Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
The Return
Chapter 29
Sunday, February 28th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0700 hours –
His head was throbbing as was his right side. Admiral John Long lay in the Wisconsin's sickbay. Blinking his eyes, he tried to sit up only to be firmly pushed back down by hands on both shoulders. Orihime Soletta and Sumire Kanzaki stood on either side of his bed looking down at him and neither was smiling. Commander Seagram the Wisconsin's medical officer stood at the foot of the bed, looking crossed "Ladies if he tries that again hold him down. He is not to get out of that bed without my permission."
Picking up a nearby syringe Doctor Seagram addressed the Admiral, "Sir with all due respect stay in bed, otherwise I will sedate you again." Wondering why the doctor was being such a hard ass the Admiral replied, "Nicholas why are you being so demanding?" as John realized that if he even attempted to move again there would be repercussions.
Doctor Seagram replied, "Because after I performed surgery on you last night you tried to slug Captain Hollister then Commander Fujieda when you attempted to leave your bed, which is why I am being such a hard ass." Relaxing back into the bed, Orihime and Sumire still firmly pressing him back, "Ok Nicholas tell me what happened, things are a bit fuzzy."
Doctor Seagram putting down the loaded syringe, "You were shot by a sniper while at the shrine; the bullet grazed your right side. While retrieving a monk who had also been shot you aggravated the wound further and tore it even more making which had been a minor wound turn into a major bleeder. The reason your head is likely hurting is because your sister, Cynthia slugged you and knocked you out to keep you from doing any more damage to yourself."
Turning and picking up the phone, Doctor Seagram made a brief call and then hung up. Looking back at his patient, "Admiral you were rather out of it last night and what ever was going on inside your head made you want to try to leave sickbay. Captain Orkney and Captain Hollister are on their way. They will answer any other questions and please stay in the bed."
The door opened to sickbay and leading the way was Captain Sammy Hollister followed by Captain Frank Orkney with the remainder of the Rose Combat Division trailing behind. The doctor nodding at Sammy stepped aside as Sammy took his place cocked an eyebrow, "Well John feeling better? Considering what you put everyone through last night and this morning I am amazed that you are awake."
Admiral Long having no memory of the aftermath could only shrug his shoulders which were immediately pressed downward again.
John trying to look innocent, "I guess I decided to go somewhere, Doctor Seagram told me I tried to slug you and Commander Fujieda." Sammy not smiling, "Slugging is not the word for it, it was more like a fight. Kaede had to slug you again, after you ripped the IV's out of your arm." Captain Orkney interrupted, "John I don't think anyone will hold it against you. From what I have been told by Tsubaki you exhibited the same behavior after being treated at the Imperial Theater." Astonished at that remark, "Captain they never told me about that," Sammy crossing her arms; "Really? Well Tsubaki left that out of the diary that you had kept. She left out the fight you had with Sakura, Orihime and Sumire. Now consider yourself embarrassed." Admiral Long looking up at Sumire and Orihime did not get any sympathetic looks from them.
Opening a folder Frank looked at the Admiral, "You of course are wondering just who the hell shot you and for what reason. You will want to read this." Handing the folder and its contents to Admiral Long, Captain Orkney stepped back and waited for him to read the report.
The cover page was from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. A branch of the office at Naval Airstation Okinawa had become involved. The report named the shooter, a 25 year old Okinawan native Kara Surnichia the great-great granddaughter of Taka Surnichia who was responsible for the death of Kanna Kirishima's father in 1925. Kanna apparently returned to Okinawa and killed Taka in a duel to the death then returned to Tokyo afterward, since she had no remaining family members on the island.
Setting the report down John replied, "Revenge? Is this what it is all about?" Captain Orkney nodded, "Apparently so. We have a NCIS agent standing outside who wants to talk to you regarding the matter. I have restricted Kanna to her quarters for the time being." John shaking his head, "Captain, release the restrictions immediately there will be no need for that. Where are Commander Kayama and Commander Fujieda?"
Captain Orkney replied, "Ashore at the Okinawa Police Headquarters interviewing the suspect. We are sir, currently at anchor off of Naha, Okinawa. Also you should know that the monk who was shot is currently recovering at the hospital in Naha the doctors there report he is expected to make a full recovery."
Nodding at the report, "Very well Captain, show the NCIS agent in so we can get this mess behind us." Acknowledging the order, Maria Tachibana standing near the door; opened it and motioned the agent in.
Special Agent James Dearing walked in carrying in one hand a rifle its bolt open with a bright orange plastic tag dangling from the trigger. Stopping at the foot of the bed he greeted the Admiral, "Sir I am Special Agent James Dearing with the Navy Criminal Investigative Service. I am from the field office on Okinawa. The reason I am here is to conduct an interview regarding the shooting that took place on February 27, 2010 involving yourself and others."
Agent Dearing held up the rifle, "The weapon utilized in the sniper attack was a World War II era Imperial Japanese Army Type 02 paratroop rifle fitted with a 4X scoop and a very modern noise suppression attachment, it is chambered for 7.7 MM rounds which is equivalent to the British .303 round. I believe it dates from sometime in 1943. It likely came into the possession of shooter or someone in her family years ago. The weapon is still showing the active duty stamp so it was never stricken from active service."
Setting the weapon to the side, "Admiral Long, were you aware of Lieutenant Commander Kanna Kirishima's past activities prior to retrieving her from the year 1927?" Trying to shift position in bed, Sumire and Orihime lightly put their hands back on his shoulders; Admiral Long looking dismayed, "General Ikki Yoneda did inform me of her prior history. However I did not consider her prior behavior to be unacceptable as it was a common practice during that time period to conduct such rituals. Regrettable as it may seem that a life was taken, Kanna seeking revenge for her father's death her actions at the time are acceptable."
Agent Dearing looking up from his notes, "Then in the off chance that Okinawa authorities decide to take Kanna Kirishima into custody on the Surnichia murder; how would you plan on handling that issue?" Smiling, the Admiral replied, "Because they have no case. There would be the difficulty in finding witnesses and obviously no body. Furthermore at the time of Taka Surnichia's death Okinawa was still being ruled in near feudal fashion. So there can be no trial. Also since she was not yet a member of the US Navy until the year 2010 we have no jurisdiction either."
Agent Dearing closing his notebook, "Admiral, as for the shooter how do you intended to handle that issue?" Closing his eyes a moment then reopening, "Drop any charges that we may have against her. She still must answer for shooting the monk. Holding a grudge can eat away any semblance of normal living. I do recommend that Kara be given some psychiatric help with hopes that this cycle of revenge is put to an end once and for all." With no further questions to ask Agent Dearing picked up the rifle and with the Admiral's permission departed.
Doctor Seagram noting the length of time that has passed picks up the loaded syringe, "Admiral you need to get some more rest. There will be no rambling about the passageways on this ship by you," then the Doctor unsmiling injects and sedates the Admiral once again.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0600 hours –
Doctor Seagram when he issued stay in bed orders he meant it seriously. Admiral Long had tried to leave sickbay Monday afternoon to return to his Flag Cabin. Yuri Sakakibara assisted by a Navy Corpsman had to put him back in the sickbay bed. Doctor Seagram observing the commotion grabbed another syringe and promptly sedated the hapless admiral yet again.
It was Leni Milchstrase's turn late Monday evening to deal with the admiral's penchant for wanting to get out of bed. Doctor Seagram having temporarily stationed himself in sickbay, loads another syringe to its max setting of 50 cc's and injects Admiral Long yet again. That shot lasted till mid-day on Tuesday, when Admiral Long telling the doctor that he would be a good admiral and would stay in bed if he let him go to his Flag Cabin.
Escorted to his cabin Tuesday afternoon, the doctor changed his orders to light duty status with strict orders for no running, warning Admiral Long if he so as much sprinted he would find himself back in sickbay. Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg planting herself outside his cabin watches him closely not even allowing him to walk alone to CIC she is one and half steps behind him the entire way.
On this Wednesday morning, Admiral Long is walking the deck of the Wisconsin with Commanders Fujieda and Kayama having listened to their report concerning their interview with Kara Surnichia. Kara's situation was even more aggravated by the fact that her own family had no knowledge that she was going to commit such an act. Flown to Japan on a Japanese Self Defense Force Aircraft, Kara was now undergoing treatment in Yokohama, Japan. The wounded monk had declined to press charges as well so charges were put into abeyance.
Behind them is Doctor Cynthia Long who is along for the fresh air and to watch over her brother and walking hand in hand with her is Iris. She admitted that she had utilized her powers to keep John restrained after he tried to fight his way through Sakura, Sumire and Orihime while he was recovering at the Imperial Theater; the Admiral's recollection of seeing Jean-Paul floating above his chest was of Iris using Jean-Paul as a focal point. His antics while in sickbay had become the talk of the ships crew.
Doctor Cynthia Long had returned to the shrine to redo the measurements as the original data was destroyed when the laptop was hit by gunfire. With Okinawa Police and a Marine Security Detachment from the Naval Airstation securing the site she was able to complete the survey without further interruption. A sample of the granite boulders was taken for carbon dating. The sample flown to Tokyo for analyses was estimated at nearly 9,000 years of age. The boulders not native to Okinawa their origins still a mystery while another sample was being flown to the Smithsonian Institute for study.
Admiral John Long having completed the maximum of two orbits that Doctor Seagram will allow returns to his Flag Cabin. Sakura Shinguji, who disconcertingly appeared out of nowhere as the Admiral made his way back to his cabin, sits across from him the Arataka Spirit Sword by her side.
Looking at her Admiral Long asks her to confirm his behavior, "Sakura did I in fact do what Tsubaki said I did?" as Sakura blushing replies, "Yes Admiral you did. You were a handful for all of us. You pinned me twice at the door." Sitting back in his chair, Admiral Long decided to admit what happened between Sakura's grandmother and himself.
"Sakura, you had asked what happened with your grandmother and me. Your grandmother had me take my shirt off. She traced the scars that are on my back and chest. That is the only thing that happened, nothing more and nothing less. As to why she did it she refused to tell me and I thought it best at the time that there was no need for discussion."
Commander Fujieda knocking on the door interrupted, "Admiral there is an urgent call from the Oceanic Plain can you take it?" as the Admiral nodded, Commander Fujieda turned on the monitor and pressed the activation button for the video conference.
Doctor Paula Sotheby appeared on the screen, "Admiral Long, we found something that you will find interesting," the 55 inch LCD display flickered the video feed from the Seeker appeared, "The Seeker is holding about 500 feet from the center target which lies in 13,000 feet of water. Arrayed with precision is an outer ring. The exact same type of rock formation that was surveyed at Okinawa shrine has been obviously been recreated here as well."
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1500 hours –
The afternoon briefing was standing room only, Commodore Kagawa Kiyoto having flown onboard from the FDS Kongo is among those in the briefing. Doctor Paula Sotheby attending by video conference as is Admiral Alex Guthrie at Pearl Harbor.
Admiral Long turning to the enhanced photograph spoke, "This still photograph was taken by the robotic submarine Seeker which is being utilized by the Oceanic Plain.
Taken at a depth of 13,000 feet the rock formation matches in precise layout of a granite formation found at a shrine on Okinawa. The carbon dating done earlier indicates that the granite is in excess of 9,000 years of age. The composition of the granite which is not native to this region is believed to have originated from what is now known as Australia.
What we are looking at is a very ancient demonic seal, put into place when the Pacific did not yet exist. In short if we were to chart the known positions of previous Sea Wraith appearances which have occurred at magnitude exceeding 7.0 it is likely we would find the remains of similar demonic seals, the granite likely shattered."
Admiral Guthrie interrupted, "John if this is what you suspect, then who did put these so called demonic seals in place?" John tapping the laptop keyboard, "Good question Alex and one that I can not currently answer; but the people that did this may have been of Asian descent as there is an early form of the Kanji or Chinese characters depending on ones interpretation, visible on the primary seal with the outer ring consisting of eight separate individual boulders shaped to match the larger single seal. The markings appear numeric related on the smaller boulders but match no known mathematical comprehension currently in use and match nothing previously used. I have requested the assistance of MIT on the mathematical relationship, the only difference is the between the demonic seal at 13,000 feet and the Okinawa shrine is the mathematical markings displayed on the outer ring. Again same thing, when we ran a computer model with the numeric rings in random order they would not match, and hazarding a guess as to which outer boulder we start with and what form the mathematics are based on we ran into a dead end."
Doctor Long herself continued the briefing, "We can surmise that the relationship between demonic seals is that they are somehow interlinked. At best we were looking for a needle in the haystack when the Oceanic Plain stumbled across what they found at 13,000 feet. I've done everything I can think of to discover a pattern but with only two we only have a line drawn from point A to point B."
Admiral Long turned to Cynthia, "Doctor Long what about the current seismic activity how has it been doing?" Cynthia tapped a key on her laptop, "Besides the normal activity there is nothing outside the long term forecast to warrant any changes. The short term will be day to day."
Turning to Commodore Kagawa Kiyoto, "Commodore would you notify the JDF that we are interested in similar formations. Someone may have already seen such a rock formation and may have dismissed it as naturally occurring. It might help save some time. Doctor Sotheby how much down time do you need for the Seeker?" Doctor Sotheby replied, "Admiral I need 48 hours to do maintenance and to give my crew a rest can you wait that long?" Admiral Long looked at his watch, "Paula for the time being that will be fine. Have Seeker ready to go back into the water March 5th." Acknowledging that she would she closed the video link. Looking around at the remainder, "We have only begun to discover information that we need. What could seem minor or not even important could be a key to discovering what caused the emergences in the first place to even stopping them from continuing. Good luck, that is all dismissed.
Thursday, March 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0400 hours –
Admiral Long walked the deck instead of running. He had hoped to do his pacing alone. He had already begun walking down the port side of the Wisconsin lost in thought when Lieutenant Commander Ichiro Oogami followed by Lieutenant Commander Kanna Kirishima catch up. Glancing at Ichiro, "Who got the luck of the draw this time Commander?" as the Admiral rounded the fantail, Ichiro replied "I took it upon my own Admiral."
Kanna walking to his other side, "Admiral, I am indebted to you for what you have done." Pausing a moment, "Kanna you have no debt with me. I would have done the same and will do the same for the others if something like this ever happens again." Continuing his walk, "It was a different world then than today. Both of you have caught up on the history that you missed. Kara believed I was responsible for taking you away from her families ancestors. Somewhere along the intervening years the true story of why the duel took place fell by the wayside. It is a common occurrence to receive death threats directly or indirectly. Kara mailed a letter to the Tokyo address of Task Group Rose Headquarters. The irony of it was that by the time the letter had been opened and read I was already in surgery."
Stopping a moment to view the JDS Kongo in the distance, "Kara never directly threatened you, only me. What is in the past is the past. We can not dwell on what has happened, if we did it would consume us and we would not and could not function. Focus on the present that is what we are here for."
It was 0419 hours when the Bosun Whistle sounded, "Battle Stations, All Hands to Battle Stations this is not a drill. Set Condition One through out the ship, Rose Combat Division and Dream Divisions man your stations. Flights Quarters, Flight Quarters prepare UAV for immediate launch. Admiral Long your presence is requested in CIC."
Thursday, March 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0445 hours –
Admiral Long studied the tactical board. The Japanese Self Defense Force Ship the JDS Yubari DE 227 was 250 miles NNE of the Wisconsin. The Yubari had stumbled across two Sea Wraiths. Similar in armament to an Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate, it did not have the fire power, there was no missile launcher. She carried eight Harpoon canisters with no reloads.
Admiral Long had stood down the Rose and Dream Divisions as any benefit from using them would have been low. The JDS Yubari had engaged both Sea Wraiths with two Harpoons apiece. One of the Sea Wraith apparently divided and the new Sea Wraith had taken the place of the other which was destroyed.
The JDS Yubari, was meant for coastal patrol duties being more of a coast guard vessel than a hard hitting destroyer like the JDS Kongo. The JDS Yubari fleeing southward from the advancing Sea Wraith could only make 25 knots. The Sea Wraith were pursuing at 30 knots.
Turning Task Group Rose towards an intercept course with the JDS Yubari would be futile even with the maximum speed of the Wisconsin. Admiral Long decided it was time for the big guns to speak once again.
The UAV would arrive overhead in 10 minutes, at which time the 16 inch guns would be asked to throw their shells more than 225 miles. If even one fell short it could likely impact on or near the JDS Yubari and send that small ship and her crew of 95 to the bottom. The other choice was to let the Sea Wraith attack and hope the JDS Yubari would take the hits but it was doubtful she would survive more than two direct hits. The Admiral went with Plan A.
The video feed from the UAV appeared at 0455 hours as it passed over the JDS Yubari. The tiny vessel at its maximum speed of 25 knots was about to witness the longest naval gun battery firing in history.
With a gentle touch of the ships helm, the USS Wisconsin at 30 knots turned slightly to port. Captain Hollister turned to Admiral Long, "Sir all batteries unmasked and ready for sequential firing. Flight time to impact is 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Requesting batteries release," Admiral Long saying a silent prayer, "Batteries released, UAV control light up the Sea Wraith." At 0500 hours the USS Wisconsin fired lighting up the dawn sky, the 16 inch high explosive shells on their way. The closest Sea Wraith was 11,000 yards from the JDS Yubari.
Thursday, March 4th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0900 hours –
Steaming at 15 knots back on her original course, the USS Wisconsin and her escorts sailed in a northerly direction. Admiral Long in his cabin reviewed the prior engagement. Thankfully none of the 16 inch shells fell short, as the projected impact point was at 10,500 yards astern of the JDS Yubari. The small crew of the JDS Yubari witnessed the impacts on both Sea Wraiths, all it had taken was 9 rounds.
But where had they come from? No report of a seaquake or other seismic event. His sister, Doctor Cynthia Long had been in communication with Tokyo. An intern there adamantly stated no seismic events. Professor Kereru verified that all monitors were operational.
The itch on his right side where he had been wounded at Okinawa was beginning to drive him nuts. It did not help when he had missed a step on the stairwell while on his way to CIC and fell in the process. No one had been there escorting him. Both Ichiro and Kanna had left for the hanger bay. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg being given a break from her duties had still been in her cabin when general quarters sounded. John had picked himself up and continued on.
Finishing up the review and signing off on the action report he placed it in the out basket and tried to lean back to relax. That was a mistake. Involuntarily reaching for his side with his hand, it came away with blood. Unavoidable as it was, he reached for the phone knowing that the remainder of the day was not going to be pleasant. Putting the phone back down he closed his eyes. The last sound he heard was the 1MC announcing Medical Emergency in the Flag Cabin, Staff Sergeant Bloomberg nearly breaking the door down could not reach the Admiral in time as he landed with a thud on the deck.
Saturday, March 6th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1900 hours –
Admiral Long felt like he had run a marathon but yet he had gotten nowhere. At times finding himself standing alone amidst the stones at the shrine on Okinawa he would circle the outer ring of granite, their appearance of being cool misleading. Placing his hand on them he would feel scorching heat, yet no radiant heat waves could be seen.
Another take on his dreams was his attempts to run across a sandy beach, its black sand slowing him down. Yet it was not warm, it was bitterly cold. A flash back to Sendai, the sword fighting demonstration with Sakura that had gotten out of hand. Only this time the grandmother sat silent and unmoving as her granddaughter circled in for the kill, not with a shattered practice sword but the Arataka Spirit Sword, the blade from the hilt to the tip blood red.
Then the granite stones that had been found underwater at 13,000 feet by the Seeker, only he was not seeing it from the perspective of the Seeker. He was there circling the outer ring of stones. Their slat grey appearance the same as Okinawa yet cool to touch. Why? Then back to running. His feet pounding the teak decking of the Wisconsin, only he never had to turn, the scene changing to him dancing with Leni at the Imperial Theater only there was no music, no sound though he could see Orihime playing the grand piano.
Back to the sandy beach the bitter cold tearing through him, a different take this time. Sakura was walking beside him to his right and Iris to the left, to his front Staff Sergeant Bloomberg and Commander Tachibana; in the distance lumps in the black sand, their shapes recognizable. Then back to running again in the sand, leaving them behind.
Back on the teak deck of the Wisconsin running this time two figures, one is Cynthia and the other Kaede. Approaching both and greeting them he sees two fists, both swinging as hard as they could, they connect. The last thing he finally hears from both is "The doctor said no running!" His eyes fluttered open, then the sound and the shaking began, it is Doctor Seagram, "Admiral can you hear me? John! Can you hear me?"
Blinking and then trying to raise himself and mumbling "Jeez easy on the fists", it is Sakura and Kanna this time holding him down. Doctor Seagram looking down at him, "Welcome back John. Where have you been?" At the foot of the Admiral's bed stood Doctor Cynthia Long and Commander Kaede Fujieda. Arrayed elsewhere was Iris sitting in a nearby chair and next to her stood Staff Sergeant Bloomberg.
Looking up at Doctor Seagram John could only ask "What the hell happened to me?" Nodding at Sakura and Kanna to relax their grips, "You have been in an unconscious state for two days. You somehow managed to reinjure yourself. Did you fall somewhere?" Admitting he had fallen while going to CIC, Doctor Seagram nodded; "You apparently tore the internal sutures, which resulted in internal bleeding. I had to open you back up. In short you lost very close to four pints of blood. This time there will be extended bed rest and there will be no ifs and or buts about it."
The sickbay door opened and Captain Orkney entered, "Admiral I hope you are behaving," as Frank paused next to the doctor. Not willing to have himself pressed back into bed, John carefully tried not to move, "I am behaving, what is our status?" Captain Frank Orkney who moved next to the bed "We are operational, and steaming towards the Kuril Islands. To be more specific we are enroute to the Volcano Brat Chirpoyev."
John gave his warning. Ladies I really need to sit up, "Frank that is disputed territory. What is up there?" Smiling, Frank replied "A rock formation, to be specific the same configuration as that on Okinawa site A and the underwater formation site B."
Admiral Long taking that comment in, "Exactly where on Brat Chirpoyev is the site? On the volcanic face or somewhere near the beach say Northeast of the volcano itself."
Frank looking startled, "John how the hell could you have known that?" Looking about to those in sickbay in general, "Because Frank I have had a really bad set of dreams that kept repeating themselves and I kept ending up on a black sandy beach freezing my butt off or running down a teak deck. The last time was meeting the fists of Cynthia and Kaede at a dead run and getting knocked on my butt."
Looking at Doctor Seagram, "If I promise to behave can I go back to my Flag Cabin; I have to have computer and video-link access. Frank what is our projected ETA to the Kuril's?" Doctor Seagram looked like he was going to say no but gave his approval on the condition someone be with him at all times. Frank replied, "Monday, March 7th at the site location itself around 0500 hours if we hold current speed. But we will have to leave behind the JDF ships considering the circumstances of the dispute."
Turning and thanking the Doctor, "Ok Frank advise Commodore Kiyoto to discontinue escort on Sunday at 0600 hours. Tell him to stay south of us in Japanese territorial waters. I do not want any of his actions to be misconstrued by the Russian military. Last thing I need is to be dodging missiles coming from two different directions."
Doctor Seagram taking in the actions and the decisions that his patient was making on the fly, it was though he had never been away. Just what had the Admiral experienced, unlike his earlier actions in sickbay; he had lain unmoving on the bed for over 48 hours.
Sunday, March 7th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0600 hours –
Sitting at his desk Admiral Long resumed work. Briefly interrupted by Doctor Seagram who conducted an examination which included taking his blood pressure the doctor reminding him not to do anything strenuous had just left. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg handing him his message traffic, "Admiral is it wise that you should be back here and not in sickbay?" Look up John replied, "Teresa, there will be plenty of time for rest later. There are certain things that not even my Chief of Staff can do, that must be done by me personally." Looking at the clock, "Teresa go get Leni, she is in the passageway waiting to relieve you. Then hit the sack. I'll need you tomorrow that is all dismissed."
The Admiral turned away and picked up the phone. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg knowing that John would not talk any further, acknowledged the order and left. Leni Milchstrase with her dog entered the Flag Cabin and took the chair vacated by Teresa and sat. The Chow meandered around the desk and maneuvered itself next to the Admiral's chair. Absentmindedly, the Admiral now on the phone with the head of the Russian Navy in Moscow began to scratch it behind its ear.
Hanging up he asked Leni to bring him a chart that had prepared by the Quartermaster. As she unfolded it across the desk, he noted she was humming the movement from the waltz that they had danced to in ¾ beat. It made him stop and think.
The dream came back to him. Looking up at Leni, "Thank you Leni, you just put another piece of the puzzle in place," turned and picked up the phone again and dialed Kohran's cabin. Asking her to come to his cabin, he hung up. Leni looking puzzled, "What was it that I did John?" as the Admiral scratched the dog behind the ears again, "The mathematical formula that we have been trying to decipher; it is not mathematics, but a musical score."
Picking up the phone again and dialing the Bridge he asked for Sammy, "This is John. We have clearance to enter Russian territorial waters and we have landing rights for
Brat Chirpoyev, expect a Kirov class heavy cruiser and four Sovremenny class guided missile destroyers in about 6 hours to join us. The Oceanic Plain also has clearance, advise Captain DuPont of the fact and not to get nervous.
Kohran knocking on the door entered the cabin. John looking at her, "Kohran go get the tonal generator and the oscilloscope from your workshop. Stop by Orihime's cabin on the way back and have her bring that electronic keyboard that she has here to my cabin. We have a music score to write."