Sakura Wars: The 21st Century

Circle of Faith

By Steve Edward

Chapter 8

Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0900 hours –

Captain Hollister suggestion of doing some reading had helped to a point, but even that failed to do anything to alleviate the need for some form of physical activity. Admiral Long finally resorted to meditation with the help of Princesses Maya and Ai Ikura.

Captain Hollister had ordered a UAV launched to scout the island and on its arrival it beamed back video of an even lusher island.

The coverage from vegetation was nearly 100 percent, except for a clearing to the north of the temple and what appeared to be a well worn path. During the orbit of the island, personnel in CIC watching the video feed observed an individual on the island. Standing in the center of the clearing, dressed in what appeared to be monks clothing stood a man and he was waving at the UAV.

Admiral Long tapped the keyboard and froze the image displayed on the screen, "Ok now we have an occupant on the island. How or when he got there we will likely get the answer from him when we arrive. The accelerated growth of vegetation on the island has pretty much confirmed that we are not dealing with your average landmass fresh from the ocean floor."

Turning to another display screen, "The spiritual readings of personnel on the Wisconsin have stabilized, thanks in part to the Dream Division and Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura. I might add that I am rather grateful as it has caused some unusual side effects in some of us."

Admiral Long turned to Professor Walters and nodded, "Admiral as requested I checked with monitoring personnel at the other known demonic seals and they report that all previous anomalies that had been noted such as elevated heat and altered air currents have ceased. All the events coincided with the appearance of the island."

Commander Kayama stood and walked to the keyboard and tapped a key bringing up a regional map of the Pacific, "In the three days since the appearance of this island the activity of Sea Wraiths have dropped to zero. The last Sea Wraith sighting was south of Okinawa which was three hours before the report of the islands arrival. That Sea Wraith was engaged and destroyed by the JDS Kongo. As for seismic events, they have been currently normal."

Thanking Commander Kayama, Admiral Long stood up "Based on current speed we will arrive at the island at around 1300 hours. Because we do not know the state of the waters surrounding the island, I am directing Captain Hollister to launch small boats to take soundings to chart the immediate area. Until we get a good idea of where the navigable waters are; the Wisconsin will stand clear at 5,000 yards."

Picking up a folder and opening it, "We will utilize helicopters to make landings on the island. The clearing to the north of what has been identified as a temple will be the landing area. The initial shore party will consist of the following personnel, Admiral John Long, Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying, Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura, Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg and no others. Seahawk Charlie-One will be designated transport aircraft with Charlie-Two as backup."

Noting that Captain Orkney was about to voice his dissent, "Sorry Frank it has to be. I want you here in case things go to hell in a hand basket. Commander Fujieda, once we are airborne you will have the Rose Combat Division go to alert status one. If we get any demonic creatures whether they be Sea Wraith or something else entirely putting in an appearance; you will engage and destroy them. Defense of the Wisconsin is primary.

Captain Hollister, you are to target the temple structure itself in the event I give you the order to fire. There is no further discussion of this matter, carry out your assigned duties. That is all, dismissed."

Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – Island Temple – 1400 hours –

Michael stood patiently waiting for the arrival of Admiral John Long. Michael knew that he had been seen by the unmanned aircraft as it passed repeatedly over the island. In the distance the American Navy Battleship stood off shore, on its stern Michael could see a helicopter lifting off and from its flight path that it was headed directly to the island.

Onboard Seahawk Charlie-One, Admiral Long scanned the approaching island. He directed the pilot Lieutenant Harris to circle the island before landing in the clearing. Rear Admiral Ying spotted the inflatable runabout which had been dragged onto the beach, pointing the craft out to Admiral Long who nodded. Admiral Long mused, "At least the man did not swim here."

Lieutenant Harris expertly flared the Seahawk into the clearing, which seemed made to order for a helicopter landing. Directed by Admiral Long to shut the aircraft down, Lieutenant Harris observed the approach of the unknown individual from the direction of the temple. Alerting the landing party, Harris intently watched but observed no indications that the individual was a threat.

Admiral Long disembarked once the main rotor had stopped turning. Staff Sergeant Bloomberg took a defensive position to the front of the aircraft observing the individual who had stop at the edge of the pathway. Assisting the Priestesses off the aircraft and then removing several containers of food and water and survival tents, the aircraft crewman reboarded the aircraft.

Rear Admiral Ying signaling that all was clear, Lieutenant Harris saluted both admirals and started the engines of Charlie-One. Lifting cleanly, Charlie-One headed back to the Wisconsin.

Satisfied that things were as safe as they were going to be, Admiral Long turned his attention to their greeter.

Michael bowed deeply, "Admiral John Long, welcome. If you like I will assist with carrying your supplies. My name is Michael."

Admiral Long nodded, "Very well Michael, you may assist. When we are done, you and I need to have a chat."

With the exception of the Priestesses, the shore party was armed. Slinging the P-90 to his back, Admiral Long with assistance from Michael carried the food containers to the entrance of the temple. Leaving Rear Admiral Ying with Staff Sergeant Bloomberg and the Priestesses at the temple while he returned to the clearing to carry the remaining supplies; Admiral Long and Michael made a second trip which passed in silence.

Rear Admiral Ying peered into the temple area itself. Well lighted through use of indirect sunlight she could make out various inscriptions. There were no familiar demonic seals present visually. Perhaps underground she mused.

Returning to the temple, Admiral Long and Michael set the remaining container down. Michael turned toward both the Priestesses and then kneeled and bowed in supplication. Maya stepped forward and spoke, "Rise messenger Michael. You must speak of what is to be said."

Michael returning to his kneeling position but with his head bowed, "Your highnesses, the Elders beg forgiveness for creating such unneeded troublesomeness.

The ones responsible have been punished and are no longer present. They ask your guidance to resolve."

John having heard enough tapped Michael on the shoulder then pointed to the equipment case on which to sit, "Michael, what has to be resolved? And just the hell who are you?"

Maya and Ai nodded at Michael to explain, "Master Long demands explanation!" spoke Maya. Ai spoke "Explain yourself." Mingmei hearing John being called master again evoked a smile that she could not hide from John who was not looking amused in the least.

Maya and Ai joined Admiral Long and stood to his side as Michael briefly stood then kneeled again, this time before the admiral himself. Michael seemed to take a breath and then relaxed and spoke, "9,000 years ago a great battle was waged upon this earth. This area now covered by ocean was once plains and rolling hills. The island we are on was part of a great landmass. The temple before us was the site of where many demons had been vanquished. After the great battle, peace lasted for 1,000 years. Then a great cataclysmic event took place which resulted in the flooding of this area and the eventual sinking of the temple into the seas."

Admiral Long nodded for Michael to continue, "But after the event, the demons came once again and battles continued anew. Many mystics were employed to seal these demonic creatures to their realm from whence they had come. The great granite boulders were utilized and the mystics placed their seals onto them to enforce the sealing. As eons passed, the demonic seals themselves were destroyed by natural events that could not be controlled. In what would pass in the years of 1915 to 1927, many more demonic seals would be destroyed. This time by man's need to make war, which resulted in the release of demonic creatures on several landmasses including Europe, the United States and Japan, these events would become known as the Kouma Wars."

Admiral Long gave pause to Michael, "If this so called Council of Elders has the ability to control the demonic seals then why were the seals broken again?" Michael seeing the anger in John's eyes, "For many years the Elders had watched events shape the world, some of which they had disagreement with. A small group of Elders had joined together and without consent of others released the mystics seals that had been emplaced; and due to unforeseen events trigged the release of what you call the Sea Wraiths, demonic creatures born of the oceans; which began their reign of terror."

Rear Admiral Ying spoke, "Michael, did not the Elders realize the huge loss of human life that this would result in? Then there is the matter of their interference in our ongoing missions to eradicate these creatures. Why did they continue releasing these creatures?"

Michael shifted position, "Some of the Elders responsible felt that the loss of human life would be minimal. Hence they continued to release certain seals, which were now located in our present day in oceanic environments." Pausing a moment, Michael to seem to relax then continued; "The interference on the part of the Council was due to Master Long's involvement. High Priestess Kato had foreseen Master Long's involvement, and the Elders responsible for the demonic releases went against her wishes and ordered his death."

Staff Sergeant Bloomberg hearing that statement shifted her position but was silently ordered to stand down by Admiral Long, "Michael, did the council understand that even had the ordered assassination taken place; that someone else would have taken my place?" Michael seemed to shake his head no, "Master Long, they are of the old ways and did not understand the structure of a military organization. It was after the attempt on your life that changes took place and new Elders seated."

Michael looked upward to Maya and Ai, "High Priestess Kato had resolved that these demonic events should end, so she participated in seating the new Elders. It was among her last acts, her very final act was to safeguard Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura by putting them into your custody Master Long."

Looking at Michael directly, Admiral Long asked "Michael, over the past several days I have personally experienced a rather disturbing increase of my spiritual energies, when some have theorized as being enhanced if you will by the appearance of this island. Frankly why did this island appear? And why did you come here?"

Michael stood and then motioned for all to follow, "Master Long, this is the original temple that had been used to seal the demons long ago. Those who are gifted with great spiritual energy will have that enhanced over great distances and are by nature attracted to the temple itself. It was the wishes of the new council that the temple be revealed, it is hoped that it can be used once again for sealing the demonic realm."

Michael stopped and then kneeled before a low stone table then stood again; "I am here as a messenger to convey their desires. They seek peaceful means of ending this and I am willing to sacrifice my own life to meet that end."

Admiral Long crossed his arms and took in the interior of the temple, "Michael there has been enough death in this world and it is time to end this. How is it to be done?"

Michael turned then bowed once again, "Master Long the ritual is called Circle of Faith, which mystics must perform the ceremony."

Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1800 hours –

Commander Kaede Fujieda stood in CIC waiting for some form of communication from Admiral Long. Captain Hollister and Captain Orkney were likewise growing impatient and they had been debating on sending in the Rose Combat Division; Lt. Commander Oogami pacing back and forth on the fantail would occasionally look towards the structure of the temple in hopes of seeing some movement.

The soundings taken of the waters surrounding the island showed navigable waters up to 50 yards off shore, so Captain Hollister decided that the Wisconsin would go in for a much closer look.

The talks took longer than anticipated so when Admiral Long stepped out of the Temple to radio the Wisconsin, she was sitting 100 yards off shore, which rather surprised him; "Alfa-One to Wisconsin, Sammy just what the hell do you think you are doing that close in?"

Breathing a sigh of relief and grabbing the handset Sammy peered through her binoculars at the admiral, "Well its about damn time. I was about to send in the cavalry. As for being so close we have good water up to 50 yards off shore. What have you been able to find out?"

John replied, "A lot that I can not repeat over this radio but suffice to say there has been outside influences affecting the appearances of the Sea Wraiths. The man here at the Temple is a messenger of sorts and he had a lot to tell. Advise Kasumi Fujii to prepare the Dream Division for transfer to the island at first light in the morning. Use the utility boats to accomplish it. We will need the mystics to perform the ritual called Circle of Faith. It is similar to what we did in Tokyo with Iris and Leni; Kasumi can fill you in on it."

Taking in what was said Sammy replied, "What about your landing party John? Will you be returning tonight? I can lower the barge now."

John replied, "Negative Sammy. I am staying here. I have the distinct feeling that the Rose Division is itching to come ashore as well so have them load some tents and transfer them ashore with Commander Fujieda by small boat. I also want Professor Walters and Commander Kayama here as well. After the task is completed, head out to sea for maneuvering room. If you would have them toss in some portable lighting. We will rig the shore line on the west side for navigational reference. Oh yeah by the way put extra food in for Kanna. We will handle the cooking, Alfa-One out."

Thursday, May 13th, 2010 – Island Temple – 2100 hours –

After pitching camp, the Rose Division scattered in pairs to examine the island itself. All had returned and reported nothing unusual. The inflatable skiff had been located by Kanna and carried with its motor still attached over her head through their camp. Michael who was sitting with Commander Kayama watched in awe as she walked past, "Is she that strong?" as Commander Kayama glancing up replied, "More than you can imagine. She would likely flatten you with one blow."

Professor Walters was within the Temple with Maya and Ai. It was like strolling through a large open book. Each stone slab had been laboriously inscribed and as either Maya or Ai took turns translating the writings, Lenny would record both visually and record digitally all that was said or seen. It would cause some historians to rethink written human history as it was currently known.

Rear Admiral Ying and Admiral Long were sitting with Commander Fujieda and Lt. Commander Oogami discussing what had transpired. Arranged around them, members of the Rose Combat Division, Leni having taken in the discussion of the destruction of the seals in Europe; it had been unsettling for her. The carelessness of a World War had unleashed demonic beings. Maria Tachibana remembering a long forgotten civil war wondered if something she may have done contributed.

Admiral Long staring into the fire spoke, "We can not lay the blame on any single instance or act that has occurred in this world. We were fortunate that the demonic reign ended in 1927. Perhaps it was the actions of the Elders during that time period that they were able to prevent further outbreaks. With the exception of wars that did break out, humanity had been spared the horrors for nearly 80 years. But those who decided to unleash the horrors once again did so only to find that the creatures they wanted to control could not be made slaves to do their bidding."

Taking a sip of his coffee, "When the Elders unleashed the demonic creatures they did so as to cause rifts between countries, but history has a habit of repeating itself. Just as in the 1920's, countries banded together to find a way of defeating the demonic creatures. Today the world is a bit safer, thanks to all of our efforts. But we will be prepared to take the fight to anyone, anywhere at anytime. As for the Elders themselves their activities will be closely monitored from now on. The Elders have surrendered to authorities in Japan and are in the custody. I want to put this behind us and continue doing what we have been chosen to do and I believe that we will be successful."

Friday, May 14th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1100 hours

Circle of Faith. It could also be called convergence. The Dream Division had begun the ritual at 0700 hours. Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura had required a focal point, Michael who seemed at peace with himself stepped forward and entered the Temple with both. Had he known what he knew now, he would have never allowed the ritual to take place. Admiral Long standing on the bridge wing of the Flag Bridge, who stared at the sinking island, mused silently that he would have found another way.

When the Dream Division began their chants, the Priestesses joined in. Michael, who was standing at the center point of the Temple, knelt and bowed his head in prayer. Captain Hollister onboard the Wisconsin watched as there appeared to be a massive searchlight lighting the heavens above the island. Within the Temple Admiral Long watched as Michael coalesced into visible light and then disappeared. Unable to move or utter a sound he could only watch.

Everyone appeared to have been affected by the event. Momentarily blinded, Admiral Long listened as the ritual was finally completed. Staggering to where Michael had knelt, John looked to Maya and Ai; it was Maya who spoke "Master, it was his wish to ensure the closures of what has been opened. He will be rewarded for his sacrifice." In near shock Admiral Long replied "Maya bring him back. There was no need for this!"

Maya and Ai briefly looked at one another then Ai spoke, "We can not Master for what has been done is done. There is no turning back. Michael had already accepted his fate. We all must leave this place as it will return from whence it came and we must do so now."

John felt the first quake as it rattled and shook the island, ordering everyone out of the Temple; he grabbed Maya and Ai and took off running out of the Temple.

Yelling to Kohran to radio the Wisconsin to send in all the boats he handed the Priestesses off to Staff Sergeant Bloomberg and Lt. Commander Maria Tachibana. Feeling a presence next to him, he turned to Sakura to see her head bowed in prayer.

He felt the next quake, so bone jarring that it threw Sakura into his arms, "Sakura, Michael knows we have given him our prayers. It is time to leave. Get to the beach now."

Sakura regaining her balance bowed to Admiral Long and then broke into a run. John began to run himself. Throwing safety rules to the wind, the boat crews crammed the landing party with the Rose and Dream Divisions into the boats, and redlining their engines raced away from the beach.

Captain Frank Orkney discreetly coughed and when Admiral Long turned to him he handed the message clipboard to him, "John apparently shortly after the ritual was completed the individuals who had come forward and identified themselves as the Elders; disappeared."

John glanced through the messages himself, "Let me guess. They winked out?" Frank nodding, "In essence yes; at least two did it in front of the guards at the holding facility. They have conducted a search, but have found no trace of them."

Admiral Long climbed into the wing chair and sat back, "Frank I doubt they will be found. I would have liked to have talked to them but hopefully they have learned a bit of a valuable lesson. What about injuries from our mad dash? Anyone seriously hurt?"

Frank replied, "Mostly minor scrapes and some bruises, thankfully no broken bones; since Kanna took it upon herself to launch the entire Dream Division and the Priestesses to the main deck from the utility boat." The sight of the Dream Division literally flying onto the main deck being caught in mid-air by the deck division crew of the Wisconsin before they landed on the deck would not soon be forgotten.

The final thunderous crack in the distance garnered their attention; the island in the final stages of descent emitted the sounds. John looked one last time, and then punched the 21MC call button for the main bridge, "Flag Bridge, Bridge. Captain Hollister set course for Tokyo once all your boats are secure for sea, make turns for 15 knots." Sammy replied, "Aye sir. 15 knots it is."

Saturday, May 15th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0300 hours

The video conference debriefing had been unprecedented; the President of the United States listened and took his turn asking questions as did the leaders of Japan, China, Russia, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Australia among others.

Since the sinking of the Temple back to the depths of the Pacific, the Wisconsin once sailing alone now had arrayed around it in formation naval vessels from Japan, Russia, the United States, China, Australia and Great Britain. 10 nautical miles on the port quarter stood the Regan Battle Group. Three old friends had rejoined the Wisconsin, the USS Shiloh, USS John S. McCain, and USS Hooper; which the Hooper had been the last to join. Commander Andrea London barreling down the port side at 35 knots at 100 yards had doffed her hat as she passed.

The massive Russian cruiser Kirov astern had blown its whistle at the Hooper as it passed, Rear Admiral Sergio Seradov waving a hat and hand as well.

John climbed into the wing chair and accepted the cup of coffee from Rear Admiral Mingmei Li Ying. They both scanned the horizon taking in the numerous ships, all ships of the line, and ships built to make war but sailing together in peace the twinkling of the distant navigation lights adding a bit of comfort.

Hearing footsteps inside the Flag Bridge, Admiral Long turned slightly to see who it was. Commander Kaede Fujieda in the lead, with the Rose Combat Division following out the door to the bridge wing, none apparently could sleep either. Iris with Jean-Paul, Leni with her dog, (Admiral Long did a double take) then leaned over and scratched it behind its ears, Sakura Shinguji standing next to Ichiro Oogami.

Kanna Kirishima with Maria Tachibana, Sumire Kanzaki and Lachette Altair and Kohran Ri with Orihime Soletta rounded out the group.

Then more footsteps, the two Priestesses Maya and Ai Ikura with the Dream Division behind them along with Kasumi Fujii, Yuri Sakakibara and little Tsubaki Takamura who was trying to peer through the kimonos of the Dream Division, the footsteps to his rear as Admiral Long turned to see who it was; Captain Frank Orkney and Staff Sergeant Bloomberg appeared with Yuichi Kayama.

Looking at Commander Fujieda, Admiral Long spoke "Ok Kaede what is all the commotion about?" as the rather crowded Flag Bridge and bridge wing seemed to well with anticipation, Kaede responded "Admiral Long do you not remember the significance of today's date, it is May 15, 2010."

Pondering a moment, Admiral Long could only shake his head no to the question. Tsubaki Takamura having crawled on her hands and knees poked her head through the door and spoke, "John today is the day we all finally met you." The flashback to that day on a street corner in Tokyo, when under the guise of Herbert Robert Long, he had kneeled in front of Iris and greeted her for the first time. Then the kidnapping attempt, throwing himself in front of the gun as it went off. The bullets meant for Iris had instead hit him. The sound of a gun battle then nothing; followed by disjointed and confused memories as he awoke in a bed inside the Imperial Theater with Jean-Paul appearing to be floating on his chest.

Admiral Long smiled, "Yes I do now Tsubaki. 83 years ago to the day. It was on the street corner, on a Sunday morning where I first met you and Iris; then the rest of you after I woke up on the bed."

Maria spoke next, "That is correct John. The day that you saved Iris and saved a country from the recklessness of a mad man, who we know had little regard for life."

Commander Fujieda spoke next, "Admiral we all know it is a little early to discuss this issue but the Rose and Dream Divisions wish to continue in your service."

Admiral Long had reflected on that thorny issue privately and had discussed it directly with the President of the United States in private after the debriefing had taken place. The President agreed that the Elders having realized that they were loosing control and facing friction within their own ranks had used Task Group Rose to do what they could not.

The President suspected and he was not alone in the theory that the Council of Elders would be back, so it had already been decided that Task Group Rose would stay together as a viable fighting unit. When not having to fight demonic creatures the Wisconsin and the Rose Combat Division could be deployed to defuse hotspots. There would be few dictators with the will to take on such a fighting force, doing so would be suicidal.

The presence of the Wisconsin in the Pacific had already been noted and the results of her big guns capable of firing at extended ranges along with her improved armament had been enough of a threat to defuse some political issues. These issues pushed into the background because of the Sea Wraiths had been simmering on the back burners. Now the mere mention of the Rose Combat Division or the Wisconsin had resulted in numerous political disputes being settled or talks being planned. No one wanted to have that ship sailing off their coast if there was some kind of dispute.

Admiral Long smiled when he replied, "Commander, it is never too early to discuss such an issue, but it has already been decided. Per orders of the President of the United States, the Rose Combat Division as well as the Dream Division is to remain together as a viable and highly mobile fighting force utilizing the USS Wisconsin as a mobile base in times of need. If any feel that they would like to pursue another career, I will not hold it against anyone. All of you made the choice to come to the year 2010. You all have that choice to leave the service of the United States Navy."

Commander Kaede Fujieda replied, "We have already made our decisions Admiral Long. We are staying with you."

To be Continued...