Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
Circle of Faith
By Steve Edward
Chapter 7
Monday, May 10th, 2010 – Tokyo – 0500 hours –
Admiral John Long stood on the bare floor of the gym, dressed in a hakama. With a shinai in his hands he was practicing Kendo. Lt. Commander Kanna Kirishima working out lifting weights had observed the admiral's attacks against a dummy target. She had heard his kiai while entering the gym, the utterances a kind of controlled and personalized yell intended to provide courage and determination in the utterer while they would put forth fear and break the concentration of an opponent.
John was working off pent up frustrations. His morning run had done little for that, the ten kilometer run merely served to be a warm-up. Lt. Sakura Shinguji entering the gym stopped to observe the admiral's practice and during a brief pause had asked if he would like a sparring partner which he accepted.
Both opponents were in full protective gear, facing off with each other. Each had a shinai which was made of seasoned bamboo bound with wax cords. Sakura and John bowed to each other and then began the fight. Each yelling their attacks, the gym echoed with the sounds of the battle. Admiral Long was not holding back, neither was Sakura Shinguji. Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg watching from the sidelines with Kanna, at times winced when the strike and counter-strikes were launched.
Sakura had managed to land a kote to the left forearm of the admiral. Had the sword strike been real there would have been a serious injury. John having felt the strike and a bit angry for letting his defense down had returned a counter-strike by utilizing oshomen. That type of attack, a downward cut aimed at the center of the forehead had been successful. Had it not been for her protective gear, the attack would have likely injured Sakura regardless if the swords were real or not. Sakura herself rather angry launched a series of attacks that forced the admiral to go completely into defense mode.
Both Kanna and Teresa sensing things were getting out of hand, stepped in to stop the fight. Both opponents having been separated rested momentarily then resumed. Captain Frank Orkney walking in on the fight taking place, watched as both shinai shattered nearly at the same time as John and Sakura tried to find a weak spot within each other, the force of the attacks against each; well above of what should have been friendly sparring levels.
Frank himself called a halt to the match and approached Admiral Long and Lieutenant Shinguji, "Ok you two that is enough. The match is over. I believe that both of you have had enough practice for the morning."
Monday, May 10th, 2010 – Tokyo – 0900 hours –
Doctor Cynthia Long had been munching on a bagel at the Tokyo Seismology Institute when the monitoring system for the Bonin Island chain started reporting unusual activity. The island group which are volcanic and the site of a massive Sea Wraith emergence in late February had been a point of concern for Task Group Rose.
Newly upgraded, the seismic sensors reported a substantial and continuance period of activity. The seaquake was massive on the order of 8.0 on the Richter scale. Doctor Long issued a Tsunami alert as well as a Sea Wraith alert. Contacting Task Group Rose to inform the operations center of the activity, Doctor Long advises that aftershocks were continuing.
Admiral Long is in his office at 1100 hours when Commander Kayama brings a satellite photo of the area. What once had been open ocean now lay a new island nearly two kilometers in length and two kilometers in width. Nearly in the center of the island where there should have been no man made structures lay a stone structure which its composition did not match that of the island.
Monday, May 10th, 2010 – Tokyo – 1500 hours –
The briefing room was packed; the various video screens displayed the new island, located 130 miles north of Iwo Jima. The volcanic surface of the island bare of vegetation, the stone structure ominous in appearance; Admiral Long began the briefing.
"At about 0900 hours this morning Tokyo time, this island appeared 130 miles north of Iwo Jima. The size of the island is about two kilometers in length and two kilometers in width. Having spoken with Professor Niche Kereru of the Tokyo Seismology Institute, it is not all that unusual for islands to appear and then disappear. But the shear size of the island is unusual. There is also the matter of the stone structure on the island, which appears man made. Because of the structure on the island, Task Group Rose is going to investigate."
Admiral Long turned to Captain Sammy Hollister, "Sammy get the fires lit under the boilers. USS Wisconsin is sailing tomorrow morning," then Admiral Long turned to Commander Fujieda, "Kaede prepare the Rose Combat Division and Dream Division for deployment with the Wisconsin and have Fujii get the two priestesses, Maya and Ai ready to go with the Dream Division as well," and finishing up by addressing Captain Orkney, "Frank I am sailing with the Wisconsin. Move the staff onboard tonight. That is all dismissed."
Monday, May 10th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 2200 hours –
Admiral John Long who was reading in his Flag Cabin was reviewing the mysterious council mentioned within the scrolls. The Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura were with him as was Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying. The translations completed during the weekend had been beneficial in several respects. The Elders who made up the council were apparently mystics themselves and descendents of mystics originally involved in the placement of demonic seals.
Speaking alternatively Maya and Ai stated that Priestess Kato had suspected involvement of this council when the Sea Wraiths had first appeared. The late Priestess had conveyed to them that the apparent tampering with numerous demonic seals had caused the wide spread events in 2007. Why the council had broken or tampered with the seals was unknown as Priestess Kato was unable to discover the truth on her own.
Rear Admiral Ying setting her tea cup on the table spoke, "John with this mysterious council we have entities with unknown agenda's meddling in a world that already has it share of troubles. If the meddling from this council is an active attempt to disrupt this regions economy such as China, Japan and other lesser countries. Then this would affect trade with Europe and the United States."
Admiral Long nodded, "Mingmei it would be a form of economic terrorism. Disrupt the movement of consumer goods whether it be food staples or oil to the basic necessities of life, the populaces begin to suffer and prices for the most basic of life's everyday needs begin to spiral out of control. I suspect that is why you and I were likely targeted at Mount Fuji. We hit a nerve with someone and it caused them to try to stop us from interfering further."
Turning to look at the display monitor, "The appearance of the island may have something to do with their activities. If this council wanted to get our attention they have certainly got it. Why they are being so daring is open to conjecture. Could there be infighting within the council? We can only get an answer when we identify someone who is on that council or associated with them."
Within the hanger bay of the Wisconsin, the Rose Division had gathered to run final checks on their equipment. A spare Eisenkleid and Koubu had been loaded onboard as well per Admiral Long's orders. Lieutenant Kohran Ri was running the final system checks on those machines when Commander Fujieda entered the hanger.
Kaede had heard of the sparring match between Admiral Long and Lieutenant Shinguji and from eyewitness accounts it had not remained a friendly sparring match for either opponent for long. Seeing that Sakura was off by herself, Kaede approached her, "Sakura is there something wrong?" as Sakura startled spun around defensively; "No commander there is nothing wrong. I was just thinking about something."
With trepidation, Commander Fujieda asked Sakura again; "Sakura there is something bothering you. Is it the sparring match between yourself and Admiral Long this morning?" The question seeming to strike a nerve with Sakura caused an appearance of anger in her features, "Yes Commander, it is. Why did Admiral Long suddenly become aggressive? He gave no indication that he was going to utilize full power strikes! I felt his behavior was uncalled for."
Kaede placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder, "Sakura I believe the admiral was expending pent up energy. I do believe he did apologize to you for being so rough. There a few within Task Group Rose that can match his skill level in kendo; you happen to be one that is his equal or better. Even Lachette admitted that the admiral has skills in certain fighting techniques that exceed even her skills. You must admit that the battle did stir some feelings within you."
Sakura reflected that the battle had indeed stirred feelings of lust. The lust of wanting to kill, Sakura had not experienced those emotions in months. But was there something else she was longing for?
Sakura turned to Kaede, "Kaede, I am perhaps wrong in my perception of his actions. Is it love that had blinded me?" Commander Fujieda not expecting such a reply, "Sakura, Admiral Long has never expected that. He is not one to seek it or to use it in deceptive fashion. It has to find him, not in a place of battle but in a place of peace. He does love everyone deeply, but will not use that to gain the trusts of one opposing him. He prefers to earn the respect in other ways, which he has done so adeptly.
Kaede continued, "Admiral Long has to balance not only his needs but the needs of those under his command. There are complex issues exceed even what we previously encountered. The demonic creatures themselves are different, the battleground which we fight can be on the land or the sea, but it nevertheless remains our mission to combat these demonic creatures where ever and when ever they are found. Do not let the misconception of certain emotions within blind you because in battle that can be fatal."
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1700 hours –
Steaming from Tokyo, the USS Wisconsin was at an ordered speed of 35 knots. Admiral Long had decided for the time being of not having destroyer escorts as the Wisconsin moving as fast as she was, would have been pushing the limits of even a gas turbine powered ship. Aircraft surveillance had been conducted of the new island, but little else had been revealed. Studying the latest photographs, he peered through a magnifying glass at the stone structure on the center of the island.
The stone was not native to the island, its composition likely that of granite, its coloring suggesting similar conformation to that of the demonic seals themselves. What did it encompass? Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying has an impression that Admiral Long was ill at ease with the structure and what it likely contained, "John is there something unsettling you?"
Admiral Long laying the photograph on his desk replied, "Yes Mingmei there is. The structure on the island, it is pretty much no doubt that it is not a natural feature. I went back through historical archives to see if there ever had been a reference made to the island itself. The British Admiralty did not even have a reference to an island at the position we are headed to."
Picking up his coffee cup, "I had the Pentagon pull all Naval charts of this area dating back to the 1920's and nothing was indicated as being in that position. Maya and Ai are of the acumen to believe that the Council of Elders as they are calling them is responsible for the appearance of the island and in any case; I believe them."
Setting the coffee cup down, Admiral Long picked up the message board, "Then there is the underground demonic seal in Mongolia. On or about the same time as the island appeared; the background glow emanating from the jade seal went dark."
Standing up the admiral placed the photographs back in the folder and placed them in the secure cabinet and locked it. Turning to Mingmei, "Mingmei, I really don't know why I am uneasy. I just have a gut feeling that's all."
Advising Rear Admiral Ying that he was headed to the Flag Bridge, Admiral Long headed topside. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg would later find him on the bridge wing in the star lit darkness unmoving, staring at the near invisible horizon completely lost in thought.
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0300 hours –
The Officer of the Deck had been informed by the Aft Lookout the Admiral Long was up and about and running the main deck. Glancing at the ships clock and noting the time the Officer of the Deck, discreetly called Captain Hollister and informed her of the admiral's current activity.
The full moon illuminating the deck of the Wisconsin provided more than enough light to run by. Admiral Long did not feel the need nor did he want a running partner, as he had set his own pace and it was lively. On his next orbit of the battleship, standing on the fantail were Captain Sammy Hollister, Captain Frank Orkney, Rear Admiral Mingmei Ying, Commander Kaede Fujieda and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg. It was 0415 hours.
None were dressed for workout or running and standing in such a way that there would be no avoiding them, Admiral John Long had to stop.
Sammy stepped forward and spoke, "Ok John, what the hell is going on with you? I have never seen you act in this way. Mingmei said something is gnawing at you."
With a frown Admiral Long replied, "Nothing that concerns you Sammy, or anyone else for that matter," as he glanced at his watch; "Besides what are all of you doing here on the fantail at 0415 in the morning?"
Captain Orkney replied, "The cause is you, John. It is rather unlike you to be up so early." Feeling like he was being shielded, "Frank, I appreciate the concerns however I am just working off some tension that's all."
Frank not buying into the statement, "Really then what else do you have planned for this morning? Another session with Sakura or hand to hand exercises with Kanna or perhaps someone else to work out your frustrations with? I've known you too long and I have only seen you do this kind of demanding workouts when preparing for combat. You have a lot of younger men and women onboard this ship to fight your battles for you. You are not alone in this and frankly you are starting to get under my skin."
Sighing Admiral Long replied, "Look all I wanted to do is run by myself, and I have not had that enjoyment of doing so since the incident at Mount Fuji. Maybe I have a little anxiety since that damn island appeared. But will all of you please stop being so overly protective. It is becoming annoying. Now if you will excuse me I have a several more laps to run, then I have a sparring match at 0530 with Kanna. Have a good morning." With that Admiral Long jogged off. Rear Admiral Ling mused aloud, "John can be so hard headed at times, but he may be correct. Perhaps we are being too protective."
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 – Iwo Jima – 0600 hours –
Michael stood on the rear deck of the trawler as it sailed from Iwo Jima. He had observed the sailing of the American Battleship as it left Tokyo, in all likelihood the battleship would arrive by mid-afternoon on Thursday at the new island. Michael himself would arrive late this evening. The trawlers captain having loaded an inflatable runabout with an outboard motor would drop him near the island and then leave, not to return.
Michael must prepare the temple for its first visitors in nearly 8,000 years. There would be some difficult questions to be answered; but he looked forward to meeting Admiral John Long. The turmoil in the council had come to a head, and there had been blood spilled, as four new Elders had already been seated replacing those that caused such great rifts to take place.
Michael had become a messenger of the council. He was no longer to devise a way to harm or interfere with Task Group Rose but to aide instead, even if it meant his own death.
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1000 hours –
The large video screen in the briefing room was split into two views. The left side displayed one of the first images taken of the new island after it emergence from the sea. The right side displayed an image taken less than an hour before. With the exception of the stone structure which was observed on the island in the first photo, in the second there was vegetation. The surveillance aircraft had verified its position three times to ensure it was photographing the correct island. Still near the center of the island, stood the stone structure and it was adorned in tropical flowers.
Commander Kayama spoke, "The Island has apparently sprouted vegetation consistent with the tropics. Closer examination confirms that it is the same island that emerged from the Pacific two days ago. The growth of the vegetation would be considered mature and would be age of 50 to 100 years of age. Botanists in Tokyo say the only way to accurately determine the age is to obtain samples."
Admiral John Long took in the photograph; it had been one of several that had been rushed to him while he was sparring with Kanna on the aft exercise deck. The sparring at or near full power, the attacks had taxed both John and Kanna. Commander Fujieda and Rear Admiral Ying were closely observing the activity to ensure that nothing would get out of hand. Lt. Commander Maria Tachibana and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg had already been chosen to be the ones to step-in if the match had got out of control. There had been no incidents and each had congratulated the other before leaving to shower.
Professor Walters spoke next, "Admiral an ancient script referenced a temple far to the east and showed its then apparent location on map found with it in Beijing. At the time I had ignored that temple as it would have been in the current day Pacific Ocean. I regret the error as it is entirely my fault. The structure conforms to the dimensions of the temple ruins found in northern Mongolia."
Admiral Long replied, "Lenny, had we even attempted to locate it; I doubt the Ocean Plain would have even found it. I've seen the chart you mentioned and the temple position was not accurately drawn, only estimated. What is your theory on the demonic seal in Mongolia going dark? Did anyone begin to determine what was causing the jade to be emissive in the first place?"
Professor Walters stood and tapped a key to display a photo of the interior of the Mongolian demonic seal, "Every kind of test short of destructive testing to obtain a sample of the stone was undertaken. No radiation, heat or other form of light generating energy was detected. What ever was going on there is or was beyond our understanding."
A knock on the door interrupted the briefing, a radioman handed Captain Orkney a message printout and departed. Reading it briefly, Captain Orkney walked to Admiral Long and handed him the printout.
Glancing through it then setting it on the table, "Our Russian friends who have been monitoring the demonic seal found at Bret Chirpoyev have advised that it has gone cold. I suspect we will find that similar developments have taken place at the other locations as well. Professor Walters would you confirm my suspicions for the other sites, as we will assume the appearance of the island may have something to do with it."
Admiral Long noting that Lieutenant Kohran Ri had a report to make directed her to begin, "Admiral as you are aware we have the ability to monitor the spiritual energy onboard this ship. We have a slight problem and that is the current levels of certain individuals. With your permission I will display on screen." Granting the request, Admiral Long turned to the view screen; as Kohran continued. "Besides the members of the Rose Combat Division and the Dream Division which are monitored normally we have been observing the spiritual readings of yourself and Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura.
The individual readings exceed that of Iris and Sakura combined. I can not explain it to you directly but the monitoring devices onboard this ship picked up your energy readings two days ago which coincided with the emergence of the island. Furthermore they have been steadily increasing for all of us as we draw closer to the island. We have had to install dampeners in the measuring circuits specifically for you and the priestesses."
Rear Admiral Ying spoke, "Then that would likely explain the need for the admiral to increase his physical activity?" as the real time readings jumped yet again, Kohran replied; "Yes. He has to expend it in some fashion. The Priestesses are able to control theirs through other actions. It is Admiral Long's readings that are disturbing. He will need to continue his physical activities."
Musing aloud, Admiral Long replied "For some reason I am not looking forward to the next 36 hours" as he viewed the readings that had jumped ominously once again."
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1800 hours –
Admiral Long had completed his second run of the day and by his estimates having run another ten kilometers. Doctor Nicholas Seagram had taken Admiral Long's blood pressure and measured his heart rate after the run and noted that John's blood pressure and heart rate was in the normal range for a person who had been at extended rest. His running partners, Rear Admiral Ying and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg were at the other end of the spectrum. John had run both literally into the deck.
Heading to the aft workout deck, Admiral Long decided to workout on the punch bag. That physical workout lasted less than five minutes, when the Ever Last workout bag seemed to explode in a cloud of sand, showering everyone in a radius of 30 feet and sending the remnants of the bags contents blowing onto the fantail and the Wisconsin crew members gathered there. Captain Hollister having received a report of the incident found a rather dejected admiral sitting on a weight bench, flexing his hands.
Sitting next to Admiral Long, Captain Hollister took in the destroyed punching bag. "Well John you owe my Welfare and Recreation Department a new gym bag. How bad is it now?" as a crewman hurried by with a broom to sweep up the mess, John replied "Frankly I have never felt better, but I have managed to run into the deck my Chinese liaison officer and my Marine Staff Sergeant and I have barely broken a sweat doing it. I was doing practice strikes on the gym bag when I busted it open. Kanna herself had not been able to do that." Captain Hollister crossed her arms, "Well John then it would be best to avoid from this point any further physical contact with anyone on this ship. If you were to engage someone in a sparring match in all likelihood you would put them in sickbay, so as commanding officer of the USS Wisconsin, I hereby order you to cease such physical activity. Perhaps reading and relaxing with some reading material will help?"
Turning to look at Sammy Admiral Long replied, "I really hope so Sammy. I want to get this over with. What ever the hell is affecting me, the Priestesses and the Dream Division is tied to that island. Have Kaede put the Rose Division on alert, they are to take appropriate actions against me; if by chance something happens that I loose control of my faculties. You are ordered to use the strongest sedative that Doctor Seagram has, and pass that order along to Captain Orkney as well. Safety of this ship comes first." With that said Admiral Long stood and departed to his cabin.
To be Continued...
