Chapter 13: Preparing for the future.
International Fleet, northern part of Philippine Sea:
As they sailed back from Antarctica, there were a wide range of emotions. First of course was the relief among the survivors that they would be coming back from it very much alive. For many, they all thought that the operation would be one of the most disastrous in all military history. In fact, orders had been prepared to sail back and abandon the forces on Antarctica should Godzilla have triumphed over them while back home, the government had prepared press releases for such an eventuality. Fortunately though, that would not be the case, in fact, when Admiral Sakai returned to his quarters after the fleet departed for home, he opened a small cabinet and took out a small stack of papers. Looking at it for a moment, the admiral crushed the papers and threw them away.
The second emotion was that of anger among the various services for even though Final Strike was a success, it had come within an inch of being a disaster. Most of it came on the underestimation of the awesome power of the monster but all recognized that human errors also played a significant part. The ground forces complained about the lack of the performance of the air units while the air forces (including naval air units) retaliated by arguing about the complex length of time the troops needed.
As far as General Kitagawa was concerned, such arguments needed to wait until they returned home. He attempted to soothe the bruised egos via giving a speech to the commanders praising all three services for their participation in the battle. Unfortunately it did little for he heard about vicious arguments that nearly broke into fistfights between the ground forces and the air pilots still with the fleet.
That was while he was in his quarters along with the rest of the commanders as they observed the after-action reports from all elements. Many were bone tired and they wanted to rest and some nearly decided not to attend at all. Kitagawa himself was bone tired and exhausted from the combat, in fact he ate some of the food that he usually avoided eating.
He turned to observe the reactions of his colleagues as they read over the same reports. Reynolds was about to break and the two European generals had already broken from the strain and had taken repeated gulps of their drinks in order to steady themselves. Brezarin had a stone cold look on his face as he read the casualty lists for his own contingent and Kitagawa wondered if Russians were actually human after all when it came to the matters of war. He turned back to look at the number for his own country and though stunned, comforted himself with the fact that at least Japan would no longer have to suffer at the hands of the kaiju, at least for the foreseeable future.
From the reports, it seemed that the Japanese contingent suffered the most in terms of total casualties. Kitagawa mused to himself that it wasn't surprising since the Japanese assumed the heaviest burden due to their experience battling the monster. Next to follow were the Americans since they usually worked with the Japanese units, which exposed them to the fury of the kaiju. The Russians followed next and then the miscellaneous units came in last. In terms of the rate of the casualties, the Americans and Russians came in last while the Europeans and Japanese lead the list, due to their smaller size.
After observing the faces of the others, Kitagawa then said to all, "I think we have an idea of what to put in the general report". He then paused before stating, "I imagine that you'll all want to send your individual reports to your respective governments". Everyone nodded and Kitagawa shook his head before stating, "After that I want us all to compile a comprehensive report for when we return to Tokyo". The generals nodded and all started to file out with Reynolds being the last one to leave. He turned around and was about to ask Kitagawa a question but then thought latter about it as he closed the door, leaving the Japanese man to brood very much alone in the cold room.
The Gotengo flew at a low altitude above the waves while repair crews swarmed around her in order to patch up the breaches in her hull. She flew with a skeleton crew with the rest departing for the other ships for fear that if the engines gave out again, she could sink if she landed in the water again. Only the bridge crew remained completely together onboard the ship.
Douglas Gordon stood on the conning tower of the ship while taking a small sip of some liquor. He found the drinks soothing for his bruised psyche despite the potential effects for his health later in the future. Several of his Japanese colleagues soon joined him and they soon started up a conversation about their future plans once they returned home. Gordon had no illusions about where he and the other Americans would report to next for during the rest periods for battle, the American forces listened in to reports about the deteriorating situation in Vietnam.
As for Nakano, he sat in his regular seat on the bridge drinking a sip of his tea while peering over the latest reports. When Ueda arrived at the bridge, Nakano said out loud, "After looking at the lists, I'm really looking forward to retirement when we return home".
Ueda nodded in understanding but then said, "But even with Godzilla defeated, there are other threats that will require the skills and the experience of those like us to combat those threats".
Nakano grimly nodded but then said, "Considering what we went through, any future threat will seem mild". He then paused before continuing, "I've already been through two very large wars and I don't intend to play with karma any further". The captain then finished by stating, "Besides, as you said, its time for a new croup of men to protect the world against the threat from these creatures". That earned a nod from Ueda who also had figured that he had already too many close calls with kami already and wanted to "cash in his winnings".
Prime Minister's residence, Tokyo:
Prime Minister Otaki sat at his desk signing papers for tomorrow's business. He should have been asleep but when the first reports of the success of Operation Final Strike started to filter in, he really couldn't sleep. Therefore he was at his desk working late in the night while waiting for updates.
A knock on the door distracted him from his work and he motioned to the visitors to enter. It was the American ambassador Mark Cranston and his foreign minister. They both had been burning the midnight oil with Cranston sending back to Washington the summary of the meetings with Otaki and the others.
Otaki shook hands with the American ambassador and said, "I'm glad you're here to meet with me at this time". He then paused before stating, "I want to congratulate the American forces for their participation in the operation".
Cranston nodded and said, "I will tell the president your thanks and the president wants to thank you for allowing you to use Japan as a staging area for our operations in Southeast Asia". He paused before saying, "I just received word from Washington that they have also been discussing on future events to deal with the threat from the monsters", "They have some ideas but since you've dealt with such cases more regularly, the president wanted to see what you had in mind.
Otaki nodded before stating, "For one thing, we need to figure out how to work together". Cranson was about to say something before Otani continued, "The operation should demonstrate the benefits of all of us working together to deal with this threat", "Although the rest of the world had not suffered as badly as we have, even time you engage these monsters, it ends usually badly".
Cranston nodded but did not say that his own country had the ugly honor having to face one of these beast a lot earlier before Godzilla showed up (if the rumors about New York in the early 1930s were true). He thought about it for a few moments before stating, "The president did suggest that the idea should be deferred to the UN so as to present it in a legitimate light". He then paused before stating, "We should also wait until the fleet returns before pursuing it further". The Japanese Prime Minister graciously dismissed his guests before returning to his previous work.
As both men walked down the hall, Cranston turned to the Japanese foreign minister and replied, "I want to thank you sir for allowing me to present the idea to the prime minister".
The Japanese foreign minister nodded and said, "It would be nice to have help in dealing with the monster threat from the rest of the world". He paused before stating, "We both have a lot of work ahead to pull this off". The American ambassador nodded before taking his leave and returning to his residence.
Inland Sea, a few weeks later in the early morning:
As the fleet approached the Inland Sea, the crews on the ships could see the Japanese fishermen awaking for their morning fishing. The fishermen stood up from their boats with large mouths opened and it would not have been a surprise that many on the shore thought that another war had broken out.
For the Japanese, the sight of their homeland brought a sense of relief for they had made it back, and dealt a devastating blow to their country's tormentor. Many hoped that now Japan could finally enjoy peace for the foreseeable future for though there were still threats, they weren't as bad as the threat Godzilla posed ever since 1954.
As soon as the fleet reached the Bungo channel, it split up into smaller formations that soon headed to the ports in the Inland Sea. The fighters had immediately transferred back to their bases while the Gotengo flew back towards its main base at Tsukuba City.
Considering the butcher's bill of the operation, nearly everyone thought angry crowds would greet them with demands for the heads of the planners on a platter. However, with memories of the infamous massacre of Tokyo still fresh in the minds of all Japan, large cheering crowds waited at the docks to greet the heroes for defeating the legendary monster. Many reunions occurred on that day between the troops of the JGSDF and their loved ones with all in tears of joy.
As for the foreign troops that participated in the operation, they received enormous thanks their service and after consultations with the respective countries, the government decided to allow the foreign troops to participate in the celebrations. While the American elements returned to their bases to refit and rest, the rest headed towards assigned areas where they would be allowed to reorganize.
The flagship of the naval component and the carriers set course for the Kure naval base, which was the main base for the former Imperial Japanese Navy. When they arrived, both the generals and admirals on the ships could see the long rows of officers and politicians waiting on the docks. As soon as the Amatsukaze moored herself to the docks, the commanders of Operation Final Strike disembarked to warmly greet those on the docks. Kitagawa and Hakauyate both shook hands with Prime Minister Otaki as they departed from the Japanese warship. Otaki then said, "All of Japan is in debt for your actions general".
Kitagawa nodded before saying, "I'm always honored to serve her and her people". He paused before stating, "Let us hope that Nippon will finally have peace".
Otaki nodded in agreement before saying, "Well then, shall we get the debriefing underway". Both Japanese men nodded and the group soon began to disperse into limousines, which drove them to the local government areas with security forces driving beside them in large numbers. Once they arrived, the group began to filter out and into the building. As they saw what was going on, several began to fear for their lives but Otaki immediately assuage their fears by stating, "We're here for a final debriefing from all of you on the events of the continent". The commanders visibly relaxed as they filed in and soon each took their turn in speaking to the audience.
After hearing the last of the commanders give his own report, Otaki mused for a moment before asking Kitagawa, "Do you believe that the fact that Japan solicited the help of the other nations for assistance contributed to the success of the operation".
Kitagawa looked at his colleagues for a moment as he remembered the difficulties endured in working together due to the past relations between the different countries. He mused about the fact that it took the horrors of battle to forge and in some cases re-forge old allegiances before stating, "Even with some difficulties, I believe so".
Otaki and the others started to whisper to each other for a few moments before he turned back to Kitagawa and said, "Even though Godzilla has been defeated, there are still other creatures raging across the world that we will all eventually have to deal with sooner or later". He paused before continuing, "Do you think that we should continue with such contacts for the foreseeable future". That brought a round of surprise from most of the room, including the Japanese general and he took a moment before stating, "I can't really say for sure but if it were possible then I would agree with it".
The panel absorbed his words for a moment before the Chief of the General Staff replied, "Thank you for your reports gentlemen, you're allowed to leave". Feeling the need to finally relax, the commanders filed out of the room like frightened children. Soon the panelist launched into discussion with each other about Otaki's outburst and its potentials.
As they headed out of to the streets the commanders looked at each other for a few moments before Reynolds asked Kitagawa, "Now can we go to a bar".
Kitagawa just laughed and said, "You still plan on holding me up to that".
Reynolds mused before continuing, "Well after all of this, don't you think we could just drown our sorrows anywhere and perhaps going out for a night on the town would help ensure that everything is back to normal".
Kitagawa laughed at the statement before stating, "Alright then lets head back to our units and rest for a moment before we head out alright". They all nodded before Brezarin added in, "Tonight, I shall introduce you all to a round of the finest vodka". Everyone laughed and both his American and British counterpart both told the Russian that they would hold him to his promise.
Tsukuba City, late evening:
The mood on the base was solemn as the survivors attempted to come to terms with the losses their particular group suffered when they looked at the empty moorings besides the Gotengo. The group suffered a loss of two-thirds of their strength and as for the ship; she suffered heavy damage and lost a good portion of her crew. For now the ship was empty as the crew went on leave and repair teams struggled to restore her to fighting condition.
Douglas Gordon was busy putting things away in his locker room before he planned to head out and join the party. He was just about finished when Captain Nakano interrupted him. Douglas Gordon smartly saluted before Nakano silenced him, "I hear that you plan to head back to the states in a few days". Gordon nodded before continuing to pack his gear together while Nakano continued, "Right now I'm asking several others to stay on and you were on the list even though you did cause a lot of trouble back here in Japan". He paused before stating, "Combined with your actions in Antarctica, well I think that you're qualified to stay on if you wish".
Gordon took a deep breath before stating, "Right now I really have no idea of what I plan to do next". He paused before continuing, "Also with things I have to take care of at home, I want to go back and take care of things there for a while". The Caucasian man then said, "But then I'll have to consider keeping my head low like everyone else is doing these days". Turning to the Japanese commander, he admitted, "So I guess for now you can keep me on the list".
Nakano grunted but then said, "I hope you enjoy your trip home then and hopefully you won't think long about the matter". They both shook hands on the agreement and Nakano left the room while Gordon packed up the last of the gear before heading out to join his colleagues.
On a special train returning the capital:
As Otaki rested in his quarters aboard a train heading towards the capital, he took a deep breath at the magnitude of the accomplishment. He had just finished arguing with the ambassadors of the participating nations about a new idea in mind and it had not been fun. Many of the ambassadors replied that they would have to consult their governments and then the governments sent back word their disagreement and worries with the plan. Even Japan's most important ally, the United States, expressed unease at the thought of such an alliance. After long arguments, they all decided to regulate the Japanese prime minister's plan to the UN.
The prime minister took a deep breath in the hope that resorting to such an action would help ensure the safe and expedient acceptance of his plan but knew that it wouldn't be the case. He mused that the best he could expect was a general board acceptance of his idea with modifications suited to each country's special circumstances, "Well at least it would be better than nothing". The leader of Japan then turned around to look at the night sky and felt a shiver as if the night sky was trying to tell him an ugly fact that he would not admit easily. That thought haunted him as well as several other important officials, both military and political, for the foreseeable future.
Events in the future:
-After long hard arguments at the UN, the ideas suggested by Prime Minister Otaki were reluctantly accepted and a new organization to combat the threat against the kaiju was formed. It would go under the name of the Earth Defense Force (or EDF). Due to the world situation at the time, the EDF operated in separate groups with centers were established all over the world reporting to general headquarters in Tokyo. It would not be until the 1990s when the UN reformed the EDF to the point where it really could be considered a cohesive international force.
-Among the weapons used by the EDF was a rebuilt Gotengo. Over the years, she had been rebuilt with heavier armor, more weapons and an enlarged hanger to take advanced aircraft. Also, the forward drill could fire a maser beam, which could be switched from standard to ice mode (in order to freeze targets). Eventually, Douglas Gordon, who had distinguished himself in Antarctica and in future battles, would take commander of her despite his temper and constant insubordination.
-At the same time, the UN agreed to the establishment of facilities in Antarctica to maintain surveillance on the monster trapped there. Soon the location where the facilities were to be established earned the name Area G for the special "guest" that rested in hibernation in the area.
Author's note:
Well I finally finished a fanfic completely and it has been interesting and somewhat fun. I hope you all enjoyed reading this (especially those that have the same interest in relation to this fanfic that I do).
The relation to the "Events in the future" section was written that way since I kinda felt that you all really didn't need an explanation and it wouldn't serve the events of the main story of my fanfic, which is already finished by then.
Author's questions:
So how did I do on this in relation to the other fanfics and in comparison to the Godzilla series itself?
I was considering working on another Godzilla fanfic straight away but considering the lack of writing categories I have dealt with (plus the unfinished work I have with two other fanfics (one of them a Gamera one) I was wondering whether I should switch direction for the moment.
A Middle Eastern conflict with monsters.
Idea: Due to the rising tide of conflicts and death in the Middle East, it becomes a flashpoint for the rebirth of a great darkness not seen since 1995 (Godzilla vs Destroyah). The appearance of the great darkness in the Middle East is a surprise in some ways but not really so in others since the great darkness was born in the Pacific in the wake of World War II. Transferring to the Middle East, old heroes and new warriors must battle to once again defeat the great darkness and attempt to reestablish any hope for peace in bloodstained lands believed to be humanity's birthplace within the world.
Monsters:
Godzilla
King Ghidorah
Gigan
Space Godzilla
Destroyah
Mecha-Godzilla
Mogera
Mothra
Battra
A new monster that is also a winged demon in the same style of Destroyah (just haven't thought of the name yet).
Forces other than the Middle East involved in the fighting:
United States/Japan
European Union
Russia
China
Timeline: A 3 year war starting in 2007-2008.
Americans/Japanese:
Rear Admiral Andrew Bergen: Former survivor of the Godzilla war and a student of military history in the Middle East.
Rear Admiral Toni Carlson: Female admiral with the fleet, former pilot and close friend to Andrew Bergen as well as a former survivor of the Godzilla war. She acts as his 2nd in command.
General Albert Wedamyer: commander of all US forces Middle East.
Lieutenant General John Ferguson: Commander of US forces within Iraq.
Lieutenant General Vincent Mitchell: a former tank commander who served in the Gulf war and served in Japan. Critical of the former administration since it's polices recreated the darkness he and the others attempted to stop. He is recalled to lead the American contingent of the international forces when Godzilla and the other monsters resurface in the Middle East alongside with many of his old colleagues.
Major General Chuichi Nishimura: commander of the Japanese contingent in Iraq.
Lieutenant-General Daisuke Tachibana: a former survivor of the Godzilla war who lead the Japanese contingent into the Middle East when Godzilla is spotted there along with several other monsters.
Rear Admiral Tatsuya Omori: Commander of the JMSDF contingent patrolling off Afghanistan. Sent to the Middle East when Godzilla returns from the dead and is spotted over there.
Commander Miki Segusa: Telepath who has a dark connection to Godzilla (Godzilla vs. Biolantte-Godzilla vs Destroyah).
Commander Kuroki: Former Commander of the Super X-2 (Godzilla vs. Biolantte) and Super X-III (Godzilla vs Destroyah)
General Takeshi Aso: one of the former top commanders of G-Forces, which was the military wing of the United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center.
Director Jisaburo Matsuda: commander of the reestablished United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center.
Organizations:
"The Council": Made up of survivors of the Godzilla wars, ever since 1954, they have kept a close watch from the shadows in preparation for any eventual return of Godzilla. Forgotten almost completely in the aftermath 9/11 as the world shifted to fight terrorism, it has courageously but vainly warned that the actions of the world would eventually resurrect the darkness they fought so hard to stop all those years ago. It consisted mainly of Japanese and Americans but also include small numbers of members from other different nations.
European Union:
Lieutenant General Geoffrey Carver: Commander of British forces stationed in Southern Iraq.
Major General Richard Percival: commander of British forces committed to the battle against the monsters. He had participated in some of the battles in the Godzilla wars but left during the middle of the fighting along with the British contingent.
Major General Swiersczewski: commander of UN peacekeeping forces in the Middle East territories.
Major General Frederic de Valjean: commander of the French forces deployed to the Middle East. Also commands the EU contingent dispatched to the Middle East.
China:
General Chiang Luo: commander of the Lanzhou military region.
Russia:
Colonel General Kostinavich Malinovsky: Commander of North Caucausus Military District:
Lieutenant General Nikolai Borodin: commander of forces in Chechnya.
And as always, please read and review. I would appreciate it very much.