NOIR

Chapter Five

Sword

By Steve Edward

Friday, June 18th 0600 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Randy had never left the office. Organizing the team of newly hired investigators and researchers he had visited the US Embassy the evening before. Gina Baldwin entering the office found Maho carrying a serving tray towards the conference room and relieved her of her burden, "Nonami, where is my husband?" as Nonami replied, "He is within conference room with military officials should I tell him you are here?" Gina walking off replied, "Don't bother. I will do it myself."

Commander Julian Packs looked up briefly and then stopped speaking as Gina Baldwin entered the conference room, "Excuse us, but could you come back a little later?" Randy looking at the monitor turned around, "Commander. That will not be necessary. That is my wife, Gina. Gina please say hello to Commander Julian Packs US Naval Attaché to the US Embassy here in Tokyo."

Gina set the tray down on the table then walked around the table to Randy, "Ok, husband where have you been?" as she embraced him. Randy replied, "Here and there. I know I should have called, but I was moving about so much last night that it would have done little good to meet somewhere. By the way how are Corey and the rest doing?"

Gina replied, "Doing well. It has been peaceful and quiet since they have been doing the exercises. Oh you should know Corey beat Kirika to the driveway for the morning run and she was not amused. Also Irena and Nina are running with him." Randy chuckled, "Well I suppose they would get involved."

Gina Baldwin turned to their visitors and apologized for the interruption, "My husband can tend to focus on certain things and let's time fly. So husband what is going on?"

Randy replied, "We have accepted a request to determine the loss of a Japanese fishing trawler that sank not of its own accord. We are acting as intermediaries between the owner and several governments."

Commander Packs replied, "The Baldwin Foundation officially notified the US and Japanese governments that they were acting on the behalf of the owner. The owner was justifiably upset over the loss of the vessel and a crewmember and had initially accused the United States for his loss. Needless to say we were rather pleased at Mr. Baldwin's intervention."

Gina Baldwin looked at the monitor displaying the Sea of Japan, "So it sank there?" Randy replied "Yes. It was dragged below the surface by a submarine." Gina would have laughed if it not been so serious, "Dragged? How did that happen?" Their other guest who had so far remained silent Lieutenant Shiro Sasaki replied "The submarine became entangled in the nets of the trawler and instead of surfacing, crashed dived and dragged the vessel to its doom. The synthetic cables supporting the net had become entangled with the upper works of the submarine. They did not break till well after the trawler had sunk, with loss of life."

Randy spoke, "The Sea of Japan, is one of the most dangerous areas for submarines to operate. US Navy subs that have had unfortunate encounters with shipping in the past, have always come to the surface to render aid and to acknowledge their mistakes. The submarine was not American nor Japanese and adding to the problem at hand no country has acknowledged that any submarines have been involved in any incidents in the Sea of Japan."

Gina replied, "Then who's was it?" Randy replied, "With Lieutenant Sasaki's assistance we have narrowed down the list of suspects. It was likely a North Korean diesel electric. A crewman on another trawler got a good look at what he thought was the periscope, but what he saw was a snorkel. A Japanese Self-Defense Force Navy Officer visited the crewmember in Niigata, Japan late last night and he picked out a photograph of the snorkel out of an intelligence reference book."

Gina replied, "The North Koreans are not exactly on speaking terms with a lot of people at the moment. Something else gives, husband." Commander Packs spoke "That would be an understatement Mrs. Baldwin, and they are refusing to admit that one of their submarines was the culprit. We do know that a submarine is missing from a North Korean naval base and has been away far longer than is normal."

Randy setting a cup down to receive coffee replied, "The submarine may still be near the area of sinking or has become disabled. If it is in deep water, they are likely already dead, since they do not have the life support systems of a nuke. But if they managed to reach shallow water and are making efforts to effect repairs, then they could be sitting on the bottom so damn close to shore that they might be gathering intelligence, while making the repairs."

Gina Baldwin replied, "Well what would be our responsibility if that is the case? Certainly the military could locate and what is the term, ring their bell?"

Randy replied, "We don't want the military involved anymore than they already are. If that sub is on the bottom, and in such condition to preclude it being able to maneuver the commander of the sub would likely feel justified in taking hostile action. I don't want that to happen and the same goes for Japan and the United States."

Gina replied, "So we become the buffer? Who is going to be doing the dialogue? From what I've seen and read about the North Korean's they don't like to be very talkative."

Randy replied, "Alfred Stolzberg is on his way to Tokyo from Paris. He has had dealings with the North Koreans before. The Chinese Embassy is how we say acting as their intermediary in their interests here. I expect my message should have been received by now, so Alfred will have his work cut out for him when he arrives."

Friday, June 18th 0730 hours, North Korea Sang-O Class Submarine, Sea of Japan

They had worked in near silence to effect repairs, the commander of the costal infiltration submarine waited patiently. Silence was golden onboard. The swimmers had gone out in two man teams to cut away the netting and the support cables that had entangled his tiny vessel. His second in command had panicked and had crashed dived after becoming entangled. The submarines submerged weight had been too great for the small trawler to bear and it had pulled the hapless vessel with it. The commander unable to prevent what was happening had only hoped that the crew of the trawler had been able to escape.

Receiving word that the dive team had returned, he briefly visited the escape chamber's cramped compartment where they told him that the propeller was still snarled. He turned to the commander of the infiltration team and ordered him to continue freeing the vessel. The men conferred with each other knowing time was of the essence, but neither knew the submarine's position had already been given away. A single glass fishing buoy that bore the name of the ill-fated trawler was bobbing on the surface and a passing fishing vessel steering well clear made note of its find. Five hours later, a rented deep sea cruiser departed Obama, Japan headed for an area of the Wakasawan Quasi National Park on the west coast of Japan.

Friday, June 18th 1300 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Alfred Stolzberg eating a late lunch with Gina Baldwin and the remainder of her family had been greeted by Corey Baldwin when he had arrived. Alfred had taken note of the change in the young man and had formerly greeted him as acting head of the household.

Alfred replying to an earlier question by Gina, "Mr. Baldwin, suspects that the North Korean submarine was on a training and intelligence mission hence its behavior. There have been other such missions carried out before against both US and Japanese interests, so it is not a new problem, however there is concern that the North Koreans might try to land an intelligence team onshore."

Mireille replied, "Then I gather that there is concern over whether they have already done so." Alfred replied, "You could say that Ms. Bouquet. But Mr. Baldwin believes they were returning to their base when the submarine encountered the nets from the trawler. So they diverted to shallow waters in an effort to free their vessel of the nets. A Japanese fishing vessel observed a single glass buoy bearing the name of the ill-fated trawler floating by it self near the Wakasawan Quasi National Park and had notified the Japanese Self-Defense Force about six hours ago. The remains of the trawler are 55 kilometers to the north, so in all likelihood the submarine till now, had dragged the buoy around with it."

Gina Baldwin setting her fork down replied, "Alfred what is your role in this now?" Alfred spoke, "Opening a dialogue is first on the agenda. We will hold the talk's at the foundation offices. They have agreed to that being neutral ground. Mr. Baldwin is of course on his way to the possible position of the submarine in an effort to make peaceful contact. Between my talks and his efforts we can hope to avoid a shooting war."

Alfred rising from the table spoke to Mireille Bouquet, "Madam Bouquet, Mr. Baldwin made a suggestion that I retain your services. He said it would be beneficial if you and Ms. Yumura were present." Mireille replied, "We will join you."

Friday, June 18th 1515 hours, North Korea Sang-O Class Submarine, Sea of Japan

Throttling back, Randy slowed the cruiser to bare steerageway. Being the only one onboard, had its downside but if he played his cards right it would put a nervous submarine crew at ease. Approaching the position of the glass buoy, Randy noted the depth of the fathometer, 75 feet to the bottom then as he passed the buoy the fathometer reacted decreasing in depth by 30 feet then back to 75 just seconds later.

Coming about Randy tapped the remote release and reversed the engines. The Danforth anchor released, smacked the surface and headed for the bottom below. The submarine commander had held his breath as the craft crossed over head. The sonar technician had classified it as civilian, but when the sound of the anchor being released and the engines reversing, he cursed silently. Now they had an unwelcome presence that they did not need.

Friday, June 18th 1600 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Chen Woo Tang had been warmly welcomed by Maho Nonami and escorted to the conference room. The message from the head of the Baldwin Foundation had been cordial but blunt and had included details that even he had not been aware of. A hurried conference call to his homeland resulted in him being here now; across from a man he once knew belonged to the US State Department, Alfred Stolzberg who had established himself as the senior negotiator for the Foundation.

Alfred offering his credentials began, "I regret that Mr. Baldwin is not here himself, but he will be joining by telephone shortly." Tang replied, "I had expected his presence since that had been indicated in the message." Alfred replied with a slight smile, "I am afraid that the fishing bug bit Mr. Baldwin, so he is off fishing." Tang replied with a somewhat perplexed look, "He went fishing?" Mireille Bouquet sitting next to Alfred replied, "Yes he is fishing. He seems to think that fishing around a submarine would be good."

Chen rising to his feet about to protest was halted by Alfred, "Chen, you have never changed. The Baldwin Foundation was informed about the possible location of your countries submarine several hours ago. Mr. Baldwin is sticking his neck out to keep the various militaries from doing anything rash, so rest easy. He would like to see this ended equitably for all those involved. Now onto other matters, it seems your submarine was involved in the sinking of a civilian Japanese trawler. The owner is demanding compensation for the loss of the vessel and one of its crewmen; perhaps we can start there."

Friday, June 18th 1630 hours, North Korea Sang-O Class Submarine, Sea of Japan

Baiting the hook with the squid, Randy tossed the line over the stern and taking a seat in the chair began the wait. He had not noted anything unusual in the way of obvious signs of divers. Likely they were using rebreathers. Though his ribs were still sore, he felt confident enough to put on his wet suit briefly to check the fit before leaving Obama. Lieutenant Sasaki had voiced his concern over Randy going alone, but Randy had declined any company. The Foundation would take the risks and not have the military directly involved till the time was right.

The diver following the anchor chain, surfaced quietly at the bow of the cruiser along with his companion they made their way down opposite sides of the cruiser, examining the craft as they went.

Placing the base of the rod into the support stand, Randy left the chair for the cabin and returned with the satellite phone then getting a clear signal established an open line with the foundation offices in Tokyo.

Maho's voice over the intercom announcing the incoming call came as Alfred writing another figure passed it back to Chen in silence. Tapping the speaker phone, Kirika Yumura answered, "Mr. Baldwin?" Randy just about to get back into his seat felt the boat's movement altered, but continued "Yes, Kirika it's me. Alfred how are things going?

Alfred Stolzberg replied, "The haggling is in earnest, with conditions." Randy sitting back in the chair glanced briefly at the lonely glass buoy then replied, "Well I am over our mutual interest, and I believe I may have company about now, so to make things short and sweet. I know the position of the submarine; Maho has the coordinates and should be putting them on the screen in the conference room about now. It would behoove your counterpart to drop the conditions, otherwise if anything happens there will be a lot of memorials taking place in North Korea. They have to accept responsibility."

Chen Woo Tang replied, "We will not bow to idle threats from a civilian Mr. Baldwin." Randy getting to his feet to stretch, "I don't make idle threats, sir; Mr. Stolzberg have the Commander brought in please."

Hearing his cue, Commander Packs entered the conference room then taking a seat at the end of the table replied, "Mr. Baldwin. I am now present." Randy replied, "Mr. Stolzberg please outline all the facts to Mr. Tang, until then, I'll call back to find out the news and by the way, Mr. Tang if either Commander Packs or Alfred Stolzberg does not hear from me by 1800 hours I have given them authorization for batteries release. I am sure Alfred or the Commander will explain that as well. Good day… Oh hello hi there"

Randy had felt the cruiser list slightly and turned towards the side which was listing and saw the face mask of his visitor and greeted the diver as he closed the connection.

The North Korean blinked in silent surprise as the man held out his hand in greeting.

Friday, June 18th 1655 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Stolzberg with his hands clasped in front of him on the table spoke, "The Baldwin Foundation began to investigate the loss of the trawler on the behalf of the owner. Neither the US Military nor the Japanese Self-Defense Force had been involved initially until we contacted them. You should know that the US Navy was initially blamed for the loss"

Stolzberg continued, "After our investigators began their work they realized that the American military was not at fault so they focused on other nations. With assistance of the Japanese Self-Defense Force, an eyewitness to the sinking was able to identify a snorkel commonly associated with a Sang-O class intelligence gathering submarine which is diesel-electric. Through some detective work and a little bit of help from a Japanese fishing vessel, your submarine was located. It is sitting on the bottom, currently disabled near the borders of the Wakasawan Quasi National Park. Violating Japanese territorial waters could be bad enough, but sinking an innocent trawler is another matter."

Alfred stood then walked to a nearby serving cart, "Mr. Baldwin parked himself over the submarine. Now to ensure that he would return, he advised Commander Packs that in the event he fails to contact us, that batteries release was to be authorized on or about 1815 hours. What that simply means is that a US Navy Seawolf Nuclear Attack Submarine will launch a full spread of MK.64 torpedoes at the designated time and those torpedoes will target the Sang-O class submarine. However should he remain unmolested and contact us to find out the news, we will allow your submarine to depart Japanese waters unmolested, so what will it be?"

Friday, June 18th 1715 hours, North Korea Sang-O Class Submarine, Sea of Japan

Entering the cramped chamber had been one thing, but trying to contort his upper body nearly caused Randy to spit out his mouthpiece. Relieved to be out of the compartment, Randy Baldwin walked forward escorted by the diver who had boarded the cruiser.

North Korea Navy Lieutenant Commander Li, stood in the passageway sizing up the American then holding out his hand greeted him, "I am Commander Li, why did you come?" Randy shaking hands replied, "Commander. You are in a bit of a pickle. Is there some place we can talk in private? We don't have much time."

Friday, June 18th 1755 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Randy Baldwin's voice coming over the speaker phone, "I did find out what happened at least on their end, the submarine's executive officer had panicked and crashed dived. The submarine commander says the officer will be punished. Alfred what did Mr. Tang come up with?" Alfred replied, "An equitable agreement has been reached. I can assume we can meet our end as well?" Randy turning to view the surfaced submarine replied, "Yes. I will lead the submarine out to sea from Japanese territorial waters. Where they go from there is up to them. Commander Packs, please no harassment or shadowing. I think it would be best for all concerned."

Commander Packs putting his line on hold replied, "Taken care of. As far as anyone is concerned their incursion did not occur. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are moving well away from the area as is the Seawolf. Lieutenant Sasaki, is enroute onboard the Japanese Coastguard Cutter with the cutting equipment. He advised they should be there in 30 minutes."

Randy sitting back in the chair replied, "Excellent. I will advise the submarine commander to expect their arrival. Ms. Bouquet, Ms. Yumura are you still present?" Mireille replied, "Yes we are Mr. Baldwin." Baldwin replied, "Good. Locate and detain Mashimo's elder son Kaki, and if possible with the assistance of the Japanese Police."

Mireille replied, "What shall we tell the Japanese Police?" Randy Baldwin replied, "He is a person of interest, involving smuggling. I will be bringing back to Tokyo with me in the morning something rather interesting and that is not standard equipment on a Sang-O class North Korean Sub. I believe Kaki Mashimo will be a very unhappy man when he sees what we found. Oh by the way, Kirika, Mireille, if Kaki gives you trouble, you have my permission to get his attention. That's all for now, I can see the cutter coming so I need to chat with Sasaki directly. Goodbye."

Friday, June 18th 1830 hours, Baldwin Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Corey Baldwin blocked then countered throwing Nina to the mat. Irena observing from the side stepped in and broke the combatants apart, "Kirika will be rather pleased with your improvement Corey." Nina returning to her feet and aiding her step-brother agreed, "Much better. Your focus is improving." Ashley Baldwin having watched the match, smiled as she approached her younger brother, "Step-Father will be pleased as well."

Friday, June 18th 2130 hours, Harbor Tavern, Tokyo, Japan

Located on the waterfront near the Maihama Transit Station the watering hole serving the denizens of the water front was where Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura found Kaki Mashimo. With the local police standing-by, the two women entered the tavern and asking Kaki to come with them, the resulting fight pretty much destroyed the interior after he refused. With three bodies on the sidewalk out front, the door finally opened revealing Kirika who had Kaki bent over double with Mireille following from behind the Walther P99 clearly visible. Those left standing wanted nothing else to do with the two women and were making themselves as small as possible.

Saturday, June 19th 0730 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

The idling diesel of the Japanese Self-Defense Force Army truck was the background noise of the loading dock area as Randy Baldwin followed by Kouichi Mashimo exited the building. The elder Mashimo followed Randy Baldwin as he climbed onto the rear of the truck.

Looking briefly at his disgraced son, Kaki, Kouichi Mashimo spoke, "He lied all because of this?" Randy seemed to nod, "Yes, he did." The North Korean submarine was practicing freedom of navigation; they had not been involved in any kind of surveillance mission. The sub was in the wrong place at the wrong time and had become snarled with the nets. An officer panicked and crashed dived taking your trawler with them. It was what was on the nets themselves that Kaki lied about what he and his younger brother were doing."

Corey Baldwin standing next to one of the crates, upon Randy's signal used the crowbar and removed the top, as Randy continued "The glass buoys, used to support the nets are distinctive and works of beauty, but if you look closely you will see the differences. The red globe with the trawler markings is from the ill-fated trawler. The larger globes are not glass but made of polycarbonate and of the same material used in the manufacture of bullet proof glass. It is what's inside them that Kaki tried to hide."

Lieutenant Sasaki standing to the side handed Randy and Corey each a pair of marlin spikes, "Kaki took the last catch to a Chinese processing center because of better pricing, at least that is what he told you. He stated that he would be delayed because of damaged netting and you thought nothing of it. While in China, Kaki replaced the normal glass buoys with these. If you note, there are what appear to be dimples on their surfaces. That is where the marlin spikes go to open them up. They are actually two halves and unscrew apart."

The elder Mashimo observed as Randy and his step-son unscrewed the globe. The sealed plastic bags that fell out sparkled, "Gyms, a lot of them. I would not want to hazard a guess at their value, but there is also jade. The export of jade is heavily controlled and it is of course prized. Kaki was using a new support cable, not made from traditional synthetic materials, but more commonly known as Kevlar. The tensile breaking strength of Kevlar is 5 times that of traditional steel cable, hence when the submarine snagged the nets, the cable did not break at least supposedly till after the trawler had sunk. But wait what about the other end? It was on Kaki's trawler. The Japanese Coast Guard examined and then removed the remains of the cable late last night, and shipped it here. If you look closely you will see that it was cut, likely with an axe. It took repeated blows to do it."

Mashimo turned to look down at his son, tears forming in his eyes "Is this true Kaki? Is what the American says true?" Kaki with his eyes downcast did not respond. The elder Mashimo, leaning against a crate to steady himself felt the hand of Corey Baldwin as the young man stepped to his side. Mashimo looking one last time at Kaki turned away and with Corey Baldwin aiding left the truck then the loading dock.

Placing the cover back onto the crate, Randy drove several nails back into the lid, even though the pounding caused aching in his ribs, he handed the hammer back to Lieutenant Sasaki then he spoke to Kaki, "I hope that one day your father will find it in his heart to forgive you for what you have done, because within mine I can not. Officers take him away."

Saturday, June 19th 0930 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Mireille Bouquet with Kirika Yumura sitting in the private office of Randy Baldwin, watched in silence as he finished up typing a report of the incident, which would be forwarded to the respective parties involved. Clicking the mouse, Randy sat back in his chair.

Mireille spoke, "Your contract between us states that we would be obligated to continue your step-son's training in other venues? Is that not correct?" Randy sipping his coffee replied, "Yes. I did agree to that."

Mireille replied, "We do need to return to France, as we do have certain other obligations. This could pose a problem."

Randy turned to look at Kirika, "Somehow I doubt that. Corey and the twins will be willing to return with you both. They will stay at the guest house in Paris. Since the guest house does have gym as well, there should not be any problems in holding the training. I believe the contract stipulates that functions of Noir will not be interrupted, or words to that effect."

Kirika replied, "We agreed and shall do so, Monsieur Baldwin. There is another matter we would like to discuss." Randy raising an eyebrow replied, "Ok, Ms. Yumura what will that matter be?"

Sunday, June 20th 0700 hours, Tokyo International Airport, Tokyo, Japan

The twins, Irena and Nina were aboard the Gulfstream with Corey having said their good bye's already. Alfred Stolzberg peering from the window watched as Randy and Gina gave their farewells to Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura.

Randy embraced both Mireille and Kirika then stepped back, "Kirika are you sure you want me to keep the Daisho's?" Kirika replied, "Yes, I am sure. It is best that the past be kept the way it is currently known. I believe that would be a proper solution."

The twin swords, now entrusted to his custody would be encased in display case at the Baldwin Foundation Offices in Tokyo. The granite base, would bear a simple inscription in English and Japanese, "Carried by those who's hands that were darkened."

Randy gave his final farewell, and then with Gina walked away from the Gulfstream. The ground crew secured the hatch and gave the signal to Kay Milroy who started the engines.

Returning to the Armada, Randy and Gina with Ashley watched as the Gulfstream taxied for take-off. Ashley spoke, "Father, do you think this will help Corey and the twins? Maybe my brother really did not want to do it."

Gina Baldwin turned and spoke to her daughter, "Ashley, I think it will help Corey and the twins. Corey will gain strength and confidence and the twins will refine their skills. I think that they will all find the experience well worth the efforts that they and Noir put into it."

Randy turned the ignition key as the Gulfstream roared past them on its take-off roll, "Life's trials come at us all the time. For Corey and the twins, this is but another. Let's go home."

Aftermath…

Kaki Mashimo was tried in the Japanese courts for smuggling and making false statements. He was never charged in the death of his younger brother. He was sentenced to serve 5 years at hard labor. The elder Mashimo eventually did forgive his only surviving son.

The Executive Officer of the North Korean Sang-O class submarine was court-martialed for his actions. His final fate remains unknown.

Honoring Noir's request, Randy Baldwin placed the twin swords within a heavily secured display case that graces the foyer and waiting area of the Baldwin Foundation Offices in Tokyo. Professor Calvin Peters published a paper on European migration that caused considerable controversy both in the East and West. The idea of a western warrior and that it had been a female was very difficult for many to even believe that such a person had even existed and had migrated to Japan at such an early period to influence certain events would for years to come be a matter of conjecture.

Returning to France with Noir, Corey Baldwin and the twins, Irena and Nina continue their instruction from Kirika Yumura and Mireille Bouquet. They would remain in France till the early fall.

With the establishment of the Tokyo office completed, Randy and Gina Baldwin return to the United States the following month. Randy Baldwin would later travel to France, to rejoin his step-son and step-daughters