Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 23
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 – US 7th Fleet HQ – 1100 hours local –
The briefing began at 0900 hours with details of the Wisconsin's new capabilities and a side by side comparison to the USS Missouri now residing in Pearl Harbor. With the variable pitch propellers giving the Wisconsin a top speed of nearly 60 knots and her redesigned 16 inch main guns along with hardened phased array transmit antennas, gave her the same search capability as that of a Ticonderoga class cruiser. Admiral Guthrie sat back and listened intently. With vertical launch missiles both anti-air and anti-ship; she would be a hard target even for a submarine to take out.
Turning to the details of the mythical Koubus and Eisenkleids, Admiral John Long turned that over to Kohran Ri, who was put through a battery of questions by both Admiral Guthrie and his staff. Satisfied with what he heard, Admiral Guthrie asked Commander Kayama to give his briefing on the Sea Wraith.
Completing his report which included a video uplink to the Tokyo Seismology Institute where Admiral Long's sister Doctor Cynthia Janice Long gave her forecast for further outbreaks the briefing adjourned at 1100 hours.
Alex sitting at the briefing table turned to John, "Well your sister did not pull any punches. Though she and Professor Kereru were perplexed at not having a Tsunami from the underwater quake, what has NOAA been able to find out?"
John opened a folder to review the contents, "At best NOAA is baffled as Cynthia. They have a research ship headed to the site this morning to do a survey but I am going to say that they will likely find the same thing that was found off the coast of Baja, California. An entire mountain range flattened, that for all practical purposes imploded and collapsed on itself."
Admiral Guthrie stood and walked to a detailed sea floor chart, "Imploded as in like bringing a building down using strategically placed charges and using its own kinetic energy to destroy. The energy being focused downward does not spread outward but only downward." John stood and joined him, "Yes in short that is the best description. So as to how the Sea Wraith appear from this type of event is something Commander Kayama is looking into. We can be thankful that the quakes are occurring not on land but far beneath the ocean. If that 7.5 had hit Hilo, it would have completely leveled the city and the casualties would have been in the hundreds of thousands." Looking at each other both Admirals gave sighs of relief.
A knock on the door to the briefing room interrupted their discussion, turning to see who it was Admiral Long saw it was Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg entering the room, she addressed Admiral Long "Sorry to interrupt Admiral Long, but there is problem you need to be aware of." Excusing himself from Admiral Guthrie he approached Teresa, "Yes Sergeant what is the problem?" as she handed him a note from Captain Frank Orkney.
Reading it, he looked at Teresa, "Let me get this straight, Sakura Shinguji and Kanna Kirishima punched out a civilian who tried to molest Iris Chateaubraind while they were at a mall in Honolulu proper?" as Teresa her facial expression serious; "Yes sir, apparently they were with a consort from the Wisconsin when the incident occurred within the store itself. The molester who is about 25 to 30 years of age had reached under Iris's dress and well sir you get the picture." John in fact did.
"Ok Sergeant what happened next and how bad is the damage," as John turned to look at Alex who had cocked an eyebrow upward, "Apparently Sakura saw it happen as Iris yelled out her displeasure. Sakura grabbed the individual and he took a swing at her and missed. Kanna seeing what was happening then became involved and cleaned his clock sir," as John reached for his brief case; "Iris had an episode which resulted in several light fixtures being destroyed and Kanna punched the guy through a plate glass window display of dresses sir."
Turning to Admiral Guthrie, "Alex, with your permission I would like to depart," as he made his way to the door, Admiral Guthrie replied, "John, good luck. If you need any help with the local authorities you have my private number."
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 – Honolulu Police HQ – 1230 hours local –
The Black Suburban with Staff Sergeant Bloomberg at the wheel arrived at the Honolulu Police Headquarters to the sight of television news trucks in the parking lot. Having briefly stopped at the Wisconsin to pickup Commander Fujieda and to drop off Kohran Ri and Commander Kayama; John steeled himself for the onslaught. An alert police officer directed Teresa to the rear of the building where they were met by Navy Lieutenant Timothy Mears who was the Navy Shore Patrol liaison for the Honolulu Police Department.
Barely waiting for the Suburban to come to a full stop, Admiral Long exited and was greeted by Lieutenant Mears. "Sir, I regret that you have had to come here. Captain Orkney is inside already. The alleged molester was just brought in from the hospital and he is demanding to press charges against your personnel for assault and false charges."
As Kaede and Teresa joined him, "Lieutenant Mears please explain to me why no charges have been brought up against the individual involved?" as they walked into the building. "Sir, charges are pending; however there is a question if the incident did occur in the first place. The alleged suspect states he merely brushed up against Ms. Iris Chateaubriand as he was walking by and was attacked without provocation."
John paused at the elevator, "Lieutenant, find out if that store has security cameras; which it no doubt has since it is a high end store. Send someone; I do not care who, to get the tape or DVD if it had not been already retrieved. Use your connections with the Honolulu Police Department to get the job done and get that security recording back here as soon as possible is that understood?" The Lieutenant acknowledged the request and giving the Admiral directions of where to get off the elevator, hurried away to carry out the task.
Exiting onto the third floor, Admiral Long was greeted by Captain Orkney, "John, you will want to talk with Captain Jill Duncan of the Honolulu Police; she is in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately the incident was picked up by the news media and you saw the gaggle out front," as they walked down the hallway.
Entering the Detectives Offices, Admiral Long observed Kanna handcuffed along with Sakura to bench bolted to the floor. Seeing a uniformed police officer nearby, "Officer, please remove the restraints from my people;" Taken aback by the request the officer replied, "I am sorry sir, the cuffs stay on."
Captain Orkney, looking quickly around spotted Captain Duncan and urgently waved her over just as Admiral Long made his request again. Captain Jill Duncan a veteran policewoman, who had worked her way through the ranks, interrupted the Admiral and directed the officer to remove the restraints then had him leave.
Turning to Admiral Long, "Admiral Long, I am sorry that they were restrained but it was procedure. How can I assist?" as Jill took in John's deep blue eyes boring into her. John looking around for Iris intoned, "Captain Duncan, where is my step-daughter?"
As John dropped the bombshell to Captain Duncan, Captain Orkney blinked and then remembered.
Frank taking a step back, "John, I forgot you had legal custody," as he turned to find his briefcase to retrieve the legal documents. Captain Duncan realizing she now had an even hotter potato, "Admiral Long, my apologies for not knowing that Iris is your step-daughter."
Teresa Bloomberg also having heard the bombshell, "Admiral, I suppose Leni too?" as she looked at him. John blushing slightly, "Yes Leni too; at least till we get to Japan then Cynthia will become their legal guardian while there. I suppose I should have informed you though Commander Fujieda was aware of the guardianship from the beginning."
Turning to Sakura and Kanna, "Are you two ok?" as John took a chair next to them, Sakura smiled, "Yes Admiral we are fine as is Iris. I am sorry for causing such trouble," as Kanna quipped, "Admiral sorry about the window but it was in the way when he went through it."
Asking where Iris was, the Admiral satisfied for the moment asked Sakura and Kanna what had happened. Listening to their story and the aftermath that ensued he turned to Captain Duncan. "Where is Petty Officer Bell?" as he stood. Captain Duncan eyeing Sakura and Kanna was assured both would stay put with Staff Sergeant Bloomberg and Commander Fujieda. Escorted to an interview room where Petty Officer Bell was having her statement taken, Captain Duncan and Admiral Long with Captain Orkney entered.
Seeing the Admiral, Petty Officer Nina Bell stood immediately. The Detective having taken her statement was surprised initially but settled back in his chair.
"At ease Petty Officer," as Admiral Long took a chair along with Captain Duncan they sat across from Petty Officer Bell. "Petty Officer Bell, tell me what you saw," as the Admiral glanced at her statement. John listened as Nina told what she had seen happen.
Turning to Captain Duncan, "I would like to speak with Iris," as he got out of the chair, Jill stood as well and escorted Admiral Long and Captain Orkney to another interview room. While on their way, Lieutenant Mears arrived with two DVD cases.
Approaching the Admiral, "Admiral Long the item that you requested was retrieved from the store. They cooperated fully and made duplicates." Handing one to Captain Duncan and to Admiral Long, Lieutenant Mears stood-by.
Holding the case in his hand he looked at Captain Duncan, "Do you happen to have a DVD player in here somewhere?" as they entered the interview room where Iris was, Captain Duncan smiled and directed a detective to get the television cart with the DVD player and bring it into the interview room. After Admiral Long asked Iris if she was ok and was satisfied that no harm had come to her, he turned to Captain Duncan and had her play the DVD.
The surveillance video being of digital high resolution quality clearly showed what had happened. The alleged suspect identified as 28 year old Samuel Enders from Los Angeles, California had stated that he was a tourist from California and that he had been in the store shopping for a gift to his girl friend.
Unaware of how extensive the camera surveillance was in the store, Enders was clearly seen reaching under Iris's dress. Admiral John Long having seen enough was about to have the video stopped when Iris reacted to Enders intrusion. Her energy release caused numerous light fixtures to short out electrically, then Sakura appearing trying to put herself between Enders and Iris deflects his fist and shoves him away into the path of Kanna who then launches him out through a nearby store display widow. An exterior shot of Enders crashing through the window followed by Sakura pouncing on him after he landed ended with video of store and mall security racing to put an end to the melee.
Turning to Captain Duncan and smiling, "I think you have the proof, lets set the bait and hook him." Jill sat back and asked what the Admiral had in mind. After listening, Captain Duncan agreed to the "play." John asked Iris to go with Captain Orkney to join Petty Officer Bell and the Admiral going back down the hallway asked Lieutenant Mears if he had spare Shore Patrol Armbands handy to which he replied he did. Directing him to get them, the Admiral briefed Staff Sergeant Bloomberg along with Sakura and Kanna, and with the stage set the Admiral walked to the observation room to play his part.
Samuel Enders who stated he was from Los Angeles had been arrested on the suspicion of child molestation by Honolulu Police after being detained by mall and store security. Having to go to the hospital for treatment of his cuts, after his trip through the display window; Enders who was familiar with law enforcement procedures; leveled the counter charge of being assaulted after simply brushing up against the girl as he had walked by.
The beat officers responding to the incident having to follow their procedures placed both Sakura and Kanna under arrest and while transporting both to headquarters after learning of their military affiliations from Petty Officer Bell, the officers were treated to the sight of Kanna breaking her handcuff chain in half after she was removed from the car. Which prompted them to nearly mace her. Fortunately Sakura was able to prevent it from happening; otherwise the Honolulu Police Department might have been looking to replace a Ford Crown Victoria and its officers.
The KNHL News Room had been listening to the scanners about the incident at the mall and when the Rose Combat Division and USS Wisconsin slipped into the radio traffic, they along with several other news stations raced to police headquarters and to the mall to get the story. Enders who had managed to retain an attorney while at the hospital was brought in the front of the building and loudly proclaimed his innocence to all present, including Sandra Delray who was no longer an unknown.
KNHL getting a head start contacted their sister station in Los Angeles to have them try to find out about what they could on Samuel Enders. Because of red tape, the Honolulu Police were having difficulty getting records from the Los Angeles Police Department. The news station in Los Angeles knowing the inner workings of the judicial system was able to get information that was forwarded back to KNHL in Honolulu. Sandra Delray when called on her cell phone about the information obtained took a chance and called Admiral John Long on his cell phone. After all she did owe him a rather big favor.
Admiral Long answering his cell phone listened to Sandra Delray as she told him what she had been able to find out. Smiling he asked her to repeat what she had told him to Captain Duncan who was next to him in the observation room. Captain Duncan asked Sandra if she could unofficially have the information faxed directly to her fax machine. Sandra juggling two cell phones, contacted KNHL and had them contact the Los Angeles station to fax the information directly to Captain Duncan's fax at Honolulu Police Headquarters. At 1315 hours, the last page of a 50 page fax spat out of the laser fax machine into the hands of Captain Jill Duncan.
Enders along with his attorney who in the words of Captain Duncan was worse than sewer sludge entered the third floor and was escorted towards the interview room. Commander Fujieda and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg playing the part of Navy Shore Patrol personnel had handcuffed both Sakura and Kanna back to the bench. As Enders walked past giving both Sakura and Kanna a rather obscene look along with the finger, Kanna over "acted" her part and broke the handcuff chain holding her to the bench with Sakura. Momentarily off balance, Kanna charged Enders and collided with him and together they crashed into the opposite wall. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg caught off guard initially, recovered and dragged Kanna back along with hapless Sakura who had been yanked off the bench as well, knocking Commander Fujieda to the floor in the process.
A detective nearby joined in on queue as Enders who apparently could not resist trying to grab Kanna attempted to get a freebie feel of her breasts. The detective shoving the outraged attorney out of the way blocked Enders attempt and utilizing a wrist lock escorted him away to the interview room. Admiral Long watching the video monitor of the events in the hallway could only shake his head at just how close Enders came to meeting his end. Captain Duncan turned and smiled, "Show time Admiral. The bait has been cast. Lets see if he will swallow," as she exited and went next door.
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 – Honolulu Police HQ – 1330 hours local –
Admiral Long stood quietly watching Captain Jill Duncan. He did not envy her task as she began the formality of reading Samuel Enders his rights. The attorney adeptly displayed Captain Duncan's description of him to the letter. Interrupting the reading, demanding to know why his client was being read his rights yet again.
Captain Duncan, with 26 years of experience deflected the question and continued until she completed the reading. Asking Enders if he understood his rights to which he replied yes, Captain Duncan opened the folder that she had previously placed in front of her.
The door to the observation room opened and the Admiral's actors now minus their restraints walked in with a detective named Carl Milo. Detective Milo walked to a nearby monitor and turned it on. The video fed from a camera was along with the sound was being recorded elsewhere. Carl turned to the Admiral, "Sir would you like a cup of coffee?" as he pointed out the coffee maker. Acknowledging that he would, Carl told by Teresa how the Admiral liked his coffee prepared it and gave it to the Admiral.
Turning to Kaede, "Are you ok?" as Kaede stood next to him, "I am fine Admiral, merely a practice fall," as she crossed her arms and looked at Enders.
Captain Duncan sensing that everyone was now present; began her line of questioning. Asking Enders what he was doing in the department store shopping for a gift when he could have gone to a similar store in Los Angles was met with objections. But Enders apparently having been prepared brushed it aside and stated that he had nearly forgotten his girlfriend's birthday and wanted to surprise her. When asked where she was, Enders said she was still in Los Angles and had been unable to make the trip. Captain Duncan knew why Enders girlfriend could not make the trip. She was serving three months in the Los Angles County Jail for prostitution. She doubted that his girlfriend would be able to use the gift that he was supposedly shopping for.
Continuing on and asking several other questions, Detective Milo smiled as Captain Duncan asked the next one. The question was why Enders was in the children's section of the store and not the adult women's section. Enders attorney attempting to deflect the question only to land his client into very hot water replied, "Captain Duncan, Mr. Enders girlfriend happens to be a small woman and she at times has to shop in the children's department," as Captain Duncan the expression of disgust on her face evident replied; "Somehow I find it hard to believe that his girlfriend who is 5 foot 9 inches and 140 pounds would even be able to fit in girls clothing, as this information on her particular vital statistics is courtesy of the Los Angeles Police and Sheriffs Department."
Captain Duncan turning towards the one way mirror nodded at the Admiral who turned the intercom on and spoke, "Also Mr. Enders there is the matter of this video which was taken at the time of the incident," and Admiral John Long with a remote in his hand started the video much to the surprise of Enders and his attorney. As it played in the next room, Detective Milo excusing himself exited the room and went to the door of the interview room.
The attorney trying to see who was speaking demanded that the Admiral identify himself. Admiral Long smiled, "I am Admiral John Long, commanding officer of Task Group Rose. The young girl that your client conducted the act against is my step-daughter, and she is also a member of Task Group Rose and the Rose Combat Division. She is also the same young girl who on Monday took on and with the help of several others killed a Sea Wraith at Hilo, Hawaii while protecting a family that was walking on the beach. I hope you truly realize who you have molested because when all is said and done with Mr. Enders, I doubt he will ever see California again as a free man."
Enders hearing those words bolted past Captain Duncan who did not attempt to stop him. Detective Carl Milo who was waiting for the door to open, punched Enders out cold. The Admiral watching Samuel crash to the floor at the feet of his attorney quipped, "You should really make your client understand that it is not wise to fool around with the military. The costs of doing so can be rather high." Flipping the intercom off, the Admiral exited the room and watched as Enders who was coming to, was hauled away in handcuffs; his former attorney advising Captain Duncan that he no longer represented Enders hurriedly departed. Admiral Long, taking out his cell phone; placed a call to a certain reporter and speaking briefly hung up. Turning to Captain Duncan and thanking her for her part in the "play", nodded to Captain Orkney who motioned Iris to come out of the interview room where she joined Admiral Long and the others. Together they headed for the elevators.
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 – Official Residence US 7th Fleet – 1930 hours local –
Admiral Alex Guthrie who had invited the Rose and Dream Divisions to his official residence for an informal get together stood next to Admiral John Long who was eyeing a bonsai tree. John turned to Alex with a grin, "I see it is still doing rather well after 33 years." The small tree a gift from John to Alex when they had served together on the USS Horne CG-30 in 1980, Alex who was the weapons division officer received it from John while the ship was visiting Japan. The tree when given to Alex was just three years old at the time.
Arranged among the other bonsai on the veranda, it was the center piece of Admiral Guthrie's collection. Alex looked at it, "Nancy still gives me fits about the bonsai trees but she loves them too." Both Admirals' walking back to the railing overlooking the garden took in the interaction of the Rose Division with other Navy personnel.
Alex, who was watching Maria and Kanna who were trying to decide who to talk to with those gathering around them; "John, if you and I were a few years younger we could have a crack at them too," as he sipped on his tea. John hearing footsteps behind them turned to see who it was.
Commander Kaede Fujieda approached both men and excused herself for interrupting, "Admiral Long, the Command Duty Officer on the Wisconsin had this sent by courier to you sir," thanking Kaede; Admiral Long opened the envelope. Inside were 6 pages of a fax sent by his father Will Long from San Diego. Reading the fax and chuckling at the end he handed fax to Alex.
Alex turned to John after reading it, "Well the Governor of California sure acted quickly! I suppose the Enders saga will be coming to a close." Amen to that John thought. Turning to Kaede, "We will not have to worry about any court appearances, Mr. Enders is being returned to California and back to a prison cell where he belongs. The Governor of California issued an arrest warrant for Enders return. Hawaii certainly does not want him and will be glad to be rid of him." Kaede who nodded, "At least Iris will not have to be put through any proceedings. The interview that you did in front of the police department was lively enough."
Though he did not have to do it, Admiral Long decided he would do a press interview over the incident. Carried live world wide, John had described the circumstances of the incident and gave credit to Captain Jill Duncan and the Honolulu Police Department working with Lieutenant Timothy Mears of the Navy Shore Patrol to help solving the case so quickly.
Sandra Delray who was at the front of the press pack received silent acknowledgement of Admiral Long's appreciation for her efforts and that of her fellows. After completion of the press conference, Sandra Delray walked back to her live truck where she was handed an envelope by the technician who had received it from a Honolulu Police Detective named Carl Milo with instructions that it was for Sandra's eyes only. Opening it, she found a hand written invitation from Admiral Long for a gathering later that night at the official residence of the commanding officer United States Seventh Fleet.
Kaede who had left the Admirals' to continue their chat walked towards the foyer as the door manned by a US Marine opened to admit Sandra Delray. Kaede welcomed Sandra and together they walked back to the veranda where Admiral Long, preoccupied with studying a bonsai maple tree with a magnifying glass did not see them enter.
Alex clearing his throat, "John your guest has arrived," and asking Kaede to walk with him Admiral Guthrie departed.
Standing and turning to greet Sandra, "Ms. Delray it is a pleasure to meet you again. Did you have any difficulty getting here?" as John offered her a chair. Sitting Sandra replied, "I did not have any problems, but I am curious as to why you invited me here tonight?" Good question John thought.
Smiling, "It is because you have that truthfulness about you. A willingness to listen with an open mind," as John sat back in his chair; Sandra accepting a glass of tea from a passing waiter, "Off the record John what did happen in the store with Iris?" Admiral Long explained in detail what had actually happened when Enders attempted to molest Iris. Thoughtfully stirring the ice cubes in her tea, "So she was the source of the electrical surge. Iris used the same type of energy that she used against the Sea Wraith at Hilo?" John nodded at her response.
Listening to the sound of a baby grand piano and a violin starting to play from the garden, Admiral Long invited Sandra to join him. Walking down the steps into the garden, John noted Orihime and Leni playing a waltz together and that on the dance floor that had been erected were several of the Rose Combat Division dancing with Navy officers.
Turning to Sandra, Admiral John Long offered his hand, "Ms. Delray it would be an honor to dance with you," as first unsure if she had heard him correctly, "A dance with you Admiral?" as he took her hand into his and guided her onto the dance floor. Nodding to Orihime and Leni, the beat slowed and guided by Admiral John Long; Sandra Delray found out just how good a dancer the Admiral really was. Admiral Guthrie and his wife Nancy watching from the veranda above joined as well, but not on the dance floor but among the bonsai trees that both so dearly loved.