Long; commanding officer Task Group Rose do you have a reporter onboard your craft over?" Glancing at Sandra Delray over his shoulder, "That's Affirmative Admiral Long, I do have one onboard." Smiling at Sammy, "Very well NEWS 8, you are receiving clearance to land once the flight deck is cleared; please following the landing instructions from Petty Officer Bell as she will guide you in. Advise your reporter that I am granting interviews with myself and the members of the Rose and Dream Divisions. This is Admiral Long out." Handing the headset back to Petty Officer Bell, Admiral John Long exited CIC to the Flag Bridge to debrief the Rose Division.
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0730 hours local -
Joining the Rose Division on the Flag Bridge, John listened to the after action reports. There were no exaggerations of what had occurred. Turning to Iris to listen to her explanation of what occurred when she deflected the energy blast, "Iris did the Dream Division aid in any fashion?" as she smiled back, "Yes Admiral, they helped out considerably and we are all grateful," as she looked to those around her.
Staff Sergeant Bloomberg interrupted, "Admiral your guests have landed. Where would you like to meet them?" Turning to Teresa, "On the flight deck, and have deck division bring some chairs out. Enough for the Rose and Dream divisions with 10 extra chairs. We are going to be doing interviews, and I think this will the best chance to do this where we can all have some privacy."
Calling Sammy on the bridge and advising what he had in mind, Sammy set course to the Northeast, away from the main island at 15 knots. The Shiloh, already low on fuel was directed to refuel from the tanker. McCain and Hooper were detached to continue their next missions as the Wisconsin sailed alone into the Pacific.
Elliot Webber set NEWS 8 down as directed, and the deck crew quickly secured it to the tie downs. Exiting the aircraft, and then opening the rear door for Sandra Delray he turned to look forward. A US Navy Petty Officer followed by two US Marines who had side arms approached. Introducing herself, Petty Officer Simmons asked if anyone needed anything and when told by Sandra she chuckled, "I suppose being in that thing you don't have one of those," and led her to a head inside the ship. The two Marines stood-by with Webber and his cameraman.
Elliot taking note of chairs being put in place, being set up in such a fashion that NEWS 8 with its NBC logo would be in the background waited. Elliot figured the Marines were not there to talk, so he did not bother to try to strike up small talk.
Elliot seeing the cameraman about to put his camera on his shoulders got his attention and shook his head not to do it, and his camera operator put the camera on the deck next to his feet. Elliot as he gazed around saw Sandra Delray and Petty Officer Simmons returning.
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – KNHL Television – 0745 hours local –
Ira Phelps the director and head of the KNHL News Department had been inundated by requests to use his live feed of the battle between the Rose Division and the Sea Wraith. After hearing the exchange between Admiral Long and the pilot of NEWS 8, Elliot Webber who had been directed to land on the Wisconsin; Ira got a cell phone call from Sandra who had called him after landing advising that the Admiral was to have her interview him and the Rose and Dream Divisions.
Of all the reporters that Ira had she was the youngest at age 22, the most inexperienced. He had tried to have Webber fly to Hilo to get Sandra off the helicopter and put a more experienced reporter who was on the ground in the helicopter, but Webber already on final approach to the Wisconsin advised he could not break off. The last words he heard from NEWS 8's pilot was, "She got the luck of the draw, let her run with it. This is NEWS 8 out."
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0800 hours local –
Sandra appearing somewhat nervous to Petty Officer Simmons, took her aside; "Ms. Delray, take some deep breaths and gather your thoughts. Think about what you want to convey to the audience that will be seeing this. Don't be overly aggressive or appear to be on the attack just to get your story. These people are human too, and they deserve to have their stories told by someone outside of the Department of Defense. Admiral John Long has given you opportunities that will never happen again so don't blow this." Seeing the Captain Orkney and Commander Fujieda were coming towards them, she wished Sandra good luck and stepped back.
Captain Frank Orkney looked over the reporter. She was young he was sure, very likely a newbie in the field of news reporting. Because she had been so low on the totem pole she had drawn chopper duty of what had been supposed to be a routine news report of an erupting volcano. Frank pondered if the Admiral's haphazard selection might prove to be wrong, but he laid his doubts aside and introducing himself along with Commander Fujieda briefly talked with her.
Elliot Webber approached Petty Officer Simmons and asked if he could be cleared to take still photos of the Rose and Dream Divisions. When asked to see his camera by Marla, he retrieved it from the helicopter. The Pentax camera a professional grade digital was 50 Megapixel rated. Nodding that he could, Marla gave a quick run down on what could not be photographed and acknowledging the restrictions placed the heavy duty strap around his neck and getting a nearby chair sat and waited for the show to begin.
The Rose and Dream Divisions assembled on the fantail and sat in the chairs that had been arrayed in such a way as to have the KNHL News 8 helicopter behind them. The Dream Division, dressed in their kimonos added to the already colorful scene from the helicopter's paint job.
Elliot from where he was sitting saw Admiral Long walking along the fantail to the interview area. Next to him walking 4 steps behind was Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg. He could see from her body language that she was alert to trouble even though the man she was charged with protecting was walking the deck of a 57,000 ton Battleship. Snapping some shots as the Admiral approached the fantail, he was surprised at how short Admiral John Long really was.
Elliot was surprised to see Admiral Long walking directly towards him, standing he greeted the Admiral, "Admiral Long, it is a pleasure to meet you sir," as he held out his hand. Admiral Long shaking the offered hand, "You must be Elliot Webber. Good flying out there this morning." John asking Elliot to walk with him towards the stern, "Mr. Webber, just call me John. Can you tell me what you saw from your point of observation when the Sea Wraith fired the energy blast?" Elliot shifting to his military observation training gave a blow by blow account of what he had been able to witness.
Asking Elliot if he would take the time to write out what he saw and give the report to Commander Kayama who Admiral Long pointed out, John thanked him and headed back to the where Sandra Delray was standing.
Sandra, who had seen the Admiral speaking with Elliot Webber wondered what it was about but Admiral Long when he introduced himself to her, put that question aside for the time being.
John, who was dressed casually in the uniform of the day, took his Wisconsin ball cap off and sat in a chair across from Sandra Delray. Taking in her appearance John smiling offered his hand, "Ms. Delray it is nice to meet you, welcome onboard the USS Wisconsin. Has your needs been met?" as Sandra acknowledge that the news crew had been taken care of, John told her she could begin the interviews.
Sandra Delray, who began the interviews of Task Group Rose had started with Admiral John Long; who noted that Sandra was a bit apprehensive, asking her to stop for a moment, "Ms. Delray why don't you relax a bit and just take in the people around you. Think about what the folks back home would like to know. Not just their personalities, but why they came with me to the year 2010 and more importantly their feelings for the people of this world that they have. That's the story you need to look for. It's not about me, it's about them."
Sandra, who took the advice to heart, restarted the interview. Elliot Webber, who was quietly walking about; snapped shots of the Rose and Dream Divisions, the shots not posed but taken during the casual interview done by Sandra with each one. From Iris whose near childish innocence belied the fact that she could be deadly serious in her duties, to Orihime Soletta whose love of music and her fellows hide the practical jokester that lay within her. The still photograph taken of Kanna Kirishima and Sumire Kanzaki who appeared to be in a heated argument was in fact a reenactment of a hysterical comedy skit that they had performed at the Imperial Theater in 1926. An improvised skit that helped save lives after a bomb had been planted in the narthex of the theater, the reenactment recorded for posterity while it was performed on the fantail of the USS Wisconsin.
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1230 hours local –
After completing the interviews, Sandra asked if she could interview a Wisconsin crewmember to be chosen at random by her. Admiral Long consulted with Captain Sammy Hollister and she agreed to the request. By happenstance Petty Officer Nina Bell who had been the consort to Leni and Iris in San Diego was chosen by Sandra and after her interview it was time for lunch.
Asking Petty Officer Simmons if she could eat in the enlisted mess and chat with other crewmembers Sandra was granted permission to do so by Commander Chris Tyler. After speaking with nearly 40 crewmembers off camera, Sandra concluded she had all the questions answered as best as anyone could. Sandra Delray noted that show of support for the Rose and Dream Division from the crew of the Wisconsin was so high that she had no doubt that anyone attempting to remove them from the ship would have a formidable task if they tried to do so.
Returning to the fantail to board NEWS 8, she was met by Admiral Long; "Ms. Delray I hope your stay was enjoyable?" as he stood next to the helicopter. Smiling she replied, "Yes Admiral it was, I am both awed and humbled by your people. They have sacrificed many things to be here now. It will be an honor to be able to tell their story."
Admiral Long nodding, "It is a story that needs to be told from a civilian perspective with no hype or exaggeration. Just tell the story how you see it," as Admiral Long turned to Elliot Webber. "Mr. Webber you have my permission to depart to Honolulu."
At 1245 hours NEWS 8, lifted from the fantail of the USS Wisconsin and preceded to Honolulu, where it landed at the television station and Sandra Delray and her interview tapes were rushed into the station. By Tuesday morning NBC was announcing a special edition of Dateline NBC News would be airing that night beginning at 8 PM, it would last 3 hours.
Monday, February 1st, 2010 – White House – 2000 hours local –
The President had just bid farewell to the Japanese Ambassador after assuring him that the rumors of the Rose and Dream Division being removed from the Wisconsin were untrue. Sitting back at his desk, his secretary announced that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had arrived. General Allen Gleason walked into the Oval Office and was greeted by the President, "Allen, how are things progressing?" as they took seats opposite of each other. General Allen opening a folder he was carrying, "Mr. President, the event that took place at about 0615 hours this morning in Hawaii with the Rose Division was considered successful. One of the Sea Wraith was recovered for examination, the other became shark food. As for the family on the beach they are doing well in a local hospital in Hilo, Hawaii. Admiral Long will be putting into Pearl Harbor on Tuesday morning."
The President relaxed and leaned back into the sofa, "What is 7th Fleet take on the incident?" as he accepted the folder from the General, "Alex too is impressed with the quick action. They have had five previous incidents in the past two years, not counting the March 2007 incidents. Alex advised he watched the action live as it was being broadcast on a local television station from their news helicopter." Opening a second folder, "Alex also advised that the television station news helicopter was invited to landed on the Wisconsin which it did so."
General Gleason flipped another page, "Alex spoke with John after the helicopter had departed and was informed that he had granted the news crew access to the Rose and Dream Division." The President smiling, "Who was the reporter who got to do the interviews?" as he leaned forward. General Allen replied, "A young reporter by the name of Sandra Delray. A rookie beat reporter who got the luck of the draw for doing the report on the Mauna Loa eruption. Her live blow by blow account during the battle with the Sea Wraith must have gotten Admiral Long's attention hence the invite. NBC has charted a private jet to Hawaii from Los Angeles with a Dateline NBC Producer and production crew onboard to assist with the editing of the interview tapes. The pilot of the helicopter, Elliot Webber took still photographs which apparently will be published in a special edition of Times Magazine. Will there be anything else sir?" as the General stood, the President replied; "No Allen that will be all and thank you for the update." The President stood and looking at his watch headed to the residence for the evening.
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0900 hours local –
As the Wisconsin entered the channel for Pearl Harbor, Admiral John Long took in the view of those welcoming the ship to Hawaii. Thousands had lined the shore line to welcome the ship, astern the USS Shiloh following in her wake. The United States Coast Guard had begun escorting the ship at Diamond Head just to keep pleasure craft well clear of the Wisconsin and the Shiloh. Manning the rails with the ships crew were members of the Rose and Dream Division. The Dream Divisions colorful kimonos breaking up the somber grey paint scheme of the Wisconsin.
Rendering honors to the USS Arizona as the Wisconsin passed, observers ashore noted the Dream Division members kneel. They had taken the prayer posture and maintained that position until the honors were complete; the sound of their haunting prayer chant could be heard ashore. Later translated, it was revealed that the Dream Division had offered solace to the lost souls of the valiant crew who had died during the surprise attack by Imperial Japanese Forces on December 7th, 1941. Admiral Long listening to the Dream Division silently agreed with their preference as it was the only way for them to offer apologies for such a grievous act.
Arriving pier side under heavy security, the Wisconsin moored starboard side to; in the distance her sistership the USS Missouri now a museum docked across the way displayed a huge welcome banner. Admiral Long accompanied by Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg and his Chief of Staff, Captain Frank Orkney waited on the quarterdeck for Admiral Alex Guthrie commanding officer United States 7th Fleet to exit his official vehicle.
Admiral Alex Guthrie after being piped onboard shook hands with Admiral John Long, "John it is good to see you again. You certainly know how to make an entrance," as they walked along the deck. John glancing ahead to see Commander Kaede Fujieda waiting at the entryway that will take them to the flag briefing room, "Well I was trying to be low key but that unfortunate mess in Washington upset the apple cart Alex."
Entering the briefing room both Admiral's were greeted and recognized by the Rose and Dream Divisions standing as one. Admiral Guthrie taking in the Dream Division turned to Admiral Long, "Well John, when at first upon hearing the descriptions of the Dream Division and then seeing them manning the rails I can see that there were no exaggerations."
After being introduced by Admiral Long, Admiral Alex Guthrie sat down and looked among the members of Task Group Rose. With the exception of Lieutenant Commander Ichiro Oogami and Commander Yuichi Kayama all are women or very young girls.
Admiral Long had all of them introduce themselves to Alex and as they did so from time to time Admiral Guthrie interrupted to ask them questions individually. Satisfied, Admiral Guthrie then spoke individually to each member of the Rose Combat Division about their recent combat experience with the Sea Wraith. It was when he had finished speaking with Iris Chateaubriand that he turned to his aide and nodded. Asking her to stand, Admiral Alex Guthrie removed from the briefcase, a medal case and a blue award binder. Directing her to come front and center, "Lieutenant Iris Chateaubriand, it is hereby recognized that while in the performance of your duties on or about Monday, February 1st in the year 2010 while engaged in combat with entities known as the Sea Wraith while in Hawaiian waters near Hilo, Hawaii you in fact risked your life to prevent harm to innocent civilians who were on a beach near the combat zone. By placing yourself in the direct line of fire of the Sea Wraith you did in fact prevent harm to the Grace Family and afterward along with Lieutenant Commander Maria Tachibana and Lieutenant Sakura Shinguji provided medical attention to their injuries suffered during their attempt to escape the combat zone. It is hereby directed that you be awarded the United States Navy and Marine Corps Life Saving Medal for your actions, signed by myself Admiral Alex Guthrie United States 7th Fleet Commanding." Admiral Long already knowing that the award would be presented began to applaud as the Rose and Dream Divisions cheered.
Concluding the awards ceremony, Admiral Alex Guthrie formally invited the Rose and Dream Divisions to a reception at his official residence Wednesday evening at 1900 hours. Dismissing Task Group Rose for the remainder of the day, Admiral Long and Admiral Guthrie departed.
Sumire Kanzaki turned to Kanna Kirishima asking; "Well Kanna, I hope you have something formal that you can wear for such an event!" as Admiral Long and Admiral Guthrie still close by in the passageway could hear the start of their argument. Alex turned to John shaking his head, "John, do those young ladies go at it like that all the time?" as he and Alex went down a ladder well, "Only when it suites them to irritate each other; though Sumire may be left speechless when she sees Kanna decked out in the dress that she got when we were in San Diego."
After being piped off the ship, Admiral Guthrie turned to John standing with him at the foot of the brow, "I'll expect you at 0900 hours at my headquarters in the morning for a full briefing. By then hopefully we will have some idea to as what the Sea Wraith that Iris killed is composed of. Also bring your engineering specialist Kohran Ri and your Intelligence Officer, Commander Yuichi Kayama. I am rather interested in the Koubus and I will want to schedule visit to examine one up close." Acknowledging Admiral Guthrie's requests Admiral Long saluted and reboarded the Wisconsin.
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1400 hours local –
After briefing Kohran Ri that she would be going with him to a meeting with US 7th Fleet and getting an intelligence report from Commander Kayama who was also informed that he too would be attending the meeting, Admiral Long decided to talk with Commander Kaede Fujieda for the remainder of the morning. The talks ranged from the performance of the Combat Division to their overall morale.
Leaning back in his chair with his eyes focused on the ceiling, Admiral Long acknowledged the knock on his door and gave clearance for the individual to enter.
Captain Sammy Hollister entered followed by Commander Mike Sherman, "Well John, are you resting your eyes or trying to figure out a way to extricate yourself from the reception at 7th?" as Commander Sherman took a chair and sat in front of the Admiral's desk.
John sitting back up his blue eyes flashing, "Both, but I can not avoid the reception and neither can you," as he slid two envelopes. One to Captain Hollister and the other to Commander Sherman which after opening Commander Sherman groaned, "Well so much for going surfing."
Sammy who had read her invitation, "Informal, Dress of the Day; Hmm seems 7th is trying his best to make people comfortable," as she looked at John. John who was fingering his own invitation, "Considering that we did not have time to get the Rose Division fully uniformed, I asked Alex to keep it simple. The ladies shall be able to wear their dresses. Though I understand Commander Fujieda had been to visit the Navy Exchange to get some formal uniforms," while looking at Sammy who tried to maintain her innocent look.
Sammy glancing at Mike, "Well what could I do, I am not going to leave her adrift to figure out the Navy Dress Code so we went shopping," as Mike Sherman chuckled at the vision of a Navy Captain shopping for a Navy Commander. Glaring at Mike, "Watch it young man, I've can swing 'C' turret around and put one up your ass. I know where you parked!" Seeing that Sammy was getting very close to doing it, John interrupted; "I think Mike has no idea what we have been going through with the Rose and Dream Divisions so to speak."
Turning to Sammy, "Sammy, what are your plans for your crew liberty ashore?" as he turned to pickup a folder he had laid aside; Sammy replied, "Standard watch sections. I got four inport watch sections. Sections 2 and 4 will man the ship with 1 and 3 off for liberty tonight, basically port and starboard watches; since we are still steaming and on ships power just in case we got to get underway." Not finding the folder he was looking for John got up and walked to a nearby table, "Did Commander Healey have grips about maintaining a steaming watch?" as he returned to his desk, Sammy replied; "No grips or complaints in fact because of the short stay he prefers that we stay hot in the first place. I have directed that he rotate the boilers while we are inport which he said would be no problem. Are we still scheduled for getting underway next Monday the 8th?"
John moving another folder aside, "Yes that is the scheduled underway date. Time of departure is for 0900 hours. I have confirmed the USS Shiloh is to stay with us. Congrats Mike, sorry about the baby sit job."
Commander Sherman standing, "I'll break the news to my Executive Officer. I am sure it will break her heart to hear it," as Sammy found a note pad and tore a sheet off of it and threw it at Mike who ducked as he left. Sammy turning back to John, "One of these days he is going to press the wrong button and pow he is going to get it in the kisser." Chuckling, John sat back in his chair, "Well Sammy I suppose he already pressed that button. After all he did marry your sister did he not?" Sammy gripped, "You would have to bring that up," as she stood up and walked out of the cabin and broke into a run to catch her sister's husband.