Sakura Wars: The 21st Century

By Steve Edward

Chapter 24

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0400 hours local –

The Quarterdeck watch sighted the Admiral as he walked down the deck towards them. Dressed in his work out clothes, John requested permission to depart ship which was granted. Chief Petty Officer Bremer an electronics specialist had the Petty Officer of the Watch note the Admiral's departure.

Observing the Admiral beginning his run, it was the sound of feet pounding along the deck to cause him to turn to see who it was. The Rose Combat Division at a dead run. A young voice calling out as they approached, "Rose Division, requesting permission to leave the ship!" as a group they pounded down the brow. Bremer could only shrug his shoulders as he gave permission.

Watching the group barrel after the Admiral, the one creature that could not request permission scampered after them, Leni's dog. Turning to the Petty Officer of the Watch he stated, "Please log that the Rose Combat Division and Leni's dog has departed the ship on a run." The Petty Officer looking up questionably, "The dog too Chief?" as Chief Bremer nodded, "Yes the dog too."

Admiral Long, enjoying the morning air at first did not take notice of Rose Division as they closed with him. Having a 100 yard head start did make a difference. But Leni's Chow, scampering ahead caught up with the Admiral causing John to stop, wondering why Leni's dog was off the ship. Hearing the running feet in the distance, John patted the dog on the head and waited for Rose Division lead by Commander Fujieda and Lieutenant Commander Oogami.

Seeing that Teresa was with them John eyed Teresa then Kohran then Teresa again, "Ok whose bright idea was to rig my cabin door with a signaling device?" Silence, except for the water lapping the pilings the group remained rather quiet. Sighing, "Ok Commander Fujieda have it your way. Set the pace and I'll follow."

Just as they were about to set off the sound of more running feet approaching caused John to turn around and see who else was joining their group. Led by Kasumi Fujii, appearing out of the darkness, was the Dream Division which were not wearing their usual kimonos, but colorful workout outfits. Taking up the rear was Yuri Sakakibara and Tsubaki Takamura. John could only wonder what Sammy would make of the ships log when she read it later in the morning.

Shrugging his shoulders, "ANYBODY ELSE?" his voice echoing back to the Quarterdeck, clearly heard by Chief Bremer; the Chief walked out onto the ships brow and bellowed, "NO SIR THAT'S IT!"

Observing unseen from the Flag Bridge, Captain Frank Orkney turned to Commander Chris Tyler, "Chris thanks for letting Leni's dog out. I figured he was the only thing onboard that could catch John." Together both men watched as Task Group Rose began their run.

Though not mandatory in any sense, the physical fitness aspect is left up to the individual. In Admiral Long's case, along with running he practiced Karate and Judo that kept him well toned and in good shape. The Rose and the Dream Divisions having taken up running not only for their own well being but spiritual well being as well. Including the Admiral and Leni's dog which was happily pacing the Admiral there were 67 running on this pleasant morning.

Catching the sight of that many runners sprinting through the base, other shipboard watches recognizing the Rose Division and Dream Division as they ran past could only wonder why Admiral Long was being such a hard ass, not realizing he too was running with them. It was 0515 hours when the runners returned to the ship and were greeted by the sight of Captain Sammy Hollister and Captain Frank Orkney with Commander Chris Tyler preparing to lead another group of runners.

Meeting with Sammy before she departed with her group of runners, John asked; "So who got the running bug into you?" as she took a somewhat playful swing at him and missed. Standing up and doing side bends, "Why Frank of course, though you really got to stop getting up so early." Looking around for Kohran or Teresa, "Ok Sammy, spill the beans where the hell is that sensor?" Looking up at John, "I am not telling and don't even bother to look for it." Boarding the ship, John returned to his cabin. Pausing briefly at the door with it open he looked around the frame and the hinges. Much to his displeasure he could not find it.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0830 hours local –

Admiral John Long sat at his desk reviewing the engineering report and analysis of the Pacific Freedom now docked in Hong Cong. Displacing 85,000 tons at full load the ship had encountered a Sea Wraith and withstood its attack, racking up 15 direct hits. The Master of the Freedom having had enough rammed the Sea Wraith with his ship killing it after the Sea Wraith was chewed up in the ships propellers. Looking at Commander Matt Healey and Lieutenant Kohran Ri the Admiral focused on Matt, "Ok Commander based on the engineering analysis of the ship and examination of the cargo which was scrap metal was there any influence from the cargo that could affect the operation of the degaussing systems?"

Commander Matt Healey shaking his head no, "The investigation team went through that ship square inch by square inch. The degaussing cables that lined the hull were in no way any where near the cargo. In addition to the wooden dunnage that would be typically used to shore the cargo to prevent shifting, the Pacific Freedom was carrying 2,000 metric tons of plastic in pellet form sprayed into the holds to provide insulation so the cargo was well isolated from the hull. The Chinese are rather efficient at recycling and even vacuum the holds clean of any debris."

Matt reviewed an open folder, "As to the ships magnetic field. It stabilized after about two hours according to the ships Chief Engineer after he placed the degaussing system back into automatic control. Except for the higher level of static electricity which was reported earlier, that too dissipated over a period of time." Turning to Kohran, John asked her take on the report.

Kohran opened another folder, "Admiral the energy release that the Pacific Freedom encountered was of the same that we encountered during our battle with the Sea Wraith at Hilo, Hawaii. However I believe it was of a smaller variant of the Sea Wraith that attacked the Pacific Freedom. I took energy readings when Iris deflected it back at the creature and based on the electrical discharges reported by Pacific Freedom; the goal of using the degaussing systems will work up to a point." John sitting back in his chair, "Kohran, up to what point?" as he looked back at the reported size of the Freedoms Sea Wraith and the Hilo Sea Wraith.

Kohran stood up and walked to a dry board mounted on the bulkhead and taking two markers drew a red and blue line, one longer than the other, "Let's say the red line is the Hilo Sea Wraith and the blue line is the Freedoms Sea Wraith. How they generate their power is subjective at best. The larger the Sea Wraith means the greater the offensive strike. The Pacific Freedom was very lucky in being able to absorb the energy or to dissipate it without suffering anything more than scorched paint. However if the Sea Wraith had been any larger the outcome might have been different as there was only so much electrical energy that could be absorbed or dissipated. A couple more hits would have likely burned out the degaussing system of the ship."

Admiral Long looked at Matt, "Commander get with PacFleet Engineering and have them put out an updated advisory on the use of degaussing systems to defend ships against a Sea Wraith attack. I will call Admiral Guthrie to advise him on your findings. Also ensure it is promulgated out to all shipping concerns world wide and put into the most basic laymen terms possible. I do not want someone calling themselves an engineer to make the mistake of thinking that they can defend their ship against such an attack without risking sever damage if their systems get overloaded." Dismissing Matt and Kohran, Admiral Long called Admiral Guthrie to give him the news.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 – Fleet Training Center Pearl Harbor – 1300 hours local –

The remaining Rose and Dream Division personnel were finishing up their shipboard firefighting and damage control training with Lachette Altair leading hose team number 1, they entered the simulator. Commander Fujieda watching from the sidelines noted how well the team work was progressing. She hoped that the Rose and Dream Divisions would never have to fight such a fire or struggle to plug a massive leak, but should any of these occur; Kaede was highly confident that they could accomplish the tasks.

The instructor walking past gave her a thumb up indicating successful completion of the evolution as he called it. She watched as he gathered the hose teams around him and critiqued their performance. Making the mistakes here were much better than having them occur in real life. Sumire had made a minor mistake, and had thankfully realized it by correcting; but the sharp eyed instructor still had seen it and took her aside not to scream or yell but softly speaking through the steps showed Sumire another way to carry out the evolution. Satisfied that Sumire would not make it again, the instructor led them to the USS Sinker, which was not a ship but a specially designed building that simulated intense flooding conditions.

Nicked named the "Dunker" by many sailors, it was where you got wet whether you liked it or not. Commander Fujieda who had been through a similar simulator in San Diego watched from observation area as the remainder of the Rose and Dream Divisions got thoroughly soaked. The instructors showing just what could happen if uncontrolled flooding took place. The instructors estimated that if uncontrolled flooding took place on the Wisconsin, she would sink below the surface in less than 15 minutes. It was a motivational tool used with great success.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 – NOAA Oscar Dyson – 1400 hours local –

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration research ship Oscar Dyson arrived at the pin pointed location of the 7.5 magnitude undersea quake and lowered its robotic research submarine. The top of the 16,500 foot undersea mountain range that extended for 4 miles should have been at 1, 400 feet, was instead gone. The researchers utilizing side scan sonar equipment remapped the seascape. From the debris field as it was displayed on the side scan sonar the mountain range appeared to have imploded. The robotic submarine nearing crush depth of 15,000 feet finally detected the pulverized remnants. As before off of Baja, California the scientists noted that the mountain range had for all practical purposes imploded and collapsed upon itself. The mountain range now was only 1,000 feet in height. Transmitting their data to Washington D.C. and to Pearl Harbor the crew of the Oscar Dyson retrieved their robotic submarine and continued to their next assignment.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1900 hours local –

Admiral Long was on a video link with his sister Doctor Cynthia Long in Tokyo. It was Friday afternoon 1400 hours' local time there as they discussed the findings of the Oscar Dyson. Cynthia looking at a nearby video monitor, "John it is the same conditions found by the Dyson off of Baja, California, the entire mountain range, which imploded from the quake; which was turned into a 1,000 foot high pile of sand and rubble."

Commander Fujieda and Commander Kayama listened intently to the description, Kayama asked, "Was there any sign of exposure of the earth's crust?" as he looked at the recording of the surveyed destruction. Cynthia tapping a keyboard, "None that could be observed Yuichi, as the robotic submarine was reaching crush depth limits when the video you see was taken."

John turned to examine the side scan display, "Cynthia what is your take on this particular mountain range? There are several others nearby, one is less than two miles away but appeared to be undisturbed." Cynthia looking at the same side scan display, "To be honest, damned if I know. Even Professor Niche Kereru has never seen anything like it. John we need some serious deep diving equipment to do post examinations of the quake sites and we are reaching the limits now with what we got." Opening a folder, John looked at Cynthia; "What if I could get some help from Dr. Paula Sotheby. She has some deep diving equipment that can reach 25,000 feet. Would that help?" Cynthia hearing John's statement lit up, "John, if Dr. Sotheby services can be obtained then I recommend doing it. But you should know she does not come cheap." John smiled, "Cynthia, I have a really big checkbook. Also she is coming in on the Oceanic Plain, which is arriving in Honolulu in the morning. I plan on being there when it arrives."

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0400 hours local –

Admiral John Long was running full tilt down the deck of the Wisconsin, the Quarterdeck watch seeing him coming and his request to depart the ship while at a dead run was acknowledged. Pounding down the brow and sprinting up the pier, the Admiral congratulated himself for not having any company. He congratulated himself too soon.

Standing at the gate controlled by US Marine Security Personnel, were the Rose and Dream Divisions. Slowing and coming to a stop next to Commander Kaede Fujieda, the Admiral glowered.

John's eyes bored into Kaede's, "Commander Fujieda has the thought occurred to you that I might want to run alone?" Coming to attention Kaede replied, "Yes sir it has, however regulations dictate that a senior officer should be accompanied while off the ship in the event assistance is needed." Sighing, John shook his head; "Very well Commander. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg, I know you are hiding behind Kanna and Maria. Take point and set the pace. Move out."

Numbering 68 in all including Leni's dog the 6 kilometer run began. Quarterdeck watches on ships around Pearl Harbor watched as the Rose and Dream Divisions made their way around the base. Returning to the ship, Admiral Long was given a message by Captain Frank Orkney, which updated the Oceanic Plain's arrival time. Oceanic Plain was now scheduled to arrive in Honolulu at 0830 hours. Admiral Long advised Commander Fujieda and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg that they would be paying the ship a visit. Arriving back at his cabin, Admiral Long stood at the doorway opening again trying to find the hidden sensors. Unable to locate them and perturbed, he took a shower.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – Oceanic Plain – 0900 hours local –

Dr. Paula Sotheby sat with the captain of the Oceanic Plain, Captain Harry DuPont. Across from them were United States Navy Admiral John Long and Commander Kaede Fujieda. At the door to crews mess was United States Marine Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg in her Marine Blues and she was armed. When Paula saw the Black Suburban come to a stop on the pier facing the Oceanic Plain, the only identifying features were the numerous antennas on the roof of the vehicle and the front license plate with a blue background and three large silver stars displayed, the occupants shielded by darkly tinted windows.

When Admiral Long and his party boarded the Oceanic Plain which at 425 feet in length and 45 feet in width carried the robotic submarine Seeker, he had stopped to examine the robot which was in its cradle. The Marine accompanying the Admiral had briefly stopped her until the Admiral completed his examination of the Seeker. Seeing that he was impressed, she missed the signal to Teresa to allow Paula to approach. From the bridge, Captain Harry DuPont had not missed a thing. He had also recognized the Navy Admiral and pondered as he walked aft to join Dr, Sotheby just what did the Navy want with the Oceanic Plain.

John removed a folder and placed it in front of Paula, "The reason I am here, is to hire you and this ship. Being an Oceanographer you have the expertise that I need." Paula who had distaste for the military; "What did you loose Admiral? Another nuclear weapon somewhere deep?" as Commander Fujieda sensing hostility interrupted, "Nothing as simple as a weapon. The Admiral needs your expertise on examining the underwater terrain of earthquake sites so that we can determine a way of putting a stop to the Sea Wraith."

Captain Harry DuPont reached for the folder and opened it, inside a neatly typed contract had already been prepared. Looking up at the Admiral, "John, the offer is rather generous to say the least and open ended." John smiling, "Yes it is Harry, as I am well aware of the operating expenses of a ship of this type and there is the matter of the crew as well. Hazardous duty pay which is doubled is for all onboard the Oceanic Plain while she is in the service of task Group Rose." Turning to Paula, "We don't have the equipment available and the area of the Pacific that we are headed to is deep and we will need a deep diver like the Seeker. I know you are not fond of the military but there is a lot at stake, so please look at this."

Flipping open his laptop the Admiral clicked on a desktop file, "This is what came very close to going ashore on Hilo last Monday. The equipment that you see flying around are called Koubus, which are piloted by some very young and very brave women. The youngest is 8 years old and she is my step-daughter. That is her yellow Koubu hovering in front of the Sea Wraith. That bright flash on the screen was an energy release from the Sea Wraith directed at my step-daughters Koubu which was able to deflect it back killing the Sea Wraith. Behind that yellow Koubu was a family of four who were on vacation from of all places the State of Wisconsin."

Harry and Paula both nodded and together they signed the contract. Admiral Long withdrew an envelope and handed it to Paula made out in the sum of $5,000,000 dollars. Next he handed Harry a sealed envelope and directed him to open it. It gave the details of the operational plan and he acknowledged by signing and returning the cover page. The Admiral then requested that the Ocean Plain get underway for Pearl Harbor and to moor astern of the USS Wisconsin where they would be replenished at no expense including fuel. Shaking hands with both as he prepared to depart, the Admiral seeing two tugs already moving in to prepare Oceanic Plain for departure turned to look one last time at the Seeker; its bright yellow hull similar in color to Iris's Koubu, how ironic he thought as he stepped off the brow.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1400 hours local –

Dr. Paula Sotheby and Captain Harry DuPont were with Admiral John Long in his Flag Cabin, listening to Dr. Cynthia Long in Tokyo where it was now Saturday morning at 0900 hours. Paula leaning forward in her chair, "You as a seismologist know the probability of having a mountain range collapsing or imploding on itself is rather rare, so in the two cases that have been examined so far the cause is not related to the makeup of the material within. It is to me like taking a coke can and beating on it with a hammer until the bottom meets the top, neither anything above the physical top of the can is disturbed nor is anything to the sides."

Looking at the Dyson side scan printouts, "Because of the depth of these quakes and seeing that the force is extremely focused in one area makes you want to believe some kind of outside force besides the Sea Wraiths are the cause." Turning back to the monitor, Paula asked "Ok Cynthia, in regards to surveying for crevices; what else do you want to be observed?"

Cynthia moving aside and Professor Niche Kereru appeared, "Dr. Sotheby we are interested in the appearance of outgases. I know at great depths it can be difficult to obtain samples, but also any indication of magma flow no matter how miniscule it would be beneficial to get samples," as Paula jotted down some notes; "The Seeker is equipped to handle those chores and if we see anything like volcanic rock that has been freshly deposited we will retrieve those as well." John asked if there was anything else or questions that needed to be asked and hearing none; he signed off.

Turning to Captain DuPont, "Harry, I understand the Oceanic Plain has a fully equipped communications suite?" as John reviewed a folder. Harry retrieved his briefcase, "Yes John, she does. The radiomen that I have onboard are all former US Navy and still hold clearances and are familiar with protocol. If you want to put some Navy Communications gear onboard, we already have equipment bays for it." John turned to Captain Frank Orkney, "Get our radiomen onboard the Plain and see what their setup is and then get the equipment pulled from ready storage at the Communications Center along with full cryptographic capabilities. I want that equipment up and running by tomorrow morning fully operational, and I do not care if it takes every technician in Pearl Harbor to get it working." Frank picked up a nearby phone and made a call.

Looking at his watch the Admiral stood and invited Captain DuPont and Dr. Sotheby to go for a walk. He led them to the Koubu hanger bay where drills were being conducted.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1530 hours local –

Along the way, Admiral Long gave them a briefing on what had transpired. Both were stunned at what was said. Dr. Sotheby pausing on the mess deck, "John, you went back in time and retrieved these young women to help with this? Surely there might have been another way?" Stepping out of the passageway, "No Paula there was no other way to do it. These young women are special and they have proven it. At the point in time that I went back to, their jobs were complete and it was only a matter of time before they were disbanded. For two of them it would have likely meant their deaths and I prevented that from happening." Mentioning the situation with Iris and Leni, Paula then understood why he did it.

Arriving in the hanger both Captain DuPont and Dr. Paula Sotheby thought the drills taking place were unorganized and chaotic. For the Admiral it was a well rehearsed and practiced routine. Leading both to Kohran Ri's workshop from where the training drills could be observed both Harry and Paula were impressed. Paula's mothering instinct kicked in when she saw Iris running full tilt across the deck, and seemingly rotates in mid-air as she landed with a practiced ease into her Koubu's pilot chair; "John is she a bit young for this?" as the hatch slams shut on the Koubu.

John who shook his head no, "They were doing this long before any of us were even born. Some of them had been involved fighting outbreaks of the land based Kouma as they were called for nearly 5 years. Iris had been doing it since she was 6 years old. She is the core of the Rose Division and she knows how to fight and fight well. Do not ever call her a child to her face, because you will regret the reaction."

Over the speakers in the hanger bay, the voice of Yuri Sakakibara issues the warning that the next drill will be a full lock and load. Up topside the official vehicle of the commanding officer of the United States 7th Fleet bearing Admiral Alex Guthrie approaches the ships brow of the USS Wisconsin. The Side Boys already in place, the Boatswainmate prepares to pipe him aboard. Paula turning to the Admiral, "John what the hell is a full lock and load?" smiling as he glances back; "You'll see. Stand back and wait here. A Petty Officer will guide you topside for you to see."

Admiral Long approaching Commander Fujieda is saluted by all personnel present. Having returned the salute Admiral Long address's Commander Fujieda, "It is time, lock and load all Koubus and Eisenkleids. You and I will ride the elevator to the main deck with them."

With the Rose Combat Division gathered around the Admiral, eleven hands land his outstretched hand, watching from the workshop Captain DuPont comments to Paula, "Command, Team Work, Respect and Trust. We've gone to work for the right man. When people of that caliber show that kind of closeness with each other, god help anyone who considers harming any of them."

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1600 hours local –

Met by Captain Sammy Hollister and Captain Frank Orkney, Admiral Alex Guthrie is guided aft from the Quarterdeck. Sammy passing the Officer of the Deck gives him a nod. The Officer of the Deck picking up a Sound Powered Phone speaks softly, "Lock and Load, clear for immediate launch."

Over all circuits of the 1MC, the Boatswainmate of the Watch announces Flight Quarters and trips the alert alarm. The peaceful and quiet afternoon in Pearl Harbor comes to an abrupt end as Quarterdeck Watches turn their attention to the Wisconsin. Below the automated loading system had begun moving the Koubus and the Eisenkleids in a preprogrammed sequence. The first to lock in place on the hatch is Commander Oogami; the last is Kohran's Koubu. Admiral Long removing his cover along with Commander Fujieda and they put on hearing protectors and take position in front of Oogami's gleaming white Koubu.

Above them on the main deck, the warning siren for the elevator sounds and the railings surrounding the vast opening begin to automatically retract. In the miniature control tower, Lieutenant Gill Hess one of the Wisconsin's helicopter pilots mans the station toggling the red signal light indicating that the ship has a red deck. Speaking softly with Yuri inside the hanger and advising that he has full visual takes over abort control.

Admiral Long standing next to the Koubu sees the white mark pass and gives the rotate signal to the Control Tower. Lieutenant Hess gives the command for the Rose Division to power up. The elevator coming to a full stop, both Admiral Long and Commander Fujieda calmly step clear and walk at a normal pace toward Admiral Guthrie.

Rendering a salute to Admiral Guthrie which is returned, he stops and turns to the Control Tower and extends his hand with the thumb up. At full military power the Koubus and Eisenkleids jet packs roaring, Lieutenant Hess giving one last look around trips the hydraulic lockdown system and the Rose Combat Division screams skyward and in a preprogrammed rotation sequence, scream by at mast level together at 400 knots past the USS Shiloh, its crew having scrambled topside cheer and wave as the Rose Division passes.

Turning and separating into two wings of 5 the Rose Division circles past the USS Arizona memorial, the visitors treated to the unexpected sight of the Rose Division as they pass overhead. The Rose Division, at mast level roar past on either side of the Wisconsin and the Oceanic Plain. Admiral Guthrie, who is standing next to Admiral Long smiling; as he observes the precision flying of the Rose Combat Division.

Returning to formation they head back to the Wisconsin and Lieutenant Hess in the Control Tower issues a green deck and engages the laser guidance system. One by one the Rose Division touches down on the elevator and shuts down their engines. The Deck Crew scrambles to tie down the equipment.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1700 hours local –

Admiral Guthrie with Admiral Long walks slowly past each individual of the Rose Combat Division, taking in their appearance, posture and each of their Koubus and Eisenkleids. Stopping and pivoting to Admiral Long, "John it was with some hesitation the first time I met these fine women and the man that is their commander. I have seen the reports of their training progress and the tenacity that which with they perform and I can say that I am damn proud that they are part of the United States 7th Fleet and they will always be welcomed here in Pearl Harbor. Good luck with your mission and god speed." After saluting each other, Admiral Long turns to Commander Fujieda; "Commander the troops are dismissed, strike the equipment below."

Departing with Captain Frank Orkney and Admiral Guthrie, Admiral Long escorts him back to the Quarterdeck for his departure. The sounds behind Admiral Long of cheers fade out as the elevator retracts to the hanger below. Glancing up at the Control Tower the Admiral observes Lieutenant Gill Hess dancing a jig as he has his own private celebration.

Captain Harry DuPont and Dr. Paula Sotheby standing to the side watching the events, that any doubts about their decision to work for Admiral John Long fade away the respect for him growing as they depart the Wisconsin.

Friday, February 5th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 2100 hours local –

The remainder of the evening was spent going through paperwork the military generates. Admiral Long having placed the last folder in the out tray, stretched back from his desk. Looking at its top and the neatly arranged objects that one would find in an office environment, John realized he had nothing else to do. Having dismissed Staff Sergeant Bloomberg for the evening and ensuring that the rest of the Rose and Dream Divisions were dismissed for liberty ashore he was alone. The sounds of the Wisconsin, the ventilation system, the sound of steam coursing through the pipes brought a sense of peace.

But then there was his cabin entryway. He was being mocked by it. Somehow or another John reasoned, someone had put hidden sensors in the entry way or somewhere on the door. If he bothered to call any of the electronics technicians onboard to make an attempt locate them; the game would be up and Bloomberg would likely park herself at the door till the sensors were repaired or replaced.

Deciding he could at least walk around the ship, he left his cabin. He did not note anyone following or hear anything out of the ordinary. What ever the sensors activated it was a low key alarm and not anywhere in the immediate vicinity. Avoiding the on duty crew members was easy. Taking a round about way, Admiral Long made his way to Kohran Ri's workshop. Having been there earlier with Dr. Sotheby and Captain DuPont he had spied several elaborate tool kits and electronic test meters, all of them purchased at the Radio Shack in San Diego.

Examining what he wanted to take with him he recalled the words of Captain Hollister stating that it would be the best equipped workshop in the fleet. She had not been kidding. Picking up a toolkit with every imaginable screw head attachment various sized wrenches known to man within it and two meters, one with a coil to detect electrical currents and the other a conventional test unit, Admiral John Long left the workshop heading forward.

On the Bridge, relaxing in her chair; Captain Sammy Hollister saw movement on the hanger bay video monitor. Looking at who it was, Sammy stepped down to the deck and walked to it for a closer look. Shaking her head in wonderment as Admiral Long left the hanger bay, she turned around to pickup the phone but paused. Grinning she turned and walked off the bridge. It would best to tell her directly.

Kohran Ri, who had been in Main Control with Commander Matt Healey studying the steam plant of the Wisconsin, had just missed Admiral Long; but she could not miss the toolkit or the electronic test meters. Making sure she had not misplaced them, she did a quick search and came to the conclusion someone had swiped her equipment. Thinking back to the morning run at how angry John had appeared after finding all of them waiting at the main gate, she realized that the Admiral was the likely culprit.

Picking up the phone she dialed Commander Fujieda's stateroom and when she answered told her of her suspicions. Before she could say anything else Kaede hung the phone up. Commander Fujieda turned to Captain Sammy Hollister and nodded her head. Captain Hollister having confirmation that the Admiral was indeed armed to the hilt with tools was most certainly going to find the sensors that were so carefully hidden. Then she knew all hell would break loose and she was not looking forward to it.

Instructing Kaede on what to do, Sammy left the stateroom and headed forward and upward. Knocking on Flag Secretary stateroom occupied by Staff Sergeant Bloomberg she entered. Teresa in the middle of crunches froze and listened as Captain Hollister advised her that the Admiral was walking around with a lot of tools. Quickly getting back into the uniform of the day, Teresa headed forward and upward towards the Flag Cabin.

Finding the door shut, Teresa quickly knocked, paused and then entered. It was empty. Checking to make sure the Admiral was not in his private head she closed the door on the way out. Sammy waiting outside and playing lookout could only shrug her shoulders.

While the search was on for the Admiral he was busy elsewhere. Having ducked out to a side passage and into the office used by the flight squadron assigned to the Wisconsin, he waited for Kohran. Seeing her pass, he noted the time just past 2115 hours. At 2122 hours she went running past headed back forward. Admiral John Long ambled out of the office and back to her workshop, to do a bit more shopping. Admiral Long had remembered Sammy liked to sit on the Bridge in port at about 2100 hours so he knew she would see him on the video monitor. Taking his time at gathering the necessary components, it was 2145 hours when he departed the workshop, smiling as he did so because Kohran and Matt had literally cleaned out the Radio Shack of every electronic component imaginable.

Maria Tachibana having been told that the Admiral may be trying to dismantle the sensors installed in his cabin musters the Rose Division at Kaede's request on the Bridge. Sammy missed the further shopping activity while she and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg was at his cabin and did not notice that the lights were now off in the workshop. She had assumed Kohran had turned them out as she left. Commander Oogami and Commander Kayama who had joined the Rose Division on the Bridge, Kayama offered some sage advise, "The Admiral when he was in Tokyo in 1927 ran circles around us and I learned to respect his tactical abilities because of that. He will not be easily deterred and it is no longer a game. He is likely playing for keeps."

Captain Hollister turned and addressed them, "Admiral Long is likely to go back to his cabin. Because of the late hour, obviously he will not go to the berthing compartments of the crew as he will not involve them in his game. Engineering spaces will be out as well since we are inport steaming. That leaves the exterior decks and internal passageways. I will alert the Marine Security detachment to stay out of this as well. They will not report his movements if they happen to see him which I doubt they will." Turning to Teresa, "John damn well knows the strength and weaknesses of his personnel and you. I think we all went a bit too far at 0400 this morning and John is out to teach us all a lesson."