Sakura Wars: The 21st Century

Circle of Faith

By Steve Edward

Chapter 5

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 – Tokyo – 0800 hours –

Admiral John Long eyed the Hospital Corpsman Chief as he studied the x-ray. The Chief noted at how well the healing had been progressing and had so informed Doctor Nicholas Seagram who was on the USS Wisconsin.

The chest wrap used to minimize his upper body movements was by far the most uncomfortable thing he had to wear in a long time. The Chief Corpsman, satisfied that the wrap could finally come off turned to the admiral, "Admiral, Doctor Seagram has advised to go ahead and remove the wrap from your chest if the x-rays looked good and they indeed do. So let's get the wrap off shall we?"

Commander Yuichi Kayama was in his office with Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying who was studying the other known demonic seals, "Commander; Admiral Long stated that he suspected that the demonic seals inscriptions were perhaps an intonation or incantation. Yet none that have been found show the same pattern, is it perhaps the differences of languages?"

Yuichi tapping the keyboard, "The language issues have been studied and Professor Walters had theorized that there is an early form of Chinese and Japanese languages utilized, the photographs that you have provided show similarities as well; but at what specific period did the languages branch when the seals were put into place is open to conjecture."

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 – Beijing – 1700 hours –

Professor Lenny Walters sat at a research table in the archives of the University of Beijing. He had flown from Mongolia to Beijing to examine several manuscripts that had been discovered to contain references to demonic seals.

A research assistant with the university had found a very ancient manuscript with inscriptions that had so far been only found on the demonic stone seals. Professor Walters after carefully unwrapping it was startled by the inscriptions depicted on the manuscript. More importantly was a complete incantation, which was likely used by ancient mystics to empower the seals themselves.

Professor Walters asked if a copy could be made of the manuscript and that once it was completed, if he could return to Tokyo with the copy. He needed to compare listed incantation with those that had been found on the demonic seals.

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 – Sea of Japan – 2300 hours –

Lt. Commander Kanna Kirishima and Lieutenant Sumire Kanzaki had just come about after engaging a Sea Wraith. It was one of four that had appeared in the Sea of Japan north of Shimane-ken Island. The Rose Combat Division had been called out after the sighting which had been reported by a Japanese fishing vessel.

The fishing vessel had come under attack after making the report and it was now sinking. Lt. Commander Oogami with Lieutenant Sakura Shinguji was engaging the last remaining Sea Wraith as it tried to flee. The USS Wisconsin and her escorts were 45 miles away and steaming to the sinking vessel in hopes of rescuing its remaining crew.

The remainder of the Rose Combat Division was scouting the immediate area; Lieutenant's Iris Chateaubraind and Leni Milchstrase were dropping flares to light up the sinking vessel. The other Japanese fishing vessels that had been with the ill-fated vessel had fled the area and were not wanting to come back to rescue their compatriots.

Racing from the east fitted with long range fuel tanks was Seahawk Charlie One. Onboard Admiral John Long, Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying and Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg, the admiral had been visiting a Japanese Self Defense Force Facility in Mikuni, Japan when word of the attack had been received. Directing that Charlie-One proceed to the scene of the attack Admiral Long took in the view as they closed with the sinking vessel.

Admiral Long keyed his communications headset, "Alfa-One to Wisconsin, we are two minutes out from the stricken vessel. We will make pickup of the survivors. How do you copy over?"

Captain Hollister replied, "Affirmative on your action Alfa-One. We will continue to close with your position."

Staff Sergeant Bloomberg manned the winch control and as Charlie-One moved into position Rear Admiral Ying noting that one of the crew members was having trouble swimming, took her shoes off and jumped out of the helicopter surprising everyone.

"Alfa-One to Wisconsin, we have one of our own in the water at this time, its Mingmei, Sammy." Sammy looked at Kaede and shrugged her shoulders, "Well at least John did not jump in."


Saturday, April 24th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin – 0700 hours –

Sitting in the wardroom having breakfast, Admiral Long studied the reactions of the Rose Combat Division as they had breakfast together with Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying. Instead of the normal light chatter, the silence was noticeable.

Captain Sammy Hollister noted it too and tried to break the icy welcome, "Mingmei, the last time you and I met was in Washington D.C., nearly two years ago. You have obviously done rather well."

Mingmei taking note of Sakura Shinguji's eyes boring into her, "Yes I have Sammy, and I see that you have done rather well yourself. It is no small feat to have command of a Battleship," as Admiral Long could see the sparks starting to fly from the other female members of the Rose Combat Division, "Mingmei, Sammy was a natural choice for command of this ship. Her tactical skills are equal to yours as you know from previous encounters."

Admiral Long decided it was time to tell the rest of the Rose Combat Division about his and Mingmei's history together, "I know this seems rather abrupt to have Rear Admiral Ying joining the Rose Combat Division; but we will all benefit from her. I should note that I and Mingmei have had a prior relationship that is rather personal in nature. I would have preferred to do this differently but I would like to set some things straight."

Admiral Long then related how they first met each other, and he continued into the painful memories. When he was done, the young women and their young commander gathered at the table realized the trials that their commanding officer had endured and found within themselves the respect for Mingmei. As a whole the group began warming up to Mingmei, it was for Admiral Long another way for making the Rose Combat Division stronger.

Already a diversified group the Rose Combat Division had to become even more cohesive. John knew the trials that lay ahead would put many to the test and they had to be able to work with others whose abilities would enhance and strengthen. Whether it was a trick of the lighting in the wardroom or something else; the Rose Combat Division insignia mounted on the nearby bulkhead seemed to be a bit brighter.

Excusing himself from the table Admiral Long asked Captain Hollister to join him privately in his Flag Cabin.

Entering the cabin and sitting at his desk, he had Sammy take a seat, "Ok Sammy something is on your mind. Spit it out," as Sammy appeared to squirm; "John why did you really have Mingmei join the Rose Combat Division?"

Smiling, John replied; "Because Sammy, I needed a liaison with China and she did fit the bill," Sammy was not satisfied; "John I know you better. What's the real reason? Teresa told me about Operation Locked Lips redux in your office. Mingmei locked on to you tighter than superglue. Is it because of the feelings you have for her?"

John sat back in his chair, "Sammy, you are getting out of line; the relationship that I may have had with Mingmei did not affect my decision to accept her as part of Task Group Rose," Captain Hollister stood up and walked to the blank video screen, "Then pray tell admiral just what did affect your decision?"

Picking up a pen and doodling on a pad of paper, "To be honest it was Ambassador Chester. It was his idea that we get the Chinese onboard. I did not need them as enemies and neither did you. He had already met Mingmei at a diplomatic function and he knew her background and that well we had been a "couple" so to speak."

Sammy looked flabbergasted, "Chester got you two back together? Does Admiral Guthrie know about this?" Admiral Long stood up and walked to the door, "Yes he does. Is he happy about it? I do not know, but Alex gave the final stamp of approval."

Motioning for Captain Hollister to follow Admiral Long went out the door, "For better or for worse I and Mingmei will have a working relationship. Lets leave it at that for now ok?" Captain Hollister still unsure if the arraignment would work could say nothing further. It was the roar of laughter from the wardroom as the Rose Combat Division listened to Mingmei as she told her version of Operation Locked Lips on the high seas, Captain Hollister and Admiral Long pausing outside both smiling at an embarrassing memory that no one had any idea the lasting impact it would have, and that it would one day bring two countries together for the common good.

Sunday, April 25th, 2010 – Tokyo – 1600 hours –

Admiral Long and Rear Admiral Ling with Staff Sergeant Bloomberg had returned to Tokyo late Saturday evening after airlifting the injured Japanese fishermen to Niigata for further medical treatment. Admiral Long had mused that Charlie One was fine for short hops but cross country flights left a lot to be desired.

Doctor Cynthia Long had joined both Admirals for dinner since Iris was still onboard the Wisconsin, "John, since it will be another week before Wisconsin returns what are your plans for the rest of the week?" Admiral John Long pondering that strange question, "Nothing but the usual office work; I have some meetings next week that I have to attend to. Why do you ask?"

Doctor Long smiled, "Well perhaps you should take a breather. Let Captain Orkney handle the trivial meetings. He is after all your Chief of Staff." Admiral Long detecting the handy work of a certain Captain, "Cynthia the meetings are not trivial. Besides I am rather interested in Professor Walters's findings. I want to do so reviews of the subject matter."

Doctor Long had not wanted to hear that response stood and glowered at her brother and her angelic features turned devilish, "Well it just so happens that you have some leave time on the books and per Doctor Nicholas Seagram you are hereby directed to take said leave," with that Cynthia picked up a manila envelope and placed it on the table.

Opening the envelope, Admiral Long noted a set of vehicle keys and the reservations that had been placed for an inn near Mount Fuji, "So Cynthia when are you and I supposed to leave?"

Cynthia did not look amused, "John if you are thinking that I am going with you; you had better think again. The other reservation is for Mingmei, and that is final. Both of you get packed. Oh by the way, Teresa is not driving you are. Take good care of the Land Cruiser it's your new personal vehicle by the way."

Monday, April 26th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0900 hours –

Commander Kaede Fujieda was a bit surprised as everyone else when Captain Frank Orkney appeared on the video screen instead of Admiral John Long. Going through the briefing and finishing the report, it as Maria Tachibana who finally asked where the admiral was. Captain Orkney with some amusement in his voice, "Well Maria he happens to be on leave at the moment with Rear Admiral Ling." Captain Orkney thinking he had lost audio from the Wisconsin, "Hello Wisconsin are you still there?" as Sammy started to laugh.

Captain Hollister looking around at the shocked faces, "Yes Frank we are still here. It seems the answer was a bit of a shock," as Kanna added her own comment; "Well the Chief needs the rest, besides she will look after him;" Which promptly got her two elbows from opposite sides from Sakura Shinguji and Sumire Kanzaki.

Commander Oogami rather curious asked, "Captain by chance do you know where Admiral Long and Rear Admiral Ling have gone?" as Kanna had grabbed the offending hands and was arm wrestling both Sakura and Sumire at the same time against their wills; Captain Orkney replied, "Yes Ichiro, they have gone to Mount Fuji and will be staying at an inn there for the week. The admiral will be back next Monday afternoon so he will not be on the pier when the Wisconsin returns."

Monday, April 26th, 2010 – Mt. Fuji – 1300 hours –

The Toyota Land Cruiser was not the ordinary civilian vehicle it appeared to be. Fitted with a custom made heavy duty brush guard and winch on the front and lens guards with a reinforced bumper guard and winch on the rear, the vehicle had been heavily modified including the suspension and engine. The surprise snow fall had at times been heavy, but the aggressive Yokohama mud and snow tires pulled the vehicle through the rising terrain.

Deciding to take the side roads, Admiral Long and Rear Admiral Ling took in the beauty of the country. Mount Fuji on the left side of the vehicle rising to little over 12,000 feet in height, its snow capped top obscured by the low hanging clouds was only partially visible. Mingmei noted that the region had numerous temples as it was considered sacred ground by many Japanese. John approaching the entrance of the small mountain inn was preparing to turn into it when he noted that there was a temple located across the road.

It was the markers at the temple entrance that had caught his attention, "Mingmei, take a look at the temple entrance to the right. The boulders are rather interesting."

Admiral Long stopped the vehicle and got out taking with him a window scrapper and snow brush with him. Approaching the large boulders and lightly brushing the covering of snow away, he uncovered the inscriptions.

Waving at Mingmei to join him, Admiral Long stood back and when she had joined him, "Mingmei you once said to me that fate can be fickle. I sometimes wonder if fate has a sense of humor too," as Mingmei taking in the inscriptions seemed to nod; "John you may be correct. How high are the odds of finding these here at such a place? The good intentions of your friends to get us away from work only serves to create more for us."

Admiral Long noting the time, "We will come back after we check in. This so called vacation could really turn out interesting," as they both returned to the Land Cruiser and drove into the inn.

Monday, April 26th, 2010 – Tokyo – 1600 hours –

Commander Yuichi Kayama was with Professor Lenny Walters on the research floor of the Task Group Rose Headquarters when the phone call came in from Admiral Long reporting the odd discovery at Mount Fujii.

An interesting aspect of the inscriptions was that before the 5th century, the Japanese language had solely been a spoken language and not a written language. It was during the 5th century that the Chinese writing system had been introduced. The exact origins of the Japanese language is still unknown but may be related to the Altaic languages of central Asia and of Korea.

Linguists had also found similarities between Japanese and the Austronesian languages of the South Pacific. Professor Walters with the copy of a manuscript obtained in Beijing was starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Professor Walters after conferring with linguists at the University of Tokyo had come to the conclusion that the inscriptions were related to an ancient Japanese language called Ainu. That language now virtually extinct both in spoken form and in writings had been found on the manuscript in Beijing, the language itself was inflective and nearly musical when spoken. It was the base language that had been used by ancient mystics during their chants.

Friday, April 29th, 2010 – Mount Fuji – 1100 hours –

John and Mingmei both were dressed in extreme cold weather gear. Using the inn as a base of operations the pair had visited numerous shrines and temples that lay scattered about Mount Fujii. From the simple to the grandiose, the shrines that had been visited were dedicated to the various forms of Shinto and Buddhism.

Japan is primarily a secular society. Shinto being native and Buddhism arriving in the 6th century by way of China and Korea; each religion had its own unique aspects. Shinto roughly translated meant "the Way of the Gods" and dates to prehistory. Unlike other religious bodies; Shinto has no organized body of teachings, no recognized historical founder and no moral code. The first mention of Shinto appeared in the year 720 in the Nihon shoki which was Japan's earliest historical chronicle. Shinto focuses on the worship of nature, ancestors and a pantheon of kami, sacred spirits or gods that personify aspects of the natural world. The Shinto religion had been for a time the official religion of Japan from 1868 to 1945 when it was state supported. However after the Japanese defeat in 1945, the occupation government had separated it from state support.

Admiral John Long and Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying stood before a Shinto shrine, located on the northern face of Mount Fuji. The weather throughout the week had been anything but pleasant. Getting to this shrine had taxed the Land Cruiser to its limits even with snow chains it had been difficult. The monks seeing the unexpected visitors had patiently cleared a path in the snow for them to walk in.

This shrine had been established in 1870 and dedicated to Shinto; it would in the summer be visited by worshippers. In the winter time, visitation fell off that the monks living there would depend on the generosity of residents living nearby. Admiral Long having offered a considerable offering to the shrine had with Mingmei examined the central point of the shrine, "Mingmei the lacking feature is the outer ring of the seal. This is demonic seal is rather incomplete."

Mingmei noting the age of the shrine, "Perhaps at one time outer seals were removed?" as Admiral Long turned to speak with their escort the unmistakable sound of a high velocity bullet whizzed by.

John grabbing the monk and pulling him down as Mingmei too hit the ground they both looked around for the shooter.

"Now what in the hell," mused Admiral Long as he and the monk with Mingmei crawled in the snow to the only source of cover which was the large granite boulder.

Mingmei taking in the terrain, "The shooter is rather well camouflaged. Finding the attacker will be difficult John," as another round slammed into the boulder; "Admiral Long removed his backpack.

"Yes it is going to be a pain to find him or her, but I did pack the P-90's. Get them ready while I make a phone call. We are going to need some help."

Friday, April 29th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1145 hours –

Commander Kaede Fujieda listened to the communications being relayed from Tokyo the sound of weapons fire in the background, "Sammy, we are taking sniper fire from an unknown hostile. I, Mingmei and a monk are pinned down at a Shinto shrine on the northern face of Mount Fuji. Launch the Rose Combat Division and send them here," as more weapons fire erupted; "Staff Sergeant Bloomberg has a strike team from the Japanese Defense Forces enroute with her but even by helicopter it is going to be dicey because of the weather we have here. You have my GPS coordinates from the cell phone. Send them to my position. Kaede instruct them to minimize firing weapons. This area is very sacred and I do not want to upset the locals anymore than I have to."

The USS Wisconsin and her escorts were back on the Pacific side of Japan which was fortunate. The Rose Combat Division launched and headed inland towards Mount Fuji, the sight of the Rose Combat Division thundering overhead brought traffic along the Tomei Expressway to a near standstill as the division climbed for altitude the roar of their jetpacks reverberating throughout the City of Fuji.

Friday, April 29th, 2010 – Mount Fuji – 1230 hours –

The sniper had been patient bidding his time. His handlers had been very explicit. Ensure that Admiral Long and his companion would not leave Mount Fuji alive. He had been given intelligence pertaining to where the two admirals were to be staying. The Amazonian like protector for Admiral Long was not going to be with them.

Following them had been rather easy, but finding the opportunity to set the ambush had taken time. When Admiral Long headed to the particular shrine that they were now at; the sniper thanked the gods and set about to completing his assignment.

After setting out cross country on skies, the sniper had setup his initial position well before John and Mingmei had arrived at the shrine. He had watched in amusement as the admirals negotiated the snow covered roadway the deep snow hindering their movement.

He had decided to wait for them to leave the Land Cruiser as it was heavily protected against weapons fire. The open area of the shrine would be a perfect killing ground. The sniper, who had fired the single round at Admiral Long, was disconcerted to see the round miss by mere inches.

Both admirals were pinned down with the monk and as he shifted his position to take a better shot; it became evident that the two admirals were making use of their only cover, and there was the matter of them being well armed. Admiral Long's penchant for carrying weapons extended even to when he was supposedly on vacation. The sniper had been on the receiving end of several volleys and had been splattered by the snow thrown up by the near misses.

The sound of jet aircraft was initially ignored by the sniper, as he took aim on the female companion of the admiral. The sniper fired but something obstructed his view of the target, and it was Sakura Shinguji's Koubu coming to a rest in the direct line of fire.

The unmistakable clang of a bullet striking steel reverberated around the shrine, "Nice timing Sakura;" as the admiral keyed the portable radio. Maria Tachibana coming to a near hover spotted their adversary and landed to the rear of the sniper.

The arrival of the Rose Combat Division surprised the sniper who felt the thump of Maria's Koubu as it landed hard to his rear. Spinning around he fired as the hatch opened on Maria's Koubu. The bullet missed Maria as she tumbled out of the pilot cabin into the snow, but Maria did not miss when she fired.

Kanna landing next to Sakura, jumped out and joined Admiral Long and Rear Admiral Ying as the monk resting between them seemed to be unconcerned with the chaotic events, "Chief are you ok?" as the remaining Rose Combat Division members landed.

Fifteen minutes later, Seahawk Charlie One accompanied by two Japanese Defense Force helicopters thundered into shrine and the assault teams disembarked. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg with Commander Kayama approached both admirals. Commander Kayama directed the perimeter to be secured and searched and turned to Admiral Long, "Sir have you or Rear Admiral Ying been injured?"

Shaking his head no Admiral Long replied, "Thankfully not Commander. Another few minutes and we would have been making another rotation of that boulder," as Staff Sergeant Bloomberg took in what had nearly become a kill zone, "Admiral it appears the sniper was rather persistent. Did you have any indication that you were being followed?"

Mingmei who had been approached by Maria Tachibana carrying the sniper rifle interrupted, "No Sergeant neither I or Admiral Long was aware that we were being followed. The assassin who ever he was had been a professional. This weapon is custom built with no markings."

Admiral Long viewing the weapon sighed, "Someone somewhere is getting nervous. Until we started focusing on the demonic seals; there had been little in the way of problems. Now we have people coming out of the woodwork trying to take pot shots at us."

Directing Commander Kayama to turn over the scene to Japanese authorities, John and Mingmei prepared to leave. When asked by Staff Sergeant Bloomberg if he wanted her to drive him back to Tokyo, Admiral Long shook his head no but asked for spare P-90 magazines as both had only half a magazine apiece left, "Teresa; I drove here and I am driving back. I and Mingmei are going to go pack and drive back tonight. Tell Captain Orkney to expect us this evening."

Turning to Commander Oogami, "Ichiro once things are done here; go ahead and return to Tokyo. I'll have Commander Fujieda flown in from the Wisconsin. The Rose Combat Division needs to have a serious planning session."

Saturday, May 1st, 2010 – Tokyo – 1700 hours –

The USS Wisconsin had returned early to Tokyo, arriving just before 1100 hours. Admiral Long and Rear Admiral Ying were preoccupied with the findings of Professor Walters. The matter of the circular formations of the demonic seals had not been lost on anyone. The outer seals represented the mystics themselves; the boulders numbering no greater and no less than eight at any of the seals were themselves the harmonizing components.

The chants based on the ancient language Ainu had been passed from generation to generation over the centuries to the current spiritual chants utilized by the Dream Division. What writings did exist was limited and the mystics of the Dream Division had learned the chants by sheer memorization with little need for written records till this point.

Directing Kasumi Fujii to have a mystic to inscribe if possible a sample of a chant in writing shocked John when the mystic having completed a protective power chant had transcribed it utilizing the now familiar inscriptions found on several of the demonic seals.

Turning to Professor Walters, "Lenny I think you need to have an urgent chat with our Dream Division. We have some experts sitting right in our midst." The linguists from the University of Tokyo had also taken note and were conferring with Fujii as well.

The matter of the sniper attack at Mount Fuji had come up with little information about the sniper himself. The sniper, male age estimated in his mid-30's his physical condition superb except for the bullet wound in the center of his forehead courtesy of Maria Tachibana was of European decent. The finger prints taken of the sniper had been faxed to the FBI in Washington D.C., but there had been no hits. The prints were being forward to various intelligence agencies in hopes of getting some identification. His photo also was being circulated.

Staff Sergeant Bloomberg had followed his ski tracks back to a rented Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle now being examined at Tokyo Police headquarters by Inspector Mitsuru Hongo and a field agent from the FBI assigned to the US Embassy had so far elicited few clues.

The weapon utilized was of unknown manufacture. Chambered for the Weatherby .460 caliber round, the bullet a massive 500 grain monster came out of the muzzle at a whooping 2600 feet per second with a 7504 foot pounds of force. The sniper had misjudged the distance which had been 250 yards for the first shot. Had it been dead on at 200 hundred, Admiral Long might have been killed.

Eyeing the weapon laying on the table in front of Staff Sergeant Bloomberg, Admiral Long stood up and walked to it.

Hefting the piece, Admiral Long was a bit surprised by the light weight and balance of the weapon, "Teresa were all the components and accessories gathered for this weapon?" as he pulled the bolt action back; "Yes Admiral they were. I have those locked in the armory."

Turning to Rear Admiral Ying, "Mingmei start coordinating the activities of the linguists, and the Dream Division; I am going to be at the firing range; to do a closer examination of this weapon."

Motioning to Commander Kaede Fujieda with Lieutenant Commanders Oogami and Tachibana to follow him, they with Staff Sergeant Bloomberg headed to the underground firing range.

Rear Admiral Ying approached Kasumi Fujii, "Kasumi in regards to the chants of the Dream Division; how many have been recorded in either written form or by electronic recordings?" as Mingmei pondered the chant inscription still being projected on the display screen.

Kasumi replied, "Only a few recordings were made, but that was in 1927. We have no current recordings or written records of the actual chants." Rear Admiral Ying not showing her surprise directed that such a program be undertaken immediately.

After arriving at the shooting range, Admiral Long setup on the 500 yard rifle range and then called the USS Wisconsin and requested that the Master Chief Gunners Mate report to the range. Master Chief Isaiah Webber arrives as requested and he goes through the weapon, giving in very technical terms its composition and its overall craftsmanship, "Admiral the piece is of an interesting construction. The block and bolt are of two different lathed pieces of titanium, each done independently of each other. Titanium is a bear to work with and it requires precision when being worked. One mistake during the manufacturing process and you will have a pile of scrap titanium."

Master Chief Webber continued, "The barrel is left hand with 1 in 10 inch twist, the manufacture is Krieger. Originally manufactured in a 32 inch length and made of chrome steel moly, it was powder coated with titanium nitrate. Professionally modified for breakdown and for the addition of the suppressor the barrel is now 28 inches in length. The butt is of carbon fiber, fitted with an advanced jell based shoulder pad to absorb the recoil of the weapon. Frankly Admiral, if the sniper had dialed in the distance correctly and taken the wind into account you would have been killed outright. The shear energy of that bullet would have been over 5,000 foot pounds at time of impact."

Admiral Long asking Master Chief Webber to write up his findings thanked him for his assistance and then dismissed the Master Chief so he could return to his regular duties.

John picked up several shells and loaded the weapon. With an internal capacity of 10 rounds even when fully loaded was well balanced and light weight.

Setting the target at 200 yards, the admiral donned eye protectors and hearing protection, then began firing. After two shots and adjusting the scope the admiral fired the remaining rounds with ease, the floating bolt smoothly chambering and then ejecting the spent rounds; his total firing time had been ten seconds and he had blown out the center circle.

After clearing the weapon and setting it on a nearby work bench Admiral Long leaned back against firing lane partition, "Ok folks we had a professional who fortunately had a minor screw up and it gave I and Mingmei a second chance. I have doubts that next time we will be as fortunate. Maria you got damn lucky taking him out the way you did, I understand part of the upper right corner of your pilot seat is missing. Ichiro, Kaede and Maria, what I am about to say I do not like the least bit; but we are dealing with an unknown entity who has apparently become uncomfortable with the information that we now have."

Commander Fujieda replied, "Admiral could there have been some relation to the sniper attack at Okinawa and the sniper at Mount Fuji? Perhaps we overlooked something at the time." Admiral Long shifted position, "Kaede I gave that some considerable thought and spoke with Inspector Hongo on the way back to Tokyo. The young girl involved in the shooting had never traveled extensively. Kara Surnichia only known travel itineraries had been to main island of Japan and several of the lesser islands; but no overseas trips had been noted. Inspector Hongo is highly doubtful that she is or was part of any planned attack. She is by the way still in Yokohama being treated so her whereabouts have been accounted for."

Removing the shooting glasses Admiral Long addressed the group as a whole, "For the time being I want a higher emphasis placed on personal security for everyone. Side arms are authorized for concealed carry for those who have been issued side arms previously. Maria get the division down here on the range and have them brush up on weapons handling and conduct defensive and offensive firing exercises. Commander Oogami you may have noticed that the divisions' new equipment has arrived. I want it thoroughly shaken down and tweaked for full operational readiness by Monday at 0700 hours. The Rose Combat Division original mission was to engage Sea Wraiths, it now has another mission; hunting for who ever is responsible for the attack. Who ever is responsible can only be considered one thing and that they are terrorists."

To be Continued...