Chapter 2 Unexpected
Narita Airport…
"Attention all passengers please fashion your seatbelts and we'll be landing momentarily, thank you for flying with us," said the Captain on the intercom. Tsuneo held on as the plane made it's landing then made its way to the gate. Steeping off the plane with only a backpack. Making his way out of the terminal he eventually made his way out to baggage claim. Ahead of him was Eric and two bodyguards in black suits wearing sun glasses. "Captain Asuka, welcome, how was your flight?" asked Eric.
"Kind of crap, someone's baby could not stop crying for half the flight," said Tsuneo.
"I see, we have a limo waiting for you, we'll get your bags and drop you at your apartment," said Eric as they continued onward to baggage claim.
"How far is the base and what of the Major General?" asked Tsuneo.
"Only a block away, and the Major says he wants to see you for a briefing at 19:00," answered Eric.
"The other I'll be working with, the first meeting will be tomorrow, you'll meet them there," said Eric.
After getting the Captain's luggage, they proceeded to the exit where a limo was parked. A chauffeur opening the car for everyone after putting the luggage in the trunk, then went to the driver's seat to drive off to their destination.
"So Mr. Crockett…"
"Please call me Eric Captain, Mr. Crockett was my father" said Eric.
"Very well Eric, so what state you from?" asked Tsuneo.
"Texas," answered Eric.
SDF HQ…
The SDF were having there end of the season meeting, the major heads discussing various business for the future of Sensha-Do. Ammunition, funding, rules, and so forth. Once all of that was finished it was time to talk about a more pressing concern. "As we all know, Arrow Strike is moving into our territory, our revenue will significantly take a hit," said Renta. "Perhaps if we convince the public that planes are unsafe…"
"Hold on Renta," said Kamada, "Arrow Strike has taken great care with their planes giving some of the greatest safety possible".
"Pilots are required to wear bullet proof vests, they have a white flag like ours and a red flag for injured pilots, their interiors are also well shielded from fire," said Chono.
"Perhaps we can make up for some of the revenue with more events," said Chiyo.
"I agree, it will give the boys something so they won't cry about Sensha-Do," said Shiho.
"Then we shall let them do as they want, so long as they stay out of our field," said Renta.
Roppongi Military Base…
Tsuneo was walking on the sidewalk wearing a standard uniform. Approaching the gate that was opened. The two guards saluted, "Evening sir," they both saluted. Walking through the base he saw men from all the branches walking about, working, or training. The base was altogether lively. All around were barracks, storage sheds, offices, and of course the airfield. Moving on, he was searching for the Major General office, then he heard someone trip and fall.
Immediately he turned the corner to investigate. He saw a man in a white coat with several files on the ground. The man in the white coat began to pick them up. Tsuneo went down to the ground and began collecting the folders then got up and handed them to the man.
"Thank you Captain, I am Doctor Noah Arc," said Dr. Arc.
"Captain Tsuneo Asuka," said Tsuneo as they shook hands. "Doctor I am looking for Major General Thomas Sterling's office, can you direct me there?"
Dr. Arc then pointed behind him, "two buildings down to the right, that big brick building on the first floor," he answered.
"Thank you Dr.," said Tsuneo continuing towards his meeting.
Making his way to the brick building he stepped in going down the hall and coming to the general's door. Knocking two times, "Come in," said Sterling. Tsuneo opened the door and walked in saluting the General who was at the head of the table. Everyone else also stood up from their seats all saluting.
Looking around, left of the general were two JSDF officers, one was a Major General, and also a woman who was a Lieutenant. An African American with a shaved head was a man in a navy uniform, Ensign. Last man in the fourth seat on the left with brown hair cut short in a British Army uniform, this must be James Rogers. To the right was a Captain in a, Army uniform. Next to him was a red haired with a small ponytail, woman Lieutenant in a Airforce uniform.
Once Sterling cut his everyone else did, "Have a seat Captain," gestured Sterling. Tsuneo moved sitting in the third seat right of the general. Everyone was sat straight with their caps on the table. "Greetings, welcome to Roppongi Base, I am Major Thomas Sterling Major General US Marine Corp. I shall now introduce everyone, Major General Hiruzen Sanada and his 1st Lieutenant Noriko Umi who will act as translator. Jerome Armistead, Ensign US Navy Aviation Swordsmen Fighter Group, Lieutenant James Rogers British Army, 7th Armored Division" said Sterling.
Looking to his right, "Captain Allen Dirk, US Army, 1st Armored Division, Sarah Berry, Lieutenant US Airforce, 7th fighter Squadron, and Captain Tsuneo Asuka United States Marine Corp Hawks Fighters Squadron," finished Sterling. "Now to begin, General Sanada wishes to begin, General," he gestured to his JSDF counterpart.
As General Sanada began to speak his Lieutenant Umi translating. "My friends as we all know North Korea and China are expanding in great aggression. China in the South China Sea making claims, their fishing boats entering Japanese waters, and North Korea sending missiles over our island. Japan must be ready for the worst and that is why we thank our American and British friends, along with Arrow Strike to help in this matter. We've seen the success of Arrow Strike's program in America and Europe. As instructors representing your countries and Arrow Strike, train our future personal well. Your charge will be logistics, instruction, and judging" Sanada finished his speech.
"Thank you General Sanada," said Sterling then gesturing to Tsuneo. "Captain Asuka, if you would".
"Yes sir, gentlemen, as many of you know I am Captain Asuka, I'll be heading our military body in Arrow Strike. As of now Arrow Strike wishes to start their first tournament this fall. However, I believe we should push this back at least one year," said Tsuneo.
"I agree with the Captain," said Sarah, "training boys and girls to fly is not like a tank crew, we must first have them take classes and safety before actual flight".
"Another question to bring up is whether or not they want sea based aircraft as well," said Jerome.
"Yes Ensign, that's something we shall also bring up in the meeting with them tomorrow," said Tsuneo. "Captain Dirk, I want you and Rogers to focus on the tankery when Arrow Strike announces tankery to Japan".
"I shall Captain," concurred Dirk.
"Captain Asuka, if I may ask, what was your prior connection to the SDF back then?" asked Rogers.
"I'd like to know also, with respect Captain?" asked Jerome.
"Very well, several years ago I worked for the SDF in their mechanics division. I became their head, however I was fired, divorced, and disgraced for my advocation of letting boys join Sensha-Do. You can say they did not like my thinking," explained Asuka.
"Gentlemen, if you are finished with question the Captain's past, the only question I have left for him is this. Do you have an love or reservation with your ex-wife?" asked Sterling.
"No sir," said Tsuneo.
"Good, then if there are no more question. Warehouse 8 is where you will store your supplies for this joint project, and no talk of tankery comes out of this meeting room until Arrow Strike makes an official announcement, I now declare this meeting adjured," said Sterling hitting his small gavel on the table.
Everyone got up and began leaving the meeting room. Tsuneo decided to go to the Warehouse 8 to check things out. It was not far, going towards the front entrance right by the big doors. An armed guard on duty. He shoulder his arm and saluted the Captain, Tsuneo returned and cut. "Sir," said the Sergeant.
"I'm going in," said Tsuneo.
"Yes sir," said the Sergeant letting Tsuneo pass. Inside the Warehouse it was vacant, except for one thing. In the very back was an old WW2 relic, an M26 Pershing. Tsuneo walked up to the old tank putting a hand on it. The tank itself was in decent shape, saw a few marks on it. He figured they were using this tank for practice.
"Admiring an old relic Captain," said Allen.
"I was Captain, fine piece of machinery," said Tsuneo.
"It is," said Allen holding out his hand.
Tsuneo shook his hand, "Pleased to meet you Captain," said Tsuneo on a more formal meeting.
"Gentlemen," said Rogers coming into the Warehouse with Sarah and Jerome.
"Rogers? Thought you left?" asked Allen.
"I was, but I thought I'd see the Warehouse, my two new friends were of the same mind," said Rogers.
"Aside from the M26 these Warehouse will serve our purpose well," said Jerome.
"What do we do with it?" asked Sarah.
"I think Arrow Strike will be interested in it," said Rogers.
"Agreed, I'll speak with the General tomorrow," said Allen.
"It's getting late everyone, we all need some rest for the meeting with Arrow Strike tomorrow, at 14:00," said Tsuneo.
"Agreed, everyone have a goodnight," said Allen saluting. Everyone returned the salute and parted day.
Tsuneo's Apartment…
Tsuneo got up early eating some eggs and coffee ready to face the day ahead. Then his phone rang. "Hello, oh Eric, what? The meeting is delayed, I shall call the other officers. What? You've already taken care of it? I see, thank you Eric please let me know when it's rescheduled. Thank you, bye," he said hanging up his phone.
With the meeting canceled he went to his laptop to setup facetime. Then he sent a call, to his daughter Emma's laptop since it said she's online. After about a minute, Emma appeared on Facetime. "Dad!" she said happily.
"Hey Emma, everything going well?" asked Tsuneo.
"All good, Dad, although," said Emma, "I really miss you," getting a bit teary eyed.
"Come now Emma, don't get teary eyed with me, you'll be in High School soon, I've only been gone for a day" said Tsuneo as Emma then pouted.
"Or pouting," he added making Emma stop pouting. "Anyways is your brother there?"
"Right here Dad," said Ryan coming on screen. "How's everything?"
"Pretty well, meet my fellow servicemen working for Arrow Strike. They canceled the first meeting today due to some complication, how was your final match?" asked Tsuneo.
"I had a cold streak, one shoot down, and we don't have enough wins to go into playoffs," said Ryan.
"Well son, don't let this get you down. You'll have your chance to shine son," said Tsuneo.
"So when will the League be ready?" asked Ryan.
"Afraid it won't be until next Spring," said Tsuneo.
"Dad what about the credits?" asked Ryan.
"Calm down son, I'll figure something out, until then just stay the course," said Tsuneo.
"Speaking of which Dad, what school will we be attending?" asked Emma. "Oh how about one of those school carriers".
"Ha, Ha, perhaps Emma, I'll let you know soon. Until then behave yourselves, finish school, don't give Grandpa Thomas a hard time, and less pranks on one another," said Tsuneo.
"Yes Dad," both said in unison.
"Good, will see you both soon, love you both," said Tsuneo ending Facetime. Tsuneo now wondered what to do for the rest of the day. Then his phone rang, picking it up. "Hello?"
"Ello Captain it's Lt. Rogers," said Rogers.
"Good day Lt. what can I do for you?" asked Tsuneo.
"Me and the lads are wondering if you want to join us for a drink?" asked Rogers.
Tsuneo not having anything better to do," Sure Lt.," said Tsuneo.
"Excellent, we'll all meet at the Shogun Sushi at 19:00," said Rogers.
"Cya there, Rogers," said Tsuneo.
"Please call me James sir," said James.
"Sure if you call me Tsuneo," said Tsuneo.
"Agreed sir, have a good afternoon," said James hanging up.
Shogun Sushi, Later…
Tsuneo now sitting at the bar with his compatriots, enjoying some sushi and Sake. To his right was James, on his left Allen, next to Allen was Jerome.
"Where's Sarah?" asked Allen.
"She said she had some paper work to catch up on," said Jerome.
"One thing we can't escape from," said Tsuneo.
"So gentlemen, how much action?" asked James sipping some sake. "One tour in Iraq, another in Afghanistan myself".
"One in Afghanistan, then on a Carrier," said Tsuneo.
"Two Carriers," said Jerome.
"Two tours in Iraq," said Allen taking a bite of Sushi.
"I can say with honesty, I've seen too much," said Tsuneo. "This job is a good change of pace".
"Just an excuse for me to get off a Carrier, stay on one too long and you'll go crazy," said Jerome.
"At least us had more room to move around Ensign, try being inside a tanks for days," said Allen.
"Gentlemen, check the screen," said Rogers pointing. All of them turned their attention to the screen. A special bulletin on Sensha-Do appeared on screen.
"With the season now over, the ladies of Sensha-Do continue to prepare for the 63rd tournament, even if it's months away. We are now proud to name last years MvP, Nishizumi Maho," said the Anchor. "We expect another exciting season for the SDF. Now in other news Arrow Strike has come to Japan to bring their Aerial combat, we look forward to the exciting dog fights to come".
Tsuneo's eyes were glued to the screen, looking at the picture of Maho as a baby, then looking up again, what a find young lady she had become, he was proud. Still he was still mentally preparing himself for the day he would have to explain everything to her.
"Tsuneo?"
He was broken out of pacing out and looked.
"You alright asked?" Allen.
"I'm fine," said Tsuneo taking another sip of sake.
"So that's Sensha-Do the sport that help young girls mature," said James.
"A tank is a tank, one of the deadliest weapons on Earth," said Allen.
"Yet they see boys as Hersey to the sport, it is a practice that must end," said Tsuneo.
"I don't get it, me and James drives tanks, yet they say nothing," said Allen.
"Probably because we're military personnel," said James.
"If you ask me it some form of feminist ideology," said Allen.
"In a way your right," said Tsuneo.
"Well men, here's to equality for all," said Jerome raising his small cup of sake.
"Here, here," said Allen.
"I'll toast to that," said James along with Haurot and all four men clanked their glasses.
The Sushi Chef then came over and dropped off a special plate in front of Jerome.
"What is that Ensign?" asked Tsuneo.
"Blow fish sir," said Jerome.
"Are you serious lad?" said James. "You might die".
"They don't give awards for stupidity," said Allen.
"I wouldn't eat that," said Tsuneo.
It was too late, Jerome already took a bite.
The three men watched the navy man carefully. Then he began to choke and grab his throat. All of them had a stoic face and seemed unamused. "UGHHH HA HA," laughed Jerome taking a drink of sake.
"Not funny Ensign," said Allen.
"I think you've had enough drink for tonight Jerome," said Tsuneo.
"Yes sir," said Jerome standing up and saluting. "Good night sirs, I'll call a cab" he said walking out of the Sushi bar.
"Guess we'll finish up and head back too," said Tsuneo as thunder boomer was heard. BOOM!
James took out his cell to check the weather, "nasty storm coming in, rains going to be heavy".
"Good thing we have ponchos," said Allen pulling his out as well as the others.
All three men left the bar at the same time walking out as the rain began to pour like hail. "Shouldn't we call a cab?" asked James.
"Nah, base is not that far, only a few blocks, besides it this is nothing like the rain I experienced once on Paris Island," said Tsuneo.
Despite the pouring rain and thunder the three men began to walk through and endure the storm. The wind would roar every now and then.
"SCREAM!"
The men stopped, "You hear that?" asked Tsuneo.
"Hear what?" asked Allen.
"I heard it too," said James.
"SCREAM!" it was louder.
"I heard that," said Allen.
All three man then dashed toward the sound through the rain and darkness with only the street lights and lightning lighting there way. Eventually they made a turn at an alleyway. What they found made their blood boil. Three tattooed men were standing over a young girl, one of these thugs had a baseball bat.
"I suggest you men scram now," said Tsuneo.
"I'd listen to the man," said James as all the men got ready to fight.
None of them listened and all three charged them.
Tsuneo facing the man with the bat. He swung it right, Tsuneo dodged it, then a swing left, the same result. He tried swinging right again aiming for his head. Tsuneo ducked and then delivered an uppercut with his palm, at the same time grabbing the bat with the other hand. Then using it to jab the thug in the neck with the end part. The thug fell to the ground on one knee having trouble breathing, then Tsuneo delivered a kick to his side sending him face first into the wet concrete.
Another thug went for Allen ready to punch him. However Allen ducked under him using both hands and pressed his stomach and using his opponents own momentum lifted him over his head sending him flying to the ground behind him. Allen then jumped on top of him and began an onslaught of strikes on the thug's face as he desperately tried to protect his face with his arms.
The last one went for James attempting to kick him, but James caught his leg, then elbow struck his kneecap as he the thug screamed in pain. Letting the thug fall to the ground in pain, James then put an arm around his neck and began to choke him out. The thug struggled grabbing at James's arm trying to pull it off, but James's grip was too strong and for added measure he got punched in the eye. Eventually with no air, slipped into unconscious.
"Nice work James," said Tsuneo.
"Thank you sir," said James dropping the thug to the ground.
Both men then looked to see Allen still beating his thug to a pulp. "Whoa Allen, I think he's had enough," said Tsuneo making Allen stop. Allen looked at the guys and he was bruised and bloodied.
The three men then walked over to the girl who was on her stomach face to the ground with some sort of bear backpack with bandages on it, nearby were two suitcases which seem to belong to her. Tsuneo put a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her over while James got out his phone and shined some light. What the three men saw shocked them.
"Oh no," said Tsuneo concerned.
"Good God," said James.
What they saw was a head injury likely from the bat, her forehead was also bleeding. "Must've been from the bat," said Allen as he put two fingers on the girls neck. "She's alive, thank God".
"She won't be for long, she needs medical attention," said Tsuneo moving to get her backpack and slung it to his front.
"Let's get her to a hospital, it's not far," said Allen.
"The doctor at the base is much closer," said Tsuneo. "James get her on my back and get her things, Allen call the authorities and tell them to lockup these bastards," said Tsuneo.
"Right," said Allen get his phone out and began dialing.
"Yes sir," said James proceeding with the order carefully picking the girl up and placing her on Tsuneo's back then grabbing her suit cases.
Roppongie Base, Base Mini Hospital…
Dr. Arc was in his office with a single lamp lit over his desk finishing his medical reports on some checkups and discharging a Marine after he dropped a shell on his foot, luckily his foot was not shattered. After writing his signature on the last report, he was ready to get some shut eye. Then he heard the hospital door open, DOCTOR!" someone called. Dr. Arc immediately got up from his chair wondering who would burst in at this hour. Walking out of his office door he saw Captain Asuka and another man. "Captain what on Earth…" now noticing the girl with blood on her head, "good lord" his mood now more serious, "follow me!" he ordered. Both men followed him.
He lead them through a doorway and switched on the lights. "Get her on the bed Captain," said Dr. Arc. James helped get the girl off Tsuneo's back putting her gently on the bed. "NURSE! NURSE!" he called out.
Two nurses Ashley and Caroline came out from the back rooms, seeing the girl immediately rushed over to help. Dr. Arc put on gloves and began to look at the head injury while cleaning off some of the blood. "Captain, Lieutenant, we'll take it from here please wait outside," ordered Dr. Arc.
"Understood, thank you doctor," said Tsuneo as him and James walked out.
"Ashley get the x-ray machine warmed up, Caroline get her out of these wet cloths and get her in a gown, then find me some bandages," said Arc as he continued looking at the head injury, so far no signs of a fracture. He needed to remove her wet cloths, she was soaked to the bone.
In the waiting room both men sat down taking a breath. "She'll be ok Captain," said James.
"Glad we got her here, all we can do is wait," said Tsuneo. Realizing he still had her backpack in front of him he put it down and in one of the pockets he noticed a wallet. Knowing they'd have to get her name eventually he looked in and his eyes widened at the name, Nishizumi Miho. 'Impossible, is she my daughter?' thought Tsuneo so many questions began to ponder him as he looked at the picture.
Hope you all enjoyed that, looking forward to any feedback before I post chapter 3. I did change somethings around.
-Peace-